This post is a comprehensive guide on how to use AI art generators to draw a thunder and lightning scene over city, sea or mountain range. It includes 25 text-to-image prompt examples for users to experiment with and improve their painting skills. The applicable popular AI art generators include NightCafe, DALL-E 2, Midjourney, Dream by WOMBO, craiyon, DeepDreamGenerator, and starry AI.Each example covers the major aspects of painting, such as description of the subject, the best fit art genres, the techniques to use, the lighting and color settings, and descriptive terms to describe the image. The post also provides 5 suitable artists for each example, helping users to understand the meaning of the prompts and explore different styles. This guide is a great resource for artists looking to expand their creative abilities with the help of AI technology.

Learn from examples like machine learing

Text prompt examples

1. A hyperdetailed painting of a city during a thunderstorm with lightning striking in the background. The city skyline should be prominently featured with towering skyscrapers and glowing windows, while the streets below should be dark and stormy, with sheets of rain and puddles on the ground. Genres: Urban, Atmospheric, Realistic. Styles: Impressionism, Surrealism, Photorealism. Techniques: Oil painting, Digital painting, Mixed media. Lights: Dramatic, Contrast. Colors: Moody, Dark, Vibrant. Descriptive terms: Intense, Dynamic, Electric, Powerful, Ominous. This masterpiece digital artwork would be perfectly executed by artists such as James Gurney, Alex Ross, Simon Stålenhag, Ian McQue, and Marc Simonetti. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution. @NightCafe Back to top
2. A hyperdetailed painting of stunning thunder and lightning in the sky over a city; the scene features a dark, stormy sky with flashes of bright lightning illuminating the buildings and streets below. The lightning bolts are intricate and dynamic, zigzagging across the sky and illuminating the clouds with a bright, electric blue light. Genres: urban landscape, natural disaster. Styles: realistic, impressionistic. Techniques: digital painting, photorealism. Lights: dramatic, contrasted. Colors: dark and moody, with bright flashes of blue and white lightning. Descriptive terms: intense, captivating, ominous, powerful, electrifying. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: David Revoy, Aaron McBride, John Wallin Liberto, Khyzyl Saleem, Raphael Lacoste. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution. @NightCafe
3. An incredibly detailed painting depicting a stunning display of thunder and lightning over a vast and beautiful landscape. The sky is alive with flashes of light, casting dramatic shadows over the rolling hills and towering mountains in the distance. The colors range from deep blues and purples to fiery oranges and reds, with sparks of electric blue scattered throughout. The scene is both awe-inspiring and ominous, with the viewer feeling the raw power of the storm. Genres: landscape, surrealism. Styles: photorealism, impressionism. Techniques: digital painting, matte painting. Lights: dramatic, dynamic. Colors: vibrant, electric. Descriptive terms: epic, breathtaking, powerful, surreal, majestic. Masterpiece digital artwork by Artists: Simon Stålenhag, Terryl Whitlatch, James Gurney, Ian McQue, and Alex Andreev. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution. @NightCafe
4. A breathtaking painting of thunder and lightning striking over a picturesque landscape; the scene depicts a sprawling countryside or mountain range with a dramatic sky overhead, featuring massive bolts of lightning illuminating the clouds with intense flashes of white light. The colors of the scene are dark and moody, with deep blues and purples mixing with brighter whites and yellows. The painting should evoke a sense of power and awe at the forces of nature on display. Genres: Landscape, Nature, Weather. Styles: Realism, Impressionism. Techniques: Oil painting, Digital painting. Lights: High contrast, dramatic lighting. Colors: Dark blues, purples, whites, yellows. Descriptive terms: Powerful, awe-inspiring, dramatic, intense, striking. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: Alexei Butirskiy, Leonid Afremov, Ivan Aivazovsky, Andrew Paranavitana, Chris Cold. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution. @NightCafe
