Benefits of using style references in AI art: From the eerie glow of a Bakshi-Ghibli fusion spacecraft to the chiaroscuro regality of a Sargent-style lion and the menacing, Frazetta-inspired steam train, explore how MidJourney's sophisticated –sref command elevates creative storytelling and realism in digital artistry.

Benefits of using style references in AI art: From the eerie glow of a Bakshi-Ghibli fusion spacecraft to the chiaroscuro regality of a Sargent-style lion and the menacing, Frazetta-inspired steam train, explore how MidJourney’s sophisticated –sref command elevates creative storytelling and realism in digital artistry.

Midjourney Prompt

Color Palette

Dominant Colors

Collection Description

A magnificent, glowing spacecraft hovers ominously above a city at night, its eerie luminescence casting an ethereal glow on the architecture below, reminiscent of ancient yet futuristic civilizations. This scene, brought to life by blending styles from notable artists like Ralph Bakshi and Studio Ghibli, exemplifies how –sref impacts MidJourney outputs, creating vivid, awe-inspiring imagery that transcends traditional artistic boundaries. Elsewhere, a striking oil painting portrays a regal lion in a close-up, its majestic aura enhanced by chiaroscuro lighting reminiscent of John Singer Sargent’s style, demonstrating MidJourney’s ability to evoke deep emotional responses through intense visual storytelling. Next, an ominous steam train emerges from a shadowy, Frank Frazetta-esque woodland, its fiery chimney and eerie orange-glowing headlight adding a dynamic, almost menacing touch to the scene, showcasing sophisticated –sref command utilization in AI image generation for enhanced detail and realism. These artistic endeavors not only push creative possibilities but also deepen narrative intrigue, inviting viewers into a world where classic cinema and vivid animation merge seamlessly with modern digital artistry.

Image Descriptions and Image Prompts

Midjourney Prompt

Teapot

In a captivating fusion of styles, an aged clay teapot serves as the subject of a brilliantly executed still life that combines elements reminiscent of artists like James Gurney, Claude Monet, Zdzisław Beksiński, Edward Hopper, Maxfield Parrish, Matisse, and Paul Cézanne. The texture of the terracotta surface is rendered with meticulous detail, capturing the essence of the material in a hyper-realistic manner that reflects the light and shadows with a masterful use of soft, side lighting that enhances the warm tones and the pot’s simple yet profound form. This vintage-inspired oil painting exudes a moody ambiance, achieved through the darkened, minimalist background that underscores the teapot’s aged elegance. It showcases rough, expressive brush strokes typical in MidJourney style reference tutorials and tricks, emphasizing the pot’s cracked surface and elevating this piece from merely being viewed to being truly experienced. This work is not only a technical display of intricate painting techniques but also a timeless representation of still life art that invites viewers to explore each detail.

Midjourney Prompt

Train

Capturing the eerie allure of a vintage steam train illuminated by an orange-glowing headlight as it courses through a shadowy woodland, the image invites viewers into a fantastical night scene reminiscent of Frank Frazetta’s dramatic and mythical artwork. The dark woods, thick with trees, are only sporadically lit by moonlight, casting long, eerie shadows that play along the old, wooden tracks and the orange embers scattered beside them. Billowing smoke and fiery flames erupting from the chimney add a dynamic, almost menacing tone to the tableau, suggesting the train itself might be alight with infernal fire. This visual, rich with high contrast and cinematic lighting, exemplifies best practices for -sref in AI image generation, creating a super-detailed and hyper-realistic depiction that not only pays homage to Frazetta’s iconic style but also embeds the art with a sense of movement and foreboding, making it almost palpable to the observer.

