Traditional (Analog) vs. Digital vs. Ai Art

Nowadays, a question often asked by those looking at paintings is: "Is this digital art?" When asked what they mean by 'digital art' the usual answer is: "Made by a computer."

One would think that the answer to this question would be simple. But it's not. Here's why: 

The terms Traditional art and Analog art refer to the SAME process whereas Digital and Ai art refer to two entirely different processes.

Digital art isn't 'made by a computer' any more than (Traditional) analog art is 'made by a paint brush.' Electronic tablets (computers) and paint brushes are tools that require a human to produce art.

Many who use the term 'digital art' in a derogatory or negative way fail to consider that just as a traditional artist uses a canvas, digital artists use an electronic screen as their canvas to create their unique pieces. It's simply a choice of medium.

In short:

Artists who produce art solely using paint and brushes on canvas, wood, walls etc. are known as Analog (Traditional) artists.

Artists who produce art solely using styluses on electronic screens are known as Digital artists.

Mixed Media artists are those who create art using a captivating blend of diverse materials and techniques—like paint, paper, fabric, found objects (such as buttons), digital images, photographs, patterns, chalk, graphite, sand and many others. This fusion creates a distinctive and intriguing work of art that stands out for its interesting originality and uniqueness.

Ai - Only that which is generated completely by artificial intelligence - which uses advanced programming to scour the internet for art and then seeks to 'sample' this art in order to realistically provide a simulation of an existing artist's works - is called Ai art. 

Art Is Ever Evolving

Question: Which medium (how and on what surface) should be considered 'real' or 'true' art? Consider this: cave artists used natural pigments from charcoal and ochre and, of course, cave walls; ancient Egyptian artists used papyrus and ink; Greeks and Romans advanced the use of wax tablets and metal styluses; Asian artists living in 900-1500 A.D. used soot, glue and silk; Renaissance artists and those in the 18th and 19th century began using paper, graphite, chalk, oil, watercolor, tempura; 20th century artists introduced acrylic, markers and digital drawing tools. So, which of these are truly real art? 

I find it telling that when digital cameras began to be popular the 'great debate' was about whether digital photography was 'real' photography or 'art' or if only those who created photos with film and in a darkroom could be considered artists? Today that question isn't any longer asked. Why? Simple: digital cameras are in practically everyone's hands in the form of a phone and it's we recognize it's not simply the act of snapping a photo that makes it art. Rather, it's the intention and the vision of the photographer regardless of what type of camera they use.

Comparing Examples of Modern Day Artists

When people think of artists who paint, it's normal to think of people like Bob Ross, O'Keefe, Cornbread (McCray), Van Gogh, Banksy, Picasso, Cassatt or... well, you get the idea.

Their brushstrokes have inspired countless artists. They are considered 'masters.' But here's a challenge for you: 

Look at these three watercolor paintings. Can you tell which is done with traditional paints and brushes and which is done with a stylus? Unless you're an art major, you probably can't.

In short, art is art, regardless of how it is created.

I hope this has helped give you a bit of insight and understanding.

For a much more in-depth discussion of the differences you can look up:

https://www.oxgadgets.com/2018/02/digital-vs-analogue-art.html

BTW, you can look up the artists who produced the three portraits above. In order of appearance, they are:

Layers (Pseudonym)
Oberholster Venita
Rogger Oncoy