A Journey of Passion and Innovation

For over 25 years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of traditional art, devoting countless hours and pouring my heart and soul into each piece. Every brushstroke is a result of love, dedication, and often, years of hard-won skill. The journey of creating art by hand demands an unwavering commitment to the craft an investment of time, energy, and resources that only those with a genuine passion for art can endure. For me, the studio has become a sanctuary filled with the scent of oil paints, the rough texture of canvas, and the thrill of transforming a blank space into something meaningful.

But the life of a traditional artist isn’t easy. Art supplies are expensive, and each piece requires physical effort and mental endurance. Sleepless nights are common, driven by the passion for creation, even when exhaustion takes over. The reality is that, despite all this effort, clients sometimes undervalue the intense labour and emotional investment behind each artwork. This struggle, where the worth of an artist’s work is often diminished, is something I’ve faced frequently.

In contrast, creating art through AI requires neither the years of skill-building nor the same emotional investment. AI art creation only needs access to technology a smartphone, laptop, or computer. With AI, the process becomes immediate, which raises questions about what it means to be an artist in today’s world. Many who generate art through AI admire the beauty of images but lack a deeper appreciation or understanding of the craft. The pursuit is often driven by validation on social media, prioritizing instant gratification over creativity born from struggle and personal vision.

A deeper issue arises when AI users enter names of well-established artists, like “Greg Rutkowski,” into their prompts. By doing so, they risk reducing the contributions of these artists to mere aesthetic trends, trivializing years of dedication to developing a unique style. In this process, the profound labour, emotion, and history that envelop traditional art are lost. This disconnect is a source of frustration for traditional artists, widening the gap between those who create art by hand and those who use AI.

To illustrate, think of the difference between real diamonds and synthetic ones. Real diamonds are valuable, rare, and carry an authenticity that synthetic diamonds, while visually similar, lack. Art, too, can be seen through this lens of value and authenticity. This isn’t about deeming one type of art superior; instead, it’s about recognizing and respecting the unique contributions each brings.

Imagine if, rather than standing in opposition, traditional artists and AI creators worked together to explore the strengths of each medium. Traditional artists could use digital tools like Corel Painter and Photoshop to expand their creative possibilities, experiment with new styles, and explore how AI could be used to inspire ideas. Embracing these tools could allow traditional artists to push their boundaries, marrying classic techniques with the innovation AI offers.

On the other side, AI creators could pursue originality by starting with sketches or personal photographs, or developing their styles rather than relying on famous artists' names. Ot add more depth you have used your blueprint to create your AI art. This approach would bring a personal and meaningful touch to their work, moving beyond superficial trends. In my work, I strive to bridge the gap between traditional and AI-generated art, finding ways for the two worlds to enrich each other and open new creative possibilities.

The potential for harmony between traditional art and AI-enhanced creations is promising. Moving forward, let’s challenge ourselves to see AI not as a threat to artistry but as an opportunity to broaden our creative horizons. By embracing both worlds, we can honour the essence of art in all its forms, leveraging technology to breathe new life into the timeless craft of creation.