Generative Art - Jumbo Series

Named after the pencil used to create the artworks - Koh-I-Noor Jumbo Triangular Coloured Pencils - this series is the latest result of my experiments with generative art and my plotter machine. As usual, it all begins with writing an algorithm. I write code with a simple set of rules, incorporating random values for some aspects, such as the selection of elements drawn, their number, or placement. When I run the code, it produces a unique composition. Running the same code again results in variations due to the different random values.

From a range of compositions, I select a few and use my plotter machine to do the drawing. For this series, I used a thick, almost crayon-like colored pencil on textured watercolor paper. The result is rich, textured lines. Where two colors overlap, a new color emerges, adding an interesting twist.

Jumbo Series No.2

The plotter translates the precision of the algorithm onto a physical surface. Inevitably, the pressure of the pencil varies, and the paper’s tooth interferes, which only adds richness to the final drawing.

What’s particularly interesting in this series is that the algorithm remains the same, and only the values selected randomly by the computer vary. The richness of the outcome illustrates the power of chance.

Jumbo Series No.1