5. A dark fantasy-style hyperdetailed digital painting featuring stunning thunder and lightning over a landscape. The scene depicts a sprawling, ominous landscape, dotted with twisted trees and jagged rocks, under a tumultuous sky filled with thunder and lightning bolts that illuminate the darkness. The lightning illuminates the eerie, otherworldly landscape in a stark contrast between the bright light and the deep shadows. Genres: Dark Fantasy, Landscape. Styles: Realistic, Surreal, Moody. Techniques: Digital Painting, Matte Painting, Photobashing. Lights: Dynamic, Contrast. Colors: Dark, Muted, Neon. Descriptive terms: Ominous, Mysterious, Surreal, Moody, Otherworldly. This masterpiece digital artwork could be created by talented artists like Peter Mohrbacher, Justin Gerard, Marko Djurdjevic, Eytan Zana, and John Howe. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution. @NightCafe
6. A hyperdetailed painting of a thunder and lightning scene over a city at night. The scene includes tall buildings and streets with cars and pedestrians, all illuminated by the flashes of lightning. Genres: urban art, surrealism. Styles: expressionism, impressionism. Techniques: oil painting, palette knife, impasto. Lights: dramatic contrast between bright lightning flashes and dark cityscape. Colors: predominantly blue and yellow hues with a few warm accents of red and orange. Descriptive terms: dramatic, intense, surreal, expressive, chaotic. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: Peter Mohrbacher, Simon Stålenhag, James Gurney, Jeremy Mann, Anselm Kiefer. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
7. A hyperdetailed painting of stunning thunder and lightning illuminating the sky above a city at night. The scene depicts the lightning bolts striking the buildings and casting dramatic shadows on the streets below. Genres: Realism, Surrealism. Styles: Photorealism, Digital Painting. Techniques: Brushwork, Layering, Texture Mapping. Lights: High Contrast, Dynamic. Colors: Dark and Moody, Blue and Yellow tones. Descriptive terms: Epic, Intense, Atmospheric, Dramatic, Apocalyptic. Masterpiece digital artwork by Artists: Rafael Grassetti, Simon Stålenhag, Alex Roman, Marek Denko, Andrew Domachowski. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
8. A hyperdetailed painting of a stunning thunder and lightning scene over a city; the scene depicts a dark and ominous sky filled with bolts of lightning illuminating the cityscape below. The lightning strikes create a dazzling display of bright white and yellow colors, casting dramatic shadows and highlights across the city. Genres: Digital Art, Concept Art; Styles: Realism, Hyperrealism; Techniques: Digital painting, Photobashing, Matte painting; Lights: High contrast, Dramatic; Colors: Dark blues, purples, bright whites and yellows; Descriptive terms: Intense, Striking, Dramatic, Energetic, Dynamic; masterpiece digital artwork by Artists: Simon Stålenhag, Vitaly Alexius, Ian McQue, Andree Wallin, Benoit Godde; 3Delight, Unity 3D, 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
9. A hyperdetailed painting of stunning thunder and lightning over a city; the scene depicts a dark, stormy sky looming over a cityscape, with bright flashes of lightning illuminating the buildings below. Thunder booms in the distance, with rain pouring down in sheets. Genres for this image might include sci-fi, fantasy, or even horror. The style could be hyperrealistic, impressionistic, or a blend of both. Techniques could involve digital painting, matte painting, or 3D modeling. Lights in the image should be dramatic, with flashes of lightning casting eerie glows across the landscape. Colors could be muted and moody, with grays, blues, and purples dominating the palette. Descriptive terms might include ominous, electrifying, awe-inspiring, and powerful. Some artists who might be well-suited to creating this image include Simon Stålenhag, Craig Mullins, Ian McQue, Paul Chadeisson, and Alex Andreev. This masterpiece digital artwork could be created using 3D shading and rendering software such as Unreal Engine 5, along with 8K resolution textures and assets sourced from CGSociety or Artstation.
10. A breathtaking painting depicting thunder and lightning over a vast and dramatic landscape; the sky is filled with dark clouds illuminated by intense bolts of lightning that cast a powerful glow on the terrain below. The landscape is rugged and varied, with towering mountains, deep canyons, and rolling hills. Genres: Landscape, Nature, Weather. Styles: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism. Techniques: Digital painting, Photo manipulation. Lights: Bright flashes of lightning illuminating the landscape. Colors: Dark blues, grays, and purples of the stormy sky contrasted with warm yellows and oranges of the lightning. Descriptive terms: Majestic, Dynamic, Electrifying, Fierce, Grandiose. Masterpiece digital artwork by Artists: Mark Rademaker, Jeremy Fenske, Benoit Godde, Andrew Serkin, Nick Pedersen. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K 3D, 8K resolution.
