The Art of the Captured World

Canvas & Pigment is the discipline of creating a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional reality, emotion, or idea. It is the art of the painter, the illustrator, and the portraitist. While the artist of Lens & Light captures a moment that exists, the painter creates a moment from memory and imagination.

A painting is a window into the artist’s Psyche. It is a curated, deeply biased, and powerful translation of their subjective experience. It can be a tool for creating an accurate Record, a moving piece of personal expression, or a holy icon that defines a Faith.

• Tier 1 (The Sketch): The art of the immediate impression. Using simple tools like [Charcoal Sticks] or a [Datapad Stylus], an agent creates simple [Sketches] and [Doodles]. These are often done spontaneously to fulfill a RecreationNeed and are based on a recent memory. A quick sketch of a beautiful landscape can provide a lasting Satisfaction buff.
• Tier 2 (The Masterpiece): The art of the skilled professional. At a dedicated [Art Studio] with an [Easel] and high-quality [Pigments], the artist can undertake major works. This is the domain of commissioned work. A noble might commission a [Flattering Portrait], a Faction might order a [Heroic Landscape] depicting a famous victory, or a scientist might hire an artist to create a detailed [Anatomical Illustration] of a new species. The quality and style of the work are determined by the artist’s skill and their unique Psyche.
• Tier 3 (The Icon): This is painting as metaphysical craft. The artist is no longer just depicting a subject; they are attempting to imbue the canvas with its very essence. By mixing a crystallized Eidos fragment directly into the pigment, the artist can create a true Artifact. An [Icon of a Saint] painted with the Eidos of [sacrifice] might radiate a tangible aura of peace. A [Portrait of a Tyrant] painted with the Eidos of [fear] might feel as if its eyes are following the viewer, subtly intimidating any who look upon it.