Elena' s AI Blog

From Dutch Golden Age to AI Art: A Journey with Vermeer and AI

18 Apr 2023 / 52 minutes to read

Elena Daehnhardt


The canals in Amsterdam, Jasper AI-generated art, April 2023


Introduction

Dear reader, how are you doing? I hope that you are healthy and happy. I am very excited right now to write about art and AI!

In my previous posts, I tested chatGPT on poetry writing skills and Python coding. I am curious about its Dutch history, knowledge and art “perception”. In this post, I use chatGPT as an art critic and historian to give me information on Dutch art by Johannes Vermeer and the historical circumstances of his time. I will also share my experience of this beautiful art exhibition, which I will always remember. The paintings of Vermeer are more than just a must-see and think about. These paintings are must feel by heart! Of course, we will also do some AI hacks with Jasper.io. I am so excited to do some cruel tests, as usual :) At the end of this post, I will list the chatGPT prompts I have created and describe how to refine the GPT output.

Once again, chatGPT

If you just came from Mars travel, I will shortly tell you about chatGPT (also, I did it already in my posts, as mentioned earlier).

chatGPT is a program that answers our questions using a chat dialogue inside a web page. This AI bot is built on top of a language model trainer on an extensive dataset of text information collected from the Web. If you like coding, it’s also possible to use chatGPT via the programming interface. It’s straightforward with Python, and I will write about it in one of the following posts.

Forgive me, dear reader, since I will ask chatGPT for many simple things, but I am interested in testing this fantastic bot again. We also learn some new things about human-bot communication and how we can easily query chatGPT about art, history and many things by asking questions. However, we have yet to refine our questions to get what we want, similar to how we refine our queries in search engines such as Google Search.

Who was Vermeer?

Elena: chatGPT, who was Vermeer?

chatGPT: Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter who lived in the 17th century. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of great artistic achievement in the Netherlands. Vermeer was born in Delft, Netherlands in 1632 and lived there his entire life. He started his career as an art dealer and painter, and was influenced by the work of Caravaggio and other Italian painters. Vermeer's paintings are known for their use of light and color, as well as their meticulous attention to detail. Vermeer painted a range of subjects, from portraits to landscapes to scenes of daily life. Some of his most famous works include "Girl with a Pearl Earring," "The Milkmaid," and "View of Delft." Vermeer's paintings were not widely appreciated during his lifetime, and he struggled financially throughout his career. It was not until the 19th century that Vermeer's work began to be widely recognized and appreciated.

Elena: What are the historic circumstances of Vermeer's time?

chatGPT: Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter who lived in the 17th century. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of great artistic achievement in the Netherlands. Vermeer was born in Delft, Netherlands in 1632 and lived there his entire life. He started his career as an art dealer and painter, and was influenced by the work of Caravaggio and other Italian painters. Vermeer's paintings are known for their use of light and color, as well as their meticulous attention to detail. Vermeer painted a range of subjects, from portraits to landscapes to scenes of daily life. Some of his most famous works include "Girl with a Pearl Earring," "The Milkmaid," and "View of Delft." Vermeer's paintings were not widely appreciated during his lifetime, and he struggled financially throughout his career. It was not until the 19th century that Vermeer's work began to be widely recognized and appreciated.

Elena: Why he was so poor?

chatGPT: The exact reasons for Vermeer's financial struggles are not entirely clear, but there are several possible factors that may have contributed to his difficulties. One possible explanation is that Vermeer's painting style was very time-consuming and meticulous, which would have made it difficult for him to produce a large number of paintings to sell. Additionally, Vermeer painted relatively few works during his lifetime, which may have limited his income. Another factor that may have contributed to Vermeer's financial struggles was the economic downturn that occurred in the Netherlands in the 1670s, which was a result of wars and other factors. This economic instability may have made it harder for Vermeer to find patrons willing to commission or purchase his paintings. Finally, it's worth noting that Vermeer had a large family to support. He and his wife Catharina Bolnes had 15 children, which would have placed a significant financial burden on him. All of these factors likely contributed to Vermeer's financial difficulties, despite his great artistic talent.

