OpenAI, the group behind AI image generator DALL-E, has updated the system with a new feature that uses historically known paintings as a jumping off point and improves them by adding visual elements. It’s another cool and unique way of expressing creativity by using vivid and descriptive language as design prompts for DALL-E's software. With this addition, people who appreciate fine art get to enjoy their favorite pieces in a whole new way.
DALL-E has gained quite the following online, thanks to another project that is loosely based on it. DALL-E mini mimics the results produced by DALL-E by utilizing an open-source model, which has been used by many to produce ridiculous and funny AI-generated images. Those curious about just how inane some of DALL-E mini memes can be can check out the #dallemini hashtag on Twitter as well as the r/weirddalle subreddit.
DALL-E, by contrast, seems to take a much more serious tone when it comes to AI-generated art. With the new ‘Outpainting’ feature, fans of famous masterpieces get to re-imagine their favorites as more expansive artworks that go beyond their initial borders. Using the same process of plugging in text descriptions then converting the keywords into imagery, DALL-E can apply additional visual details onto any composition and continue the drawing past its original canvas space. It analyzes the original painting’s current style and the use of design principles like textures and shadows to replicate them onto the new image’s extension. According to DALL-E’s announcement, creators can generate 'outpainted' AI art in any aspect ratio.
Who Can Use Dall-E’s Outpainting Function
For now, it seems like the 'Outpainting' feature is still in beta and can only be accessed through a desktop. Those who already have access to DALL-E’s service can start trying it by logging into their accounts through the official website. New users will have to join the waitlist to make new creations based on famous works of art.
DALL-E’s announcement includes a few featured artists that have successfully used the 'Outpainting' tool. To illustrate how the process works, DALL-E showcased an expansion of Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” as generated by artist August Kamp. Based on the timelapse video, it looked like it took Kamp a few tries plugging in the appropriate idea prompts to get the proper style elements that befitted the original piece. The finished product is quite impressive—anyone who isn’t familiar with the base painting might easily think of the AI-generated version as the real deal.
Other 'Outpainting' examples are featured on DALL-E’s Instagram highlights as well as through relevant hashtags on Twitter.
Source: OpenAI, openaidalle/Instagram