Dan Conrad Light Paintings

I've been working with Dan for several years on the programming structure and electronics using an Arduino control system for his light-paintings. You can see some of his work at his Baker Artist Portfolio and his own site http://www.chromaccord.net/. If you are in the Baltimore area, Red Emma's usually has several on display.

Dan has previously used an analog circuit, but wanted to explore other specific effects: "Changing colors can shift color harmonies, or produce neurological responses like after-images. I explore how such effects operate in various arrangements of shapes and timing."

Growing out of the work we did on the Chromaccord, we've been through several iterations of Arduino controlled LEDs. We first used a ArduinoMEGA 2560 to control groups of LEDs, but weren't happy with the brightness control for low values. We are currently using a 16bit PWM driver (TLC59711), and MOSFET drivers, which gives very nice results; Dan is using strip LEDs (non-addressable). The Arduino Nano Every gave us some problems, and we are moving to the Adafruit ItsyBitsy 32u4.

The software has evolved over time as well. Dan wanted to write the code himself, so I served as a mentor and reviewer. We've tried to keep the code using simple concepts, though Dan's comfort and expertise has improved over time. His goal is to develop a framework and re-usable elements for future light-paintings. He's developed several patterning systems, and concepts.

Growing out of the work we did on the Chromaccord, we've been through several iterations of Arduino controlled LEDs. We first used a ArduinoMEGA 2560 to control groups of LEDs, but weren't happy with the brightness control for low values. We are currently using a 16bit PWM chip (TLC59711), and MOSFET drivers, which gives very nice results; Dan is using strip LEDs (non-addressable). The Arduino Nano Every gave us some problems, and we are moving to the Adafruit ItsyBitsy 32u4.

It is a challenge to capture the patterns and techniques that Dan wants, without making the software too opaque.