As part of its Business Saturdays’ series, Heartland Art Club welcomes this special workshop on Nov. 15, from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
“Quiet Cove,” 48 x 24, byTimothy K Hamilton. This painting was inspired by a reference photo the artist created using AI.
By Kara Dicker
In the few years since Artificial Intelligence has become a household term, Timothy K Hamilton has been busy. To date, he’s created thousands of AI-generated images that he uses as reference photos in his work as a landscape painter.
“AI gave me the chance to make images that I could make more similar to what I wanted my artwork to look like,” Tim says.
The artist’s landscapes, which celebrate an electrifyingly brilliant color palette, are as rich in vibrant color as they are large, typically 48” x 24.” Before AI, Tim relied on his own photography for reference images, but they were more representational than he wanted. Once AI became his discovery tool, he could explore possibilities in the contemporary style he was after.
“I’ve enjoyed making about 8,000 AI images,” he says, “which gives me a lot from which to select a reference for a painting.”
This month, as part of Heartland Art Club’s Business Saturdays’ series, Tim will share what he’s learned in his AI journey. AI – A New Tool for Creativity is a one-day workshop on Nov. 15 from 1-2:30 p.m. Participants will learn about the popular image creation program Midjourney, which uses prompts to generate images according to specifications, including art styles and mediums. He will also introduce Midlibrary.io, a free resource to use with Midjourney. Additionally, Tim will discuss copyright and address some of the apprehension surrounding the use of AI. Afterward, he will be available to offer individual assistance and additional resources.
“I hope I can generate some excitement and alleviate some resistance and fears about graphical AI,” Tim says of the workshop. “I’ve experienced it as a useful tool for my own creativity, and I want to share my excitement.”
Tim’s enthusiasm for AI is rooted in his lifelong interest in new technology. Before becoming a full-time artist, he had a career in the banking industry that began when personal computers were brand new. “I’ve used personal computers since 1980,” Tim says. He not only used them early on but also learned to build his own. Today, Tim’s primary hard drive, which he built, is eight terabytes (8,000 gigabytes). He has two other “huge” drives as backups. “I need to make my own since I need so much more data storage than most.”
As someone who pioneers new technology with optimism, he’s encountered some resistance within the art world. He recently submitted a painting to the prestigious Artists Magazine for its annual competition, where he was thrilled to have been awarded third place in the Cityscape/Landscape division. When he was asked to write about the inspiration and process of making the painting, he thought nothing of it. “I excitedly described how I had been creating original AI landscapes and then using them as a starting point,” he says. A few days later, the magazine rescinded his award, informing him that the rules did not allow for anything AI-related.
Tim knew the rule but did not perceive that it applied to its use in generating reference images. “I had interpreted the rule as ‘not submitting anything created by AI,’ which, of course, would be unethical,” he says. Adding that the loss of the award was disappointing, he says he believes it will take time for the art world to come to terms with AI usage.
Meanwhile, Tim views resistance to AI through the lens of perspective. “New technology, whether the camera, Photoshop, and so on, has always met with resistance, as does all change for many people,” he says. However, he points out that the incredibly rapid development of AI within the last three to four years sets this technology apart from others. “There will be significant disturbances and challenges as well as benefits from adopting AI.”
The son of Methodist missionaries, Tim was born in Aspen, Colorado, but soon moved to Bolivia, where he spent 11 the first 14 years of his life. He became fluent in Spanish and was surrounded by views of amazing landscapes. “For several years, I lived 100 miles from any electricity, on the shores of Lake Titicaca at 12,500 feet,” he recalls. “Seeing billions of stars and views of Mount Illampu, a 21,000-foot-high peak, was astonishing.”
It wasn’t until his junior year as a psychology major at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, that he discovered his passion for art through painting and ceramics. After his first experience achieving the immersive and creative “totally in the moment” state of mind known as flow, Tim decided to add a degree in art in addition to psychology.
While primarily a panoramic landscape painter, Tim is a prolific photographer and neo-classical music composer. He has an extensive online presence that includes YouTube videos of his music compositions, travels, the art of other artists and museums, as well as AI images. In the St. Louis area, his painting has been featured in numerous juried exhibitions and solo shows. This month, he will have a solo exhibition at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, where he will feature 13 paintings, most of which are 48” x 24.” The opening reception is Nov. 19 from 4-7 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral in Downtown will premiere a choral and organ composition of his on Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. In December, his photography will be on display at the Renaissance Marriott Airport Hotel.
Tim describes himself as a proud member of Heartland Art Club, where he volunteers as a gallery host. He is also a member of the Saint Louis Artists’ Guild and is a juried member of the GSLA (Greater Saint Louis Artists), who make the Queeny Park art shows possible.
Timothy K Hamilton is a landscape painter, photographer, music composer, and AI enthusiast.