AI's Artistic Struggle: Capturing the 'Dramatic' Aesthetic with Dall-e-3
- 10 minutes read - 2001 wordsTable of Contents
The ‘dramatic’ aesthetic is characterized by its use of strong contrasts, bold compositions, and evocative lighting to create a sense of intensity, emotion, and impact. It’s often used in film, photography, and visual art to draw the viewer’s attention to a specific moment or feeling. However, capturing this aesthetic through AI image generation presents unique challenges. While AI models excel at understanding scene descriptions and camera positions, they often struggle to translate the nuances of artistic style into their generated images. This blog post explores these challenges, using the ‘dramatic’ aesthetic as a case study, and examines the implications for the future of AI-generated art.
Created with: dall-e-3
A Solitary Figure in a Golden Sunset
A lone figure stands on a rock, silhouetted against a dramatic sunset, gazing towards a ruined castle in the distance. The scene evokes a sense of epic loneliness and melancholic beauty, with the use of light and shadow creating a strong sense of drama and mystery.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Epic, hopeful ; A lone figure, silhouetted against the setting sun; wide shot; Heroism; A vast, desolate landscape with a lone, crumbling tower in the distance; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A lone figure stands on a rock overlooking a desolate landscape with a towering castle in the distance, bathed in the golden light of a sunset
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mood : epic, mysterious, hopeful
Quality
Entropy : 6.80
Noise : 94
Prompt Clip Score : 0.30
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.90
Image errors : The image is slightly blurry and the texture on the rocks is a bit repetitive. The figure appears somewhat flat and lacks detail.
Lost in the Jungle: A Man’s Determined Gaze
A close-up shot captures a bearded man, his face etched with determination, as he stares into the unknown depths of a lush jungle. The scene evokes a sense of mystery and adventure, leaving the viewer to wonder what lies ahead for this intrepid explorer.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Intrigued, adventurous ; A weathered explorer, eyes wide with wonder, peering into a dense jungle; close-up; Adventure; Lush, vibrant foliage, sunlight filtering through the canopy; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : Close-up portrait of a rugged man with a beard, looking intensely, with lush green foliage in the background. The man is partially obscured by foliage suggesting he is hiding in the jungle.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mood : mysterious, intense, adventurous
Quality
Entropy : 6.83
Noise : 114
Prompt Clip Score : 0.34
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.70
Image errors : The image has a slight artifacting on the man’s beard, suggesting it might be generated by AI. The foliage texture is also slightly unnatural.
Lost in the Digital Battlefield: A Gamer’s Intense Focus
A player is fully immersed in a futuristic action game, their hands gripping the controller under dramatic lighting. The intensity of the scene is palpable, showcasing the thrill of digital combat.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Focused, intense ; A gamer’s hands, deftly manipulating a controller, fingers flying across buttons; close-up; Gaming; A brightly lit gaming setup with a high-definition monitor displaying a vibrant, immersive game world; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A person playing a video game on a computer, the game on the screen features a sci-fi setting with a character holding a red lightsaber
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mood : intense, focused, futuristic
Quality
Entropy : 6.73
Noise : 94
Prompt Clip Score : 0.31
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.70
Image errors : The lighting on the gamer’s face appears a bit artificial and the image is slightly oversharpened.
A Bird’s Eye View of a Bustling Middle Eastern Marketplace
Experience the vibrant energy of a bustling Middle Eastern marketplace from a unique perspective. This aerial view showcases the vastness and diversity of the market, with a wide array of goods and people creating a lively and exotic atmosphere.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Energetic, vibrant ; A bustling marketplace in a foreign city, filled with vibrant colors and exotic goods; wide shot; Tourism; A bustling, vibrant city street with traditional architecture and people from all walks of life; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A bustling marketplace in a city with tall buildings in the background. The image is taken from a high vantage point, looking down on the market.
Aesthetic Score : 0.8
Mood : vibrant, busy, lively
Quality
Entropy : 6.64
Noise : 117
Prompt Clip Score : 0.31
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : The image has some minor artifacts, such as the repetition of some of the people. Some of the people are a little bit blurry and the details of some of the buildings are not very sharp. There is some repeating pattern in the crowd.
Standing on the Edge of Wonder: A Silhouette Against the Mountains
A lone figure, silhouetted against a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks, captures the essence of adventure and serenity. The warm glow of sunrise or sunset paints the scene with a touch of drama and mystery, leaving you feeling inspired and ready to explore.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Tranquil, awe-inspiring ; A lone traveler, gazing out at a breathtaking mountain range, a sense of peace washing over them; medium shot; Travel; Majestic mountains, snow-capped peaks, and a clear blue sky; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A lone female hiker with a backpack stands on a mountain overlooking a valley with snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mood : serene, contemplative, adventurous
Quality
Entropy : 6.47
Noise : 91
Prompt Clip Score : 0.31
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.20
Image errors : The image has some minor artifacts, such as blurring around the edges of the mountains.
