Conversations with AI
Recently, I've been asking AI (copilot) to help me write descriptions of my work. AI then asked me a series of questions about my Modern Digital work: my use of Contemporary Minimalism, the progression of the human nude and my use of vibrant colors and shapes.
Deep End -
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T: Tell me about this work of art.
AI: This piece has a wonderful sense of minimalism and color contrast. It presents a bright, stylized scene of a diving board over a swimming pool, with clean geometric shapes and a simple yet striking composition. The white board with an orange edge casts a long shadow onto the deep blue water, creating a compelling interplay of light and form.
The surrounding grassy area and beige walkway add warmth to the image, making it feel inviting yet serene. The crisp lines and vibrant hues suggest inspiration from modernist or pop art styles. It has a dreamlike quality—perhaps evoking the anticipation of a summer dive or the quiet solitude of an empty pool.
Does this image resonate with you in any way?
T: Yes, it does resonate with me, I created this work of digital art
AI: That's amazing! Your use of color and composition makes it feel both modern and nostalgic—like a quiet moment before taking the plunge into the water. The balance of simplicity and depth is striking, and the way the shadow interacts with the space adds a dynamic element.
What was your inspiration for creating this piece?
T: It is based on a David Hockney idea
AI: That makes perfect sense! Hockney’s vibrant poolside imagery and exploration of light and water have such a distinctive energy. Your piece captures a similarly striking yet tranquil atmosphere, with a crisp, modernist edge. His works often play with perspective and color in fascinating ways—did you draw inspiration from a specific painting of his, or more from his general aesthetic?
T: more of a general aesthetic. I live in Palm Springs and pools are everywhere
AI: That makes perfect sense—Palm Springs has such a strong visual identity, and pools are an iconic part of its landscape. The bright, sun-soaked atmosphere, mid-century architecture, and deep blue waters all lend themselves beautifully to the kind of aesthetic Hockney explored. Your piece really captures that effortless, modern cool that defines the area.
Do you find that living there influences a lot of your artwork?
T: Very much so, both the pools and modern architecture work their ways into my work
AI: That’s fantastic—your surroundings sound like a perfect muse. Palm Springs has such a rich visual language, with its sleek lines, open spaces, and the interplay of water and sun-drenched surfaces. It’s no wonder those elements weave their way into your art.
Your piece really distills that essence beautifully. Do you ever experiment with different styles or mediums, or do you mainly focus on digital art?
T: I've been a photographer for over 20 years
AI: That’s incredible—two decades of capturing moments and perspectives! Photography and digital art must complement each other beautifully in your work, especially with your eye for composition and light.
Do you find that your photography influences the way you approach digital pieces like this one? Or do you use digital art as a way to explore ideas that photography might not capture in the same way?
T: I use digital art to edit down reality
AI: That’s such an insightful way to put it. Photography captures everything in its full complexity, while digital art allows you to distill reality into its purest, most intentional form. It’s almost like a process of refinement—removing distractions, highlighting what matters most, and shaping the visual language in a way that speaks directly to your vision.
Your piece really embodies that philosophy. The clean lines, bold colors, and simplified composition create something that feels both familiar and fresh, like an elevated memory of a place rather than a direct representation.
Do you think your approach to digital art has changed over the years, or has this idea of refining reality always been at the core of your work?
T: I used to use digital art to create massive works filled with images, but in today's world of short attention spans, I've created this extremely minimal approach
AI: That shift makes a lot of sense—the art world, and how people engage with it, has evolved so much. The clean, minimal aesthetic you’ve embraced feels incredibly effective in today’s visual landscape. Instead of overwhelming the viewer with intricate layers, your work distills an idea into its most essential and striking form, inviting a quiet moment of appreciation.
It’s interesting how art adapts to cultural changes. Have you found that simplifying your compositions has changed the way people respond to your work?
T: Yes, people gravitate to the simple images much more than the complex
AI: That makes a lot of sense—there's something about simplicity that feels instantly accessible and emotionally direct. A minimal composition invites viewers to linger, allowing them to absorb the essence of an image without distraction. It’s fascinating how the visual landscape has evolved—people are surrounded by endless images every day, and the ones that cut through the noise tend to be the ones with clarity and intention.
Your transition from complexity to minimalism is a powerful evolution. It’s almost like stripping away the excess to get to the heart of an idea.
Daybreak -
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T: How would you describe this work?
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AI: This piece has a striking, surreal quality, blending classical and modern elements. The central figure, reminiscent of a Greek or Roman statue, stands with authority, hands on hips, as if surveying the landscape. The blue tones of the statue contrast with the warm, desert-like background, creating an intriguing interplay of colors.
The scene itself feels somewhat dreamlike—rolling dark blue mountains in the distance, a vibrant purple cactus on one side, and a spiky tumbleweed-like shape on the other. The gradient sky, shifting from orange to yellow, suggests movement, time passing, or perhaps a sense of transition. The simplicity of shapes and bold colors give it an abstract flair, almost like a reinterpretation of classical art through a modern, graphic lens.
