I’m not sure if ‘Digital Mixed Media’ is a term in common use. However, it is a description I use for some work I complete in a digital environment, which originate from a mix of my own photography and hand painted work.

How It Works

When I create, I want all of the elements to originate from myself and my immediate surroundings. This might include leaves, bark or other nature-based items – like yesterday’s monoprint. Sometimes it might be a personal item which has meaning for me. Mostly, I create the elements myself.

This work, tentatively called ‘Highway’ is a layered work comprising a photograph and a painting using acrylics on canvas. The photograph was taken from the passenger seat of a car, on the Princes Highway between Geelong and Melbourne. The painting element was a segment of a larger painting. Highly coloured, it gives a lot of drama and texture to the photograph. I used Photoshop to create the final image.

Where Does This Work Sit?

Referring back to my post on Digital Art, I’m not sure if there is a place for digital mixed media in art. I think there should be. With the confusing element of AI, it is all too easily dismissed, even though it is an original work by me. The time and thinking which goes into original digital art is equivalent to that which goes into traditional art. The sills and medium take time to master. Capturing the image in a photograph also takes time, effort and skill.

What Are Your Thoughts?

I’m interested to know your thoughts about all of this. As artists, how do we verify the work which is involved in digital art – as opposed to the images generated by AI?

I’ve linked back to two previous posts in my 100 Days of Art project. If you want to read more, you can find them here.