Course Overview:

    A continuation of the exploration of fractal images and techniques begun in the first two courses, this course will explore basic fine art principles as they apply specifically to fractal art, and fractal-specific principles and techniques that transform interesting graphics into works of art.

Pre-requisites and Skill Level:

    The concepts presented in this course can be applied to works created with any fractal software, to post-processed images, and to images that are not necessarily or not entirely fractal. Some of the assignments will refer specifically to Ultra Fractal formulas and techniques presented in the first two courses in this series: Working With Ultra Fractal and Ultra Fractal Masking Techniques. Additionally, several tools provided herein will only work with Ultra Fractal (versions 3, 4, or 5), but the concepts behind the tools can be replicated or adapted to any software.

Subjects Covered:

    Lesson 1 – Elements and principles of fractal art
  • Thoughts about artistry
  • Centering
  • Symmetry
  • Digital perfection vs. human imperfection
  • Writing about art
    Lesson 2 – Compositional issues
  • Focal point
  • Balance, proportion, and the Golden Ratio
  • Eye flow
  • More eye flow
  • Cropping for unusual composition
  • Atmospheric images
  • Realism in fractals
  • Borders
  • Telling stories with composition
    Lesson 3 – Tonal range and distribution
  • Creating emphasis with contrast
  • What's wrong with this picture?
  • Exploring contrast in value
  • Sculpting and adding texture with gradations in value
  • Blending shapes and values
  • Bending some rules
  • Creating highlights and shadows
  • Angle/magnitude layering revisited
  • Lost edges
    Lesson 4 – Color (Part 1)
  • Working with hue and saturation
  • Monochromatic color wheel
  • Exploring analogous color palettes
  • Cool and warm palettes
  • Analogous color wheel
  • Making tonal adjustments outside Ultra Fractal
    Lesson 5 – Color (Part 2)
  • Subdividing the color wheel
  • Using discord to add interest
  • All-purpose color wheel
  • Unity and variety
  • Color and perception
  • Balancing tone and color
    Lesson 6 – Personal Issues
  • When is an image done?
  • Breaking the rules
  • Developing a style
  • The euphoria of creating and the desire for feedback
  • Nurturing the artist within
    Final Thoughts – Where do we go from here?