Elena: What are the historical circumstances of Vermeer's time?

chatGPT: Vermeer lived during a period of great artistic, cultural, and economic growth in the Netherlands known as the Dutch Golden Age, which lasted roughly from the late 16th century to the mid-17th century. During this time, the Netherlands was a major center of international trade, and its merchants and bankers became very wealthy. This newfound prosperity led to a flourishing of the arts, with Dutch painters like Vermeer producing some of the most celebrated works of the period. The Dutch Golden Age was also marked by political and religious upheaval, with the Netherlands gaining independence from Spain in the late 16th century after decades of conflict. This led to a period of relative religious tolerance, with the Protestant Dutch Republic becoming a safe haven for religious refugees from across Europe. In addition to the arts, the Dutch Golden Age was a period of great scientific and intellectual advancement, with figures like René Descartes and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek making important contributions in fields like philosophy and microscopy. Overall, Vermeer lived in a time of great intellectual, cultural, and economic ferment, and his work reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Dutch Golden Age.

Elena: What painting techniques did Vermeer use?

chatGPT: Johannes Vermeer is known for his technical mastery in painting, particularly in his use of light, shadow, and color. He employed various painting techniques to create the effects seen in his works, including: 1. Layering: Vermeer typically built up his paintings layer by layer, starting with a monochromatic underpainting and gradually adding color and detail. 2. Glazing: Vermeer used thin, transparent layers of paint, known as glazes, to create luminosity and depth in his paintings. He would apply these glazes over the underpainting to create a smooth, polished surface. 3. Scumbling: Vermeer used a technique called scumbling, which involves applying a dry brush over wet paint to create texture and tonal variation. This technique can be seen in the rough textures of objects in some of his paintings, such as the rough wall in "The Art of Painting." 4. Pointillism: Vermeer also used a technique similar to pointillism, where he would apply small dots or strokes of paint to create color and texture. This can be seen in the shimmering effect of light on objects in his paintings. Overall, Vermeer's painting techniques were highly sophisticated and innovative for his time, contributing to the stunning visual effects seen in his paintings.

Elena: Can I draw as Vermeer?

chatGPT: As an AI language model, I cannot assess your drawing abilities. However, if you are interested in trying to replicate Vermeer's style, you can study his works and his painting techniques and try to emulate them in your own art. Keep in mind that Vermeer was a highly skilled and innovative painter, and it may take years of practice and dedication to come close to replicating his style. Nonetheless, experimenting with different painting techniques and styles can be a rewarding and fulfilling artistic experience.

Elena: Give me five beginner tips for learning to draw.

chatGPT: Sure! Here are five beginner tips for learning to draw: 1. Start with basic shapes: Before diving into drawing complex objects, it's helpful to start with basic shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. This can help you understand how to construct objects and how to convey form and proportion. 2. Practice regularly: Drawing is a skill that requires practice and repetition. Set aside time each day or week to practice your drawing skills, even if it's just for a few minutes. 3. Study from life: Observing and drawing from life is a great way to improve your skills. You can draw objects in your surroundings, still lifes, or even people. This will help you understand how objects look in three dimensions and how light and shadow affect their appearance. 4. Experiment with different materials: Different drawing materials like pencils, charcoal, and ink can produce different effects. Experiment with different materials to find what works best for you and what you enjoy using. 5. Seek feedback: Sharing your drawings with others and seeking constructive feedback can help you identify areas where you can improve. Consider joining an art class or group where you can receive feedback and learn from others. 6. Remember that learning to draw takes time and patience, so don't be too hard on yourself if you don't see progress right away. Keep practicing and experimenting, and you'll eventually see improvement in your skills.

