Generative AI has become a cornerstone of modern technology, with applications like ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion leading the charge. However, the roots of this revolution can be traced back to foundational models like NVIDIA's GauGAN, which has evolved into the widely-used NVIDIA Canvas app.
GauGAN, named after post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin, utilises generative adversarial networks (GANs) to create lifelike imagery from rough sketches. This technology has found applications in various fields, from art education to creative agencies and museums.
The NVIDIA Canvas app, powered by GauGAN and local NVIDIA RTX GPUs, allows users to transform simple brushstrokes into realistic landscapes in real-time. The app offers nine different styles, each with 10 variations and 20 materials, providing endless creative possibilities.
"Canvas features a Panorama mode that enables artists to create 360-degree images for use in 3D apps," the company stated, highlighting the app's versatility. This feature has been demonstrated by content creators like YouTuber Greenskull AI, who used it to create immersive environments in Unreal Engine 5.
NVIDIA's commitment to AI-powered content creation extends beyond Canvas. The company also offers NVIDIA Broadcast, a free app for RTX GPU owners that uses AI to transform any room into a home studio.
NVIDIA's early contributions with GauGAN and its subsequent applications demonstrate the company's pivotal role in shaping the future of creative workflows. The widespread adoption of these tools signals a new era of AI-assisted artistry and design.