11. A breathtaking digital artwork depicting a powerful thunderstorm and lightning over a stunning landscape; the scene features dark clouds filling the sky, striking bolts of lightning illuminating the terrain, and vibrant hues of purple and blue dominating the color palette. Genres: Landscape, Atmospheric, Weather. Styles: Realistic, Surreal, Dramatic. Techniques: Digital Painting, Matte Painting, Photobashing. Lights: High-Contrast, Dynamic. Colors: Dark, Moody, Vibrant. Descriptive terms: Intense, Majestic, Awe-Inspiring, Epic, Serene. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: Alex Toader, Wojtek Fus, Jonas De Ro, Darek Zabrocki, Marek Okon. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
12. A breathtakingly beautiful painting of a thunderstorm over a landscape; the scene depicts an awe-inspiring display of lightning illuminating the dark sky, casting a striking contrast against the serene natural beauty below. Genres: Landscape, Nature. Styles: Realism, Impressionism. Techniques: Oil Painting, Digital Painting. Lights: Contrast between the bright lightning and the dark sky. Colors: Dark blues and grays of the sky contrasted with the vibrant bright white and yellow of the lightning bolts. Descriptive terms: Majestic, awe-inspiring, powerful, natural, vibrant. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: John Constable, J.M.W. Turner, Frederic Edwin Church, Claude Monet, Thomas Cole. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, 8K 3D, Artstation, 8K resolution.
13. A breathtakingly beautiful painting of a thunderstorm over a landscape, with lightning illuminating the dark sky and striking the ground below. The scene is set in a vast, open space, with rolling hills, fields of wheat, and a winding river in the foreground. The colors of the sky range from dark, ominous shades of purple and blue to bright flashes of white and yellow as lightning strikes. The mood is intense and dramatic, with the viewer feeling as if they are right in the middle of the storm. Genres: landscape art, storm art. Styles: realism, impressionism. Techniques: oil painting, digital painting. Lights: dramatic lighting, chiaroscuro. Colors: dark shades of blue and purple, bright flashes of white and yellow. Descriptive terms: powerful, electrifying, awe-inspiring, breathtaking, epic. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: Ivan Aivazovsky, Frederic Edwin Church, J.M.W. Turner, Claude Monet, Caspar David Friedrich. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K 3D, 8K resolution.
14. A stunningly detailed artwork capturing the beauty and intensity of thunder and lightning over a landscape; the scene depicts a vast expanse of mountains and valleys, with dark clouds gathering overhead and flashes of lightning illuminating the sky. The lightning strikes are depicted with intricate detail, with bolts of electricity crackling through the air and striking the ground in dazzling displays of light. The landscape itself is rendered with vivid realism, with rugged peaks and deep valleys bathed in the light of the storm. Genres: Landscape, Realism; Styles: Impressionism, Photorealism; Techniques: Digital painting, Photo manipulation; Lights: Dramatic, Atmospheric; Colors: Moody, Dark, Electric. Descriptive terms: Majestic, Powerful, Dynamic, Electrifying, Breathtaking. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: Alex Roman, Jie Ma, Andreas Rocha, Ian McQue, Aaron Limonick. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
15. A breathtaking painting of thunder and lightning over a stunning landscape; the scene depicts a vibrant and intense display of electric blue and purple bolts of lightning that light up the dark and ominous sky, casting a dramatic and eerie ambiance over the landscape below. The image showcases the contrast of light and dark, as well as the power of nature in the face of an impending storm. Genres: Landscape, Surrealism, Impressionism, Realism, Romanticism; Styles: Dramatic, Intense, Moody, Surreal, Mysterious; Techniques: Digital painting, Photorealism, Hyperrealism, Matte painting, Concept art; Lights: Electric blue, Purple, Black, White, Yellow; Colors: Dark, Intense, Vibrant, Moody, Mysterious; Descriptive terms: Powerful, Breathtaking, Electrifying, Enchanting, Mesmerizing. This masterpiece digital artwork would be best created by artists like Simon Stalenhag, James Paick, Tyler Edlin, Grzegorz Rutkowski, and Wojtek Fus. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K 3D, 8K resolution.
