Testing & Testing and... AI

How good is AI when it comes to providing information about art materials, their quality, how to use them, or, in short, simply looking up this information online?
On a scale of 1 to 10, Copilot scores about a 2. Most of the information is seriously out of date or makes absolutely no sense. Even when asked for links and related images, Copilot is usually way off the mark. For example, the image of a goldfish – you know, that sort of creature – is actually a picture of a packet of crisps with the word ‘goldfish’ printed on it. It also regularly mentions materials that haven’t existed for ages or for which Copilot makes up the method. As soon as I correct this, I get the standard line: ‘I’m going to tell you honestly how it is. 'Without beating about the bush, without any fluff.' Then it spouts the next load of nonsense or parrots what I’ve said, giving me a list of what I’ve already observed after using...
AI cannot even find the information provided by the manufacturer. As it itself admits, it simply draws its own conclusions and hides behind the claim that these comments and definitions are used in the art world. Well, they aren’t. AI is lying

As I mentioned earlier, I tested Fabriano’s paper, the Tiziano green embossed paper that barely holds soft pastels or pastel pencils, let alone allows the pastel to be blended. You can rub as much as you like, but the same result as with pastel mat or bamboo paper can never be achieved.
The so-called charm of this paper is precisely that you can still see the embossing – and thus the lines and colour of the paper – through the sketch. Indeed, Tiziano is intended for sketches or rougher work. You have to like that. It will never be possible to create truly finer paintings with it.

Something like the example below will be difficult.

The most I've managed to achieve so far is the parrot you can see in the next photo.

And where exactly does it go wrong?

The problem lies mainly with the paper.
The quality of the paper determines the end result.
I had previously asked in the painting group why certain soft pastel sticks and pastel pencils leave hardly any colour behind. The group never gave me an answer, but after watching several reviews on YouTube, I’ve come to the conclusion that if the paper is too smooth or untextured (which is the case with this embossed paper), the pastel simply doesn’t adhere. This is actually more common when harder soft pastels are used, including the pencils. It also tends to be more of an issue with certain colours.
This means, therefore, that virtually every type of paper requires its own specific type of pastel, or that only certain colours show up well on it, meaning you have to buy several different brands. Those who cannot afford this are better off working with charcoal and a bit of colour, or limiting the number of colours used.

The following is certainly too detailed, but I will try to find a way to blend the pastel or at least make the whole thing look better. Perhaps with water or alcohol, or all three.

_{18-5-2026
All photos/art plus experiences are mine}