Grand Space Opera 2D Entry: Alex Kaiser

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1101007705_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1101007705_large.jpg)

Hola, just upping my first pic, haven't had time to join the challange earlier, but I can see it's going to be tough, loads of amazing artists taking part. Good luck to all.

This is just an initial concept I've been playing with. Just to get a feel for the type of scenery i'm going to try create. something quite insect like but advanced. Not human, but could be close, I'll have to see where it brings me.

[Walrusmann]

i like your concept for the ship design hope to see some more soon

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1101055648_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1101055648_large.jpg)

Just working on some compositional sketching, I think I'm going to try a long panaramic, or something to that effect, not to sure yet, just trying to get initial ideas onto paper.

[SideAche]

Nice ship design. Welcome to the challenge :thumbsup:

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1101088931_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1101088931_large.jpg)

Just playing with more compositions, and ideas, this one my thinking is similar to the last, but a different kind of scenerio. A mining city, one is left behind. There will be alot more technology in the right hand side if I would take this, but just thinking of ideas at the moment.

[Walrusmann]

hey man i like your angles theyre coming out nicly itll be good to see what you come up with

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1101122147_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1101122147_large.jpg)

Ok, I think it's between this one and the other. On the right hand side would be ships leaving, while one lone figure watches them abandon the planet. Reasons unknown yet, as I must think of them. Not to sure which to choose yet, what do you think?

[ecura]

Like your sketches, the tones has a very hands on feel. There is something I like about that long panoramic concept. Maybe put if the perspective is on a steeper angle could make it a little bit more dramatic.

[Walrusmann]

i like your new concept i think youshould run with it and keep the colors gives the scene a look as if there is a sand storm or something and would make the lone figure watching more dramatic keep it up man

[walrus]

The desolate montainside is looking really interesting! Seeing as you asked, I like that concept much more than the other one. The scale is a lot more epic, and a craggy background holds more interest for me than a long, flat one. I also really like your spaceship concept, too. How will it look at the angle you need it to be for fleeing the mountainside? Good luck with it!

-mike

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102040357_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102040357_large.jpg)

Just was just working on an idea for the stone towers, and it turned into this. I'm still working on the concept, I'm thinking at the moment, The past meeting the future, (this is only an idea of a larger panaramic) At the moment it's got a quite an old-style in it. But still working on the concept. Any thoughts?

[adonihs]

I really think you should go with the three mountains, stacked up next to eachother. It shows more enviroment and structure, than just single one, no offence to your design AT ALL! =) but its clitche sometimes when its just one single thing..I really like the 3 of them together =) and the man standing next to them!

[Fahrija]

Hi Alex,

your last concept looks interesting. Especially the thumbnail version is very eye-catching.
Somehow it reminds me a bit of "the cathedral" - perhaps because of the arrangement.

I also agree to adonhis - to place another building in the distance (less saturated) to increase the depth of your image.

Greetings
Fahrija

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102127779_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102127779_large.jpg)

Just getting a feel for the image, this is a practice image of the element I'm going to be using in the final one, so the final will be completely re-drawn, just trying to get the hang of rock an clouds, and atmosphere.

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102138656_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102138656_large.jpg)

Decided to change the mood and the route this was taking, bring more of a foreground element in, and making it more twiglight.

[draco_1967]

Wow! beautiful work. I really like that...more contrast than the previous design. Much more dramatic.

[andreasrocha]

Great work. That sky looks promising.

However, that bridge-like structure you introduced doesn't work so well, in my opinion. The "monolith" has much more character standing alone in an almost defying pose. You could also try and make the bridge more horizontal and not rising, so is doesn't interfere with the vertical line defined by the tower.

Keep it up...

[macoD]

Brilliant sketches. Good progress

[Fahrija]

Hi Alex,

very good development. Your use of colors is great > very dramatic

The position/angle of your bridge looks a bit strange.

