Virtual Painting with OpenCV Using Python
V.Sadhwika1, A. Satyasree2, K. Yasaswini3, D. Madhavi Latha4
1,2,3 Students, Dept of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Geethanjali College of Engineering and Technology, Telangana, India
4Assistant Professor, Dept of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Geethanjali College of Engineering and Technology, Telangana, India
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Abstract - The Virtual Painting system introduces an exciting new way to create digital art by combining artificial intelligence with real-time hand gesture recognition. Developed in Python, the system uses a webcam to capture live video, translating simple hand movements into drawing commands on a virtual canvas. By eliminating the need for traditional input tools like a mouse, stylus, or touchscreen, it allows users to draw freely with just their hands. This touch-free interaction not only makes digital art more accessible to a broader audience but also opens up new possibilities for creative expression.
At the core of the system are advanced computer vision technologies and widely-used open- source libraries such as OpenCV, Mediapipe, and NumPy. Mediapipe is particularly important, offering a highly accurate hand detection model that can track 21 distinct landmarks on the hand in real time. This precise tracking enables users to control the application through intuitive gestures—selecting drawing tools, switching modes, erasing, clearing the canvas, and more.
Whether drawing freehand or creating geometric shapes like circles, rectangles, and ellipses, the system provides a flexible and responsive platform for various artistic needs. Ultimately, this project showcases how the fusion of AI and gesture control can reshape the way we interact with digital spaces, making technology not only more functional but also more human-centered and creatively empowering.
Key Words: Python, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Painting, Hand Gesture Recognition, OpenCV, Media pipe, NumPy, Canvas, Hand Tracking, Gesture Recognition.
