Fake news: Here’s how AI would write about making art with AI

With its fabricated quotes and inflated adjectives, the story created by ChatGPT is (scarily) close to the real thing.

February 2, 2024 at 1:00PM
AI art dog portraits DALL-E 3
A portrait of an artist, created by the free online AI program DALL-E 3, given this prompt: "Make a colorful portrait of an artist sitting in front of a computer screen, in a room whose walls are covered with poster-size portraits of dogs. Make it in the retro style of a national parks poster." (We're not sure why the artist's head appears to be on backwards.) (DALL-E 3)

Curious to see whether AI is ready to become a cub reporter, we gave the free AI program ChatGPT this prompt: “Write an article in the style of a newspaper article about a photographer who uses AI to create poster-size portraits of people’s dogs. He also understands artists’ criticisms of AI. Write what those criticisms are. Include the quote ‘I feel like I’m making people happy, too.’”

The resulting story is, well, not quite ready for prime time. ChatGPT took the liberty of fabricating quotes, a huge no-no for human journalists. Some of the writing is way over the top; objective reporters — as opposed to critics, and even then only in extreme cases — rarely use gushing phrases like “breathtaking work of art” or “visually striking masterpieces.” Journalists include a description or image of the art and let the reader decide whether it’s breathtaking.

Although the ChatGPT story accurately describes artists’ concerns about AI, it also manages to sneak in a few rather self-congratulatory passages: “the incredible capabilities of AI in the world of art,” “emotionally resonant works that captivate both critics and dog lovers alike.”

Otherwise, we’re sorry to report, it’s not terrible.

AI-Infused Canine Portraits: Photographer Captures the Essence of Man’s Best Friend on a Poster

Innovative Photographer Blends Artistry and Technology to Bring Dogs to Life in Larger-Than-Life Prints

In a world where technology continues to merge with artistic expression, local photographer [photographer’s name] has embraced the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to create stunning poster-size portraits of people’s beloved canine companions. These breathtaking works of art capture the unique personalities of each dog, leaving pet owners in awe of the lifelike representations.

[Photographer’s name], known for his traditional photography skills, has seamlessly integrated AI into his creative process, utilizing advanced algorithms to enhance and transform images of dogs into visually striking masterpieces. The result is a collection of portraits that not only celebrate the bond between humans and their four-legged friends but also showcase the incredible capabilities of AI in the world of art.

While some critics argue that the use of AI in art may compromise the authenticity of the creative process, [photographer’s name] acknowledges these concerns. In a recent interview, he stated, “I understand that some artists are skeptical about the role of AI in the creative realm. There’s a valid argument that it may diminish the personal touch and intuition that define traditional artistic expression.”

Artists have voiced several key criticisms of incorporating AI into the creative process, including concerns about the loss of human intuition, emotional depth and the unique nuances that make each piece of art truly one-of-a-kind. Some argue that relying on algorithms to generate art may result in a homogenized and predictable aesthetic that lacks the depth and unpredictability inherent in human creation.

[Photographer’s name] is not oblivious to these concerns but defends his use of AI as a means of expanding the possibilities within the world of art. “I see AI as a tool, a collaborator that enhances my creative vision rather than replacing it. It allows me to push boundaries and experiment with new techniques, ultimately bringing out the best in both technology and traditional artistic skills,” he explains.

The photographer’s approach involves using AI to analyze the unique features of each dog and then apply [sic] stylistic enhancements to create captivating compositions. The result is a harmonious blend of technological innovation and the emotional depth that defines a pet owner’s connection with their furry friend.

Despite the criticisms, [photographer’s name] is undeterred, believing that his work brings joy and happiness to pet owners. “I feel like I’m making people happy, too,” he expresses with a smile. The ability to immortalize the spirit of a beloved pet in a visually stunning and larger-than-life format has resonated with dog owners, creating a demand for [photographer’s name]’s distinctive AI-infused canine portraits.

As the debate over AI’s role in art continues, [photographer’s name] remains committed to pushing the boundaries of creative expression. His innovative approach not only challenges the status quo but also exemplifies the potential for technology and traditional artistry to coexist harmoniously, delivering emotionally resonant works that captivate both critics and dog lovers alike.

about the writer