Midjourney Prompt

Mid-Shot of a Cowboy Riding a Horse

In a captivating scene from what can be likened to a classic western film, a rugged cowboy identifiable as John Marston from “Red Dead Redemption”, is depicted charging valiantly on horseback alongside his crew. The dramatic setting portrays them galloping through a dense forest at either dawn or dusk, as sunlight gently filters through the trees, casting elongated shadows and highlighting the dynamic motion of the scene. These cowboys, clad in traditional black leather jackets adorned with shoulder pads and classic cowboy hats, are immersed in a high-stakes escape, marked by the intense splashing of water and mud as their horses fiercely tread through puddles. Each frame is meticulously crafted, reminiscent of the signature style of renowned cinematographer Roger Deakins, employing techniques like Panavision Super Speed lenses to enhance the cinematic quality with a fine film grain effect, soft lighting, and motion blur that vividly conveys their frantic burst through the wilderness. As they evade their pursuers, the background reveals additional riders, adding layers to this thrilling chase sequence. This dynamic portrayal not only showcases the artistry of action-packed sequences but also serves as one of the poignant examples of –sref commands in MidJourney, where storytelling and visual finesse coalesce seamlessly.

Midjourney Prompt

Peacock

A mesmerizing portrait of a peacock unfurls across the canvas, its feathers an explosion of blue with striking red and green details that catch the eye. The painting, reminiscent of the styles of Gustave Loiseau, Frank Frazetta, Gustave Caillebotte, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Claude Monet, and Maxfield Parrish, offers a riveting blend of naturalistic and impressionistic touches. Vivid colors dominate the scene set against a dark, abstract backdrop of red and green foliage, evoking a strong contrast that accentuates the depth and texture of the image. Bold brush strokes and dramatic lighting highlight the peacock’s majestic plumage, making each feather pop with rich texture and color. This artwork exemplifies how to use MidJourney’s –sref tool for unique art styles, creating a striking visual narrative that brings the regal beauty of this creature to life.

Midjourney Prompt

Futuristic Space Station

In a stunning visual from an animated movie, a massive, glowing spacecraft hovers ominously above a city at night, blending the imaginative styles of Ralph Bakshi, John Milius, Ralph McQuarrie, Jean Giraud (Moebius), James Bama, and Studio Ghibli. Whether depicted as floating over the fictional cities of Krypton and Kardashev or the historical Salvador, the alien ship emanates an eerie luminescence that illuminates the intricate architecture below, reminiscent of ancient civilizations yet distinctly futuristic. The artistry involved harnesses a combination of graphic intensity and whimsical fantasy, creating a scene that is both awe-inspiring and subtly disquieting. This illustration exemplifies how –sref impacts MidJourney outputs, capturing an ethereal quality that transcends typical artistic boundaries through a confluence of various iconic visual styles. Such imagery not only broadens the scope of creative possibility but also deepens the narrative intrigue of the depicted scenarios.

Midjourney Prompt

Formula 1 Vehicle

Exploring –sref features in MidJourney reveals a captivating visual fusion of imaginative automotive and terrestrial themes. A black and orange Formula One car, reminiscent of designs from Disney’s stylizations such as Kylo and Moana, races through a landscape that defies ordinary expectations. Whether it’s maneuvering through an abandoned race track engulfed by a forest with surreal purple leaves or speeding on an alien planet, the scenes are a testament to fantasy and creativity. Artists like Syd Mead and Ralph McQuarrie inspire the backdrops, blending dreamy pastels, morning light, and soft shadows into a palette that echoes both anime aesthetics and retro gaming vibes reminiscent of the 90s Wipeout series. The high-resolution, hyper-realistic rendering juxtaposed with elements of 8-bit pixel art create a multi-layered digital tableau, inviting viewers to a world where advanced racing technology meets enchanting, otherworldly environments.

Midjourney Prompt

Living Room

The vibrant image captures a cozy living room bathed in the warmth of natural sunlight that streams through a window, illuminating the bright orange walls and casting soft shadows across the room. A plush white sofa invites relaxation, flanked by a sleek black coffee table and accented with a vase of pink flowers that inject a burst of color contrast against the serene backdrop. A red rug stretches across the floor, leading to a doorway, providing a bold splash of color that ties the room together. Strategic placements of framed pictures add a personal touch to the space, hanging on the walls and contributing character and interest. Additionally, a lamp perched beside the sofa complements the warm glow from outside, enhancing the room’s inviting ambiance. This well-composed scene serves as an excellent example of focus-stacked photography and could be an ideal addition to any MidJourney Style Reference Guide, showcasing how colorful animation stills and high-resolution images can be integrated to create a harmonious and dynamic living space.

