Simulation of Dendritic Painting

Abstract

We present a new system for interactive dendritic painting. Dendritic painting is characterized by the unique and intricate branching patterns that grow from the interaction of inks, solvents and medium. Painting sessions thus become very dynamic and experimental. To achieve a compelling simulation of this painting technique we introduce a new Reaction‐Diffusion model with carefully designed terms to allow natural interactions in a painting context. We include additional user control not possible in the real world to guide and constrain the growth of the patterns in expressive ways. Our multi‐field model is able to capture and simulate all these complex phenomena efficiently in real time, expanding the tools available to the digital artist, while producing compelling animations for motion graphics.

Marangoni spreading on liquid substrates in new media art

“…The surrounding precursor film is roughened. Notably, our findings align with a prior computer graphics-based study on dendritic painting ( 7 ). That study relied on a phenomenological reaction–diffusion model that postulated a “solvent layer” beneath the dendrites, facilitating their growth; this agrees with prior experimental and theoretical investigations focused on the dendritic growth (or fingering) instability of surfactant spreading on thin aqueous films ( 64–68 ).…”

“…1 A), fully embracing the dynamic nature of fluid motions to bring shapes and textures to life. Figure 1 B and C showcases two artworks in which she leveraged the dendritic painting technique ( 7 ), where binary mixtures of ink and rubbing alcohol (isopropanol, IPA) are applied over a paint layer, yielding intricate tree-like dendritic patterns. Those patterns exhibit several textural characteristics.…”