Eon (Illustration) Entry: Paul Hume

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1161509156_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1161509156_large.jpg)

Perspective all skewed...but will get there.

This is my first go at cg...and naturally first challenge etc...but thats how you learn...

[OKMER]

Hé,hé 1st to reply...quit difficult to critic now and it's a bit little your pic.
Good luck and all the fun!!!

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1161568263_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1161568263_large.jpg)

Complete newb...also entered "illustration" to force myself to learn the tools. Initial thought is to the scene where Patricia meets Olmy...but still a third of the book to go...

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1162011771_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1162011771_large.jpg)

This is my base model for Alexandria. I will use this as a layer in photoshop and go from there...

[walrus]

Good start for the city! I think the approach of starting with a 3D model is a good one, and your model looks nice. Good luck with the Photoshop work!

-mike

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1162291512_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1162291512_large.jpg)

This is the concept with a little more detail...hopefully someone will give me some feedback.

[Ernest Burden]

Maybe some more of the greenery foreground would be nice. Also, why not make the flier bigger in the image (closer to us) and mostly over the green. That's your action element, so it would be nice if it were a more prominent feature in the work. By having it mostly in the green, but nosing over the city, you convey movement.

[Blachart67]

Thanks...shall do. I will also eventually break the city up somewhat with fingers of trees pushing into the city edge... I will also have to work out how to draw/paint buildings! The fun part is I haven't painted anything (originally oils and pen and wash) for more years than I can remember...so I am relearning everything - let alone modelling and cg painting!

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1162718506_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1162718506_large.jpg)

Have changed the composition slightly...hopefully this works?

[strangegoat]

That's a very nice composition. It gives a nice sense of distance and scale. The only awkward area, to my eye, is in the lower right. The curvature of the city model doesn't really match the curvature of the ground, which is more gently curved. If I was going to pick, I'd go with the gentler curve, which makes the city seem larger. That's why I'd also make that large building cluster all the way to the right less inclined to the left.

Looks good for scale though! Maybe another large paratrooper in the extreme foreground? That way you could give him a weapon and show it's an assault.

Anyway, nice work.

[Blachart67]

Thanks for those comments... composition question back at you...the lower foreground is the only element in this concept that is "freehand" (in terms of the perspective and curve) i.e. the curvature of the city is from a cylinder primitive...and stupid me extruded all the buildings from that...and damn my eyes hurt after that little exercise! So knowing that - should I change the building (which I am going to paint over anyway - so is no big drama) or stay true to the curvature and modify the forground?

[nwiz25]

very nice depth dude! :p really wanna c ur next update! :bounce:


cheers! :beer:

[Blachart67]

thanx...good to see someone on a similar timezone...rather than waiting overnight for replies! My big problem is going to be painting all those buildings!

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163066221_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163066221_large.jpg)

Paratroopers tweaked...curve on right lessened...added a couple of clouds for the hell of it...

...what do you think...?

[strangegoat]

Hey Paul,

Nice job with the city tweaks. Looks good. Good job with the paratrooper, too! The only thing I don't like about that is that he's touching the city. I think it's confusing things a bit. If you just pulled him back and to the left a bit, so that his fist is over the grass, and not the city, it would probably work better for you. Or alternatively, forward and up, so that something like half his body is over the city. Whichever you like better.

I don't know if the clouds are really an improvement, but, I think they might work later when you have the city painted - so that there's a contrast between the white clouds and whatever colors the city ends up being. Right now it's just kind of blending in.

Anyway, good progress! And even I got off my lazy ass and did some modeling. So good times all around! :thumbsup:

[Blachart67]

Emil,

Thanks for the quality critique...i was a bit bored with the clouds - I will put these back in later in Cirrus form to enhance the depth (hopefully!)...I am procrastinating over the city - that is going to be hard work!

[daWinky]

Hey there, Paul...

