Warning: Serious Discussion of Digital Art

"The time has come," Amanda said, "To talk of many things: Of art -- and droids - and iPads, too -- Of styluses --and pings -- And whether digital is real or not -- And the tech-denial lot " (with huge apologies to Lewis Carol) Oops, did I say serious? Let's just keep our minds open, please. Thea made some interesting observations in a comment on one of my digital pictures ( http://www.painters-online.co.uk/Gallery/Amanda-Bates-Seriously-port---scratchy-pen/_ga103815_pg1 ), and I thought it was worth starting a thread on the forum. I am a bit of a gannet when it comes to using different media. I just love trying new stuff out and figuring out how I want to use them (or if). I also have a background in science and technology, so I can assure you that I ain't afraid of no tech. But this type of technology is supposed to be easy to use, so don't worry about it. (It may not be cheap to acquire, but prices come down all the time and it is looking rather like the tablet computer was a popular gift this Christmas). Tablet computer? That's a generic term for things like iPads and Androids, handheld things with touch-sensitive screens and no keyboard. Perfect for drawing on. So why don't we take digital art seriously? I mean, at least as seriously as a good sketch, or a nice illustration*... Here are some suggestions: 1. There is no original. 2. It's cheating... you can undo, you can use photographs, you can use a multitude of automatic features to fake it... Er. Number 2 is a bit big, but I can't think of any more. I bet you can. *In my opinion, digital art is PERFECT for illustration. It can be quick, there is no need for an original, it's already digitised ready to print, it's... ephemeral. I have more to say on the subject but will refrain from talking to myself for a bit, in the hope that someone else joins in :-)