The Relevance of Original Paintings by Human Artists in the Age of Rapidly Evolving AI Art by Scott West

I inquired about the relevance of painting in today's world, especially as AI becomes increasingly prominent in commercial art. The response I received was thought-provoking. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Introduction

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various fields, and the art world is no exception. AI-generated art is rapidly gaining traction, transforming commercial markets and challenging traditional notions of creativity. However, the rise of AI art raises questions about the relevance and value of original paintings created by human artists. This analysis explores the enduring significance of human-made art amidst the growing prominence of AI-generated works.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Original paintings by human artists hold immense historical and cultural value. They serve as tangible records of human experiences, societal norms, and artistic movements throughout history. These works are often deeply intertwined with the cultural identity and heritage of societies, providing insights into different eras and civilizations. AI-generated art, while innovative and intriguing, lacks this historical depth and cultural context. Human-created art connects us to our past, offering a continuity that AI art cannot replicate.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Human art is imbued with the emotions, thoughts, and intentions of its creators. This personal touch resonates with viewers on a profound level, evoking a range of emotional responses. The unique brushstrokes, color choices, and compositions in human paintings reflect the artist’s personality and inner world, creating a sense of intimacy between the artwork and the audience. AI art, despite its technical prowess, often lacks this emotional depth and personal connection. The absence of a human creator behind the artwork can make AI-generated pieces feel impersonal and detached.

Creativity and Originality

Creativity is a hallmark of human art. It involves the ability to innovate, take risks, and push boundaries. Human artists draw inspiration from their surroundings, experiences, and emotions, resulting in a diverse array of styles and expressions. AI, on the other hand, operates within the parameters set by its programming and the data it has been trained on. While AI can mimic and even create novel combinations, it lacks the intrinsic motivation and intuition that drive human creativity. The originality and unpredictability of human art remain unparalleled.

Ethical Considerations

The rise of AI art brings forth several ethical concerns. One major issue is the potential for copyright infringement. AI algorithms often rely on vast datasets of existing artworks to generate new pieces, raising questions about the ownership and originality of AI-created works. Additionally, the commercial use of AI art can undermine the livelihoods of human artists. As AI-generated art becomes more prevalent in the commercial market, there is a risk of devaluing human-made art and marginalizing human artists. Ensuring fair compensation and recognition for human creativity is crucial in this evolving landscape.

Market Dynamics

Despite the increasing popularity of AI art, original human-made paintings continue to hold significant value in the art market. Collectors and enthusiasts often seek out human-created art for its uniqueness, historical significance, and emotional depth. The authenticity and rarity of original paintings can make them highly desirable and valuable assets. While AI art may dominate certain commercial sectors, such as digital media and advertising, the market for traditional, human-created art remains robust. This coexistence highlights the complementary rather than competitive relationship between AI and human art.

Artistic Skill and Mastery

The creation of original paintings requires a high level of skill and mastery. Artists spend years honing their craft, developing techniques, and perfecting their style. This dedication and expertise are evident in the quality and intricacy of their works. AI, although capable of producing impressive art, cannot replicate the nuanced skill and manual dexterity of human artists. The tangible presence of the artist’s hand in a painting is a testament to their talent and dedication, something that AI-generated art cannot emulate.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the integration of AI into the art world presents both opportunities and challenges. AI can be a powerful tool for artists, offering new ways to experiment and create. Collaborative projects between human artists and AI can result in innovative and groundbreaking works. However, it is essential to strike a balance that preserves the value and significance of human creativity. Encouraging the ethical use of AI, promoting the work of human artists, and fostering an appreciation for the unique qualities of human-made art are vital steps towards a harmonious coexistence.

Conclusion

The rapid evolution of AI art undoubtedly reshapes the commercial art market, but the relevance of original paintings by human artists endures. Human-created art carries historical, cultural, emotional, and ethical dimensions that AI art cannot fully replicate. While AI offers new possibilities and challenges, the intrinsic value of human creativity and mastery remains irreplaceable. By recognizing and preserving the unique contributions of human artists, we can ensure a vibrant and diverse art world where both AI and human art coexist and enrich our cultural landscape.

