Composition, Color, and Style: the Cheat Sheet — Guides

Start with the picture

Welcome to the world of art magic with Stable Diffusion! If you love art and want to make cool pictures using AI, you’re in the perfect spot. This guide is like your friendly map to creating awesome images with AI, even if you’re not a pro.

Astronaut standing on an alien surface under teal and magenta nebula light — Cerulean waves cresting with titanic energy, under a kaleidoscope sunset where dolphins arc gracefully above the ocean’s rhythm, strands of sea spray caught in midair glistening like diamonds against the fiery backdrop. Generated in Krea.ai.

Stable Diffusion is this super smart AI that listens to your ideas (we call them prompts) and turns them into art. It’s like having a robot artist buddy who’s ready to draw or paint whatever you can think of. By learning how to talk to this AI in a special way, you can make it create almost any picture you imagine.

We’re going to show you how to build your art step by step.

You’ll figure out where to put stuff in your picture, pick colors that make your art feel just right, and choose a style that makes it pop!

And don’t worry, we’ll give you lots of examples to try out and play with as you learn.

Neon pink and teal sci fi room shown through a grid of panels — A lone astronaut silhouetted against a starkly neutral backdrop of a space station, with a triadic color burst from distant nebulas in teal, magenta, and gold.

Composition essentials

The art of composition in Stable Diffusion is akin to the delicate balance an architect must maintain when designing a building. It’s about arranging visual elements harmoniously, guiding the viewer’s eye, and creating a narrative within the frame. Let’s dive into some of the key principles of composition and see how they can be applied to prompt engineering.

One of the most fundamental techniques in the realm of composition is the Rule of Thirds. This principle involves dividing the image into nine equal sections by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Placing points of interest at the intersections or along the lines creates tension, energy, and interest in the composition.

prompt example| “An ancient oak tree (majestically occupying the left third), a wandering deer (crossing at the bottom right intersection), under a twilight sky (top horizontal line).” | Generated in Krea.ai

Oak tree at the left of a misty field with deer near the lower right — The oak, deer, and sky each carry a clear place in the frame.

Symmetry provides a sense of harmony and order. Balance, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, is crucial to creating a pleasing composition. With Stable Diffusion, you can play with these concepts to create images that feel stable or intentionally off-kilter for dramatic effect.

prompt example“A grand staircase (symmetrically centered), leading up to a vibrant stained glass window (the focal point), flanked by two statuesque lions (providing balance).” Generated in Krea.ai

Conveying a sense of depth can make your AI-generated art more lifelike. Use foreground, middleground, and background layers, or employ linear perspective with converging lines to create the illusion of depth.

Children running with colorful kites in a bright open field — Movement can come from a verb in the prompt.

Reading nook framed by dark bookshelves and a single armchair — Bookshelves frame the armchair and keep focus in the center.

prompt example“A cobblestone path (winding from the foreground bottom edge), leading to a quaint village (nestled in the middleground), set against rolling hills (in the distant background).” | Generated in Krea.ai

Cobblestone path leading down a valley toward a small village — The path gives the image a foreground, middle ground, and background.

Framing within your image can highlight the main subject, drawing the viewer’s attention to where you want it. Use natural frames like windows or archways, or compose the scene so that surrounding elements create a visual frame around your point of interest.

prompt example“A reclusive reading nook (embraced by a circle of bookshelves), with a lone, plush armchair (center focus), bathed in the soft glow of an overhead lamp.” | Generated in Krea.ai

Creating a sense of movement can add energy and life to your Stable Diffusion art. Consider how the elements in your scene might interact and guide the eye in a natural, flowing manner.

prompt example“A group of children (joyfully chasing) after colorful kites, which dance and weave in the gusty wind” | Generated in Krea.ai

You’ll notice the resulting images have a sense of motion and speed applied to them due to the mention of (joyfully chasing)

Utilize natural curves and lines for leading lines.
Play with geometric shapes to create interesting arrangements.
Emphasize negative space to let your subject breathe.
Experiment with juxtapositions for unexpected visual interest.
Use symmetry for a sense of order or break it for dynamic tension.

Grand staircase centered between two lion statues under a stained glass window — Symmetry points the eye toward the stained glass window.

Remember, these principles are not strict rules but tools to enhance the storytelling of your AI-generated art. With each prompt, you’re providing the AI with a blueprint to interpret, and as you refine your understanding of these compositional essentials, you’ll see your prompts transform into ever more compelling artworks.

The spectrum of color themes

Color is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any artist, capable of transforming a scene from mundane to mesmerizing. In the world of Stable Diffusion, understanding the spectrum of color themes is crucial for creating imagery that resonates on an emotional level. Let’s explore the vibrant world of color theory and how it can be harnessed in your prompts to evoke specific moods and atmospheres.