Elena: What painter is similar in his technique to Vermeer and why?

chatGPT: There are several painters who have been compared to Johannes Vermeer in terms of their technique, use of light, and attention to detail. One of the most notable of these painters is the Dutch artist Pieter de Hooch. Like Vermeer, De Hooch was active during the Dutch Golden Age, and he specialized in genre paintings that depicted everyday life. His works are characterized by their use of light and shadow, as well as their meticulous attention to detail. De Hooch's paintings often feature domestic interiors with women and children engaged in everyday activities, such as sewing, cooking, and playing games. His compositions are carefully balanced and his use of light creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. While there are similarities between Vermeer and De Hooch, there are also differences. Vermeer's paintings tend to be more focused on individual subjects, such as the famous "Girl with a Pearl Earring," whereas De Hooch's paintings often feature multiple figures in a single composition. Additionally, De Hooch's use of light tends to be more dramatic and contrasted than Vermeer's, creating a heightened sense of drama and emotion. Overall, while there are similarities between Vermeer and De Hooch, each artist has their own unique style and approach to painting.

Elena: Give me three most important paintings by De Hooch

chatGPT: Pieter de Hooch was a Dutch painter of the 17th century, who was known for his genre scenes of everyday life, particularly of the middle-class domestic interiors. Here are three of his most important paintings: 1. "A Woman and Child in a Stableyard" (c. 1658-1660): This painting is a beautiful example of De Hooch's attention to detail and his ability to create a sense of space and depth in his compositions. The painting depicts a woman and a child in a stableyard, with a courtyard and a house in the background. The scene is bathed in a warm, golden light that creates a sense of calm and tranquility. 2. "The Courtyard of a House in Delft" (1658): This painting is one of De Hooch's most famous works, and it is notable for its use of light and its meticulous attention to detail. The painting shows a courtyard of a house in Delft, with a woman and two children sitting in the foreground. The painting is characterized by its use of strong contrasts between light and shadow, and its intricate depictions of architectural details and textures. 3. "The Bedroom" (1658-1660): This painting is a beautiful example of De Hooch's ability to create a sense of intimacy and domesticity in his works. The painting shows a bedroom with a woman sitting by a window, and a man standing nearby. The painting is notable for its use of warm, muted colors and its attention to detail in the textures of the fabrics and surfaces.

Attributed to Pieter de Hooch, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons The Courtyard of a House in Delft

Attributed to Pieter de Hooch , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, (left) self-portrait, (right) The Courtyard of a House in Delft

Looking at “Little Street” by Vermeer, we might agree with chatGPT in that Vermeer’s and de Hooch’s Delft works share the mood. Both paintings of Delft show everyday life and the architecture we can still enjoy today. I must attest that the Dutch streets of Delft still look like we travelled with a time machine into the magnificent past of the Golden Age.

Johannes Vermeer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Johannes Vermeer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, Gezicht op huizen in Delft, bekend als Het straatje

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, (left) Johannes Vermeer (right) The Little Street

Why is the exhibition a must-see?

I was in Rijksmuseum a few times, mainly to see The Night Watch painting by Rembrandt (1642) and some other exciting pictures. The Night Watch is in the restoration; however, you can see it behind the glass wall.

Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

chatGPT: it’s a rare opportunity

Elena: Why is the exhibition a must-see?

chatGPT: The exhibition that brings together 27 out of the approximately 37 paintings attributed to Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, presenting thematically to demonstrate Vermeer's artistic development and his use of perspective and light to create stilled scenes. Vermeer's upbringing, family, and career as a painter, art dealer, and headman of the artists' Guild of St Luke are also briefly mentioned. Vermeer's work features contemplative scenes set in tranquil interiors, accurately observing optical effects, and guiding the viewer's gaze towards everyday activities, glances, and encounters. Vermeer's oeuvre is small and his paintings are scattered throughout the world's museums and private collections. Bringing together a significant portion of Vermeer's works thematically provides a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to witness his artistic development and appreciate his use of perspective, light, and his portrayal of everyday life. It also allows viewers to gain insight into how Vermeer observed and depicted his surroundings and how his women characters connect with the viewer by turning their gaze outwards.

