Friday, March 24, 2023

Creating Stunning AI-Generated Landscapes

Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized the way we create art, and landscapes are no exception. With the help of AI, it is now possible to generate stunning, realistic landscapes that were previously only achievable by expert artists. AI-generated landscapes are not only visually stunning but can also be used for a wide range of applications such as video games, films, and virtual reality.

The process of creating an AI-generated landscape begins with a set of algorithms and data. The algorithms are designed to simulate natural processes such as erosion, weather patterns, and vegetation growth. The data used in the process can include satellite imagery, geological data, and topographical maps. Once the algorithms and data are in place, the AI begins to create a landscape based on the parameters set by the artist.



One of the most popular AI landscape generation techniques is using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). GANs are a type of deep learning algorithm that consists of two neural networks, a generator, and a discriminator. The generator creates new images, while the discriminator evaluates them to determine if they are real or fake. Through this iterative process, the generator learns to create increasingly realistic images.



Another popular technique is using Procedural Generation, which involves creating landscapes through mathematical algorithms. Procedural generation can create infinite variations of landscapes by using random variables in the algorithm. This technique is often used in video games to create vast, open-world environments that can be explored by the player.

The benefits of AI-generated landscapes are numerous. For one, it saves time and resources as it eliminates the need for manual creation. Additionally, AI-generated landscapes can be modified and customized easily, allowing artists to create unique, personalized environments. AI-generated landscapes can also be used in scientific research and education to simulate various geological and environmental scenarios.



While AI-generated landscapes may not replace traditional art, it provides artists with a new tool to enhance their creative process. AI can help artists explore new ideas and create environments that were previously impossible. AI-generated landscapes are a perfect blend of science and art, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

In conclusion, AI-generated landscapes are a testament to the advancements in technology and its integration with art. They offer a new perspective on the natural world, providing stunning visuals that inspire and awe. As AI technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for creating new and exciting landscapes are endless. It will be exciting to see what new innovations and breakthroughs in AI-generated landscapes the future holds.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Samurai, Fire or Ice Mashup

New Video just Posted!
Which Samurai do you prefer, Fire, or Ice!  Vote on YouTube.

Friday, March 3, 2023

AI Artwork

Hey everyone, it's been quite a while!

In that time, I've transitioned much of my artwork from handmade acrylic pours and watercolors (both of which I still do) to delving into AI Artwork.

I love the creativity it brings and ability to really experiment with different styles, and the uniqueness it brings.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the art world by enabling artists like myself to create unique, innovative and complex artworks that were previously impossible to create by hand. The benefits of AI artwork are vast and range from the ability to create artworks that are more detailed, precise, and diverse to the ability to push the boundaries of creativity and challenge traditional artistic forms. In this article, I'll discuss some of the benefits of AI artwork in more detail so you can see why I've transitioned most of my artwork now over to this style and medium.

  1. Increased Creativity and Diversity AI has the ability to generate a wide range of diverse artworks that were previously impossible to create using traditional artistic methods. This is because AI can produce new and unique styles, colors, patterns, and shapes that are not limited by human imagination. AI can also generate art based on different themes, styles, or cultural references, allowing artists to create more diverse and innovative artworks.

  2. Time-Saving Creating an artwork by hand can take hours, days, weeks or even months, depending on its complexity. With AI, however, artists can create complex artworks in a matter of hours or even minutes. This time-saving benefit allows artists to focus on other aspects of their creative process, such as refining their concepts, experimenting with different styles, and exploring new artistic forms. Not to mention, it is far less costly as well as you don't need to purchase art supplies.

  3. Accuracy and Precision AI is known for its ability to perform complex computations and calculations with high accuracy and precision. When applied to art, AI can produce artworks that are more precise, accurate, and detailed than traditional art forms. This accuracy and precision allow artists to create artworks that are more realistic, detailed, and expressive, enabling them to communicate their message more effectively.

