These two paintings are based on intermediate stages captured during the running of a google algorithm for people recognition:
Children Listening and Running Legs
These paintings are based on digital images that my son Karl Zipser created using an early Google image recognition algorithm. At the time — before large language models like ChatGPT were widely known — researchers and artists were exploring how artificial neural networks ‘see’ the world.
Karl used a type of deep learning model called a convolutional neural network (CNN). These networks were trained to recognize people and objects by passing an image through many layers, each one detecting different visual features like edges, textures, and shapes. Instead of keeping only the final answer (like ‘person’ or ‘dog’), Karl extracted and visualized what the computer ‘saw’ in the intermediate feature maps — the raw, dreamlike patterns that form before the model decides what’s in the picture.
These intermediate images reveal how the machine’s ‘vision’ works: fragments of figures, repeating shapes, and hints of eyes, legs, or fur woven together in unexpected ways. Later, techniques like DeepDream became more widely known for producing similar hallucinatory effects.
I found these early digital explorations deeply inspiring — they captured a strange energy, somewhere between recognition and abstraction. I used Karl’s generated images as starting points for my own paintings, reinterpreting the layered patterns, colors, and forms in oil on canvas. Each piece connects my brushwork with this glimpse into the hidden inner workings of artificial vision.
I see these works as a bridge between the emerging digital world and my own hands — a conversation between what the computer finds and what the human eye and mind choose to keep.
Fantastic!
Thank you, Paul. I’m redoing my website and just noticed that the old post had been turned off. Karl Zipser was experimenting with this algorithm for fun in the early days of AI, before large language models like ChatGPT came on the scene. I really enjoyed using his generated images as inspiration for my paintings. – A friend who lived in New Mexico thought that the first one reminded her of some NM folklore about children listening — hence the name. I have a third painting that I’ll photograph and add soon. Karl stopped generating these images a long time ago, but I still have some left that I’ve been
contemplating painting. Or, I could just invent more of them myself!
Interesting concept . The colors are muted like watercolors. Interesting animation. I commend you on your continued experimentation.
Barb, I really enjoy looking at the panel in my den. I have a third one that I need to photograph and add. – This is what I replied to Paul’s comment: I’m redoing my website and just noticed that the old post had been turned off. Karl Zipser was experimenting with this algorithm for fun in the early days of AI, before large language models like ChatGPT came on the scene. I really enjoyed using his generated images as inspiration for my paintings. – A friend who lived in New Mexico thought that the first one reminded her of some NM folklore about children listening — hence the name. I have a third painting that I’ll photograph and add soon. Karl stopped generating these images a long time ago, but I still have some left that I’ve been contemplating painting. Or, I could just invent more of them myself!
Always mind expanding to see your latest…keep them coming
Cindy, mind-expanding!!! I’m trying to improve my website and just noticed that this old post had been turned off. Years ago, it was so much easier to get advice from website hosting companies — now I have to jump through hoops before I reach a human. A real cognitive challenge for my brain! – This is what I replied to Paul’s comment above: Karl Zipser was experimenting with this algorithm for fun in the early days of AI, before large language models like ChatGPT came on the scene. I really enjoyed using his generated images as inspiration for my paintings. A friend who lived in New Mexico thought that the first one reminded her of some NM folklore about children listening — hence the name. I have a third painting that I’ll photograph and add soon. Karl stopped generating these images a long time ago, but I still have some left that I’ve been contemplating painting. Or, I could just invent more of them myself!