New Interactive Paint Tools and Live Video Paint Lead the Way

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, January 5 -- Synthetik Software today announced the eagerly anticipated new release of its award winning software Studio Artist™, the worlds first graphics synthesizer. Studio Artist version 3.0 comes optimized for both OS-X and OS 9 and includes over 8 hours of Quicktime video tutorials and instructional guides. A host of new features include the new Vectorizer raster to vector synthesizer with EPS output capabilities, MSG (modular synthesized graphics) plug-in architecture, live video processing, enhanced animation capabilities, and greatly expanded image processing and Paint Synthesizer functionality.

Studio Artist Knows How to Paint and Draw

Developed by Synthetik Software Inc., Studio Artist is the first commercial program for computer artists that incorporates research results from cognitive neuroscience investigations into the nature of visual perception in the brain. Studio Artist uses human visual modeling to construct an internal representation from a source image that is used to direct smart assisted painting and drawing. The result is Studio Artist knows how to paint and draw. This includes both still images as well as auto-rotoscoped video sequences.

Studio Artist combines dynamic user-configurable painting and drawing tools along with a complete image processing and video effects suite. A unique hybrid imaging model allows individual paint strokes to have the visual richness of raster paint with the editability of vector paths. Dynamic expressive paint tools or custom art processes can easily be constructed and applied to still images or motion sequences. Users can either paint and draw manually or direct Studio Artist's automatic Intelligent-Assisted™ painting actions.

The over 3000 factory presets shipped with Studio Artist barely scratch the surface of the potential visual looks and tactile feels that can be created within the program. Each Paint Preset consists of over 400 fully editable parameters that can be individually adjusted to control the look and feel of the paint. These synthesizer parameters can also be interactively modulated while painting. This immense flexibility allows artists to create their own art tools or processes with unique visual appearance based on their own personal tastes.

MSG -- Modular Synthesized Graphics Plug-In Architecture

MSG or Modular Synthesized Graphics is the new preset-based Plug-In architecture from Synthetik Software. MSG allows you to easily build an unlimited number of image processing or video effects with the click of a button. Generate amazing still or animated abstract imagery as well as stand alone processing effects. MSG plug-ins also open up new worlds for designing interactive paint tools and effects. A complete configurable image processing toolkit is now available in your pen tip. The possibilities are unlimited.

New Vectorizer Raster to Vector Synthesizer

The new Vectorizer allows for a wide range of user customizable artistic raster image to vector regions effects Create automatic cartoon rendering of static images or cartoon animation automatically from QuickTime video. The Vectorizer also allows for resolution independent eps output so you can print your work on large format printers or output numbered eps frames for importing into Flash.

New Paint Synthesizer Features

Studio Artist 3 now allows you to incorporate a live video feed directly into the Paint Synthesizer for amazing interactive real-time video graphics effects. Or you can capture live video frames to use as source images for spontaneous painting on the fly. Use Apple's iSight firewire camera with Studio Artist and instantly become a digital street artist. Studio Artist 3.0 now supports manual or automatic region drawing in addition to it's unique raster organic paint on editable vector paths paint stroke technology. Region fills take advantage of the full capabilities of the Paint Synthesizer, which allow for rich textured organic paint effects, in-brush image processing, real-time photo-mosaic effects, 3D paint lighting effects, or new vector eps output. New Particle Paints with intelligent swarming allow your pen to be loaded with multiple paint drops with a mind of their own. They can be used to simulate the real world behavior and appearance of flowing liquids. Or, generate stunning patterning effects that dynamically respond to your pen movement.

Additional new pen modes allow for the simulation of brushes with multiple bristles or other natural media. Individual paint tools can now convey the sensitivity of real world media like air brush sprays or pencil tips by responding to how you hold and manipulate your pen while drawing.

Enhanced Animation Capabilities

Studio Artist 3.0 offers major new enhancements for generating time-based visual effects. Individual layers offer full alpha support. Layer keyframing includes Bezier paths, position, movie or image background content or source assignment for auto rotoscoping and compositing of multiple video streams. Movie stream output can track the overall canvas or individual layers as they move within the canvas, or auto-write frames in the background while you interactively paint or warp in realtime. Bezier path based keyframe warp, morph, and paint animation capabilities have been greatly enhanced.

Paint animation is not just for video effects. Studio Artist's animation capabilities open up a whole new world of potential interaction for 2D artists. Paint animation can be used to perform complex area fills and striking 2D visual effects. Studio Artist's graphics synthesizer is unique in bridging the gap between traditional 2D painting or drawing and motion-based effects.

Price and Availability

Synthetik's mission is to develop innovative software tools for computer artists and creative professionals. Studio Artist's suggested retail price is $379, and is available immediately. Registered Studio Artist users can upgrade to version 3.0 for $179. Orders can be placed by calling 1-888-808-4188 or by visiting the Synthetik web site at www.synthetik.com.