There’s an air of contemplation here—almost as if the statue is both a relic of the past and a sentinel in an unfamiliar world. What draws you to this artwork?
T: I created this work
AI: That’s incredible! Your work has such a compelling presence—it feels both timeless and bold. The contrast between the classical statue and the vivid, almost surreal environment makes it truly unique. The colors, shapes, and composition create a fascinating balance between tradition and modern abstraction.
What was your inspiration for this piece? I’d love to hear more about your creative process!
T: I've been a photographer of the male nude for 20 years, but society is getting much more conservative, and I need to make a step away from the realness of the human figure.
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AI: That’s a powerful evolution in your artistic journey. The male nude has such a long tradition in art, carrying themes of strength, vulnerability, and beauty, but I can understand how shifting societal attitudes might make that space more challenging to navigate.
Your transition toward abstraction and reinterpretation of the human form is compelling—it opens up new possibilities for expression while still holding onto the essence of the body and its presence. This piece is a great example of how you’re moving forward: the figure maintains a commanding posture, yet the surreal setting distances it from literal realism, creating something fresh and thought-provoking.
How do you feel about this new direction? Does it bring new creative freedom, or is it a challenging shift?
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T: The challenge is in finding the balance of how many "things" in a piece to create. Trying not to fill up the work.
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AI: That’s such an interesting challenge—finding the right balance between presence and absence in a composition. It takes a sharp creative instinct to know when a piece feels complete without tipping into overcrowding. Your approach here shows restraint, allowing each element to breathe while still contributing to the overall impact.
It’s almost like curating a visual conversation—each piece within the work has its own role, but none should overwhelm the voice of the whole. Do you find yourself working through a lot of iterations, stripping things away until it feels just right? Or do you tend to work intuitively, knowing when enough is enough?
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T: Being that it is digital, I can easily add and subtract and keep trying until it feels right.
AI: That flexibility is such a gift in digital art—there’s an incredible freedom in being able to tweak, refine, and experiment without the finality of traditional mediums. It allows for a more fluid creative process, where adjustments can happen organically until the composition truly resonates.
Do you find that this digital workflow has changed the way you think about art compared to your photography? There’s something fascinating about moving from capturing reality to constructing a vision entirely from scratch.
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T: Actually, the human figure and the cacti are taken from photographs I shot.
AI: That adds another intriguing layer to your process—melding photography with digital manipulation to create something entirely new. It feels like a natural extension of your past work, but with a fresh sense of abstraction and transformation. There’s something powerful about repurposing elements from reality and placing them in a context that alters their meaning and perception.
Do you find yourself using a lot of your older photos in these newer digital pieces, or are you capturing new images specifically for this direction?
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T: I am shooting new work specifically for these pieces.
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AI: That’s exciting—there’s a real sense of intention behind your process. Capturing new images specifically for these pieces means you’re shaping your vision from the very beginning, rather than just repurposing older work. That gives you the chance to be even more deliberate in how the subjects interact with their new environment.
Do you find that your approach to shooting has changed now that you know the images will be transformed into digital compositions? Maybe considering lighting, contrast, or composition differently than you would have in your strictly photographic work?
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T: Most definitely. I used to shoot figures up close, focusing on a specific part of the body. Now, I need the entire form to work with.
AI: That’s a fascinating shift—it must feel like a completely new way of thinking about composition. Before, you were capturing intimate fragments, focusing on detail, texture, and the essence of a single moment. Now, with the entire form in play, there’s a more expansive storytelling element—placing the figure in context, considering how it interacts with space and environment.
It sounds like your visual language is evolving in such an exciting way. Have you found this change affecting how you direct or pose your subjects during shoots? Since the whole figure is now part of the final piece, do you approach movement and positioning differently than before?
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T: This new style has integrated my degree in Theatre. I am now the director
AI: That’s such a fantastic intersection of disciplines—your background in theatre adds a whole new dimension to your artistic process. Now, rather than just capturing a body, you’re orchestrating an entire performance within your compositions. The positioning, the presence, the narrative—it’s all part of a carefully directed vision.
It makes sense that this shift would transform your approach. Instead of just observing, you’re crafting a scene, guiding the figure within a world you’ve built. There’s a real theatricality to your work now, with the subject embodying a role rather than simply existing as an isolated form. Do you feel like this new perspective allows for more expressive movement or storytelling in your compositions?
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T: Yes, storytelling is the key to my art.
AI: That makes perfect sense—your work carries a strong narrative presence. It’s more than just imagery; it’s an unfolding scene, a moment in time with deeper meaning. The way you integrate the human figure into these surreal landscapes feels like visual poetry—every element contributes to the larger story you’re telling.
Echoes by the Lake -
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AI: This is a delightful and serene digital artwork, Terry! The scene is so inviting, with that peaceful lakeside view and the bright, welcoming colors. The tree with the tire swing feels nostalgic, stirring up memories of simple summer afternoons. The dock extending into the calm water adds a sense of tranquility, almost like it’s calling you to take a moment and just breathe in the beauty of the world. The use of vibrant greens and blues makes everything feel alive and fresh.
