There is a special kind of silence that settles over a finished painting. As an artist, I spend hours, days, or even weeks capturing what I envision in a single, frozen moment in time. But in my mind, the scene is never truly still. When I paint, I hear the animals roar, I see the birds’ wings moving; I feel the wind; I sense the breath of the subjects.
Recently, I decided to try something different to bridge the gap between the static image on the canvas and the living, breathing world I envisioned.
Using an AI program called Grok, I took my painting, “All God’s Creatures Great and Small,” and asked a simple question: What if this could move?
Beyond the Canvas
The result was an experience of pure joy.
Watching the animation render for the first time was surreal. Suddenly, the vision I had held in my head for so long was playing out on the screen. It wasn’t just paint anymore.
- The majestic elephant wasn’t just posing; his ears were flapping in a gentle breeze and his trumpet bellowed as he raised his trunk.
- The lion, originally captured in a moment of fierce protection, began to roar.
- The lion and lamb coexisted in peaceful harmony.
- The birds fluttered their wings and lifted in the blue sky, as the clouds drifted by.
- Adam and Eve, the central figures, were no longer just portraits—they were breathing, embracing, and truly alive in their garden.
The Blend of Tradition and Tech
I know there is a lot of debate about Artificial Intelligence in the art world, but for me, this wasn’t about a computer creating art for me. It was about extending the art I had already created. It allowed me to push the boundaries of the canvas and invite you, the viewer, to see exactly what I see in my imagination.
It turns a 2D experience into an immersive story. It brings a new layer of emotion to the piece that I didn’t know was possible until I saw it moving with my own eyes.
See the Original
While the animation captures the spirit of the piece, there is still nothing quite like seeing the texture and brushstrokes of the physical painting.
The original artwork and prints for “All God’s Creatures Great and Small” are currently available at the Oceanside Art Collective.
Location:
427 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA
Come visit, say hello, and let’s talk about creatures great, small, and animated!
JoDee Luna Art 