At its core, color theory is the science and art of using color. It explains how humans perceive color, how colors mix, match or clash, and the messages they communicate. With Stable Diffusion, you can leverage color theory to give your art depth and feeling.

prompt example“A desolate landscape, the loneliness accentuated by a palette of cool blues and greys (mimicking the feeling of dusk), with the occasional stark orange of a campfire (adding a spot of warmth and hope).” | Generated in Krea.ai

Blue grey landscape with an orange campfire by a lake — Cool blues and greys set the mood while orange adds a focal point.

Different color themes can dramatically alter the viewer’s emotional response. Here’s a run-down of some common themes and the moods they convey:

Monochromatic: Utilizes variations in lightness and saturation of a single color. It’s harmonious and soothing.
Analogous: Combines colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. This scheme is often found in nature and is harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Complementary: Uses colors opposite each other on the color wheel, creating high contrast and vibrant looks.
Triadic: Involves three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel, offering a rich and dynamic palette.
Neutral: Employs whites, blacks, and greys, often creating a minimalist or subdued atmosphere.

Forest scene using many shades of green — Monochromatic greens from dark pine to soft lime.

Ocean sunset with peach, violet, and pink color bands — Analogous colors blend from peach to violet.

Bowl of red apples and green limes on a green background — Complementary red and green create high contrast.

Street festival filled with blue, yellow, and pink stalls — Triadic color gives the festival scene energy.

New York City skyline rendered in grey neutral tones — Neutral tones pull the image toward concrete and steel.

When crafting your prompts, consider the color theme as a narrative device. Think about what story you want to tell and choose your colors to reinforce that narrative.

For palette browsing, use the color prompt words list alongside the color schemes in this section.

prompt example“Capture the chill of twilight (with hues of pale lavender and soft blue), as night animals begin their chorus (under the glow of a golden hour gleam).” | Generated in Krea.ai

Lavender twilight scene with deer under a pale moon — Color keywords place the scene between day and night.

To guide the AI effectively, use specific color keywords in your prompts. Here’s a list of vivid color terms to inspire your creations:

Chill of twilight
Warmth of a hearth
Blush of dawn
Shadowed indigo
Golden hour gleam
Rusted autumn leaves
Arctic whiteness
Tropical vibrance.

Color themes are essential in shaping the emotional landscape of your AI-generated art. By mastering the use of color in your Stable Diffusion prompts, you’ll be able to craft images that not only capture the eye but also touch the heart. Experiment with different color combinations and observe how they influence the narrative and feel of your artwork. With practice, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of which colors to employ to bring your visions vividly to life.

Art styles and influences

The realm of art is rich and varied, offering a tapestry of styles that span the breadth of human history and imagination. When creating with Stable Diffusion, you have the unique ability to infuse your AI-generated art with elements from this vast array of artistic expressions. In this chapter, we’ll explore different art styles, from the classical to the contemporary, and how you can implement them in your Stable Diffusion prompts to give your work depth and character.

Classical art styles have withstood the test of time, revered for their beauty, technique, and historical significance. By referencing these styles in your prompts, you can imbue your images with a sense of tradition and elegance.

When you need a style term fast, browse the style prompt words list and pick one clear influence.

prompt example“A portrait in the style of the Renaissance, showcasing the subject’s delicate features (soft lighting, subtle earth tones), reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s smooth transitions between colors.” | Generated in Krea.ai

Soft Renaissance style portrait of a woman in earth tones — A Renaissance prompt steers the image toward soft light and earth tones.

Modern art, with its bold experiments in form and color, broke away from the traditions of the past, while contemporary art continues to push boundaries and reflect current ideas. These styles can bring a fresh, vibrant energy to your creations.

prompt example“A cityscape buzzing with the abstract energy of Cubism, buildings fragmented into geometric shapes (sharp angles, bright contrasting colors), echoing the revolutionary spirit of Picasso.” | Generated in Krea.ai

Expressionism seeks to depict the emotional experience over physical reality, often through exaggerated and distorted visuals, while Impressionism captures the fleeting effects of light and color. Both can create a rich, atmospheric quality in your art.

Cubist cityscape built from sharp colored geometric forms — Cubism breaks the city into planes and angles.

Expressionist stormy sea with blue green waves — Expressionism uses the waves to carry emotion.

prompt example“A stormy sea (churning with emotion), painted in the style of Expressionism, where the tumultuous waves (vivid blues and greens) mirror the chaos of the human psyche.” | Generated in Krea.ai

Surrealism delves into the world of dreams and the unconscious, often featuring bizarre, illogical scenes. Fantasy, on the other hand, frees you to explore mythical and otherworldly themes. Both can be used to create captivating, otherworldly images.

prompt example“A dreamscape of Surrealism, where the laws of physics are defied (floating islands, melting clocks), inviting the viewer to question reality, in the vein of Salvador Dalí.” | Generated in Krea.ai

Surreal landscape with floating islands and clocks — Surrealism gives the prompt permission to bend physics.

Pop art superhero with comic dots and primary colors — Pop Art makes the superhero read like a comic panel.

