Below is a video of the project working, or use the live link to experience it using your own webcam.

Reflecting back on the art-making process, I wanted an art piece that was interactive and inherently connected with the user. The final product is a responsive, dynamic art piece where the user uses a flashlight to draw forms on a digital canvas. The project uses WebGL, a video feedback effect and glsl shaders to create this effect.

I used a simulation shader to add a residual effect of the previous frame and then discarded dark parts of the video input to isolate the bright areas. Then, I doubled up the render, offset it and added a different color to create two distinct trails left by the light. I was able to intercept the rendering in a fragment shader to create different color options.

Each color palette has its own inspiration. The first was inspired by the synthwave color pallette, the second by 3D glasses and light, the third by ink on brown parchment, and the last by glowing algae in water.

The piece can be shared with everyone, and the art is created by those it is shared with. In a way, the piece grows larger as more people interact with it. I just built the canvas! I had alot of fun with this project and I’m surprisingly pleased how it works in both light and dark environments!

Sources:

Feedback effect starter code – Charlie Roberts