DIGITAL COLOR REPRODUCTION AND DOCUMENTATION OF OIL PAINTING USING IMAGE PROCESSING

Abstract

Digital photography is a method easily employed to capture images. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets as well as dedicated cameras are used to capture images. Furthermore, as hardware continues to improve, the resolution of images in 100 MP and 8K videos has recently been increased, and the quality of images enhanced through various types of image processing software. However, because the focus of photography is to record a moment activity, recording the orginal color of subject has been pushed back from priority. Digital photographs of cultural heritage are mainly captured for aesthetic appreciation and database construction. Those images for the purpose of the latter should record the exact color and shape of the subject. However, the theoretical approach of this is difficult and relatively complex procedures are able to create images that differ from the original color. Thus, it means falling in value that culture heritage data of important for color conservation. Various attempts have been made throughout the industry to capture the original colors of the subject accurately. The color management system (CMS) is a typical method of such. In this study, digital color reproduction and record studies were conducted on representative oil paintings of modern times in Korea. Accordingly, the light source’s color index and color temperature were measured. Furthermore, a color recording environment was established and digital images were acquired. Subsequently, it was able to record the original color through CMS-based image processing. It is believed that this study will enable one to understand the production techniques of works through the color record of oil paintings and help one to monitor conservation conditions such as discoloration.