A nice concept you have here and a good start on it:thumbsup: ...I looked at the last update for a while now and the main thing that comes to my mind is that you should break up the massive cityscape much more...not only inside, but also where it meets the cap of the cylinder...I think you can add a lot of depth to the scene if you bring in some landscape between city and cap, a few rising mountains for example, there would also be a good place for some clouds and haze...

Cheers,

-sabrina

[Blachart67]

Sabrina,

Danke...and fantastic suggestion!

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163325307_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163325307_large.jpg)

First attempt at breaking the city up a little...will lessen the impact of the greenbelt through the city later...

[DDS]

I'd put about...50 more parachutes scattered around (it would also make it more accurate to the book), but its looking cool!

[Blachart67]

Good point...

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163461807_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163461807_large.jpg)

This is the "final" (?) city model and roughed in river, trees and hills...

I am guessing that the next stage is to do some serious painting...

Final thoughts before I knuckle down?

[ramy badie]

I'm really curious to see where you take this, but I really like where you are going so far :) Right now the city has a sort of....graveyard look to it, because the buildings seem rounded off and mostly the same size, but I'm sure you have that under control. Good luck with the next phase :)

[Blachart67]

...you're right...


...ok one more go at final model...

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163492815_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163492815_large.jpg)

...here 'tis...

[chaitanyak]

cool angle, maybe you can show some of them jetisonning their rocket packs and re entry shields.. like the view.
:) am working on an almost opposite view: ground to sky

[musi]

Oh, nice-nice! Beautiful perspective. I can imagine it when you will add some atmosphere and depth of field.

I will follow your progress with pleasure!

[Blachart67]

Thanks,

Now I have to work out an efficient way to paint the buildings...or texture the model...not sure which yet. Also have to find a means of drawing the eye diagonally through the painting...as the city might get a little busy (even with some gaussian blur).

As you can see I am a little new to all this stuff!

I have misplaced both of my copies of the book (hopefully not on a plane)...I know they jettisoned the sleds...but did they jettison their hydrogen peroxide thrusters?

Cheers,

[chaitanyak]

yup the thrusters are used with the shield, to give them some maneuverability, after they run out of fuel, they are dumped along with the shields

[Blachart67]

thanks...I guess that means that I need to allow space on their kit for where the thrusters were - which I am guessing due to the trooper who had his sled destroyed must have been able to push away from the singularity somehow?

[strangegoat]

Right now the city has a sort of....graveyard look to it, because the buildings seem rounded off and mostly the same size, but I'm sure you have that under control.

There's something to that, but you know, in fairness, it is sort of a graveyard since no one lives there. Looking at many of the other illustrations in the contest, it's clear that some are forgetting that people (other than the team from Earth) only live in Axis City, and everything else is abandoned.

[Blachart67]

...that and a fundamental failure to recognise the geometry...

[prabath]

Hey,this is shaping up nicely.The architecture has really come alive now.Can`t wait to see the finished image.

Cheers!

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163844902_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1163844902_large.jpg)

Just adding a little colour...

[brrrhmmm]

Like the parachutists eye view.However you may wish to add so wispy clouds and shade the cities to give the distance look.

[Blachart67]

yup...both are sitting on seperate layers right now. I didn't include them as being new to the whole cg thing I am not sure about what should be in each stage submission...


thanks for the comment

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1164430763_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1164430763_large.jpg)

Had some thougts while travelling the past week...working...and building up my digital library in the Southern Alps (see rear wall). So I am not sure which milestone this fits in.

Will add two layers of clouds between paratroopers and the city...and my large structures will pierce the lower clouds...

Does it work?

[brrrhmmm]

Side by Side comparisons So that you know who is doing

what in the illustration category of the eon challenge only.

Classifier followed by artists.

: Strong/Beautiful Foreground Potraits with EON elements in the background.

Movie Posters theme.

Characters in dramatic poses.

Characters have detailed skin,muscle and skeletal structures.



