John Art

These images are computer-generated impressionist landscapes. They are not abstractions but scenes of nature readily recognizable by most viewers.

Each scene is created by a computer program written in C++, Basic, MatLab, or other general-purpose computer language. Extensive use is made of the random number sequences available in such languages to make each "thing" (tree leaf, flower blossom, etc.) different in shape, position, size, color, etc. Thus these scenes are imitations of nature, which never makes two daisies quite the same. By re-running the program with a different random number sequence one can create a new version of the scene which gives the same overall impression but differs in the small details (flower colors and positions, cloud pattern, etc.) from any other version.

The "things" in the image are not photo-realistic flowers, trees, etc. but are stylized in various ways. The object is to create an "impression" of a tranquil natural scene. The style is "hard edged" and "cartoonlike". The image consists of a vast number of regions, each uniformly colored without grading or shading.

Extremely fine detail is shown in many of the images. They have pixel counts equivalent to a 50-75 Mpix camera. A field of sunflowers may have 10000 flowers, each with full detail, all the way to the horizon, with only the finite resolution of the printer limiting the detail shown. Many of the images reward study with a magnifying glass. An effort is made to create interesting features at all length scales -- from the broad sweep of field and sky to the finest details of flowers, tree branches, pedestrians on the street. The images are an intimate blend of order and randomness -- like reality.

Some might call these images "cyber impressionism" or "stochastic art".

The artist's formal training in art ceased at the end of first grade.

A 2009 John-Art Calendar will be available. Information will appear here in summer 2008.

Prints

You can purchase unframed limited-edition prints made with an inkjet printer using durable "archival" quality inks, and printed on semigloss photo paper, for $150 (postpaid if within USA). The source file has 300 pixels per inch or more. The large prints (limited edition 10) are on a 20x28" sheet, with a 1" white border (so that the actual printed area is 18x26"). Several craft stores offer 20x28" frames as a standard size. The small prints (limited edition 25) are on a 13x19" sheet with no border, for $30 (postpaid if within USA).

Other sizes and versions available on special order. Contact John Shier, 6935 133rd Court, Apple Valley MN 55124 or 952 432 0303 (home).

John Shier