Is Using Blending Modes in Digital Art Cheating?

Art has always been a realm of creativity and technical skill, with traditional mediums such as watercolor providing artists with a unique set of techniques. One such technique involves allowing layers of paint to dry before adding more, much like using blending modes in digital art software. This raises a fundamental question: is using blending modes in digital art considered cheating?

The Concept of Blending Modes in Digital Art

Blending modes are powerful tools in digital art software like Procreate, offering users the ability to overlay one image or color over another in various ways. For instance, a multiply blend mode can be seen in the example provided in the Procreate digital painting shown below. This mode takes the base color and multiplies it by the top layer, resulting in a darker effect, similar to the way a watercolor artist might build up tone by layering colors.

Parallels Between Traditional and Digital Art Techniques

Watercolor artists who use traditional methods to build up tone by layering and letting the paint dry are not regarded as cheats. This process is a fundamental part of creating a realistic and nuanced final piece. Similarly, using digital blending modes to achieve the same effect does not diminish the artist's skill or creative intent.

The Nature of Creativity

Creativity in art is not about absolutes but rather the choices and techniques an artist employs. For example, is it considered cheating to use a ruler to draw a straight line? Or to use a resist medium to create white spaces in watercolor? The answer depends on the context and intent. Some techniques may be seen as shortcuts, yet they do not affect the integrity of the final piece.

Legitimacy of Using Blending Modes

The legitimacy of using blending modes in digital art lies in the artist's choice and intent. For instance, using intensity or luminosity blend modes to create an effect can be seen as a standard part of the creative process. However, if these features are used merely to reproduce an image without adding any unique artistic value, then it can be perceived as a form of cheating.

Conclusion

In essence, the use of blending modes in digital art is not inherently cheating. Cheating in art, like in any other field, involves breaking rules that should not be broken, such as passing off a digital edit as a manual one. As long as the artist is transparent and the techniques used enhance the final work, there is no ethical issue in utilizing these powerful tools.

Final Thoughts

Art is a realm where freedom and experimentation thrive. Artists should feel free to explore any technique that allows them to express their unique vision, be it a blend mode in digital art or a traditional watercolor technique. When used with integrity and creativity, blending modes are just another tool in the artist's arsenal.