Radu Bogdan Boeru

Tiberius Viris

Sacha angel diener

Niklas Frostgard

Michael van den bosch

sandra bott

michael dashow

nabil hamadi

alwyn talbot

timur kiryashov

damir g martin

Nathan L Bachelder

Daniel lu visi

Maurizio Manzieri

dale thomas

ego lataire

rune rask

guo jian

hugo araujo

: massive architectures,detailed cityscapes,plasma tubes,huge eon elements viewed in the distance in the style of grand space opera with miniscule,faceless,diminutive men ,women and all terrain machines reacting and responding to the environment.

Tiberius Virius

remko troost

tolgahan gungor

torsten wolber

nathaniel west

ramy badie

bryce smith

martin nielsen

emrah elmasli

mauricio alvarado kladt

prabath wijayantha

maciej frolow

nilesh ambekar

constantinos krystallis

greg kaperski

adrian fekete

reinaldoromero

marcin j. nikiforuk

james nelms

maurizio manzieri

jarek sznytzer

Derek wilson

Nazirull Safry Paijo

Daniel justin bird

dale thomas

erik linden

rune rask

david freeman

ori arad

markus graf

ali jalali

raffy encarnacion

alex kelly



: air ,sea atmosperics featuring natural elements of islands,skies blend into a grand sense of scale.Includes Tree elements.Gaia oriented.Mountain views and Spectacular chamber vistas. Sky atmospherics

adrian baluta

gonzalo golpe

gunilla elam

jonathan colvin

guo jian

oscar jostedt



: party scene with the character interacting and gossiping

Parties gathered at gate opening

Radu Bogdan Boeru

nekomouse

: wonderful sense of humor even black humor and caricature

Torsten Wolber

per trystad

mark david

: action packed conflict with eon elements in the backdrop and lots of machines,ships,cities and soldiers

thierry schiel

paul hume

: entire cities,planetary bodies,asteroids,weather systems,gates,singularities,flawships and space vehicles in awe inspiring perspectives with large scale explosions.Ships have beautiful designs.Space Atmospherics.

sacha angel

neville de souza

prabath wijayantha

greg kaperski

mona eriksson

attilla kurt

vladimir davidenko

paul b castillo

juha kamarainen

mauricio alvarado kladt

joel carlo

shawn andrews

matt benya

Derek Wilson

blaz porenta

oscar jostedt

pavel elagin





: detailed explanatory tutorials

sacha angel

matt benya

[Blachart67]

Nice synopsis...


...i was wondering whether you were going to refresh and pick up the update.. ;)

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1164510387_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1164510387_large.jpg)

Added a wee bit more...blur for distance...and a few clouds which I am struggling with...any advice out there?

[brrrhmmm]

I have the latest update ,message me if you want it or the reasons behind it.
Or you can give me permission to post in your thread so that I won't
be accused of flooding.:).You have a unique concept go with it.

[Blachart67]

So how do I allow you to post?

[unclehrum]

Nice :]. I wainting for final pictures :]

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1164792424_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1164792424_large.jpg)

I hope this is what an initial colour pass is!

Still to add detail, weapon on the top most paratrooper, oxygen tanks on the next two and a more detailed "chandelier".

You will see that I have interpreted the "chandelier" differently...and I guess I will only know if I am wrong or right if GregBear lets me know.

Comments welcome...

[AdamTSC]

I love the concept of your artwork; the Soviet assault was one of my favorite parts in the book!

I'm not that advanced in art, but one suggestion I can think of is that the troop in the foreground seems to have a slight blue hue compared to those further away, but it should be the other way around because more atmosphere is between the viewer and those further away.

-Adam

[Blachart67]

Adam,

Thanks for the comments. The blue is used in my initial shading which will be toned down as I progress things.

Although I am not formally trained in art I do know that your shadows should include some reflected tone from the environment to anchor the object into the painting...so all the paratroopers will eventually have blue somewhere in the shadows...and the reflected "grey" wall immediately behind the viewer etc...still plenty of painting to go though...