  4. Access to New Tools and Techniques AI-based art tools provide artists with new and innovative techniques that can help them create unique and groundbreaking artworks. For example, AI-based tools can analyze a given image or object and then suggest different styles or colors that can be applied to the artwork. This allows artists to explore new artistic forms and experiment with different techniques that can enhance their creative process.

  5. Increased Accessibility AI-based art tools and artworks have the potential to increase accessibility to the arts. AI-generated artworks can be reproduced and shared digitally, making it easier for people to view and appreciate art from anywhere in the world. Additionally, AI can provide people with new ways to interact with art, such as through augmented and virtual reality, enabling a more immersive and engaging artistic experience.

  6. Enhanced Personalization AI can be used to personalize artworks by analyzing a user's preferences and creating art that is tailored to their specific tastes. For example, AI can analyze a person's color preferences, art style preferences, and other characteristics, and then create an artwork that appeals to their unique taste. This personalization can help people feel more connected to the artwork and enhance their overall artistic experience.

Below are just a couple random samples of images created through this medium, ranging from landscapes to abstracts.






In conclusion, AI is transforming the art world by providing artists like myself with new tools and techniques to create unique, innovative, and complex artworks. The benefits of AI artwork range from increased creativity and diversity to time-saving and increased accessibility. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking artworks and innovations in the art world.

I'm looking forward to this next journey and to sharing that artwork with all of you.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Friday, January 10, 2020

How to make a simple Wet Palette for Miniatures or Model Painting

Today I'm going to explain and show you a quick, easy and cheap method to create an effective Wet Palette for miniatures or model painting.

Materials Needed:

  1. An old CD Case - I use front cover
  2. Piece of Paper Towel - Cut to fit CD Case
  3. Piece of Wax Paper - Cut to fit CD Case

Process:
Basically you wet the paper towel, put it on the CD Case, then overlay the piece of Wax Paper on top of it.  You then apply your paints to the Wax Paper and use that surface as your palette.  The moisture underneath the wax paper helps keep the acrylic paint from drying quickly and extends the amount of time you can use the paint.

Some Benefits of the Wet Palette:

  • Paint Lasts Longer (you use less paint)
  • Helps if you want to blend or mix paints
  • Easy Clean-Up
  • Cheap and Easy to make


Watch the video I did here.



Hopefully this simple process helps.  I have been using this method for years.



Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Review of Tamiya Spray-Work Painting Stand

With Christmas a few weeks ago, I got a Hobby Lobby Gift Card and with that, I purchased a really neat item which will go a long way towards helping with many of my art and craft projects.

The work stand was $24.99 MSRP, but with one of the 40% off coupons, I got mine for about $15.  I've seen others go for around $20 at hobby stores, and Amazon currently has it for around $21.

Amazon Link - Tamiya Spray Work Painting Stand

Overview of the Tamiya Spray-Work Painting Stand
The kit comes with 2 different stands in it, one with spring clips, and another which has a platform and a bunch of varying hole sizes.  The kit also comes with 4 clips.

Each stand has an internal lazy susan which allows you to rotate the stand around.  The stand with the spring clips will have to be modified when you first unbox it, but I show how to do that in the video below.  This stand is used for holding larger models, something like a car body you want to airbrush.

The stand with all of the holes is useful for inserting sprues, painting multiple items at once, using the clips to hold items, or to just rotate if you are looking to take pictures of an object from various views.  I plan to also use these stands to take pictures of items when completed.

I have used this multiple times now in the week I have had it, and for around $20 or less, I'm sort of disappointed I had never purchased one of these years ago.

Video Review of Tamiya Spray-Work Painting Stand

I did a video review of the product on YouTube, See the unboxing video below. 

In this video, I show how to adjust the spring clips, as well as show some examples of how to use each of the stands.



This Tamiya product is well worth the $20 or so dollars you will spend, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's tired of painting your fingers, or having to rotate objects in your hand to paint them.  It really is a very handy set to have.

