Jim Middleton
"From Understandable Fear to Exciting ...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword in all segments of the world for years and the art world is far from immune. “AI art” refers to artworks that have been generated with the use of machine learning algorithms. These algorithms are trained on large datasets of images to create new artworks based on specific prompts. As an artist, it's natural to have concerns about the use of copyrighted material by AI programs to generate new art. Although AI-generated music is protected by copyright laws, there are currently no such laws in place for AI art. Its important to understand this concern and see where the roots of the “No AI art” fears come from.

I think however, it's important to look at the topic objectively and push past impulsive fear that may arise. In the end, I feel, that AI art is a new medium, much like photography and digital art.

"From Understandable Fear to Exciting Possibilities: The Evolution of Art in the Age of AI"
acrylic painting, artist, fine art, art history, pandemic art
Jim Middleton
Creating in the Pandemic: My unexpected link to ...

Creating in the Pandemic: My unexpected link to Van Gogh

I went down the well of the life of Vincent Van Gogh and discovered something about myself and how we as artists face disillusion.

As some of you know, back in March, I completed a painting called "Last Walk to the wheatfield" which was inspired by the last days of Vincent Van Gogh. This was my 2nd, built from the ground up, painting that was personally inspired. The painting before this was the one based on a nightmare I had when I was 10. I named that painting "Omen" and there is a blog here about it if you are so inclined. The process of that painting as invigorating, personal, and made me want to make more personal works.

Creating in the Pandemic: My unexpected link to Van Gogh

canadian artist

"From Understandable Fear to Exciting Possibilities: The Evolution of Art in the Age of AI"

"From Understandable Fear to Exciting Possibilities: The Evolution of Art in the Age of AI"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword in all segments of the world for years and the art world is far from immune. “AI art” refers to artworks that have been generated with the use of machine learning algorithms. These algorithms are trained on large datasets of images to create new artworks based on specific prompts. As an artist, it's natural to have concerns about the use of copyrighted material by AI programs to generate new art. Although AI-generated music is protected by copyright laws, there are currently no such laws in place for AI art. Its important to understand this concern and see where the roots of the “No AI art” fears come from.

I think however, it's important to look at the topic objectively and push past impulsive fear that may arise. In the end, I feel, that AI art is a new medium, much like photography and digital art.

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Creating in the Pandemic: My unexpected link to Van Gogh

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Creating in the Pandemic: My unexpected link to Van Gogh

Creating in the Pandemic: My unexpected link to Van Gogh

I went down the well of the life of Vincent Van Gogh and discovered something about myself and how we as artists face disillusion.

As some of you know, back in March, I completed a painting called "Last Walk to the wheatfield" which was inspired by the last days of Vincent Van Gogh. This was my 2nd, built from the ground up, painting that was personally inspired. The painting before this was the one based on a nightmare I had when I was 10. I named that painting "Omen" and there is a blog here about it if you are so inclined. The process of that painting as invigorating, personal, and made me want to make more personal works.

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Painting my Nightmare

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Painting my Nightmare

This image has been left to live in my brain for almost 40 years. Now it is here for you to see… for better or worse.

I grew up on a farm. Mostly cows and horses but on occasion their were chickens, ducks, the odd pig or goat, but between animals, a garden, the majority of the houses food came from the farm. This translates into all the work associated with running a farm. Anyone who also grew up on a farm gets it.

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The story of my 5 Favourite Paintings

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The story of my 5 Favourite Paintings

So like any parent.. I love all my children… err paintings… but there are some that have stories of note and reasons why I love them. My nephew Ben is working on a project for University where they had to write about the history of an artist of note… he got permission to use me as his subject. How cool right! So as I spent time detailing information on some paintings for him.. I thought you would enjoy this as well.

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Recognizing and Counteracting Magic

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What’s interesting to me is that I don’t always know the source of inspiration or how to feed it, I’m just acutely aware of when I’m in the moment of it happening. When I have to pick up my idea book and write something down. When I obsess about a photo reference for weeks or even months awaiting the opportunity to turn it into a finished piece worthy of the drive that it instilled.

When those flashes hit, I feel, I create some of my best pieces. My Sable Island horses were inspired by a dream I had while trying to think of a good “horse based” subject to paint for an auction.