...oh yeah...I haven't done anything on the other troopers for a while and am concentrating on the big fella...that would be why there is a difference...:)

...and unfortunately I am travelling for the next two weeks....so no updates for a while...have to work sometime!

Cheers,

[Terro]

Very nice work, I'm doing the same scene myself so I know how hard it can be to depict the chamber from the view of the divers. Great job so far, I will definitely be checkin in to see your progress.

[Blachart67]

Greg,

Thanks. I've been checking out your latest also...much better composition that your original ideas.

...i'll just duck over to your thread and comments there...

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1165831055_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1165831055_large.jpg)

OK...postponed my appointments for this week so got to dabble a wee bit...

This image is a little dark...but started to build up the clouds...

Thinking about adding a further layer of cirrus clouds between those that are existing and top few paratroopers...this will allow me to cast shadow on the lower clouds and add greatly to the depth...just have to work out how and where!

Still the weapons etc to add.

Any comments appreciated...

[element5]

coming along nicley :thumbsup: , the latest image clouds look more like snow...the image before that to me with the fluffy clouds looked closer....:)

Cheers
Mark

[Blachart67]

Mark,

Agree...still work to do to soften the contrast etc and add some fluff ...and reduce the hardness.

On the philosophical side it brings up the question: how realistic should you be? The cloud at the bottom right is pretty close to real - having spent much of the last week flying...and as you know we have plenty of clouds in NZ...the reality is that clouds look like snow from above?!?

What do you think of the idea of hazing the distant clouds and adding some thin whispy clouds between the paratroopers and the lower clouds? Will also need to raise the clouds a wee bit. Before you answer I have to be able to imply the paratroopers are several (maybe 10) km above the city.
Cheers,

[Terro]

I think the addition of wispy clouds would be great man.

At this point I wouldn't worry that much about the flufyness of your clouds, as you add shodows and lighting your image will slowely start coming to life. Right now focus on the concept that you want to depict, once you have it down, light it up.

[element5]

Mark,

Agree...still work to do to soften the contrast etc and add some fluff ...and reduce the hardness.

On the philosophical side it brings up the question: how realistic should you be? The cloud at the bottom right is pretty close to real - having spent much of the last week flying...and as you know we have plenty of clouds in NZ...the reality is that clouds look like snow from above?!?

What do you think of the idea of hazing the distant clouds and adding some thin whispy clouds between the paratroopers and the lower clouds? Will also need to raise the clouds a wee bit. Before you answer I have to be able to imply the paratroopers are several (maybe 10) km above the city.
Cheers,

Hey again, Yeah depends on how real you want this to look, the cloud on the bottom right is a good one...on the right track. I have found some ref shots hope u dint mind :) . I think the clouds need to stand out a little the chambers are well lit because of the plasma tube.

this ref shows clouds with alot of detail and the shadow is strong.

http://static.flickr.com/4/7801109_ea8f65fc3d_m.jpg

this one shows detail in the foreground and the clouds get closer together in the distance, where maybe the chamber 2 end cap is.

http://www.greatestcities.com/7712pic/619/CP26619.jpg/Amazon_-_juli_2003.JPG

keep up the good work :thumbsup:
Cheers
Mark

[Blachart67]

fantastic...thanx for those...much appreciated

[LightSovereign]

The latest effort islooking fantastic!. the perspective is really effective, and there is a lot of work gone into that city, the contrast seems to better evoke a sense of didtance as opposed to the lighter one. Clouds have come along for the ride too. perhaps just a wee more emphasis of light from the plasma tube reflecting in the water. and even extending that light across the city in the same line would be something to play with. anyways great effort!.

Marley

[Blachart67]

Top idea on the reflection...i actually thought it was a wee bit dark...tell me what you think compared to the update i am about to post?

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1165917531_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1165917531_large.jpg)

taken on board the comments...am having a wee problem with the wispy clouds...i think i will get rid of them and try again...

comments?

