Generative Art, a Practical Guide Using Processing

Warning: this book may be a little different than your average book on programming. It doesn't start with the obvious computer science theory like functions and variables you would expect. The first chapter immediately dives into the world of generative art, teaches you some theory, and shows you art by by some key figures in today's generative art scene.

Chapter two was kind of boring for me, as it just teaches the basics of programming in the Processing language. But if you haven't programmed before, you'll definitely need this bit. It's written in clear, understandable language, and takes you through all programming concepts you need at a good pace before you can dive into the more complex stuff.

Starting with chapter three, the author turns it up a notch. Whereas other books briefly mention perlin noise, this book digs deeper into the subject, showing you how it can be used to deform lines and circles. I've learned a few new tricks reading these chapters. The book ends with traditional computer algorithms like fractals and cellular automata, and shows you how they can be used and adapted in a creative way.

This is a great book to learn a programming language by exploring how small changes can create a different visual output. You'll learn that the process in creating art is equally important as the output you create. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope you do too.

More Information

• ISBN10: 1935182625
• ISBN13: 978-1935182627
• Author: Matt Pearson
• Website: http://zenbullets.com/book.php