16. A hyperdetailed painting of a stunning thunder and lightning over a landscape; the scene features a vast expanse of nature, with jagged mountains rising in the background and a vast open field in the foreground. In the sky above, a tumultuous storm rages, with massive bolts of lightning illuminating the landscape and casting eerie shadows across the land. The colors of the scene are muted and atmospheric, with shades of blue, gray, and purple dominating the sky and earth. Genres: Landscape, Nature, Weather; Styles: Realism, Impressionism; Techniques: Digital Painting, Photo-manipulation; Lights: Stark contrasts, dramatic lighting; Colors: Muted, Atmospheric, Moody, Eerie, Bold; Descriptive terms: Stunning, Majestic, Powerful, Unpredictable, Untamed. The masterpiece digital artwork by Artists: Alex Ries, Mark Behm, Julien Gauthier, Simon Stålenhag, and Martin Grohs. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution
17. A breathtaking painting of thunder and lightning over a vast and dramatic landscape; the sky is filled with bolts of lightning illuminating the clouds in a magnificent display of nature’s power. The landscape is wild and untamed, with rugged mountains, deep valleys, and a sense of grandeur that is enhanced by the stormy atmosphere. Genres: landscape, nature, atmospheric, dramatic. Styles: realism, impressionism, expressionism. Techniques: digital painting, photo manipulation. Lights: dramatic, high contrast. Colors: dark blues, grays, and blacks contrasted with bright, electric blues and whites. Descriptive terms: majestic, awe-inspiring, intense, electrifying, dynamic. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: Alex Ruiz, Marek Okon, Edvige Faini, Simon Stalenhag, and David Revoy. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K 3D, 8K resolution.
18. A breathtaking digital artwork depicting a stunning thunder and lightning storm over a breathtaking landscape; the scene shows a vast expanse of rolling hills and meadows beneath a dark and tumultuous sky, with jagged bolts of lightning illuminating the landscape and casting dramatic shadows. Genres: Landscape, Digital Art. Styles: Realistic, Dramatic. Techniques: Digital Painting, Photobashing. Lights: Bright flashes of lightning, deep shadows. Colors: Moody blues and grays, with intense white light from lightning strikes. Descriptive terms: Majestic, Dynamic, Atmospheric, Powerful, Striking. This masterpiece digital artwork would be perfect for artists who excel in landscape painting and digital art, including Marco Bucci, Richard Schmid, Nathan Fowkes, James Gurney, and Lois van Baarle. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
19. A hyperdetailed painting of stunning thunder and lightning over a dark fantasy landscape; the scene depicts a dramatic lightning storm illuminating a foreboding landscape with rugged terrain, dark forests, and looming mountains. Genres: Dark Fantasy, Landscape. Styles: Realism, Surrealism, Dark. Techniques: Digital painting, Concept Art, Matte Painting. Lights: Stark contrast between light and dark, shadows, dramatic lighting. Colors: Dark, moody palette with flashes of lightning illuminating the landscape. Descriptive terms: Epic, Mysterious, Fantastical, Intense, Atmospheric. Masterpiece digital artwork by Artists: Michael Kutsche, Simon Stålenhag, Craig Mullins, Andree Wallin, Ian McQue. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
20. A dark fantasy-style hyperdetailed painting of stunning thunder and lightning over a landscape; the scene features a barren wasteland with jagged mountains in the distance and an ominous sky with bolts of lightning striking the ground. The lightning illuminates the scene with an eerie blue-white light, casting deep shadows and emphasizing the ominous atmosphere. Genres: Dark Fantasy, Surrealism, Horror. Styles: Realism, Digital Painting, Concept Art. Techniques: Hyperrealism, Digital Matte Painting, Photobashing. Lights: Low-Key Lighting, Dramatic Lighting. Colors: Dark and Muted Colors, Blue-White Lightning. Descriptive Terms: Ominous, Surreal, Atmospheric, Epic, Hyperrealistic. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: Peter Mohrbacher, Jaime Jones, Simon Stålenhag, Craig Mullins, and Alex Ruiz. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
