Illuminating Creativity: LUCY Drawing Tool vs. Art Projectors
At DrawLUCY, we're not fond of using the word "trace." Tracing typically involves reproducing a 2D image onto another 2D surface; however, the LUCY Drawing Tool is designed to translate the 3D world onto 2D paper or canvas. Despite this distinction, we understand that artists sometimes seek an art tracing tool, and there are several options available, ranging from high-tech to low-tech.
Today, I'd like to compare the LUCY Drawing Tool, a modern Camera Lucida, with an electric art projector. Many are already familiar with the LUCY, but for clarity, the LUCY is an improved version of the classic camera lucida. It employs optical mirrors to project the image of an object placed in front of it onto your paper or canvas, enabling you to sketch realistically from life or enlarge and copy photographs. An art projector, or opaque projector like the Art-O-Graph, is an electric device that projects an enlarged image from a photograph onto a drawing surface using a lightbulb and lens. While there are similarities and potential user crossover, it's important to understand their distinct advantages.
Art projectors, being modern electrical devices, offer simplicity—plug in, flip a switch, and use. They allow you to choose a photo to project onto a wall, with higher-end models capable of filling an entire wall for mural creation. However, their limitations include reliance on photographs, necessitating a printed image for projection. This can be restrictive, as drawing from live subjects requires an initial photo. Moreover, working in the dark due to projection requirements, the risk of photo damage from heat, and the need for a vertical surface for projection are notable drawbacks. Additionally, the psychological impact of using an electrical aid in art creation and the device's lack of portability due to its need for a power source can detract from the artistic experience.
The advantages of the LUCY Drawing Tool over an art projector include the ability to draw from life just as easily as drawing from a photograph. If you wish to capture a live landscape, still life, or person, simply place them in front of your LUCY and start drawing. Similarly, if you prefer to draw from a photograph, you can use the Photo Enlarger accessory to project the image onto your paper. With the LUCY, you're not confined to darkness; it's designed to work in the same amount of light that's ideal for art-making. Its versatility extends to being usable on both an easel and a flat surface like a table, and its portability means you can take it anywhere without the need for electricity, batteries, or cords. The historical significance of using a device that echoes the techniques of the old masters adds a coolness factor, connecting you with centuries of artistic tradition as opposed to relying solely on modern electrical devices.
The main limitation of the LUCY compared to an art projector is the size of the image it can project, with the LUCY pro maxing out at 20 x 37 inches. This is large for a camera lucida but may not suffice for wall art or very large canvases, where an art projector could be more appropriate. Additionally, the LUCY's non-electric nature and reliance on old master techniques may present a learning curve, requiring adjustment of optical filters and positioning to achieve the desired image size. However, this process also imbues the work with a sense of authenticity and personal involvement. While the LUCY might have a slight learning curve, it's far from complicated, offering a modern twist on traditional camera lucidas for a more accessible and enriching drawing experience.
There's no reason for these two devices to be in competition. Depending on your budget and studio needs, you might choose one over the other, or find value in having both. It's beneficial to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision, ensuring you select the right tools to express your artistic vision.