Exploring the use of augmented reality to enhance the creation of traditional art

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the use of augmented reality as a tool to help or enhance the way traditional artists create art works. This is a project-based study that aims to develop and use an Augmented Reality (AR) application as a digital aid for creating traditional art. This will consist of being able to view digital 3D models of various objects overlayed over reality in real time through a screen using the camera of devices such as smartphones or tablets, to be used to draw with traditional art mediums like pencils, by having the user reference the 3D objects on screen. This dissertation will consist of documentation of the experimentation of the application, this experimentation was done in order to improve the application where needed as well as to gather information on whether such an application is useful to the artist. The research for this dissertation was gathered using qualitative methodologies such as the previously mentioned experimentation as well as digital surveys. While this study focuses on creating and using the application for simple traditional drawing, the use of such an application can prove useful for art styles far beyond those studied in this dissertation such as using it for traditional animation or more complex art works.