Armed with a camera and a computer, Metchosin artist Doug Gilbert transforms reality into a fantasy world.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 photo-based art,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淥ften there is more than one photograph collaged together.B次元官网网址�

He photographs models in his home studio and then often heads outdoors for more photos to incorporate into a piece.

Once the photos are taken he manipulates them with Photoshop until the piece is revealed.

B次元官网网址淚 take a lot of photos in Metchosin,B次元官网网址� said the artist, citing the Galloping Goose Trail and areas around Pearson College as his favourite spots.

He started this form of art about 12 years ago, when technology was not nearly as advanced.

B次元官网网址淚 paid $1,000 for a three megapixel camera back then,B次元官网网址� Gilbert said with a chuckle. He now shoots with a 22-megapixel camera.

The more advanced camera allows him to offer larger print sizes. Before, if he wanted to make a large print he would shoot several images of a scene, then stitch them together on the computer.

When he first began, he was snubbed for making high-end art on a digital camera using computer software, he said. Now, this combination of skills is getting more appreciation in the art community.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 still a new art form,B次元官网网址� Gilbert said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 completely up to the imagination.B次元官网网址�

For every piece he creates, he prints off a limited edition of five.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 so you donB次元官网网址檛 go to your friendB次元官网网址檚 house and find the same picture on their wall.B次元官网网址�

Gilbert and three other artists are putting together a digital art show for the Coast Collective gallery in May. They are currently seeking submissions from other artists working in the medium.

For more information go to distinctlydigital.ca