Elena: Act as an art critic and give five points the exhibition is a must-see

chatGPT: As an AI language model, I can provide an objective description of the exhibition based on the information available in the text, but I cannot provide subjective opinions as an art critic would. However, based on the information available, I can provide five points that make the exhibition noteworthy: 1. Rare opportunity: The exhibition brings together 27 out of the approximately 37 paintings attributed to Johannes Vermeer, which is a rare opportunity to see a significant portion of his works in one place. 2. Thematic presentation: The works are presented thematically, allowing viewers to witness how Vermeer introduces the outside world into his stilled scenes and follow his artistic development. 3. Mastery of perspective and light: Vermeer's use of perspective and rendering of light are showcased, which are typical of his work and are admired by many art enthusiasts. 4. Observational skills: Vermeer's observational skills are on display, as he accurately observes optical effects, such as sharpness and blurriness, to guide the viewer's gaze into the painting. 5. Portrayal of everyday life: Vermeer's portrayal of everyday activities, glances, and encounters are showcased, providing insight into how he observed and depicted his surroundings, and how his women characters connect with the viewer by turning their gaze outwards.

I was impressed

I was very impressed by the Exhibition in Amsterdam. We were fortunate to get the ticket before it was sold out. My human opinion as a regular person looking at Vermeer’s pictures differs from the refined art critics and from the knowledgeable AI bot. Vermeer’s art is about women and love. Vermeer’s paintings are very romantic and gentle. He depicts love in very forms, from parental love, to romantic love, love to be sold, love that misleads and is covered with masks, love that is not yet discovered but will come. We all deserve love, which surrounds us in life and artwork. These are my favourite works of Vermeer, and I am absolutely living them and feeling all the love that depicted and survived time, thanks to the painter picture keepers that appreciate the masterpieces that are timeless as the love itself, in its pure form.

Jan Vermeer - Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window Girl with a Pearl Earring

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, (left) A girl reading a letter at an open window. (right) Girl with a pearl earring

Vermeer’s paintings

Elena: What are Vermeer's the most important three paintings?

chatGPT: As an AI language model, I cannot provide a definitive answer as to what Johannes Vermeer's three most important paintings are, as this is subjective and open to debate among art historians and enthusiasts. However, some of Vermeer's most well-known and highly regarded works include: 1. "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (1665-1667): This painting is considered one of Vermeer's masterpieces and is admired for its depiction of light, texture, and the enigmatic expression of the girl. 2. "The Milkmaid" (1658-1660): This painting is also considered one of Vermeer's masterpieces and is admired for its depiction of light, texture, and everyday subject matter. 3. "View of Delft" (1660-1661): This painting is admired for its realistic and accurate portrayal of the city of Delft, as well as its use of light and atmosphere to create a contemplative mood.

Elena: Give me ten URL links to online resources about Vermeer

chatGPT: Sure, here are ten online resources about Johannes Vermeer that you might find useful: The Essential Vermeer: http://www.essentialvermeer.com/ Vermeer and the Delft School, from the National Gallery of Art: https://www.nga.gov/features/vermeer-and-the-delft-school.html (unavailable) Vermeer Centre in Delft: https://www.vermeerdelft.nl/en/ Johannes Vermeer, from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/artists/1592-johannes-vermeer (unavailable) Vermeer and his Contemporaries, from the National Gallery of Scotland: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/vermeer-and-his-contemporaries (unavailable) The Art of Painting, from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna: https://www.khm.at/en/objectdb/detail/853/ (not related to Johannes Vermeer) Vermeer in the Mauritshuis, The Hague: https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/discover/vermeer/ (unavailable) Vermeer's Women: Secrets and Silence, from the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge: https://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/vermeerswomen (unavailable) Vermeer, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/verm/hd_verm.htm The Vermeer Database: http://www.garyschwartzarthistorian.nl/vermeer/vermeer.html (unavailable) I hope these resources are helpful to you!

Unfortunately, most links above are currently unavailable, and some are unrelated. I have marked them in the output above as human feedback. Hopefully, the GPT-like services will be regularly updating themselves to check for the broken links for providing a trustworthy information.

