Chiaroscuro: The Art of Light and Shadow in Image Generation with Stability-ai-ultra
- 10 minutes read - 2002 words
Table of Contents
Chiaroscuro, a dramatic style that plays with contrasting light and shadow, has long been a staple in visual arts. This technique, often used to create depth, mood, and emotional impact, is now being embraced by AI image generation models. By manipulating light and shadow, these models are able to generate images that are not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant. From the stark contrast of a lone knight against a moonlit sky to the flickering shadows of a family gathered around a campfire, chiaroscuro adds a layer of depth and drama to AI-generated scenes. This blog post explores how AI models are mastering this technique, analyzing the results and showcasing the captivating power of chiaroscuro in image generation.
Created with: stability-ai-ultra
Moonlit March: A Knight’s Enigmatic Encounter with a Castle of Intrigue
In the heart of the night, a solitary knight embarks on a mysterious journey towards an imposing castle, bathed in the glow of a full moon and a single torch. The scene, filled with ominous shadows and epic grandeur, sets the stage for an unforgettable tale of courage and destiny.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Epic, hopeful ; A lone knight; wide shot; Heroism; A crumbling castle bathed in moonlight, with a single torch flickering in the distance.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A lone knight in a red cape walks toward a large, imposing stone castle under a full moon. The scene is set in a dark, misty landscape with a cobblestone path leading towards the castle.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : mysterious, dramatic, epic
Quality
Entropy : 6.76
Noise : 97
Prompt Clip Score : 0.31
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : The cobblestone path appears somewhat unnatural, lacking texture, and the knight’s armor looks slightly flat and plastic.
Unveiling the Mysterious Treasure Chest: A Wealth of Adventure Awaits!
Discover an open wooden treasure chest brimming with gold coins, set on a dark rocky surface in a cave-like background. The mysterious scene, illuminated by the chest’s radiant light, promises a thrilling adventure and untold wealth.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Intriguing, mysterious ; A treasure chest overflowing with gold; close-up; Adventure; A dark, shadowy cave with a single ray of light illuminating the chest.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A wooden treasure chest overflowing with gold coins sits in a dark, cavernous setting, with rough stone walls surrounding it. Light from within the chest illuminates the gold and casts shadows on the walls.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : mysterious, adventurous, wealthy
Quality
Entropy : 6.07
Noise : 90
Prompt Clip Score : 0.30
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.90
Image errors : The gold coins appear somewhat blurry and lack a realistic texture.
In the Grip of Cyberfocus: A Tale of Intensity and Isolation
A young man, engulfed in the mesmerizing blue and purple glow of his computer monitor, is seen typing away in a dark room. His intense focus and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow create a captivating cyberpunk scene, evoking a sense of isolation and unwavering dedication.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Focused, intense ; A gamer’s hands on a keyboard; medium shot; Gaming; A dimly lit room with the glow of the computer screen casting shadows on the gamer’s face.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A young man in a dark room is illuminated by colorful light from his computer monitor and keyboard, he is focused on the screen while typing.
Aesthetic Score : 0.6
Mode : intense, focused, digital
Quality
Entropy : 4.98
Noise : 55
Prompt Clip Score : 0.33
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.20
Image errors : No obvious errors, slight noise from low lighting
Solitude and Majesty: A Sunrise Awakening on the Mountaintop
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a breathtaking sunrise as a solitary figure stands atop a majestic mountain, overlooking a vast expanse of peaks bathed in golden light. This serene and contemplative scene evokes a sense of solitude and connection to the grandeur of nature.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Awe-inspiring, contemplative ; A lone traveler standing on a mountain peak; long shot; Tourism; A vast, breathtaking landscape with the sun setting behind the mountains, casting long shadows.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A lone hiker stands on a mountain peak, silhouetted against a breathtaking sunrise over a vast mountain range. The sun’s golden rays illuminate the sky and mountain peaks, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene.
Aesthetic Score : 0.8
Mode : serene, inspiring, majestic
Quality
Entropy : 6.69
Noise : 72
Prompt Clip Score : 0.28
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.10
Image errors : There are no significant artifacts or errors in the image.
Vintage Biplane Soars Over City Skyline at Sunset
Experience the nostalgia and romance of a bygone era as a vintage biplane takes flight over a bustling city skyline during a vibrant sunset. The golden light illuminates the clouds and the city below, creating a warm and hopeful atmosphere. The silhouette of the biplane against the sunset adds a dramatic and visually appealing contrast, transporting viewers to a time of wonder and adventure.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Nostalgic, adventurous ; A vintage airplane flying over a cityscape; medium shot; Travel; A dramatic cityscape with the sun setting behind the buildings, creating a stark contrast between light and shadow.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A vintage biplane flies over a city skyline at sunset. The sky is ablaze with orange and yellow hues, and the city lights are just beginning to twinkle.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : nostalgic, hopeful, romantic
Quality
Entropy : 6.69
Noise : 80
Prompt Clip Score : 0.31
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : The image has a few minor artifacts, such as some aliasing in the clouds and some blurriness in the city skyline.
