An open drawing project
alchemy |’alkemē
Figurative: a process by which paradoxical results are achieved or incompatible elements combined with no obvious rational explanation
Alchemy is an open drawing project aimed at exploring how we can sketch, draw, and create on computers in new ways. Alchemy isn’t software for creating finished artwork, but rather a sketching environment that focuses on the absolute initial stage of the creation process. Experimental in nature, Alchemy lets you brainstorm visually to explore an expanded range of ideas and possibilities in a serendipitous way.
Video
For a quick look at Alchemy in the ‘flesh’, check out the video of Andrew Jones demoing Alchemy in Shanghai – also on YouTube. Along with developing the software itself, the project aims to become involved hands on in workshops, talks, and exercises focused on experimental drawing.
Download
Alchemy is currently in a very raw ‘Alpha’ release stage, as we work towards a full public release. However if you are interested in giving it a try, please sign up to the mailing list to test the Alpha version (don’t worry, we won’t be spamming you with a million emails!). The current focus of the project is to generate new ideas and new modules, so we are very interesting in hearing from you.
Join the mailing list and download Alchemy
News
007 Minor Updates
We have posted a slight update to the 007 release. If you had problems saving PDFs with the Gradient module, please download the 007 release again and give it a try. Other minor changes are listed here.
Update (May 6, 2009) – The 007.2 release has been added, which includes more fixes for PDF/Gradient related bugs
Alpha 007
A new version of Alchemy, Alpha 007, has been released! Over the last several months there has been a growing interest in Alchemy and we hope this new version will give our ever expanding audience some fun new stuff to play with.
Alchemy now supports pen tablets with a new module called ‘Pressure Shapes’ that allows you to draw more gestural lines. Also new is the Gradient module which applies automatic colour gradation as you draw. This release has also given the interface a much needed tidy up!