Generative AI offers an incredible opportunity for digital artists to transform ordinary photographs into stunning works of art. Using ChatGPT and DALL·E, you can create a unique “photo into painting” effect that elevates your images into artistic masterpieces. This tutorial will walk you through the process, from selecting the right photo to refining your final piece.
Step 1: Choose the Right Photo
The first step in turning your photo into a painting is selecting the right image. Consider the following factors:
- High Resolution: A clear, high-quality image will yield better results.
- Well-Lit Subjects: Ensure good lighting and contrast for optimal AI transformation.
- Interesting Composition: Choose a subject that will translate well into a painting, such as landscapes, portraits, or urban scenes.
Example: A photo of a mountain range at sunset or a close-up portrait with dramatic lighting.
Step 2: Upload Your Photo
Once you’ve chosen your image, you need to upload it for processing. While DALL·E does not currently support direct image uploads, you can describe the photo in detail to generate a similar AI-enhanced version.
- Open ChatGPT and describe your image in detail.
- Example prompt: “Create a digital painting of a mountain range at sunset, with rich golden hues, deep shadows, and a painterly brushstroke effect.”
- You can also upload your image to third-party AI tools that allow direct image processing before refining it further in DALL·E.
Step 3: Use ChatGPT to Generate a Refined Prompt
AI-generated images rely heavily on the accuracy of the prompt. To create a stunning painting effect, describe your vision with specific details.
Prompt Engineering Tips:
- Be Specific: Clearly define the style, color palette, and mood of the painting. Instead of saying “a beautiful portrait”, try “a hyper-realistic oil painting portrait with warm golden hues and soft brushstrokes.”
- Use Reference Artists or Styles: Mention famous artists or movements, such as “an impressionist painting in the style of Claude Monet, with soft brushwork and pastel tones.”
- Describe the Medium: Indicate if you want an oil painting, watercolor, digital illustration, or another style. Example: “A vibrant acrylic painting with thick impasto textures.”
- Include Environmental and Lighting Details: Describe the atmosphere with terms like “a sunset-lit forest with golden rays filtering through the trees, painted in a dreamy, soft-focus style.”
- Add Emotion and Storytelling Elements: Bring life to your prompt by including the mood or narrative. Example: “A melancholic portrait of a woman gazing out of a rainy window, painted in the style of Edward Hopper.”
Additional example prompts:
- “Transform a portrait of a woman into an oil painting with a soft, Renaissance-style aesthetic, featuring warm tones and delicate brushstrokes.”
- “Turn a cityscape photo into an impressionist painting with bold colors and a Van Gogh-inspired swirling sky.”
- “Convert a nature photo into a watercolor painting with delicate brushstrokes, soft pastel colors, and a dreamy atmosphere.”
- “A fantasy-style painting of a knight standing in a glowing enchanted forest, with mist swirling around them.”
- “A futuristic cyberpunk cityscape with neon lights reflecting off the wet streets, painted in a digital airbrush style. There is a cybernetic woman crossing the street as the focal point.”
For a street art adaptation, consider the following elements:
- Bold, high-contrast colors: Use a mix of deep blues, purples, and fiery oranges to add energy and vibrancy.
- Expressive brushstrokes: Incorporate splashes of paint, neon-like highlights, or graffiti-style textures to give it a raw, urban feel.
- Geometric patterns or abstract elements: Enhance the background with angular lines or soft gradients to create a sense of movement and modernity.
- Lens reflections: Add surreal reflections in the camera lens—perhaps cityscapes, eyes, or abstract bursts of color—to inject more storytelling.”
Sample
I took generating a prompt a step further by uploading a portrait into ChatGPT and asking the Ai to give a detailed description of the uploaded image.
“His hands, positioned with precision, cradle the camera with an air of confidence and mastery. The fingers are slightly curled around the shutter button, poised for action. The large lens dominates the foreground, a bold circular form that draws attention and suggests a dynamic perspective. The camera body is textured, its details softened by the lighting but still distinct.
The background is solid black, enhancing the subject’s prominence and allowing the lighting and colors to take center stage. The contrast between the dark clothing and the illuminated skin tones creates a visually engaging effect, emphasizing the subject’s form against the void. Include an image of our universe inside of the camera lens.
Step 4: Generate Your AI Artwork with DALL·E
Now that you have a detailed prompt, input it into DALL·E:
- Open ChatGPT’s DALL·E image generator.
- Paste your refined prompt.
- Click generate and wait for the AI to create your image.
- Review the generated results and select the one that best matches your vision.
The results are not exactly what I imagined but it is a starting point. Later, we’ll explore how to refine prompt’s to get the results we desire.
Step 5: Enhance and Edit Your AI-Generated Image
While AI can create fantastic artwork, you might want to refine the image further.
- Use Photoshop or a Digital Painting Tool: Adjust colors, refine details, and add textures.
- Apply Filters and Textures: Increase realism or stylization with additional effects.
- Blend with Original Photo: Overlay the AI-generated painting with your original photo to maintain key features.
As another quick example, I generated the following image based on the prompt, “A futuristic cyberpunk cityscape with neon lights reflecting off the wet streets, painted in a digital airbrush style. There is a cybernetic woman crossing the street as the focal point.”
Then I opened the file inside of Adobe Photoshop. Using the Rectangular Marquee Tool, I selected an area and then used the Generate Image tool to create a “Cybernetic dog.” I then used the Generate Image tool’s mask and refined it so that the dog fit the scene better.
Side note: The GenAi tools inside of Adobe Photoshop Beta are EXTREMELY fun and powerful. With practice engineering prompts and refining your masking skills, you’ll be a pro in no time! Don’t be afraid, just get in there and start creating layers and objects.
Step 6: Save and Share Your Artwork
Once you’re happy with the final result, save your masterpiece in high resolution.
- Download as PNG or JPEG for high quality.
- Print on canvas or create merchandise.
- Share on social media to showcase your work.
Conclusion
Using ChatGPT and DALL·E, you can turn ordinary photos into extraordinary digital paintings. With a well-crafted prompt, creative vision, and a bit of post-editing, your personal images can become unique works of art. Experiment with different styles and refine your technique to create stunning AI-assisted artwork!
Let us know if you would like to learn more about Ai Prompt Engineering, how Gen-Ai works or any technical aspects of Gen-Ai. Feel free to share any of your creations or questions below in the comments. Take care and have fun creating!