On Using AI

A colorful painting of a flower arrangement with pink and white flowers in a brown vase on a table near a window with blue frame. Fruits are on the table, including an apple and an orange.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant new tool for creating works of art. Similar to the usefulness of photography a century ago, AI gives me a multitude of options when I’m composing a new painting. In effect, AI has become my sketch pad.

AI helps me with design, color, and object selection. Using models that I train and prompts that I create, AI helps translate my artistic vision into visual possibilities. Arguably, AI makes me more creative. As an example, I can compose hundreds of vases with flowers, and select one I like best to paint.

Creating art is dynamic and ever-changing. Like any tool, AI and artists can work together to create new possibilities. The creative decisions—what to pursue, how to interpret, what merits painting—remain entirely mine. Whether AI is used or not, the piece must still travel through the artist’s paint brush and onto the canvas.

AI is entering our lives in many forms. Each artist must decide whether to reject, ignore, or embrace it.