Building a Painting App
with Python, GLSL and TouchDesigner
July 30th, 2025
Wednesday, 6-9 PM, Berlin Time
1 lessons at 3 hours in English Language live via Zoom, or as recording
Recordings are available and accessible for at least one year after purchase.
A painting and masking tool is painfully missing from TouchDesigner and the Palette so we are going to catch two birds with one stone and use that as a case study on how to create reusable , performative and seasy to use applications in TouchDesigner. The uses for such a tool a manyfold, from creating source material for AI interpretation to masking in projection mapping or as a tool to play with for visitors of interactive installations.
In this course, Mickey van Olst is going to illustrate how one can leverage Python to automatically create and destroy node networks to create optimized, dynamic applications that scale on demand and avoid repetetive manual tasks. He further is going to explore Signed Distance FIelds – which have many uses in computer graphics and show how they can be used in a dynamic and easy to use drawing tool.
What You’ll Learn:
Create an Application In TouchDesigner
Learn how to build a component that is useful to you and others.
Dynamically create and destroy Operator Networks with Python
Get the best out of both worlds : Use Scripting and Patching to avoid repetetive tasks.
Leverage GLSL for fluid Performance
Make the impossible possible and keep your frame rate steady by leveraging GLSL.
Bring the power of SDFs to a simple painting program
Understand Signed Distance Fields and learn how to leverage their properties within a painting and masking application.
Build powerful and reusable Components
Embrace the comnponent workflow and set up things in a flexible and stable way.
Requirements
This module is made for participants, who have a basic understanding of TouchDesigner. If you just getting started, please visit our Beginners Course first.
- A recent PC or MAC Computer (discrete GPU recommended) with stable internet connection
- The latest stable TouchDesigner build installed
- 3-Button Mouse recommended
About the Instructor
Mickey van Olst is an art director, artist and creative technologist whose work centers on exploring the potential and surprising aspects of integrating technology into an artistic context. As an experienced generalist he works with a variety of environments, such as WebGL, GLSL, C++ and Java. Mickey also has extensive experience in creating art installations and experimental instruments where he has developed custom hardware and electronics for spatial narratives through the use of PCB design, hardware prototyping and kinetics.
These prices include German VAT (19% ).
Depending on your country of residence you may have to pay a different or no VAT.
You will see your individual price on check out.
