Waterlogue Application

Watercolors have been around for hundreds of years but in this modern age, like all forms of tactile art, most techniques are going digital. Applications such as “ArtStudio” and “Tayasui Sketches” allow you to paint digitally. That means no mess, no paint, no water or brushes. Just click the “undo” button if you make a mistake. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the “Waterlogue” application for iphone and ipad users takes it a step further.

This application allows photographs you take, or already have on your device, to be turned into a watercolor with just a few simple steps. Select the photo, the application draws and paints it, and in seconds you have a watercolor version of your image. This application removes the artist’s craft. Does it take away commissions from artists? What purpose does this app serve?

In my opinion there is no competition. I do not believe Waterlogue is hindering any artist’s business. People who would use this watercolor effect to print and hang art in their homes are probably not the same people who buy original works of art. A digital watercolor effect does not have the same organic finesse as the human touch.

I do believe Waterlogue has practical uses. One use is in the theatre. Often live theatre shows require specific paintings as props in a set. In this case the app could be used to create the custom prop with minimal effort from the production company. For example, let’s say the script references a painting of the family that hangs above the fireplace.  With the Waterlogue app you would have the perfect prop that matches the actors in your cast. It would also be easy to replace if an understudy has to perform.

A beginner in watercolor painting could make use of the app. It can be hard for a beginner to know where to start. It may be difficult for them to visualize a photo as a painting. The Waterlogue app could be used as a tool to help visualize the end product.

Whether or not you have a practical use for the application, it is fun to play around with. What do you think? If you’re a watercolor artist – how do you feel about Waterlogue? Do you have other practical uses for the application?

— Adam Kreutinger

Adam Kreutinger has a BS in Art Education from Buffalo State College. In 2012 he attended John Tartaglia’s Intensive Puppetry Master Class and this past summer he studied puppetry at the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Adam has designed and constructed puppets for television, film, and theatrical productions internationally. He designed and constructed the title character for the New Zealand children’s television show “Kune’s Kitchen”. Locally he has created puppets for MusicalFare’s “Avenue Q”, Artpark’s “Cinderella” and Theatre Of Youth’s (TOY) “Hidden Sugar Project”.” With his new production company, Future Self Productions, Adam produces television commercials using puppetry, in addition to many other exciting projects. He loves sharing his art with the community. Adam is currently the art teacher at St. Mark School in Buffalo and is very thankful to be able to do what he loves every day. He is inspired by his family, friends, and especially his students. www.Adam.Kreutinger.com