…and why I’ll never fake my watercolors!
We used to worry about copying other people’s work and whether that made our own work less authentic, but now we have something much bigger to worry about — telling the difference between an artist who’s creating a real painting, and a channel which creates the false illusion of making real art.
Whether you want to know this or not, the truth is that you might not be able to tell the difference. In fact you probably can’t. AI is getting better every day and can now synthesise the entire painting process, and then synthesise the voice over, in the voice of the supposed creator.
Apart from the moral issues, this leads to a very important problem for you, the viewer: you are highly unlikely to be able to create the painting or follow the techniques which you admire. Not because they’re too hard, but because they’re physically impossible. No-one can do it, only a computer.
But does it matter, as long as I enjoy watching?
I believe with all my heart and soul that it does matter.
Firstly, we are being deceived and that’s never a good thing. I believe it should be made compulsory for creators to be totally transparent about what they are using to create their product. Then you can choose.
Secondly, this is destined to destroy real art. And real art matters. Not for the final result (thankfully, because we’ve already lost that battle), but for the process.
True art is more about the process than the product. Immersing yourself – body and mind and spirit in creating with your hands is the most healing process I know. And we need it now more than ever, not less.
My pledge to you
You can rely on us to never use fake filming techniques in our videos. I might be obliged to use computer technology to create our videos, but I’m not obliged to run those videos through a “cleaning up” program which will remove all inconsistencies and errors for me. I won’t use enhancements to make me look twenty years younger, or special effects of any kind. I won’t edit out my mistakes and background noises, and I will always encourage you to be true to yourself and FOLLOW THE PAINT!
~ Diane
ps. Be sure to watch yesterday’s YouTube video in which I discuss, among other things, why real art matters in an AI world.
Thanks, Diane. I do like hearing your perspective on things like this. It’s a weird new world.
THANK YOU DIANE AND TAMSIN! AI has been a concern in so many aspects of our lives for longer than most know. AGI is closer than we think and it’s terrifying. I’ve spent more of my life without digital enhancement than with and I often long for days gone by. Then I remember, we probably wouldn’t even be having this conversation without it. Humanity must find a way to control it and I haven’t seen any movement in that direction. AI already has a big fat footprint in our political world and educational institutions. I could go on for days! If either of you can provide tips on spotting AI, please share.
I can’t begin to adequately express the positive influence you’ve had in my life. Not just the art. Your rhetoric is enchanting. It makes me laugh, think and sometimes cry. The perfect trifecta.
Thank you both for being authentic and keeping it REAL!❤️
I remember a time when my mom was confused by junk mail. It looked so official and used names she was familiar with. Thank goodness she never fell victim to the deceit. The use of AI in art saddens me. Thank you for talking about it.
I appreciate your pledge! One of the reasons I love your channel so much is that it is real. I enjoy seeing real people, hearing the rain and wind and animals, and seeing your “mistakes” and how you fix them. It gives me confidence in the process when I see you paint. Thank you!