NeoLucida XL
The NeoLucida is an optical drawing aid that allows you to trace what you see. It's a modern reinterpretation of the camera lucida, an indispensable drawing tool popular in the days before photography was invented.
In 2013, 11,406 people backed the original NeoLucida Kickstarter to bring this antique tool into the 21st century. One thing became clear from the feedback. People said, “This is harder than I thought!” We said, “We know!” After all, the original NeoLucida copied the prism design of vintage 19th century camera lucidas, which made sharp, clear images, but has a tiny viewing area. To us, it supported the idea that great artists of the past were still incredibly skilled; using a tool wasn't "cheating." This was a provocative media archeology project: NeoLucida users could test what it was like to be an artist 200 years ago.
After two years of testing and prototypes, here's the NeoLucida XL, with an all new glass-and-mirror design and an extra large viewer. Launched on Kickstarter in 2017, the NeoLucida XL was supported by 5,229 backers and raised $332,505.
The NeoLucida Project. As someone who likes to draw, and has drawn consistently since I was little, I was surprised by how many people were drawn to (pun intended) these tools I make. Despite high resolution smartphone cameras in our pockets, people like to draw, and a lot of people have the desire to learn to draw.
What is The NeoLucida Project all about?
Reviving historical art technologies that help people draw, in order to:
Demystify drawing and explore how people—past and present—learn to draw.
The NeoLucida Project Website • Buy a NeoLucida • NeoLucida on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook • NeoLucida User Group on Facebook
