Artist Lori McNee Uses AI as Tool in Creation of Wildlife Painting 'Silent Vigil'

Artist Lori McNee has created a new oil painting titled 'Silent Vigil' that depicts bull elk in a serene landscape. The work, measuring 40x30 inches, was developed using artificial intelligence as a conceptual aid alongside traditional artistic methods. McNee employed AI to generate initial visual ideas and compositional elements, which she then refined through her own drawing, underpainting, and painting processes. The artist emphasizes that AI served as a supplementary tool similar to photography or digital software, not as a replacement for artistic skill. The painting is now available for purchase through Illume Gallery. McNee cites artistic influences including Chauncey Ryder, Morton Solberg, Roy M. Mason, and George Inness in her approach to tonalism and atmospheric effects.