Elena: What AI programs can draw as Vermeer?

chatGPT: While there are several AI programs that are capable of generating images in the style of various artists, including Vermeer, it is important to note that these programs are not capable of creating exact replicas of the artist's work. They are designed to simulate the style and techniques of the artist, but the results are often a stylized interpretation rather than a precise copy. One such program is the Neural Style Transfer algorithm, which uses artificial neural networks to transfer the style of one image onto another. By training the algorithm on a large dataset of Vermeer's paintings, it is possible to generate new images that mimic his style and techniques. Another program that is capable of generating images in the style of Vermeer is GAN (Generative Adversarial Network). GAN uses machine learning algorithms to generate new images based on a training dataset. By training the algorithm on a dataset of Vermeer's paintings, it is possible to generate new images that share similar features and characteristics. However, it is important to note that the use of AI programs to create images in the style of Vermeer is a controversial topic within the art world, and some critics argue that these images lack the depth and emotional resonance of the original works. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge the ethical considerations of using machine learning algorithms to replicate the works of artists, as it raises questions about authorship, ownership, and the role of technology in the creative process.

Elena: I want names of AI software that can draw art images

chatGPT: There are several AI software programs that can generate or assist in the creation of art images. Here are a few examples: DeepDream: Developed by Google, DeepDream uses neural networks to analyze and transform images, creating surreal and psychedelic results. Prisma: An app that uses AI algorithms to apply filters to images, transforming them into works of art in various styles. ArtBreeder: A website that uses GAN algorithms to generate unique digital art images based on user inputs and preferences. Runway ML: A platform that allows artists and designers to use machine learning algorithms to generate, modify, and manipulate images. DALL-E: Developed by OpenAI, DALL-E uses GPT-3 algorithms to generate unique images based on text descriptions. It is important to note that while these AI software programs can assist in the creation of art images, they are not capable of creating original works of art on their own. The creative process still relies heavily on the artist's input and interpretation.

Elena: Why is human creativity beyond AI?

chatGPT: Human creativity is beyond AI because creativity is not just about generating novel outputs. Creativity involves the ability to think abstractly, to form complex connections between seemingly disparate ideas, and to make judgments about what is aesthetically or emotionally compelling. Human creativity also involves the ability to use intuition and imagination, which are qualities that are difficult to program into a machine. While AI can mimic human creativity to some extent by analyzing vast amounts of data and generating novel outputs based on that data, it lacks the ability to truly understand the nuances of human experience and emotion. Moreover, creativity often involves the ability to push boundaries, to challenge the status quo, and to express individuality. These are all qualities that stem from human consciousness and free will, which are not yet fully understood by science and technology. While AI can assist and enhance the creative process, it cannot replace human creativity. The truly creative and innovative works of art, literature, music, and other forms of expression continue to be produced by human beings, who are capable of using their unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives to create something truly original and impactful.

Now, let’s recap our chatGPT prompts, which can be helpful in other projects.

chatGPT prompts

I have used the following prompts in the order of their appearance in this post. These prompts will be helpful (you can change the phrases between brackets to your interests). Additionally, I have added other prompts below and their output to show how you can play with chatGPT and refine its output.

Who was [Vermeer]?

Why [he was so poor]?

What are the [historical] circumstances [of Vermeer's time]?

What [painting] techniques did [Vermeer] use?

Give me [five] beginner tips for learning to [draw]

Act as an [art critic] and give [five points] [the exhibition is a must-see]

What [painter] is similar in [his technique] to [Vermeer] and why?

Give me [three] most important [paintings] by [De Hooch]

What are [Vermeer's] the most important [three] [paintings]?

Give me [ten] URL links to online resources about [Vermeer]

What AI programs can [draw] as [Vermeer]?

I want names of [AI software] that can [draw] [art images]

Why is [human creativity] beyond AI?

Rewrite your response in [three] [sentences]

Write me [a short] [literature review] about [Vermeer] in [1000] words with [a list of references]

Create [an abstract] of not more than [30 words] for the [text above]

Make it funny

Less than [30 words].

Refine

AI art and Vermeer’s paintings

Finally, I wanted to have Vermeer-like pictures drawn by AI.