Campfire Cozy: Friends Gather Around the Flames
A group of friends enjoy a warm and friendly night by the campfire, roasting marshmallows and basking in the intimate glow of the flames. The scene evokes a sense of cozy togetherness and warmth.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Warm, nostalgic ; A family gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and laughter; medium shot; Family; A cozy campsite under a starry night sky, with a crackling fire and the smell of roasting marshmallows; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A group of people are gathered around a campfire in a forest at night. They are roasting marshmallows and enjoying the warmth of the fire. The scene is lit by the fire and the stars in the sky.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mood : cozy, warm, togetherness
Quality
Entropy : 6.76
Noise : 102
Prompt Clip Score : 0.33
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : The background seems slightly blurry and artificial. The stars in the sky look like they are from a stock image and don’t blend well with the rest of the scene. Some of the details on the people, such as the hands and the faces, seem slightly unnatural and over-processed.
Hope Takes Flight Over the City of Tomorrow
A powerful superheroine, clad in red, soars through a futuristic cityscape bathed in the warm glow of sunset. The contrast between her strength and the sprawling metropolis creates a sense of epic hope and power.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Powerful, inspiring ; A superhero, soaring through the air, cape billowing behind them; wide shot; Heroism; A sprawling cityscape with towering skyscrapers and bustling streets below; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A woman in a red cape and suit flies over a large city, with the camera positioned behind her. The city is shrouded in a hazy atmosphere.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mood : epic, futuristic, heroic
Quality
Entropy : 6.89
Noise : 115
Prompt Clip Score : 0.33
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : Some of the buildings in the distance appear blurry, suggesting that the image may have been artificially enhanced or generated.
Conquering the Summit: Climbers Face the Elements on a Snowy Mountain
A group of climbers push their limits, navigating treacherous terrain on a snow-covered mountain. The dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks adds to the intensity and suspense of their journey, highlighting the challenges and grandeur of mountaineering.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Thrilling, dangerous ; A group of adventurers, navigating a treacherous mountain path, ropes and ice axes in hand; medium shot; Adventure; A rugged, snow-covered mountain range with steep cliffs and icy crevasses; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A group of climbers ascend a snow-covered mountain pass, their silhouettes contrasting with the expansive snowy landscape.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mood : dramatic, adventurous, determined
Quality
Entropy : 6.89
Noise : 111
Prompt Clip Score : 0.31
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.70
Image errors : The image appears to have been digitally altered, with some of the figures looking somewhat unnatural and the snow texture lacking in realism. The birds in the background have an unnatural repetitive pattern and look generic.
Lost in the Digital Realm: A Gamer’s Intense Focus
A young woman, immersed in a futuristic digital world, grips her controller with intense concentration. The vibrant lights and blurred background create a sense of anticipation and intrigue, capturing the thrill of the gaming experience.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Engrossed, surreal ; A player, immersed in a virtual reality game, their face contorted in concentration; close-up; Gaming; A futuristic, immersive virtual reality environment with vibrant colors and intricate details; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A young woman is engrossed in a video game, her face illuminated by the screen’s glow. The game appears to be set in a futuristic, cyberpunk-style world, with intricate details and vibrant colors. The scene is dynamic and conveys a sense of excitement and action.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mood : futuristic, cyberpunk, intense
Quality
Entropy : 6.86
Noise : 114
Prompt Clip Score : 0.28
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.90
Image errors : Slight artifacts in the background, especially around the edges of the screen. The lighting on the woman’s face appears a bit unnatural, with some areas of overexposure.
Sunset Harmony: A Family’s Moment of Peace on the Beach
A heartwarming scene of a large family united on a beach at sunset. The golden light bathes them in warmth, capturing a moment of peace and hope. This image evokes a sense of togetherness and the beauty of shared moments.
Prompt
Hyper-realistic: Peaceful, heartwarming ; A family, standing on a beach, watching the sunset over the ocean; wide shot; Family; A serene beach with golden sand, turquoise water, and a fiery sunset; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A group of people, likely a family, stand on a beach at sunset, gazing out at the ocean. The sky is a vibrant orange and red, and the sun is setting on the horizon.
Aesthetic Score : 0.8
Mood : serene, warm, hopeful
Quality
Entropy : 6.71
Noise : 102
Prompt Clip Score : 0.36
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : The image appears to be AI generated. Some of the people lack realistic features, like hair, hands, and facial expressions. The lighting looks slightly off as well.
Conclusion
This analysis shows that the generative AI model performed well in understanding the scene and camera position, but struggled with the aesthetic style. Here’s a breakdown:
- Camera Position: The model scored 0.35, which is considered okay. This means the generated image’s camera position was somewhat different from what was requested in the prompt.
- Shot Analysis: The model scored 0.52, which is considered good. This indicates the generated image’s shot composition was fairly close to what was described in the prompt.
- Aesthetic Analysis: The model scored 0.27, which is considered okay. This means the generated image’s aesthetic style was somewhat different from the desired style.
Overall, the model seems to be better at understanding the scene and shot composition than it is at capturing the desired aesthetic.
Sources:
- https://heartofnoir.com/knowing-noir/aesthetic-of-noir/
- https://www.yellowbrick.co/blog/film/maximizing-the-visual-impact-unveiling-the-art-of-film-aesthetics
- https://www.questjournals.org/jrhss/papers/vol10-issue8/1008255260.pdf
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/3331672
- https://www.cinepoetics.fu-berlin.de/activities/workshops/2020-12-ws/index.html
- https://resource.download.wjec.co.uk/vtc/2016-17/16-17_1-22/eng/Part%201%20What%20is%20Aesthetics.pdf
- https://openai.com/index/dall-e-3/