Technology is a means to an end in the creative process.

The public is invited to Bristol’s Saltwater Artists Gallery for a free demonstration of advanced digital enhancement techniques on Saturday, Aug. 9.

David Higgins, a well-known local photographer and teacher will present new and exciting possibilities in the creation of digital artwork. Higgins will set up his equipment at the gallery to demonstrate his processes throughout the day and will answer questions about this limitless art form.

Rapidly changing technology and combinations of techniques, as well as limitless opportunities for creativity, make it possible to produce work that is complex and fairly hard to define.

Higgins likes to refer to his current work simply as 'enhanced digital imaging' as this is not a restrictive title and gives him a lot of latitude to try just about anything.

He begins with an original image that he makes with a digital camera. Then, in the computer, Higgins manipulates that image using various software and equipment, including a tablet and stylus, that allow him to do a great deal of hand manipulation. He makes a number of ordinary Photoshop corrections and enhancements of color, contrast, cropping, etc., and then the work gets much more interesting with the inclusion of filters, screens and lots of digital brushwork. This can be very complex or quite simple depending on the subject or desired results. Very gradually, using many layers, he builds up the image that he envisioned at the start.

Higgins says, “I would like to stress that, although I take full advantage of digital technology, my artwork is the product of my creativity, vision and labor right down to the creation of many of my own digital brushes and screens.”

His work can be seen online at www.saltwaterartists.com and www.d-higgins.com. Higgins has also published many digital enhancement instructional videos on YouTube.

The Saltwater Artists Gallery, a nonprofit co-op, is located at the end of Route 130, just prior to the turn to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the season.