[LightSovereign]

very hard Visual effect to pull off and to be honest i think it clutters the entire scene. the contrast of the clouds down below are too sharp and vivid. i liked the softer look in the darker version..of course just mho. Possibly a remedy is to have a gentle dusting of different colours, splayed over the city. I can visualise light magenta and reds being used effectively. You can see a tinge of that colour in the reference photo of the sky shot from element5..

:D

Marley

[Blachart67]

Marley,

Your right I need to soften the whole effect. I was also thinking that the cloud shadows are impossible anyway as the plasma tube is not a point light a la the sun...

...so my plan is to darken the clouds a touch and lighten and soften the shadows...ditch the wispy clouds...reduce the brightness of the background...and add a weapon and a few O2 tanks...?

At that point does it become the final composition? Or, does that happen after I have add the detail?

bit of a newb to these types of things :)

Paul.

[element5]

Hiya Paul,

I agree with LightSovereign it is a hard one to pull off.

I do agree to soften the shadows a bit and to make it a clear day again, you keep up the good work :thumbsup:

Cheers
Mark

[Blachart67]

Mark,

Thanks mate. How are the fires over your way?

Cheers,

Paul.

[max112358]

this is shaping up nicley. You might try varying the spaces between the buildings in the city, or add a few medium size buildings here and there; right now they kind of seem to be too close together and uniform. otherwise it's looking great. Looking forward to how it will look when you put in the overlapping clouds and water reflections

[element5]

Mark,

Thanks mate. How are the fires over your way?

Cheers,

Paul.

Thanx the Gods there are no fires near me, My thoughts go out to the poor people who have lost everything to those fires in Tasmania.

Cheers
Mark

[RaresH]

I like the concept of this image. Maybe it has somethign to do with the fact that I created an image that has to do with sky diving :rolleyes: hmm. I also like that the FG diver is engaging the viewer. To improve the image some more, you could change the pose of the diver 2nd closest to us by bending his knees like the rest, shade the characters a little more, and perhaps reflect the plasma beam and maybe the other side of the chamber in the river for more depth.

Good Luck and hope you learn a lot, I think thats the best thing you can take away from this challenge.

[Blachart67]

Thanks for the positive comments guys

Max,
Might prove a wee bit difficult to add space etc as the city is a 3d model and my PC is already struggling with it. However, I will try! I know that the uniformity makes it look like a bunch of relatively similar buildings - when I originally modelled it I intended each to represent a city block...obviously I need to add more detail (within reason given the blur) to reinforce this. Can't wait to get into it this weekend!

Rares,
I might play with the angle of his fall a wee bit - but I have to say that I am probably happiest with that wee fellow - I actually haven't touched those guys for some time so do indeed need to paint a lot more on them.

Others have also mentioned reflecting the plasma beam - which is geometrically impossible (as having built the thing from a cylinder I know where the axis is)- but your idea of relecting the city is absolutely fantastic...much more work though :(

You wouldn't believe how much I am learning (mind you my wife is not impressed with the time I am spending on it :twisted: ).

Cheers,

[Terro]

You wouldn't believe how much I am learning (mind you my wife is not impressed with the time I am spending on it :twisted: ).

Cheers,

LOL, my wife made me promis her a few days of attention once the contest finishes up. This is a very time consuming project.

I feel you.

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1166344473_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1166344473_large.jpg)

Well so much for the weekend...bit hard to find time!

Here is my final composition (I assume) the rest will be detailing and tidying it up.

Welcome any comments...

[AdamTSC]

This is shaping up very well! I think the colour composition is fitting nicely, and I especially like the silhouetted troop in front of the cloud. Keep up the good work!

[LightSovereign]

That is coming along very nicely!. big difference from when i first saw it. looking quite coherent i must say!..

don't be afraid to paint differnt patterns over the city. as in a few lines to indicate spacing for highways etc.

a hard round brush at 80 percent should do the trick (using the darkish blue of the buildings)..experiment with different thicknesses. and see what you come up with.

anyways progressing very nicely!

