The Role of AI in Creating Art
It is perhaps challenging to acknowledge, but AI has a growing role in the art world, both as a tool of inspiration for artists, but also creating art in its own right.
I would like to demonstrate how I used an AI generated image, for the purpose of this short blog, in creating a different version of a cosmos flower. (This is the first time that I explored AI as a tool of inspiration.)
My own interpretation of a flower observed in real life:
Two versions of the same painting; I used the same pigments, but still a difference.
My interpretation of an AI generated image:
AI generated image on the left, and my interpretation on the right in watercolour.
What did I learn from this? Imagery created by AI looks very real, and if the image was signed, I perhaps could have believed that it was an original piece. But, it potentially can help me as an artist in discovering new techniques, styles, and perspectives that I have not explored or thought about before.
Briefly, how can AI support art and an artist?
Generative Art: (sounds like a very complex process) can create a new and unique image by learning patterns from existing works which artists can then use to produce an original piece of art.
Collaboration: an artist can use AI to collaborate. What does this mean? The artist provide a base concept or framework and then asking AI to develop this further. The artist can then use the AI generated image or create a new piece of art based on the AI interpretation.
Assisting in the development of technique: AI tools can help an artist in various manners, perhaps a colour palettes, or to correct a composition, or information on different brushstrokes. This is the aspect that I like, possibly providing inspiration when a creative block strike!
Exploring new media: AI can be a source of information and inspiration when an artist would like to expand into new media.
Art Preservation and Restoration: AI can be helpful in creating or “imagining” a missing piece in the preservation and restoration of classic artworks.
Where does this leave the artist? Does AI add or detract from the role of the artist? It may be of assistance and support, but the verdict is not in yet. Only time will tell!