This article describes NovelAI’s changes to the Stable Diffusion architecture during development of its image models.
Engines of Wow: AI Art Comes of Age – Steve Murch
This article discusses AI-generated art, creativity, and questions about derivative works.

About Engines of Wow: AI Art Comes of Age – Steve Murch
Engines of Wow: AI Art Comes of Age is a three-part blog series by Steve Murch about AI-generated art. It examines how computers moved from processing images to generating new ones, and asks what that shift means for creativity, artistic ownership, derivative works, and compensation. The series is divided into Part I: The Artists in the Machine, 1950-2020; Part II: The Diffusion Revolution, 2015+; and Part III: Ramifications and Questions.
The article discusses tools such as Midjourney, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion, and mentions GPT-3 and GitHub Copilot as examples of broader AI progress. It includes an example Midjourney prompt and output, noting that Midjourney lets users try about 25 queries for free in its sandbox. It explains that generative art engines are not search engines but media creation engines.
It suits readers who want a high-level overview of AI art, its history, and the questions it raises. The series is written as a blog article rather than a technical manual.
Key features
- Three-part blog series on AI-generated art and its implications
- Covers computer art history from 1950 to 2020
- Explains diffusion models and generative AI art engines
- Discusses artistic ownership, derivative work, and compensation
- Includes a Midjourney example prompt and generated image
- Mentions Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, GPT-3, and GitHub Copilot
- Clear three-part structure that breaks down a broad topic
- Accessible, high-level discussion for general readers
- Raises practical questions about ownership and compensation
- Includes concrete examples from Midjourney
- Published in December 2022, so it does not cover later developments
- It is a written series, not an interactive tool or course
- Focuses on overview rather than deep technical instruction
Engines of Wow: AI Art Comes of Age – Steve Murch at a glance
- Category
- AI & Machine Learning › AI Learning & Guides
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Engines of Wow: AI Art Comes of Age – Steve Murch alternatives
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Deep Else presents a critical framework for thinking about AI art and its history.
This guide explains prompt techniques for generating art and copy, with templates and style suggestions.
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