CMSC110 (Introduction to Computing)
Spring 2013
Assignment#4
Due before start of class on Tuesday, March 4, 2013
First, read Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6 & 7, and readings assigned in Chapter 13 from Shifman's text. Also Chapters 1-4 from GXK.
Task: Create a piece of abstract computational art using only polygons, stars, or line strings (as presented in class), or a combination of these. The objective here is two-fold: to exercise and learn the ability to draw shapes using trigonometric functions; and to use computation as a medium of creativity by creating something abstract, yet aesthetically pleasing. Here are some sources of inspiration:
Do a Google Image search to see several inspiring (and some not so inspiring!) results on the above. Also, see the link http://explored.tk/experiments/orbits for hos to draw neat string art.
Write a program that draws a 500 x 500 sketch.
In your overall sketch pay special attention to the aesthetic aspects of your design. Be sure to use the programming features you have learned in the last week or two.
Make judicious use of colors (in general pure colors do not result in aesthetically pleasing visuals, except in cartoons).
Your sketch could be completely deterministic, or preferably non-deterministic (i.e. resulting in a different image every time it is run). Instead of using random(), try and use the Perlin Noise function, noise() to create more natural variations.
What to Hand in: Hand in the entire sketch folder in your Dropbox folder. In addition to the sketch/programs also include; (1) a gif/jpg/png image of your finished sketch. (2) A formatted write-up with Page#1 showing your sketch, followed by a title, your name, a short 1-2 line description (as discussed in class) on page#1, and a short 1-2 paragraph more detailed description of the sketch and your personal experiences working on this sketch.
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