Illustrators and graphics artists working on digital media usually work with graphics tablet and screen hybrics, like the Wacom Cintiq. Those devices are able to precisely track position, tilt and pressure of a stylues. Professional imaging software like Adobe Photoshop, Paintshop Pro, Krita, etc., convert those input parameters, adjusted to the users liking (e.g. pen pressure can be configured to influence line width or opacity – or both at the same time).
Creative applications like Tilt Brush show the potential of Virtual Reality for artists. Especially tilt brush, which allows to draw in 3D space, proves that the HTC Vive’s controllers can be tracked precise enough for exact brush strokes.
The initial goal of this project was to develop a VR digital painting application suitable for professional users. The focus was shifted towards a more game-like experience where users could draw with a virtual brush on a digital two-dimensional canvas. Paint on the brush would be used up and the user has to add new paint by sticking the brush tip in different paint buckets. New colors can be mixed on a palette. Additionally different brushes can be selected – they differn in shape and some interact with paint on the canvas by smearing it, when the user paints over it.