- Rob

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Nerf Gun Modification

So I decided this past weekend to paint one of our nerf guns, just to get some practice with my airbrush, and to have some fun.

Here's a picture of the Nerf Gun that I'm going to paint.

Nerf Strongarm Gun which will be primed and Painted.

I then masked off part of the Orange Trigger and the front barrel and primed the Nerf Gun with a gray primer.  Here's an image of the primed gun, ready for painting.


Once I had everything primed, I painted the magazine, and the handle a Semi-Gloss Black.  Here's a picture of what the gun looked like after painting the magazine and the handle. I also put a bit of black overspray on the gun to dull a bit of the gray primer and give a bit of shadow in some areas.


 At this point, I didn't really take a lot of photos of the detail work of the gun and really just had some final images, as well as comparisons to the original.

Here's the finished product, with the masking removed.



Here's the other side of the gun.



Here is the Before / After Comparison of the two.


This was a pretty simple easy and fun project. It allowed me to use my airbrush some.

I've now been challenged to mod and paint our whole group of nerf guns we have.  Not sure I'm ready for that task yet, but it was a lot of fun.

Let me know what you think!

 - Rob

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Photography Compliation - Coneflower & Nebula

So today I had a little bit of fun and merged together two images of mine; the Purple Coneflower and Nebula from my Acrylic Pours Collection, Here are the two images below.
The Coneflower
Nebula - Acrylic Pour
So, the first one I did, I just overlaid the Coneflower over the Nebula picture.


The second one I did, I desaturated the Acrylic Pour so it would really highlight the color of the Coneflower compared to the bright Abstract background of Nebula.


Both the original images can also be seen in the Galleries @ https://waterholicsart.artspan.com

Enjoy!

- Rob

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Uruk-Hai or Great Orcs - Miniatures from Lord of the Rings

These are Miniatures I painted a while ago, about  the time I did the Treebeard miniature.  It is of the Uruk's, also from the Two Towers movie.
The Crew of Uruk-Hai, with a Warg Rider in the Background

Closer View of the Warg Rider

Closer view of the Uruks

Closeup view of Lurtz, the captain of the Uruk-Hai

Monday, October 14, 2019

Miniatures - Lord of the Rings - Treebeard & Merry

Today, I have something new.

  1. Photos of Miniatures
  2. I got a light-box to take better images of what I paint.  These are some of the first Images I've taken using the new light-box.


A while back, I would paint a lot of Miniatures, so I thought I would use some of the next few posts to display some of the miniatures I've painted over the years.

This photo is of Treebeard and Merry from the Lord of the Rings series, The Two Towers.  The figures are part of the Warhammer Lord of the Rings miniatures set dating back a few years (maybe 2005 or 06).  I added some extra foliage to Treebeard which is not part of the original miniature.  I also added extras to the base which wouldn't normally be a part of the miniature.

Enjoy!
Treebeard and Merry, Front shot, Full

Treebeard and Merry, Rear Shot, Full

Front Upper Shot

Closeup of Merry on Treebeard

Friday, October 11, 2019

Waterholics Art - New Sites Available

Hey Everyone, I've had a lot of positive feedback, especially with the Acrylic Pours that I have been doing recently.

Yesterday, I finally decided to put together a gallery on Artspan.com, and list some of my art for sale there.  Currently, I'm not offering originals for sale, but you can buy prints, as well as have them matted and framed through Artspan.

If you are interested at all in checking it out, here is the link:

https://waterholicsart.artspan.com/

I don't have any of the Watercolors up there yet, currently it is only the Acrylic Pours.

--------------------------------

I also setup a Facebook site for Waterholics Art, where I will continue to post artwork.
That Facebook site is at the following Link:

https://www.facebook.com/Waterholics-Art-109080763837534


 Rob

Creating Stunning AI-Generated Landscapes

Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized the way we create art, and landscapes are no exception. With the help of AI, it is now possible t...