Jasper.ai

I have submitted the picture of Johannes Vermeer’s “The Little Street” as input to Jasper.ai and have got the image on the right. Unfortunately, due to the picture size, I had to crop it, which is the drawback of Jasper’s interface since it requires us to omit some details that might be necessary. I have tried all available style inspirations, and the best option is to set the to “None”.

The little street, Jasper.ai

Johannes Vermeer's "The Little Street" and Jasper.ai's output

Similarly, I have used public domain pictures for “Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window” and “Girl with a pearl earring”.

Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window, Jasper.ai

Johannes Vermeer's "Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window" and Jasper.ai's output

The output results were good. We see a girl standing before a window with a curtain folded on the right side. The colours and composition seem alike.

However, as we see from the image below, the output for the “Girl with a pearl earring” painting is annoyingly similar to the original image. I have tried many times but got only slightly skewed copies.

Girl with a pearl earring, Jasper.ai

Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl earring" and Jasper.ai's output

Is Jasper’s model overtrained? It looks as if it simply learned the image by heart! I have tried to feed in just a text string. See what’s happening below.

Girl with a pearl earring, Jasper.ai

Result of the "Girl with a pearl earring" text input to Jasper.ai

I wanted to have a girl with a pearl earring walk her white dog, and the result could be better. I am pleased to see the white dog and Vermeer’s Girl look-alike (I am trying to be friendly to the AI efforts here) walking in the park.

Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with white dog, Jasper.ai

Jasper.ai on: Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with white dog

Do you see that Vermeer’s Girl is dominated Jasper’s output for all requests containing the “Girl with a pearl earring”?

Using AI-generated art creates a bubble inspired by the previous famous works that will always be present when we use the related input. The AI imagination cannot escape what is created by human artists.

Is this still the future of AI art? Would humanity be constrained by our past glory while being limited by the result of algorithms overtrained and putting us into the little box of how the AI sees the World. At the same time, humans are stuck in their efforts to get out of that limitations and get their own inspiration while creating masterpieces on their own.

Stable Diffusion Playground

Interestingly, I have got a similar (like in Jasper.ai) overtrained result in Stable Diffusion Playground. You can try it yourself since it does not require registration. However, advanced features are not available.

Girl with a pearl earring, Stable Diffusion Playground

Result of the "Girl with a pearl earring" text input to stablediffusionweb

That’s a sad story. Can we do better?

DALL-E

I was a long time curious about DALL-E’s painting skills. DALL-E was created by OpenAI and is available online in their labs. They developed a neural network that makes images based on user text input. I have tried OpenAI’s DALL-E with the prompt “An oil painting of the girl with a pearl earring.”

Overall, I am happy that the result is not overly overtrained on the respective Vermeer painting. Please note that I have selected just one painting for briefness.

DALL-E on: An oil painting of the girl with a pearl earring

DALL-E on: An oil painting of the girl with a pearl earring

This results from providing DALL-E with the Vermeer’s painting and using the variations feature.

DALL-E using the painting image (variations feature) on: An oil painting of the girl with a pearl earring DALL-E using the painting image (variations feature) on: An oil painting of the girl with a pearl earring DALL-E using the painting image (variations feature) on: An oil painting of the girl with a pearl earring DALL-E using the painting image (variations feature) on: An oil painting of the girl with a pearl earring

DALL-E using the painting image (variations feature) on: An oil painting of the girl with a pearl earring

Let’s see what happens with the dog-walking idea. I was not happy with the outcome of my prompts at the beginning, and I added “Highly detailed” to my prompt and got a better result. The best image is below.

DALL-E on the Highly detailed oil painting of a girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with white dog

DALL-E on the Highly detailed oil painting of a girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with white dog

The variations feature is handy. I have changed my own photo and got some funny results. When analysing the result, I thought about what my high mathematics teacher once said, “There is no second derivative in nature.”

