Computers

Two computers are involved in the creation of a painting. The first computer is a PC tower where the "artware" source-material file is created. The developmental code is written in Lisp, a powerful, high-level language, often used in the artificial intelligence and artificial life communities.

The "artware" data file is passed along a local area net to the second computer, which is an Adept Technology controller (computer) housed in the electronics cabinet adjacent to the robot. This controller manages all the operations in the robotic work cell, including servo motors for brush stroke movements, pneumatics for exchanging paint vessels, sensing paint levels in the vessels, dipping for more paint, washing the brush with clean water and pumping effluent water.

 

Code and Test

An efficient "code and test" environment is critical to evolve: (1) the desired robot brushwork, along with (2) the desired painterly artwork.

The painting is initially created using Lisp. It is an excellent, high-level language for fast prototyping and development of artware source material for the robot.

Code for the robot work cell is written in Adept's proprietary, interpretive V+ language. Together the languages provide for rapid experimentation, iteration, and convergence toward desired results. Canvases can easily be exchanged using strong, low-profile magnets on the robot's steel wall. The overall system provides an efficient environment for the "code and test" of brushwork, paint colors, and art.

It was mentioned that some paintings, including Headin' Home, Capriccio, and Chaos in the Arts Section, used "ants" in their development. Interesting, just as they were created utilizing a complex adaptive system, this entire developmental environment has become an example of an evolving, adaptive system with robot, computer, brush, paints, canvas and artist.