Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the art world in unimaginable ways. Artists, collectors, and enthusiasts navigate the shifting landscape where AI tools reshape art creation, analysis, and valuation. AI integration in art is still in its early stages, but its foothold in the market is firm, and its growth trajectory shows immense potential, especially as the technology matures.
One of the most intriguing aspects of AI integration in this field is the birth of new art forms. After all, AI-generated paintings, sculptures, and even music depart from traditional artistic methods, pushing boundaries of creativity. Aside from fostering creativity, AI democratizes art, making it accessible to wider audiences through digital platforms.
Forward-looking artists like Michael VanPatten utilize this democratization to explore their passion for art and improve their artistic process. Michael’s work illustrates the limitless potential of AI in art in a manner that reinforces traditional methods instead of decimating them. His unique professional and artistic journey led to this approach of marrying conventional methods with continuously developing technology like AI in art.
Despite initially choosing to immerse himself in mathematics, physics, and technology during college, Michael’s aptitude tests hinted he could also thrive as an artist. This revelation encouraged him to explore and enjoy the best of both worlds, taking on drawing, painting, graphics, arts, and photography classes while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Systems Analysis at Elmira College.
After obtaining a master’s degree in Marketing and Finance at George Mason University, Michael continued his professional journey, transitioning through various roles, from Vice President of Sales and Marketing to delving into mergers and acquisitions. He eventually assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer for multiple technology companies, solidifying his presence in the corporate landscape.
Michael returned to his artistic roots after selling his most recent company last year. He rekindled his passion for photography, which had been a constant endeavor during his travels around the globe. Beaches, boats, islands, waterfalls, marinas, golf courses, cityscapes, interesting structures, and wildlife became Michael’s favorite subjects. His renewed commitment to his passion for capturing new interesting sites urged him to acquire a boat named the ViewFinder, after which the digital shop art gallery he later established was named.
The seasoned professional’s venture into AI-driven art began two years ago. With an extensive background in software, he learned AI’s capabilities and found interest in enhancing the surrealism of his past oil paintings with digital tools. As he used AI to breathe new life into the photographs he took decades ago, Michael dedicated his time to curating a collection of surreal images that challenged the viewer’s perception and offered a fresh perspective on composition and color.
Michael’s art process blends the old with the new, incorporating cutting-edge AI technology with traditional techniques. He found a particular interest in exploring techniques like overlaying images to create an illusion of the subject emerging from a portal, creating a dynamic effect. This method has become his signature style, including himself as “the viewfinder” in almost all works.
One remarkable piece in Michael’s collection is titled “Robot at the Vatican.” The artwork portrays a robot either emerging from or entering a portal, presenting a surreal depiction against the backdrop of the Vatican. “The symbolism is layered. The Vatican often represents spiritual and existential themes. I created this with the uncertainty of the world in mind, questioning whether other beings or creatures exist that we just can’t grasp yet,” the creative shared. This composition perfectly captures the combination of technology, spirituality, and the unknown.
Michael’s recently launched website, hosted on the Art Storefronts platform, features more of his AI-generated abstract pieces. The artist gravitates toward compositions with depth and intrigue and focuses on creating abstract art. Each is a product of photography, eventually augmented through AI techniques. With this, Michael’s collection blurs the lines between reality and imagination.
Aside from his various endeavors as an artist, adjunct business professor, and board member for a software company, Michael promotes and supports fellow artists as a member of Alpha Arts Guild, a non-profit organization aiming to nurture a community where creativity thrives. Michael also partners with charitable organizations, allowing them to feature his work to captivate and resonate with diverse audiences.
Ultimately, Michael VanPatten encourages artists to reimagine limitless possibilities in the art world through AI integration. He remarked, “It all boils down to exploring the best avenue to convey our imagination. I once saw a blue heron gracefully flying over a pond. I captured the precise moment when it just left the ground, feathers almost brushing the surface. Wanting to transform the photo into something more, I used AI to play with colors, alter positions, and refine the composition. The result was a work of art appreciated by many.”
