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For a long time, the hardest part of painting wasn’t the painting.
It was everything that came before it.
Getting the proportions right. Fixing the composition. Redrawing things that just didn’t look right. By the time I actually started painting, I was already frustrated.
So I started experimenting with a different approach.
Instead of trying to figure everything out by hand, I took a photo and used ChatGPT to turn it into a simple black and white sketch. Nothing fancy—just something clean enough to understand the shapes.
Then I tried a few different versions.
One had bold outlines.
One focused on light and shadow.
Another simplified everything into basic shapes.
Right away, I could see the difference. Instead of guessing how to start, I had options. I could choose the version that made the painting feel easiest.
From there, I projected the sketch onto my canvas and lightly traced the main shapes.
No overthinking. No redoing the drawing three times.
I just started painting.
And honestly, it changed everything.
The painting process felt smoother. I wasn’t fighting the setup anymore. I could focus on color, brushwork, and actually enjoying it.
I’m not saying this replaces skill—it doesn’t. You still have to paint. But it removes a lot of the friction that slows you down.
If you’ve ever felt stuck before even starting a painting, this might help.
I put together a short guide with the exact prompts and process I’ve been using.
It’s simple, practical, and designed to be used while you paint—not just read.
If you want to check it out, here it is: A Practical Guide for Acrylic Painters Using ChatGPT & Projection
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