Do you wonder about digital art?
Many people do wonder. Digital art has been around since the 1970's and has been tagged with several names, including 'computer art' and 'multimedia art'. Digital art is itself placed under the larger umbrella term, 'new media art.'
Today most of the special effects seen in films are digitally created (known as 'CGI' technology -- computer-generated imagery). With the recent surge of digital 3D sculpting, digital art continues to spread its wings in the art world.
Many photographers meld digital art with their original photographs with the assistance of computer programs -- often referred to as photo manipulation, photo enhancement, or photographic art. They can heighten color (saturation), reduce color (desaturation), erase flaws or visual elements that detract from the photograph, and/or add new elements to the image. This allows photographers to create unique images, and more creatively express their artistic vision.
Digital artists might also use computer programs to virtually 'paint' their creations, just as other artists continue to use canvas, paper, or other traditional materials.
Corel Painter is just one of many wonderful programs that supply these virtual tools to the digital artist. The artist has access to hi-tech, but realistic, simulations of oils, pastels, water colors, acrylics, colored pencils, and more. These tools are used very much like the "traditional media" brushes, paints, etc. -- except there is no clean up.
I don't think digital art will ever replace traditional mediums like oil and canvas, watercolor, pastels or acrylics -- nor should it. I do believe digital art is on the threshold of breaking through the confines of traditional thought.
Impressionism, cubism, abstract, and pop art movements all went head-to-head with 'Realism' in art. The pioneers of these newer movements persevered in their vision of form, color, and structure, eventually seeing their art accepted by the general public. Because of this public acceptance, the art world was compelled to lower their long-standing barriers, and open their doors to inspiring new concepts of art.
I too consider myself a pioneer in digital art, along with many, many, other artists. In our increasingly technological age, it's only right that art and technology have combined to create the bold, fresh, discipline that is Digital Art!