The effect of AI-generated imagery on photorealist artists and their work.

The growth of AI-generated imagery has had a significant impact on the art world, particularly in the realm of photorealistic art. Photorealistic artists have long relied on photo references to create their work, but the availability of AI-generated imagery has opened up new possibilities for these artists.

One of the main benefits of using AI-generated imagery as a reference for photorealistic art is the ability to access an unlimited number of images. With AI-generated imagery, artists can access a vast library of images that they can use as a reference for their work. This allows them to create more complex and detailed works of art, as they can draw from a wider range of sources.

Another benefit of using AI-generated imagery as a reference for photorealistic art is the ability to manipulate the images to suit the artist's needs. With AI-generated imagery, artists can adjust the lighting, colour, and composition of the image to create the desired effect. This allows them to create works of art that are more personalised and unique.

The rapid rise of text-to-image generators powered by artificial intelligence has also had a significant impact on photorealistic art. These AI models can generate photorealistic images from a simple text description. This technology has been embraced by some creatives, but has also raised concerns about its impact on the future of art.

The emergence of AI tools such as Dall-E 2, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney has also had a significant impact on photorealistic art. These tools have shown a marked improvement in their ability to generate fine-tuned photorealistic compositions. They allow artists to type in any surreal prompt and receive a startlingly accurate depiction moments later.

Another tool that has added to the power of original image creation when used simultaneously with image-generators is Adobe's new Generative Fill tool to Photoshop. This tool uses cloud-based image synthesis to fill selected areas of an image with new AI-generated content based on a text description². Adobe also has Firefly with many more useful AI tools on the horizon.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to using AI-generated imagery as a reference for photorealistic art. One of the main concerns is that it may lead to a loss of creativity and originality in the art world. If artists rely too heavily on AI-generated imagery, they may become less innovative and less willing to take risks in their work.

Despite these concerns, many photorealistic artists have embraced AI-generated imagery as a valuable tool in their work. By combining the precision and detail of AI-generated imagery with their own creativity and vision, these artists are able to create works of art that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more exciting developments in the world of photorealistic art.

Tom Mulliner 2023