fbpx

KidsKonnect

Algorithmic Art Facts & Worksheets

Most artists have been experimenting with different materials to make something new, whether it is clay, paint, movement, or words. In the same way, computer-based artists use code as a tool of creation.

Search for Worksheets

Worksheets /Technology /Computer Science /Algorithmic Art Facts & Worksheets
Premium
Algorithmic Art Worksheets
Not ready to purchase a subscription? Click to download the free sample version   Download sample

Most artists have been experimenting with different materials to make something new, whether it is clay, paint, movement, or words. In the same way, computer-based artists use code as a tool of creation.

See the fact file below for more information on the Algorithmic Art or alternatively, you can download our 28-page Algorithmic Art worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Defining Algorithmic Art

  • Algorithmic art is also known as computer generated art.
  • It is a process that involves the collaboration between an artist and a computer.
  • The artist designs an algorithm (a detailed set of instructions/guidelines on how to perform a specific task) that the computer strictly follows to produce a visual artwork.
  • With the use of code, these artists build an autonomous system that decides on and creates the visual elements seen on each artwork it produces.
  • “Generative artists leverage modern processing power to invent new aesthetics – instructing programs to run within a set of artistic constraints, and guiding the process to a desired result. This method vastly reduces the exploratory phase in art and design, and often leads to surprising and sophisticated new ideas.” – 2019 AIArtists.org.
  • In a traditional setting, most artists tend to work on or explore an idea for days or months at a time.
  • With the power of technology and code, computer-based artists have the ability and advantage of exploring multiple (or even thousands) ideas in a second.
  • The three elements that go into a generative art piece are: randomness, algorithm, and geometry.
  • Randomness is what makes algorithmic art so special. The autonomous system can produce completely new and unique artworks each time artists run their code.
  • Of course, an algorithmic artwork can only be produced if the artist provides an algorithm that a computer can work with. This is the most important element because without the code, there would be no artwork.
  • Most algorithmic artwork incorporates geometry (size, shape, form, and spatial relationship of the visual objects).
  • The creative process involves a lot of trial and error. The coder-artist can run the system, see what works and what does not, and improve on it. He/she might meet happy accidents along the way, having been introduced to new ideas that he/she might never have encountered before.
  • Scratch is a free coding platform designed to help young people get started programming. Visit https://scratch.mit.edu/ and create your account.
  • Once you are all set up, go to Scratch homepage and click “CREATE” at the top left of the screen.
  • For this lesson, we need a new block extension called PEN. Click the “ADD EXTENSION” button at the bottom left corner of your screen to access this. Choose Pen.
  • This extension helps creators draw with their sprites (or characters) on stage. It has 9 blocks in total.
  • Erase All block allows creators to clear the stage.
  • Stamp block allows creators to stamp or print an image of their sprite on stage.
  • Pen Down block makes the sprite draw on its path continuously as it moves on stage.
  • Pen Up block is used when the creator wants the sprite to stop drawing on stage at a given time.
  • Set Pen Color block helps the creator set the pen color to a specific color.
  • Change Pen block helps the creator change the pen’s color, saturation, brightness, and transparency according to the specified value (user input).
  • Set Pen block allows the creator to set the pen’s default color, saturation, brightness, and transparency according to the specified value from the user input.
  • Change Pen Size block helps the creator change the pen’s tip size. The line’s thickness will depend on the specified value from the user input.
  • Set Pen Size block helps the creator set the pen’s tip size to the specified value from the user input. This will serve as the default size.

Creating A Script

  • Since Scratch is a block-based programming environment, creators stack blocks to “write” their code.
  • This stack or collection of blocks is called a script.
  • The order of the blocks matter. The sprite will execute the command from the top to the bottom of the script.
  • To create your script, drag blocks to the script area and assemble them in the correct order.
  • Make sure to snap the blocks together. If the blocks are not connected properly, the script will not run as it should.
  • Use an event block at the top of the script.
  • The event block allows the creator to run the scripts in specific circumstances. For example, this sample script will only start running when the green flag is clicked.
  • Without the event block, the creator has to manually run the script each time.
  • Under the event block, the creator should define the behavior he/she expects from the sprite (character) on stage.

Using The Worksheets

  • Using the worksheets require logging into your Scratch account.
  • If you desire a more in depth tutorial on how to get started with Scratch, refer to Explore Coding with Scratch.

Algorithmic Art Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Algorithmic Art across 28 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Algorithmic Art worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Algorithmic Art. Most artists have been experimenting with different materials to make something new, whether it is clay, paint, movement, or words. In the same way, computer-based artists use code as a tool of creation.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • What is Algorithmic Art?
  • Pen Coding Blocks
  • My Own Paint Editor 1
  • My Own Paint Editor 2
  • Stamp Art
  • Shape Art
  • Visual Sound Art
  • Line Art
  • Spiralizer
  •  Design Your Art Generator

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

Link will appear as Algorithmic Art Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 2, 2021

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

Related Resources