Colour Research – additional projects


Creative Colour Lab (CCLab)

PROJECT MANAGER: Dr Carinna Parraman
RESEARCHER PARTICIPANTS: Yu Wang, Paul Laidler

PROJECT DETAILS:
Integral to the CFPR, the CCLab focuses on quality digital imaging and printing for artists, with an emphasis on colour print and image quality. The CCLab has ongoing discussions with Hewlett Packard Labs in Bristol, Palo Alto, San Diego and Barcelona; ColourCom Oxford and University of Milan.

Yu Wang accepted a full-time one year post as research fellow, funded by Hewlett Packard, to write a user interface and software for multi channel printing, and algorithms for halftoning. Research is underway to look at methods specifically geared to bespoke fine printing for artists that tests and moves beyond the general workflows of commercial print reproduction. Hong Qiang Wang, who is in his final stages of his PhD, is also based here.

Colour Light Fastness Tests

PROJECT MANAGER: Dr Carinna Parraman

PROJECT DETAILS:
Real time exposure to inkjet prints could be considered as the only reliable method to understand the impact of light and the environment on inkjet prints. This obviously is problematic in terms of predicting the life expectancy of a print. However, by subjecting printed samples to real life conditions then a better understanding can be obtained as to the environmental impacts.

Colour measurements are taken from printed dye and pigmented colour patches, which are printed onto a range of coated and uncoated paper samples. These measurements are taken at regular intervals during the year. The measurements also take into account changes in the whiteness of the paper and the effects of storage on colour and paper.

Colour Print and Image Quality

PROJECT MANAGER: Dr Carinna Parraman

PROJECT DETAILS:
Research is underway to investigate photographic image enhancement methods as a preparation for printing. The objective is to compare different image enhancement methods, such as curves, histogram and levels used in Adobe Photoshop, that adjust images on a global level; versus spatial methods of enhancement, which makes a pixel by pixel comparison. This project is being undertaken with Alessandro Rizzi at University of Milan and John McCann, Imaging USA.

Alternative methods for colour and Inkjet printing

PROJECT MANAGER: Dr Carinna Parraman

PROJECT DETAILS:
Over recent years inkjet technology has developed at a pace, and has evolved as a sophisticated software and hardware tool for the reproduction of digital photographic images. Improvements continue in inkjet head technology, inks and colour gamut, thus the gap between the traditional photographic print and the inkjet print has narrowed. However, there is a growing requirement for the user to gain access to an inkjet technology that is not necessarily dependent on photographic printing or facsimile reproduction. These requirements could be gained through alternative print and colour methods, such as the development of novel colour sets and modifications to print hardware. A range of experiments are undertaken to investigate how inkjet technologies can be utilised more creatively.

Colour and Visual Perception

PROJECT MANAGER: Dr Carinna Parraman

PROJECT DETAILS:
My interest in this area developed through the prints made by artists working 60 and 70s. Artists exploring colour theories through the medium of screenprint in the 1960s and 70s developed an empirical understanding of colour relationships and optical colour mixtures. Methods of manipulating perceptual relationships in a work of abstract art have been adapted by artists. Colour, shape and surface are controlled to draw the viewer to the picture plane. The colour effects may change over time whilst viewing the artwork, as the eye adapts to the spatial arrangements of colour fields. Consequently spatial experiences such as chromatic adaption, simultaneous contrast and warping of the surface plane may occur.

The Impact of Paper on Inkjet

PROJECT MANAGER: Dr Carinna Parraman
RESEARCHER PARTICIPANTS: Paul Laidler

PROJECT DETAILS:
As more inkjet papers are launched on the market, there is now a priority to make a comprehensive assessment of these new papers, and moreover, according to the requirements and preferences of the artist. Around 60 papers have been collected, ranging from a high gloss photographic to Japanese Washi. The objective is to improve paper choices for the user and to provide a comparison of printed samples on a selection of papers. Information is provided on printed image quality, colour, clarity and crispness of line, greyscale, density; as well as the conservation issues relating to colour shift, fading and changes of the whiteness of paper.

The development of a specialist canvas for artists

PROJECT MANAGER: Dr Carinna Parraman, Prof. Steve Hoskins
RESEARCHER PARTICIPANTS: Paul Laidler

PROJECT DETAILS:
In consultation with the Getty, Tate, British artist Richard Hamilton, and the CFPR, Hewlett Packard have developed a new inkjet canvas that is specially designed for the fine artist. A high quality linen was chosen as the substrate, presenting a particular surface quality that has not yet been achieved for the average canvas for inkjet. The conservation departments at Tate and Getty have been consulted as to suitable coatings for linen, and tests were undertaken on the coating and linen combination for its archival properties to ensure longevity, appropriate surface qualities and colour reproduction.

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