Pencils Meet Pixels: Integrating AI Into Drawing Pedagogy at the University of Education, Winneba.

We present a phenomenological study on a sample of 10 Level 300 Art Education Students and three lecturers who utilised artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the Independent Studies in Drawing course at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). The study, premised on the objective of the course, inspires students to make critical interventions in drawing history by exploring varied tools, materials, and concepts to question the norms of drawing. Samples of student works, along with in-depth interviews, formed part of the analysis. The study revealed no single “correct” way of utilising AI, as three distinct archetypes emerged: the AI Purist, driven by perceived inadequacies in traditional drawing methods; the Hybrid Artist, who sought to assert their inputs; and the Tech-Traditionalist, who used AI as a partner for ideation and rendered their final drawings manually. The study shows that incorporating AI into drawing fosters a new way of thinking. Students’ experiences with AI served as a primary medium for drawing, acting as a creative partner or an inspiration. The findings challenge the simple dichotomy of human versus machine creativity. We envision a future where the artist's unique vision is conveyed through a flexible, personalised blend of digital and traditional techniques.