Likely a display of skill. To draw something photorealisticly you have to know the tiniest details and know how to apply them the right way.

I started a week ago, or well started again cause I always kept quitting for years only drawing once in a blue moon. I couldn't care less about AI. I am trying to create things myself with my own hands. If AI is whats stopping anyone then they should think about why they want to create Art.