Warmth and Wonder: A Family’s Cozy Campfire Gathering
In the heart of a dark forest, a family of four huddles around a crackling campfire, their faces illuminated by its warm glow. The scene exudes an intimate and cozy mood, with the fire serving as the dramatic focal point, creating a sense of comfort and togetherness.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Warm, intimate ; A family gathered around a campfire; medium shot; Family; A dark forest with the flames of the campfire casting flickering shadows on the family’s faces.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A family of four, two adults and two children, are sitting around a campfire in a forest at night. The fire is bright and warm, and the family is enjoying each other’s company.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : cozy, warm, family
Quality
Entropy : 6.28
Noise : 90
Prompt Clip Score : 0.33
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.20
Image errors : No significant errors
Lone Figure Faces the Fury of the Sea
A solitary figure stands on a cliff, dwarfed by the raging sea and its towering waves crashing against the rocks. The dark, rain-filled sky adds to the dramatic and melancholic mood, emphasizing the vulnerability of humans against the raw power of nature.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Dramatic, suspenseful ; A lone figure standing on a cliff edge; long shot; Heroism; A stormy sea with crashing waves, the figure silhouetted against the dramatic sky.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A lone figure stands on a cliff edge, facing a tumultuous sea with large waves crashing against the rocks. The sky is dark and stormy, with rain falling heavily.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : dramatic, ominous, melancholic
Quality
Entropy : 6.81
Noise : 94
Prompt Clip Score : 0.32
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.60
Image errors : There are some minor artifacts around the edges of the figure and the waves, likely due to compression or editing.
Unravel the Mysteries of Asia: A Vintage Map Illuminated by Candlelight
Experience the nostalgia and adventure of a bygone era with this vintage map of Asia, beautifully lit by a single candle. The warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for exploring the continent’s rich history and culture, while the dramatic shadows cast by the candlelight add an element of mystery and intrigue.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Intriguing, mysterious ; A map spread out on a table; close-up; Adventure; A dimly lit room with a single candle illuminating the map, casting long shadows.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A vintage map spread out on a wooden table, illuminated by a single candle in a candlestick. The candle casts warm, inviting light.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : mysterious, nostalgic, romantic
Quality
Entropy : 6.51
Noise : 80
Prompt Clip Score : 0.35
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.10
Image errors : Some slight noise in the shadows, particularly around the edges of the map.
Lost in Neon: A Futuristic Odyssey
In this vibrant and mysterious scene, a lone astronaut stands amidst a futuristic, neon-lit canyon, surrounded by water reflecting the vivid colors. The image, reminiscent of a science fiction video game or movie, evokes a strong sense of isolation and wonder, as the astronaut appears lost in a vast and unknown world.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Surreal, immersive ; A player’s avatar in a virtual world; medium shot; Gaming; A vibrant, colorful virtual world with the player’s avatar standing in the shadows, illuminated by a single light source.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A lone astronaut figure walks through a futuristic landscape. The scene is illuminated by neon lights and appears to be a reflection of the water.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : futuristic, surreal, mysterious
Quality
Entropy : 6.75
Noise : 98
Prompt Clip Score : 0.28
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 1.00
Image errors : The image has some minor artifacts, particularly in the water reflection.
Golden Hour at the Market: A Vibrant Scene of Life and Color
Experience the warmth and energy of a bustling outdoor market street as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the scene. Watch as people walk through the market, exploring stalls selling produce, clothing, and other goods. The lively atmosphere and beautiful lighting make for a truly unforgettable moment.
Prompt
Chiaroscuro: Energetic, lively ; A bustling marketplace in a foreign country; wide shot; Tourism; A vibrant marketplace with the sun casting long shadows on the stalls and people.; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A narrow street lined with market stalls, filled with people walking past. The sun shines brightly, casting long shadows on the cobbled street.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : vibrant, bustling, warm
Quality
Entropy : 6.69
Noise : 93
Prompt Clip Score : 0.32
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.20
Image errors : There is a slight blurriness and lack of sharpness in the image. Some areas appear overexposed and washed out due to the strong sunlight. The color saturation appears slightly exaggerated, which is common in photos edited for a vintage or nostalgic feel.
Conclusion
This analysis shows that the generative AI model performed well in terms of understanding the scene and camera position, but struggled with the aesthetic style. Here’s a breakdown:
- Camera Position: The model scored 0.31, which is below the “good” range of 0.5 to 0.75. This suggests the model didn’t fully capture the intended camera position described in the prompt.
- Shot Analysis: The model scored 0.5, which falls within the “good” range. This indicates the model successfully understood the scene described in the prompt and translated it into a visually coherent image.
- Aesthetic Analysis: The model scored 0.12, which is significantly above the “very good” range of -0.2 to 0.1. This suggests the generated image deviated significantly from the intended “Chiaroscuro” aesthetic style.
Overall: While the model demonstrated good understanding of the scene and shot composition, it struggled to accurately represent the desired aesthetic style. This suggests the model might need further training or fine-tuning to better understand and implement specific artistic styles.
Sources:
- https://www.swiff.org/article/crafting-the-tone-and-style-of-a-film
- https://digital-photography-school.com/backlighting-in-photography/
- https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-chiaroscuro-definition-examples/
- https://infocusfilmschool.com/4-wildly-different-movie-styles-youll-explore-filmmaking-college/
- https://cinepunked.com/2022/09/23/a-quick-guide-to-visual-style/
- https://cinematography.com/index.php?/forums/topic/184-desaturation-techniques/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/comments/1452afb/colour_grading_an_underrated_factor_in_the/
- https://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/
- https://stability.ai