Pop Art is known for its bold imagery derived from popular culture and mass media, while street art brings an urban edge with its graffiti and mural styles. These styles can make your art pop with contemporary relevance.

prompt example“A dynamic superhero scene inspired by Pop Art (comic book dots, bright primary colors), capturing the essence of Roy Lichtenstein’s punchy visuals.” | Generated in Krea.ai

Don’t forget to consider the multitude of artistic mediums and techniques available. Whether it’s the textured strokes of oil painting, the delicacy of watercolor, or the precision of digital art, each medium brings its own unique qualities to your work.

prompt example“A tranquil landscape rendered in watercolor (soft washes, delicate color bleeds), evoking a sense of peace and simplicity.” | Generated in Krea.ai

Watercolor landscape with pale trees, soft mountains, and a river — Watercolor pulls the image toward soft washes and color bleeds.

The influences of art styles, mediums, and movements provide a rich vocabulary for your Stable Diffusion prompts. By carefully selecting and combining these elements, you can craft images that resonate with the echoes of art history or pulse with the rhythm of contemporary life. Experiment with blending styles or creating juxtapositions to discover new and exciting visual narratives. As you refine your prompt engineering skills, remember that each word has the power to shape the style and ultimately the impact of your AI-generated art.

Prompt structure

Mastering the art of crafting prompts for Stable Diffusion is a fundamental skill for any AI artist. This section will guide you through the process of creating precise and imaginative prompts, offering structure and key elements to make the most out of your AI art creation journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming proficient in prompt engineering.

The structure of a prompt can greatly influence the output of Stable Diffusion. A well-composed prompt typically includes a subject, setting, style, and sometimes, emotion or action. The order and clarity of these elements can direct the AI more effectively to produce the desired result.

prompt example“A knight (subject) standing atop a hill (setting), in the dramatic style of a Renaissance painting (style), overlooking a battlefield with somber resolve (emotion).” | Generated in Krea.ai

Knight standing on a hill under a stormy sky — The prompt names subject, setting, style, and emotion.

A good prompt strikes a balance between being specific enough to convey your vision and flexible enough to allow the AI to introduce creative nuances. Overly detailed prompts may restrict the AI’s creative potential, while too vague prompts might lead to unexpected and undesirable results.

prompt example“A bustling city street during the rain (specific), filled with the vivid umbrellas and reflections on the wet pavement (vivid but flexible).” | Generated in Krea.ai

Keywords are the building blocks of your prompt. They should be descriptive and relevant to the image you want to create. Think about textures, colors, emotions, and actions that can enhance your prompt.

Rainy city street with orange umbrellas reflected on wet pavement — Specific setting plus flexible details leaves room for the image.

Purple and pink lagoon under a twilight sky — Texture and color keywords shape the lagoon scene.

prompt example“A serene lagoon (setting), with crystal-clear water (texture), under a twilight sky painted in shades of purple and pink (color).” | Generated in Krea.ai

Incorporating artistic terms can help guide the AI towards a particular style or technique. Use terms from art history, such as “Impressionist,” “Baroque,” or “Cubist,” to instruct the AI on the desired artistic approach.

prompt example“A still life of fruit and flowers (subject), arranged in the dense, shadowy contrasts typical of Caravaggio’s Baroque style (artistic term).”

Baroque still life with fruit and flowers in deep shadow — Baroque style brings dense shadow and a staged still life.

Use parentheses and brackets to indicate which elements of the prompt should be emphasized or de-emphasized. This helps you control the focus and importance of different aspects within the generated image.

prompt example“A (majestic) mountain range [with a small cabin nestled at its base], under a starry (night sky).” | Generated in Krea.ai

Majestic mountain range under a starry night sky with a small cabin below — Parentheses place weight on the mountains and night sky.

Iteration and adjustment

Prompt engineering is an iterative process. You may not get the perfect result on the first try, so be prepared to refine and adjust your prompts based on the outcomes you receive.

prompt example iterationInitial prompt: “A cozy cottage in a forest clearing.” | Adjusted prompt: “A cozy cottage with a thatched roof, surrounded by dense, ancient trees in a sunlit forest clearing.” | Generated in Krea.ai

Cozy cottage in a dim forest clearing — The first cottage prompt gives the model a simple scene.

Sunlit thatched cottage surrounded by trees — The adjusted prompt adds roof, trees, and sunlight.

The process of creating art with AI using Stable Diffusion is not a one-and-done affair; it’s an iterative journey of discovery and learning. As you engage with the tool, you’ll find that your initial prompts may not always yield the expected results. This is where the art of iteration comes into play, refining and tweaking prompts to inch closer to your envisioned masterpiece.

Do not be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t produce the perfect image. Each result is an opportunity to learn and adjust. Embrace trial and error as part of the creative process.

Keep a record of your prompts and the results they produce. This log can become an invaluable reference for understanding how different prompt structures and keywords affect the outcomes.

From the original Artificial Lexicon site, also on Medium. Rebuilt for this site.