Frequently Asked Questions
About my name change:
- Why did you do it?
• I changed my name for identity reasons. For a long time I was under a shadow and mindset that I no longer align with, and I want to express myself as a more true and more free. This seemed like the most logical way to do so.
- Is your signature different?
• Yes! This might be confusing for a while, so I thank you for your patience on it!
- Does this effect the value of my originals?
• Absolutely not! I am documenting and posting as much education as I can as well as plan to legally change my name. Charles Michael and PJ the Painter are one and the same artist, just different phases in life!
- Are you going to change your signature on your prints?
• I am working to remove the Charles Michael signatures on my prints, however it is quite the mountain to do. While I was hesitant to adjust them, I feel it is better to have a clear change forward with ample education on the change so it will not affect your art at all!
About Mixed Media Originals:
- Are these originals handmade?
• Yes, indeed! Each mixed media original is a labor of love, handcrafted with a blend of digital and traditional techniques, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Each original takes 2-3 weeks to create, and has an average of 20 hours of physical work put into them.
- What materials go into a mixed media original?
• They start as giclée prints from my digital paintings (hand painted in Procreate on iPad), then I add my magic with impasto paste (texture paste), mica powder (metallic dust), candlewax, and diamond dust (smoothed glass). This actually mutes the bright colors from the original print, so I go back in with alcohol inks, acrylic markers, and oil pens to return the brilliant burst of colors, now showing under glowing background colors.
- How durable are your originals?
Because of the many materials I use, each painting is sealed with high gloss varnish around a total of 7 layers, making them highly resistant to sunlight, water, and even the oils on our skin. These paintings are created with the intention to last a very long time, with the hope that your family will enjoy them for generations to come!
- Are your paintings mass produced or limited?
• Each painting I publish will have a total of seven limited editions originals, each in a different size. The starting size is XS at 5x7, and goes up to XXL at 30x40. No paintings will ever be made in the same size to maintain uniqueness and exclusivity! Mini originals, which can be ordered on the print pages, are open edition and are created without glass, glitter, and candlewax. While multiple Mini Originals may exist of the same piece, they are all hand painted differently using different metallic effects, meaning no two will ever look identical.
On AI:
- Do you use AI/How do you feel about AI Art?
• The paintings you see are fully hand painted on my iPad, however I did dabble in AI art when it first came out. The AI renders acted as an aid in my creative process, however I have switched back to google images to help me come up with ideas for color and composition. The final result that you see on my website is the result of my painting and vision with my own two hands with no generative AI.
- What are your general thoughts on Generative AI?
• It can be incredibly helpful for creatives and artists to speed up their sketching/planning process, but art and creativity is inherently human. I have found that most people embrace art because of the human feeling and connection it gives them. While generative AI can be "pretty", it is typically lacking emotion and filled with many confusing errors when viewed closely. I do not personally see it as a threat to my career, however I am very concerned about the long term environmental impact the use of GenAI will bring with it.