Greetings
Fahrija

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102306952_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102306952_large.jpg)

So, with this picture I'm just trying to clean up the composition. I feel something is missing on the right hand side, tried drawing something in in the foreground but nothing fitted. I made it a little wider, and removed the bridge, andreasrocha, and fahrija, you are right it works alot better without the bridge so it's gone. I'm still painting out the details and trying to figure out the structure of the left hand tower. I'm looking forward to painting that sky fully, but can't until final composition is done. at the moment the pic is 7000 x 3200, so going to have lotsa fun detailing later on.

Thanks everyone for the comments so far. They've been great.

[ChrisThatGuy]

Maybe you could try a very distant tower (like the small, rightmost one) somewhere near the center-right of the composition, just to give some variety rather than a linear decrease in size.

Nice composition.

[CodeNothing]

realy beautifull start! i love your colors!


the towers placement dont seem in proper alignment though, but then again they might not be meant to be in a strait line. Id add another smaller one in the distance either way though, realy nice work dude! :thumbsup:

[Anime_J]

Awesome atmosphere, the sky really creates a nice mood. I was curious if you are going to have any creatures or aircrafts in there? Because if you do, you may be able to fill that right side. I think the foreground element on the left hand side works good, it really pulls the viewers into your composition. keep it up!

[Squibbit]

great pic, I like the atmosphere

[Ganthu]

Really really great stuff... i just tweaked my monitor`s brightness/contrast and am seeing everything with different um... eyes
(that expression needs to be updated for the computer age me thinks) :]

[bonestudio]

Very warm tones ! It's a lot better this way. keep going

[walrus]

Wow, the colors you chose are really gorgeous! I can't wait to see how this cleans up. You thought the composition was missing something... This may be obvious, but have you tried placing the spaceship you showed earlier in there? Don't know it it'd work or not, but it's such a cool design...!

Best of luck!

-mike

[AirbORn]

Beautiful, simply beautiful. I love the colours and the enourmous sense of openness :) Keep it up my friend!

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102451200_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1102451200_large.jpg)

Ok, just finalising the composition, except for the empty bit on the far side of the tower. (I may have mist rolling down from the mountains there) I am thinking of putting the ships in the top left corner. or perhaps another very far away tower. I think I prefere it flipped the other way though. But at the moment it was just cleaning up the sketchiness of the previous version, and trying to tighten up the shape of the foreground tower.

Thanks everyone for the comments :) I'm still clarifying the concept in my head as I am drawing this, and will post the idea soon.

[ChrisThatGuy]

I think I prefere it flipped the other way though. But at the moment it was just cleaning up the sketchiness of the previous version, and trying to tighten up the shape of the foreground tower.
Yeah, it would probably be better flipped the way it was before. If I remember my composition lectures accurately, making a composition 'right-heavy' often has the effect of making the viewer feel uneasy, 'left-heavy' pictures are more calming. At least in cultures that read left-to-right.

[Nomad]

Verry nice art here :thumbsup: I`m looking forward for more :bounce:

[zilla]

wow! beautiful light and composition! love it :applause:

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105227003_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105227003_large.jpg)

Just figuring out the shape of the tower to the right. trying to get a good design and silluette for it. I think I'm going to start tightening up the backround now, give the cloud focus a little more definition, and thoughts on anything appreciated :)

[Fahrija]

Hi Alex,

back in the challenge :) The environment looks very good and the composition gives a nice feel for the space. I especially like your clouds. Just great.

Now I think you need some activity in your scene. Some conflict or encounter. The middle part of your picture is a bit empty. could be a good place for adding things like that.

I look forward to see this one finished

Fahrija

[Arctis]

Beautiful sky , very painterly.
Keep it up ! :thumbsup:

[Nomad]

Fantastic sky :thumbsup:

If I can make a critic, I don`t likethe buildings on the right... too geometrical shapes... but with few elements added you can break this easily.

