It was a huge challenge to learn digital painting well enough so that computers don't pop into mind when one sees one.

Berkeley Breathed’s quote, "It was a huge challenge to learn digital painting well enough so that computers don't pop into mind when one sees one," reflects his experience transitioning from traditional to digital art. Breathed, known for his iconic comic strip Bloom County, is acknowledging the challenge of mastering digital painting techniques to such a degree that the technology behind the artwork doesn't distract from the art itself. He wanted his digital work to be indistinguishable from traditional hand-painted art, allowing the viewer to appreciate the piece without thinking about the tools used to create it.

The meaning behind the quote speaks to the desire for seamlessness in digital art. In the early days of digital painting, there was often a noticeable difference between art created on a computer and art created by hand. Breathed's challenge was to make digital art feel as organic and fluid as traditional art forms, so that viewers would focus on the content and emotion of the work rather than the medium. His comment highlights the intersection of technology and creativity, where mastery of tools allows artists to blend the two in a way that feels natural and authentic.

Breathed's statement also speaks to the evolving nature of art and how the tools used to create it can influence how it is perceived. As digital technologies become more advanced, they offer new opportunities for expression, but they also present the challenge of ensuring the final product remains true to the artist's original intent. The desire to have computers fade into the background when viewing digital art speaks to a growing sophistication in both the tools and the skills of digital artists.

The origin of the quote comes from Breathed’s own journey as a cartoonist and illustrator during a time when digital art was gaining popularity. As someone who began with traditional hand-drawn illustrations, Breathed was on the cutting edge of adopting digital tools in his creative process. This quote captures his commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital art while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship, showing his dedication to mastering a new medium without letting the technology overshadow the art.