Midjourney Prompt

Landscape

In an enchanting representation reminiscent of James Gurney’s work, a graphic scene unfolds under a dusk sky, wherein the mysterious hues wrap around a misty forest. Silhouettes of thick, towering trees and gentle hills mingle with fog that blankets both a lively clearing and a distant African swamp. Here, individuals adorned in animal costumes gather, enveloped in long shadows that add an air of secrecy, while further afar in the swamp, hippos can be discerned amidst the dim light. This atmosphere extends to the shores of a small lake, seen in another part of the forest where soldiers navigate the dense underbrush, a subtle campfire glowing in the distance. The setting is beautifully captured with a dreamlike quality, using a palette of dark greens and blacks, evoking the classic styles of Gustave Doré, Maxfield Parrish, and echoing examples of –sref commands in MidJourney to build a scene that is both haunting and deeply immersive.

Midjourney Prompt

Ocean Wave

The image captures a massive, dark blue wave surging with energy as it crashes against an unseen boundary, intricately detailed with white churning foam that highlights its mighty strength. Above, a dramatic sky transitions from dark blue to soft pink, offering a surreal backdrop that enhances the emotional depth of the scene. This stirring depiction blends various unique art styles, influenced by the photorealistic touch of David Uhl, incorporating elements reminiscent of Jean Giraud’s meticulously detailed work, and hinting at the vibrant color palette typical of David Hockney. For artists interested in exploring this multifaceted approach, learning how to use MidJourney –sref for unique art styles can significantly expand their creative horizons. This technique allows for the creation of vivid, realistic scenes that evoke both the power of nature and sublime artistic expressions.

Midjourney Prompt

Fish Under Water

This oil painting seamlessly merges the fantastic elements of Pokémon with the distinctive aesthetics of Studio Ghibli, Frank Frazetta, and Greg Rutkowski. The subject is a giant koi fish, inspired by the Pokémon Magikarp, portrayed with its mouth agape, swimming in a dark, mysterious expanse of blue water. The fish’s orange and white scales contrast strikingly against the deep blue of the water and the dark, almost black background, enhancing the dramatic effect. The fish’s expression conveys a mix of fear and wonder, capturing a moment of intense emotion that draws the viewer into a deeper narrative. This creative AI art using style prompts expertly blends familiar cultural icons into a unique and captivating visual experience.

Midjourney Prompt

Cartoon Character

A delightful depiction surfaces from the MidJourney SREF index, showcasing a Disney Pixar-style animated male character gleaming with joy. This man, captured in a close-up portrait within the domestic tranquility of his home — which adds an unexpected twist with the inclusion of a house on fire — exemplifies charm and vibrancy. He features lush black hair and deep brown eyes that sparkle with life. His attire is unstudied yet striking: a yellow plaid shirt paired perfectly with snug overalls that add a touch of whimsy to his robust, slightly overweight mid-30s frame. Resembling Chris D’Elia, his face bears an almost perfect shape, enhancing his good looks and approachable demeanor, making him both a relatable and engaging figure in this vivid tableau.

Midjourney Prompt

A Lion

This oil painting captures the majestic essence of Disney’s The Lion King with a close-up portrait that emphasizes the regal head and eyes of the lion, rendered in a style reminiscent of masters John Singer Sargent and James Tissot. The golden-brown fur and dark eyes of the lion stand out against the moody, black background, clearly inspired by the vintage Disney illustrations but brought to life with bold colors and smooth brush strokes. The viewer is drawn into the portrait through a low-angle view, making the lion appear grand and imposing. The chiaroscuro lighting technique adds dramatic shadows and highlights, enhancing the three-dimensional feel of the jungle surroundings. This interplay of light and shadow not only intensifies the facial features and fur details but also sets a compelling scene that aligns perfectly with the MidJourney SREF index’s emphasis on evoking emotion and depth in visual storytelling.