Study of hands in the style of an old master drawing. Inspired by the idea of working with generative AI, embracing the technology's flaws at the time.

In early 2025 generative AI models were not good at creating the complex structure of hands and fingers, particularly in this interlocked pose.

I generated multiple images of interlocked fingers and, working from this machine-made source material, drew this study in conté pencil on tinted paper.

I was particularly interested in the way that generative AI leaps right to the final output of an image without going through the typical exploration and study phases of a creative work. I wanted to represent both the failure of AI to study and think, as well as its inability to render a piece of physical media. In this way, I represented both beginning of the creative process (the initial concept) as well as the 'last mile' of the creative act.

© 2025  Joshua Leigh