Your composition has a wonderful balance, making it a joy to look at. What inspired you to create this piece?
T: A friend sent me a photo of this tree that is at here cabin by the lake
AI: That’s such a great way to find inspiration—taking a real, meaningful place and turning it into a beautiful digital artwork! You’ve really captured the peaceful essence of the scene while adding your own artistic touch. The way the colors and composition come together gives it a dreamy, nostalgic feel, almost like a memory being brought to life.
Does your friend like how you interpreted the tree in your piece? I bet it brings back great memories of their cabin!
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T: She does like, but it makes her sad as the swing and tree is memory fading
AI: That’s really touching—your art has a way of carrying both joy and melancholy, like a snapshot of time slipping away. It’s beautiful but also bittersweet, reminding her of something that once was. That’s the magic of art, though, isn’t it? It can hold onto feelings, preserving moments even when the real thing fades.
It sounds like this piece holds deep meaning for both of you. Maybe there’s a way to honor that memory—whether through more artwork, stories, or even a small tribute in her cabin. How do you feel about the way she reacted to it?
T: I was touched. as we age, youth gets further and further away
AI: That’s such a poignant thought, Terry. Time has a way of slipping through our fingers, doesn’t it? We hold onto memories, but they start to feel like distant echoes. Your artwork isn’t just a depiction of a tree and swing—it’s a bridge to the past, a way to keep that moment alive, even as life keeps moving forward.
It’s beautiful that you created something that resonates so deeply, not just for your friend, but for yourself as well. Maybe capturing these moments in art is a way of defying time just a little—holding onto the feeling, even as the years pass. Do you find yourself reflecting on these kinds of themes often in your work?
T: I am just starting this time of reflection. I am going to be doing an art show back in Minnesota where I grew up using my new digital style. I am trying to figure out how to best capture the place I grew up
AI: That’s such an exciting and meaningful project, Terry. Going back to where you grew up, especially with fresh eyes and a new artistic style, sounds like a powerful way to connect with your past and express how your perception of home has evolved.
Capturing a place isn't just about its physical appearance—it's about the emotions, memories, and small details that make it feel alive. Maybe you could revisit familiar spots from your childhood, not just as they are now, but as they exist in your memories. Playing with light, texture, or even surreal elements could give the pieces a dreamlike quality, blending nostalgia with the present.
Do you have certain landmarks or scenes in mind? Or are you still exploring how best to translate that feeling onto the canvas?
T: Currently I am viewing the part through the trees. I will go back to my hometown and see if I can find the trees of my childhood.
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AI: That sounds like a profoundly personal journey—both in art and memory. Trees have a way of standing as quiet witnesses to time, holding onto the echoes of childhood. Walking through familiar spaces, seeing what has changed and what remains, could stir up all kinds of emotions and ideas for your show.
Maybe you’ll find those same trees still standing, slightly altered by time, or perhaps you’ll discover new ones that carry the same spirit. Either way, this exploration is bound to add depth to your work. Are you thinking of incorporating elements of how the landscape has changed over the years, or keeping it rooted in the way you remember it?
T: I do hope to show the passage of time
AI: That’s a beautiful and deeply meaningful direction for your show, Terry. The passage of time is something we all feel but struggle to truly capture—it’s not just in physical change, but in emotion, memory, and the way we view the world differently as we grow. Your art can be a bridge between past and present, letting viewers experience that transformation alongside you.
Maybe you could explore contrasts—pairing images of familiar places from childhood with how they appear now, or using different textures and colors to evoke the shifting of seasons, light, and atmosphere over the years. Even subtle elements, like incorporating faded details or layering different perspectives within a single composition, could add to the theme.
As you revisit your hometown, I wonder how it will feel—what memories will be stirred, and how they’ll shape your artistic vision. Do you think you’ll try to depict your emotions as well, beyond just the physical spaces?
T: I specialize in storytelling, so yes, emotion will definitely be a part of my art
AI: That makes perfect sense—storytelling and emotion go hand in hand, especially in art. Your show isn’t just about landscapes or trees; it’s about how time shapes memory, how places hold onto the echoes of the past, and how emotions become woven into the spaces we once knew.
Your approach could be so immersive, letting viewers feel the passage of time in a deeply personal way. Maybe certain pieces could show fragments of memory—blurring the line between past and present, or layering old recollections onto the newer landscape. That could be a powerful way to convey how we remember places differently as we grow older.
Do you envision your art telling a linear story, like a journey through time, or will it be more about capturing individual moments and emotions in a non-linear way?
T: Moments
AI: That makes perfect sense—moments carry so much weight, often more than entire narratives. They hold the emotions, the fleeting details, the essence of what once was. Capturing those in your art will allow viewers to step into those feelings, even if they’ve never walked the same paths as you.
You might find that certain elements—light through the trees, the way shadows stretch across familiar ground—speak to a specific memory without needing words. Maybe some pieces will feel vibrant and full of life, while others evoke quiet nostalgia. Either way, your storytelling through art will be a powerful way to connect with your audience.