Keep this way :bounce:

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105316958_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105316958_large.jpg)

Progress on the colouring, need to fix up the clouds a bit more, and not sure about the position of the astroid/comet that's about to wipe the Guadians out. Thinking about adding either more astroids and maybe lines of people watching the impending doom. Any ideas one the position of the astroid?

[Aethyrprime]

Beautiful work you have here Alex. Keep at it, its coming along fantastically.

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105331563_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105331563_large.jpg)

Just another couple of hours progress, fixing up the lake, and defining everything finally. Need to practice some rock painting, and some more cloud painting. Slowely but surely getting there.

[Aethyrprime]

Coming along well. Keep it up Alex.

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105765587_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105765587_large.jpg)

Final Colouring just working on the detailing, taking a while to get everything looking right. but it's fun trying. added a little to the top and bottom also to help that bottom line of rock and keep the top of the tower a little more from the top of canvas. Any crits?

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105766970_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105766970_large.jpg)

This is a Close up of the middle tower, picture is about 7000x3000 aprox, so you can get caught up in detail for ages. Needs a little more work though.

[cabertevon]

Hi Alex,

back in the challenge :) The environment looks very good and the composition gives a nice feel for the space. I especially like your clouds. Just great.

Now I think you need some activity in your scene. Some conflict or encounter. The middle part of your picture is a bit empty. could be a good place for adding things like that.

I look forward to see this one finished

Fahrija

+++++++++++++

Exactly... or maybe a huge ship burried halfway...

Cheers.

[YasushAzush]

ipresive realy nice :bounce:

[andreasrocha]

Very good work! And the closeup is amazing. This is one of those images where you can really appreciate every tiny detail and search for the story within. Your texturing technique is wonderful...

One of the best in the challenge, in my opinion, and definitely the best regarding depiction of scale.

Congratulations!

[gjpetch]

Awsome. Only thing I could suggest improving is the sharpness of the foreground towers compared to the distant hills. At the moment everything looks equally soft, when in reality you might expect distant objects to appear softened by the atmosphere.

[MDN67]

Very good pic, i like particulary the lighting of the sky and the paint of the rocks, good work

[Nomad]

Nice finish, the mood is fantastic :applause:



Great work :thumbsup:

[daadaa]

sooo very cool!

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105918739_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105918739_large.jpg)

A bit more detailing, and tweaking levels, I think I'll do a little more tweaking, and perhaps desaturate it a little more. I like it a little darker though, a bit more atmospheric. Made the people a bit more coherant also. So any final crits?

Thanks everyone for all the comments and crits so far, they have been very helpful, unfortely haven't had time to experiment with something bigger happening in the middle, but I quite like the turn out of the comet. The ending of a civilisation.

[Jezzarts]

Hey those rock formations are fantastic... I like the mood of this one too.

Good luck! - Jez

[AlexKaiser]

http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105967605_medium.jpg (http://www.cgnetworks.com/challenge/entries/6/5296/5296_1105967605_large.jpg)

Thanks For all the feedback everyone, here is the final image, could probably tweak it forever, but I'll leave it here. Hope you like it.

Good luck to everyone in the challange.

[YasushAzush]

i like the mood of your art grate job:thumbsup:

[Arctis]

Nice piece of art, like if it was an oil on canvas...
Congrats ! :applause:

[AlexKaiser]

Thank you Artics and Visualact, wasn't aiming quite for the painterly feel, but I think it ended out like that due to the brushes new brushes I created in photoshop. attached are some closeups of the final image that I forgot to post earlier.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/Kishlahar/Tower-Sketchprogress27.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/Kishlahar/Tower-Sketchprogress26.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/Kishlahar/Tower-Sketchprogress25.jpg

[olblue]

Good work alex. Very best of luck mate!

[warthog]

Nice closeups, lots of cool detail. question, how does that overhang supprot that large structure. Amazing :applause:

[Martin_G_3D]

Great work Alex, really nice final. hope you win :)

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