21. An awe-inspiring digital artwork featuring a stunning thunder and lightning over a seascape, set in a dark fantasy style. The scene portrays a tumultuous sky filled with flashes of lightning, with the waves crashing against a rocky shoreline in the foreground. The thunderstorm adds an ominous mood to the piece, suggesting an impending danger lurking in the darkness. Genres: Dark Fantasy, Seascape, Digital Art. Styles: Realistic, Surreal, Moody. Techniques: Digital Painting, Matte Painting. Lights: Dramatic, Contrast. Colors: Dark, Moody, Monochromatic. Descriptive terms: Epic, Ominous, Powerful, Atmospheric, Surreal. Masterpiece digital artwork by artists: Ian McQue, Jonas De Ro, Marc Simonetti, Darek Zabrocki, Simon Stålenhag. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
22. A hyperdetailed painting of stunning thunder and lightning over a seascape in a dark fantasy style; the scene: a vast ocean with towering waves crashing against jagged rocks in the foreground, while in the distance, lightning illuminates the sky with a menacing glow, and thunder booms in the background. Genres: Dark Fantasy, Seascape. Styles: Realistic, Surreal, Atmospheric. Techniques: Digital Painting, Photobashing. Lights: Stark Contrasts, Glowing Effects, Mysterious Shadows. Colors: Moody Blues, Muted Grays, Dark Purples, and Fiery Oranges. Descriptive terms: Epic, Dramatic, Foreboding, Mystical, and Atmospheric. This masterpiece digital artwork would be best created by artists with a strong background in fantasy and seascape painting, including JOSEPH MEEHAN, ARTHUR LUTZ, PETER MOHRBACHER, KEREM BEYIT, and DANILO ATHAYDE. 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, 8K resolution.
23. Create a breathtaking image of thunder and lightning over a seascape in a dark fantasy style. The sky should be filled with ominous clouds, with lightning bolts illuminating the landscape below. The seascape should be rocky and treacherous, with waves crashing against the shore. Genres for this piece could include dark fantasy, horror, or surrealism. Styles could range from realistic to stylized, with techniques such as digital painting or photobashing. Lighting should be dramatic, with shadows and highlights emphasizing the ominous mood. Colors could include dark blues and grays, with pops of bright white and yellow for the lightning. Descriptive terms for this piece could include epic, ominous, surreal, haunting, and majestic. Five artists who would excel at creating this piece include Ian McQue, Wojtek Fus, Darek Zabrocki, Sparth, and Dylan Cole. To bring this piece to life, consider using 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, and 8K resolution for the final output.
24. Create a stunning digital artwork featuring thunder and lightning over a dark fantasy seascape. The scene should depict a rocky coastline with jagged cliffs and dark waters below. In the sky, a thunderstorm rages, with lightning bolts illuminating the clouds and casting an eerie glow over the landscape. The overall style should be dark and moody, with a gothic or horror vibe. Techniques like digital painting, matte painting, or photobashing can be used to create a hyper-detailed image with lots of depth and texture. The lighting should be dramatic, with deep shadows and intense highlights. Colors should be mostly cool, with blues, grays, and purples dominating the scene. Five descriptive terms that would fit this image are: foreboding, dramatic, ominous, eerie, and atmospheric. Some artists who would excel at creating this type of work include Simon Stålenhag, Ian McQue, Darek Zabrocki, Maciej Kuciara, and Michael Kutsche. This masterpiece digital artwork could be created using 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, and 8K resolution.
25. A stunning digital artwork of thunder and lightning over a dark fantasy seascape; the scene features a raging storm with dark clouds and bolts of lightning illuminating the ocean waves crashing against jagged rocks. The colors are predominantly dark and moody, with flashes of blue and purple lighting up the sky and sea. The style is dark fantasy, with a gothic edge and a sense of danger and drama. Techniques used may include digital painting, photobashing, and 3D modeling. Descriptive terms that fit this image include ominous, atmospheric, surreal, dramatic, and haunting. This masterpiece digital artwork would be best created by artists such as Simon Goinard, Darek Zabrocki, Grzegorz Rutkowski, Wojtek Fus, and Dmitry Prozorovskiy. Software and tools that can be used include 3D shading, Unreal Engine 5, 8K 3D, CGSociety, Artstation, and 8K resolution.