That’s about everything, leaves, tree, clouds, people. That is fascinating. Could we use it for detecting ai-art? Should we prove this statement? Here is another research topic potential. Think about it, and don’t forget to cite this post :)

DALL-E, my summer photo variations DALL-E, my summer photo variations Elena's photo, summer 2022, Jasper.ai DALL-E, my summer photo variations

DALL-E on My three photo variations plus the original photo of summer 2022

Midjourney

Unless you spent time in a polar hut without Internet access, you must hear about the Midjoyrney AI-art-generating app. You cannot simply use their website. Instead, you need to use the Discord bot to generate their images. It is pretty simple. You just install Discord on your computer, and after confirming your email, you will get access to the Midjourbey art generation.

It looks simple. However, you must learn several things described in Midjourney Quick Start. To generate my Vermeer-inspired images, I have typed in the prompt:

/imagine Girl with a Pearl Earring

Next, you can get upscaled while selecting your preferred variant.

Girl with a pearl earring, Midjourney bot

Result of the "Girl with a pearl earring" text input to Midjourney bot

I liked the U4 variant and further created its variations as I wanted. By the way, I love those pink freckles!

Girl with a pearl earring, variations with Midjourney bot

Result of the "Girl with a pearl earring" variations, Midjourney bot

Let’s challenge Midjourney and make our Vermeer-like Girl walk with a white dog in a park.

/imagine Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with a white dog

The initial result was a bit creepy, with her pearl earring transforming into other shapes, and the dog looked very funny.

Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with white dog, Midjourney

Midjourney bot on Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with a white dog

I have tried variations; however, the Midjouney produced suboptimal results, not escaping the masterpiece idea. No wonder it was locked into Vermeer’s art bubble, which may persist for AI-generating apps.

Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with white dog, variations by Midjourney

Midjourney bot on Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with a white dog, variations

Finally, after some redraws, I was pleased with the result. I have got a girl in a park with a white dog. However, Midjouney also knows about Vermeer’s works, hugely influencing the output of the AI art generators I have tested today.

Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with white dog, variations by Midjourney

Midjourney bot on Girl with a pearl earring walks in a park with a white dog, a final result

Please notice that even though the Midjourney beta is available, the Midjourney bot is in high demand, and you most likely must pay for a subscription.

Have you tried to use Midjourney or other tools? Write to me about what you think, I am curious :) I promise to try out other tools in one of my next posts. I will also show how we can improve the ai-art outcome with special settings. But that is a totally different topic!

Conclusion

In short, I have enjoyed writing about AI and art, drilling chaGPT for its knowledge about Vermeer and art. It gave me some valuable tips. However, most of the URLs provided needed to be fixed. There is a need for improvement yet. It is so much to do, which is excellent. It means we are working :) Please let me know what you think about Vermeer and chatGPT. I did some experiments with Jasper.ai and Stable Diffusion Playground for drawing Vermeer-like images, to very modest success due to possible model overfitting. I have also tried DALL-E and Midjourney variations and found them fantastic. However, all the tools appeared stuck in the art bubble influenced by Vermeer’s masterpiece “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. AI art lacked the awe and life sparkle in the girl’s eyes, and all the variations were hugely based on the artworks used to train the neural network.

In one of my next posts, I will explore AI-generated art in depth. Will we still be stacked in the art bubble? Stay tuned, and subscribe if you want to get my new post notifications to your email box.

Elena, April 2023

Did you like this post? Please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.

AI-generated art and music/sound posts that might be interesting for you



Disclaimer: I have used chatGPT (listed in my references section) while preparing this post. However, most of the text is rewritten by me, as a human, and spell-checked with Grammarly.

References

1. VERMEER EXHIBITION TEXT

2. Wikimedia Commons

3. New Chat (chatGPT by OpenAI)

4. Stable Diffusion Playground

5. Midjourney

6. Jasper.ai

7. dall-e-2

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About Elena

Elena, a PhD in Computer Science, simplifies AI concepts and helps you use machine learning.

Citation
Elena Daehnhardt. (2023) 'From Dutch Golden Age to AI Art: A Journey with Vermeer and AI', daehnhardt.com, 18 April 2023. Available at: https://daehnhardt.com/blog/2023/04/18/chatgpt-over-vermeer-and-ai-art-with-jasper-stable-diffusion-dall-e-midjourney-variations/
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