Experimenting With AI

Lately, I've been experimenting with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to see how it can assist when I'm stuck or struggling to find inspiration for my artwork. In the past, when I needed ideas for a painting, I would google descriptions and sift through the images that appeared, using them as a tool to spark my creativity. However, I've discovered that AI is much faster and more precise. Here is the beginning stage of my latest painting on a 24 x 36 canvas. Will post more later when complete.

Apps like Playground can do the heavy lifting for you. All you need to do is write a descriptive narrative of what you’re looking for, and within seconds, an image is generated. While it may not be exactly what you envisioned, it often comes very close. This new approach to generating imagery is incredibly efficient.

Update: I recently added my star of this painting; Dragon and Knight. Eventually, I will add more detail and characters later to share with you as I progress. 

One of my favorite parts of a painting is the planning stage. Generally, I stockpile several photos found online and use as inspiration. Now using AI; gathering photos couldn’t be easier. 

 Many artist use a thumbnail pre-sketch before placing on canvas. Personally, I like to wing it or in other words not plan it out on paper first but see what transforms in real-time on canvas. 

Stay tune, more to come…

 

Alchemy of Mediums

This piece was an exploration into the dynamic interplay of natural latex liquid, tube watercolor paint, and copper leaf sheets. With minimal prior experience in these mediums, I embarked on this experimental journey to observe their synergies and how they would manifest on the canvas.

Beginning with a delicate application of liquid latex, I allowed it to organically spread across the pristine white canvas, manipulating its flow through subtle tilts and controlled movements. Employing a straw, I introduced air currents to further animate the liquid, imbuing it with a sense of motion and vitality.

Once the latex had set, I applied tube watercolor paint, allowing its pigments to interact with the textured surface created by the latex. As the paint dried, I carefully peeled away sections of the latex, revealing intricate shapes and patterns beneath the rich hues of dark blue and purple. To enhance the visual complexity, I introduced vibrant tones of red, orange, and yellow, layering them to create depth and contrast.

Finally, to add a touch of opulence and intrigue, I adorned the center of the composition with delicate copper leaf, elevating the overall aesthetic and inviting further exploration of the piece's nuanced details.

 

Tranquil Reflections

I recently began this painting, set in the charming tourist town of Fontana, WI, located north of Illinois. It's progressing well but isn't finished yet; I'm still working on the tones. When I paint, I get into a zone where inspiration flows effortlessly. However, if I take a break from art and then return to it, I notice some rustiness, and it takes longer to get back into that creative zone.

The inspiration photo, with its bright tones of lemon green grass and an emerald-colored pond, presented a harmonious contrast against the dark brick-brown bark of the trees and the azure-lavender blue backdrop. I wanted to capture this stunning combination in my painting. The challenge is creating depth which I am still trying to figure out. 

 

Eye Of The Dragon

I began painting rocks in 2021 during the pandemic. When the world went on lock-down and people were going stir crazy sitting at home; I was painting rocks. These small paintings actually were fast and fun. My young grandson’s thought they were cool too. So I was doing something right to keep their attention while having fun. After finishing our painting project; we took those rocks and placed them in playgrounds around the area.

Rock art is a fun craft to do outdoors or indoors. It also is a fantastic medium tool for those looking to practice painting in a crafty way. Great for gift giving, hiding in parks or along a hiking path to a passersby. 

Sometimes hiding rocks can be rough.
“Do I have to give up this rock, grams?”

 

Rock Out

What do rocks and art have in common? They can be hard, thrown, rough, smooth, deep, shallow, slick, and vary in shape, color, texture, style, dimension, and weight.

This painting came together as a study for a larger piece I had been working on at the time. Creating realistic-looking water is a challenge, but painting rocks in a stream of moving water is mind-bending for a novice.

The takeaway from this experiment in rock painting was that it was an interesting attempt that I actually liked, even though it did not turn out as intended. What I liked about this monochromatic project before adding color was how the rocks looked in depth. When adding color, the rocks gained a shiny texture by applying white to the edges. That small gesture made a big difference in the dimensional perspective. 

 

Dots and Flowers

The painting below was created using a concept similar to another piece I made, which was inspired by Van Gogh's "Irises" painting.

The technique came to me while looking at Aboriginal and mosaic art. The dots or rough shapes surrounding the main subject—in this case, the foliage, plants, and blooms—were placed randomly. I began with a black painted canvas, inserted white shapes, and then filled them in with color.

I classify these types of paintings as mindless abstract. Generally, after finishing more complicated work, I enjoy simply painting something that requires less thought, at least for me.

All those dots and unintentional shapes around the subject create a mood-enhancing calmness for me, simply through the repetitiveness of placing these shapes simultaneously.

For those interested in the origins of Aboriginal art, it was created by Australia's indigenous peoples. This art is characterized by dot painting, symbolic depictions, X-ray style showing internal details, and cross-hatching patterns. It conveys "Dreamtime" stories using natural materials like ochres and pigments on bark and rock, reflecting a deep connection to the land and often produced collaboratively.

To view Aboriginal style art click link. Aboriginal Art

 

Cloud Canvas

When driving through the countryside, a vast cloud cover stretched endlessly across the horizon, offering expansive views as far as the eye could see. The setting sun cast a golden glow that emerged from the depths of the cerulean blue sky, painting the road ahead with an enchanting aura that seemed to vanish into the infinite expanse.

In the cerulean sky so vast and wide,

Where cotton clouds like dreams do glide,

Their billowed shapes, a painter's delight,

Drifting softly in the sun's golden light.

Each cloud a story, ever-changing art,

Whispering secrets to the dreaming heart,

On wings of azure, they dance and play,

In the canvas of the endless day.

Oh, cerulean sky, with clouds so fair,

Reflecting moods in the open air,

Mysteries hidden in your depths so high,

Infinite tales written across your sky.