The Importance of QualitY: Rosemary & Co Brushes by Scott West

Rosemary & Co brushes and Leather Brush Wrap

Rosemary & Co brushes and Leather Brush Wrap

About a month ago, I was performing one of my daily rituals. Searching for current work by inspirational artists.  I  came across a post by the artist Jane Hunt.  There are several reasons why I admire her work.  One of them is the balance of her mark.  Confident bold strokes bordering on abstraction and always with absolute intension.  I won't go down the art nerd path and tell you about how I could stare at a single well made brushstroke all day.  Rather, I would like to focus on the tools that can help you achieve a great mark.  Remember these marks are your signature.  The post I was admiring was tagged #rosemarybrushes.  This made me curious about the brushes Jane used and how a quality brush could effect my work.  I am going to be honest with you and tell you that I have neglected the importance of a quality brush.  Over the years I have just gotten by purchasing the least expensive brush possible and seeing them as disposable.  I knew it was time to make a change.

I decided to contact Rosemary & Co Brushes to find out about there brushes.  I had several questions as you know researching brushes can be a rabbit hole.  I was really lost in regards to the best type of brushes that I really needed.  Studio work, Live Painting with Cloud Cult, and Plain Air are the three main environments I need my brushes to perform within.  Both live painting and in Plain Air painting I need to make quick decisions knowing the strength of each mark matters as time slips away.  In the studio, the brushstrokes can vary wildly between aggressive mark making to delicate detail with layers upon layers of transparent blends.  

I was surprised that Rosemary the founder of Rosemary & Co Brushes directly emailed me with some great suggestions on the type of brushes I should be working with.  In this era of Amazon style online stores it is refreshing to get a personal response from someone who cares about the people that use there products.  Rosemary suggested I order the Bill Davidson Set of brushes due to my use of flats and live / plein air processes.

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We exchanged a few more emails to determine that these were the brushes for my use.  Knowing these hand made brushes were going to be a long term investment I wanted to get a case to carry them in.  Rosemary suggested the hand tooled leather brush wrap. That works great on the road or in the field. I completed my order and could not wait to see the products arrive.

Handmade leather brush wrap by Sasskia Design

Handmade leather brush wrap by Sasskia Design

I was surprised at how quickly the order had arrived considering that these products are hand made and this is a international shipped order.  The products were well packaged and I admit it felt a bit like Christmas opening the box.

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Before shipping Rosemary sent me an email noting that she added a couple extras in the box for me to try out.  Again, who does this these days? Simply amazing.  These extras turned out to be an additional 6 brushes 3 mid sized long flats, 2 Filberts, & 1 Egbert. Again Amazing!  After unboxing I held and felt the quality of these brushes.  Ok, I am going to get a little art nerdy and tell you they had a weight to them a quality that really has to be held.  My best analogy is the of a musician playing an instrument.  A seasoned musician will sound great on a shoddy instrument but, have them play the same song with a well toned, finely tuned, quality instrument and it is life changing.  The handles are long enough for making the proper gestural mark making.  They have the proper diameter to make you feel that you are holding a brush that is substantial. Providing confidence that you have command of the brush.  The bristles have great rigidity with the enough spring to them to help hold shape.  The rigidity also really helps with making a well defined stroke.  Need I remind you of my obsession with brush strokes.

Rosemary & Co Brushes are hand made and are set with gum to hold shape while in transit.

Rosemary & Co Brushes are hand made and are set with gum to hold shape while in transit.

Can you tell I am excited about these brushes?  The brush wrap was handmade for my order and I recommend protecting your brushes. A properly cared for brush can last years if well cared for.  The brush wrap is well thought out.  Plenty of space for your complete arrangement of brushes.  The hand tooled leather case is inset with a canvas brush holder.  I have seen similar items like this but one thing that makes it different besides the beautiful quality is something simple.  There is a canvas flap that folds over your brushes to keep them contained & protect your bristles.  It seems simple but this is a very helpful feature.  You can tell this is designed by artists for artists.  The quality, well I will just show you some pictures to help illustrate.

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The complete set of brushes ordered + extras and loaded in the handmade leather brush wrap.

The complete set of brushes ordered + extras and loaded in the handmade leather brush wrap.

I have had limited opportunity to use these fine brushes in my studio but, I will be using these brushes exclusively for the upcoming paintings.  I will be updating future posts with paintings created with these brushes as well as how they hold over time.  I can tell that these brushes are made to last.  They have held up well with the little work I have done with them and admittedly I am rough on my brushes. I will give the final critique on the brushes once they have spent a month in the studio and traveled to a couple of live Cloud Cult shows.  A special thanks goes out to Rosemary at Rosemary & Co Brushes.  Your mark is your signature so use a quality tools to make your mark.