Random Walk

For this first assignment in the Nature of Code course at ITP I created a P5.js sketch utilizing the noise function to paint on screen. Since the assignment was open ended I did some brainstorming to set on a few constraints. A Google search turned up this example of random walk art that I was drawn to.

I liked the monochromatic nature of this and also wanted to create something that either utilized 3D space or gave the illusion of it.

Through some quick iteration I ended up with a sketch that draws three circles at a time without redrawing the background in order to keep persistent lines. Two of the circles are mirrored in movement and size, the third is smaller and moves more slowly. My rationale for including the third was to balance the symmetry with something imperfect, like a beauty mark.

The illusion of depth is created setting the blendMode to “LIGHTEST” and varying the brightness value of the circles while they draw around the screen. The result is that lighter values draw in front of darker values.

Sketch embedded below. Enjoy!