Gold Earrings

So when I started this piece, I wanted to create a poster design and try to incorporate some graphic design skills in the artwork. Everything was going great until I went to look into the source of the reference image I was using. Turns out to be (probably) AI generated and I'd just put several hours into the painting.
I hate AI, it is a net negative for humanity (not talking about actually good uses like in the medical field) and yet I find myself using chatgpt often. I never generate images but still hypocritical to use any chat bot for "simple" questions etc.
I'm not sure if since the painting is based on a AI model its invalidated as a legitimate portrait or could be seen as hitting back against AI. Because the problem with AI is that it is actually looks good, and thats the issue.
On a surface level, AI is devastating for art and human expression.
Economically AI will destroy humanity, but also AI image/video generation means the death of truth and the shattering of a stable reality.

Did I transform the already "good-looking" ai generated photo into a painting with a soul? Idk, lmk what you think in the comments.

I am pretty happy with this painting, especially with the hair. I've got much better with painting hair that doesn't look like vines.