Marley

[Blachart67]

Marley,

Thanks again. I will give the highway thing a go... ...and thanks for the detailed advice - which I need being a newb!

...back to one of your earlier posts where you talked about light magenta and red sprayed (gently or something like that) across the city...do you mean this in relation to individual buildings or generally? And, forgive my ignorance... as I was always BW (in the dim distant past) ...what is magenta? Dumb I know!

Cheers,

[LightSovereign]

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7141/122921166344473largeqs9.jpg

Hi paul. just a quick eg and of course only a suggestion..it was more about breaking the colours a little rather than accuracy of colour produced from the singularity

ok you can see the magenta in the image..I couldn't spot my original intent for it, but did find a good place to use the colour. bottom right. ( i think i might have been thinking for use on the horizon).

it worked because there was a gradation of tone over the river already! not too light or too dark. now i am asumming you are using photoshop?.

EDIT* creat a new layer

In the layers box, top left hand, there is a scroll down menu, just under the "layers" tab, with "normal" selected.

Press the downward arrow to bring up the different options and select "colour dodge"

My brush setting was 10%opacity/100% flow (pretty easy) set to "Soft", not hard. and gently sprayed around the area..of course you can adjust layer opacity aswell, if that helps.

finally, to paint a straight line, after an initial spray, i press and hold shift and click in any direction at any length (i hope to heck i explained that right).

hmm..thats it i guess :P.

hope this helps in someway

marley

[Blachart67]

Marley,

That is fantastic help! Yes using Photoshop! I have been wondering what all those options were! So far I have worked out brushes, layers, layer masks and gradients (sometimes)...so what else do I need to know...bit slow in the deep south ;)

Can't wait to try out the straight line shortcut...that will save me heaps of time in detailing my paratroopers.

I wonder if I am the most complete newb in this challenge?

Cheers,

Paul.

[LightSovereign]

gosh, where do i start?...to be honest the three things you mentioned are practically all i use for my pieces, save for masking which i use extremely little of, if at all!..my technique really only skims the surface of what the program has to offer..

one thing i would mention is the colour palette, I use HSB colours instead of RGB. in the actual box with the three tabs "colors" "swatches" "styles". go to colours (heh i love english spelling ) click the little circle with the arrow sign, the selection is in that drop menu. colour selection is meant to be more "intuitive".

this of course i learnt from reading those imaginefx mags, those contain a wealth of knowledge.. well worth the investment imho

No worries in being a newb', you've actually gone a step further and joined in this competition. I have watched these comps since early 2005 and only now feel ready to join in..i started doing these in 2002, its been a slow journey...so really my compliments on joining in and getting gritty! :D

Marley

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1166573353_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1166573353_large.jpg)

What about this organic road modelling example...excellant use of my lunchtime...photoshop elements...and a mouse!? Yuck!

I was just doodling on the uploaded lores copy so sorry about the quality!

[LightSovereign]

it works :scream:, and so do the colours, good going, love the organic route ^^.:thumbsup:

Marley

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1166615433_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1166615433_large.jpg)

Back to the "real" painting...added indication of major roads, medium detail on weapon, decals...and a few small tidy ups.

Comments always welcome...

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1166776838_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1166776838_large.jpg)

Starting to refine the No2 paratrooper.

[OKMER]

Whooa, this is coming out really nice,really like it!!!

My crits will be that the shadows in the second nearest soldier to us are darker then the first one and this should be the other way for the depth in the pic.
Also maybe opening up the hands of the second nearest person to us, could give him a more floating effect
Also I find the first buildings of the city(near the water a bit strange)and the city just stops like that.

Maybe introducing some dockingstations and harbor's could be cool, with some boats over there to bring in some more life in the background.
Just some suggestions ofcourse because your pic is really great and we got a nice feeling of parachuting ourselfes when watching it!!!hi,i.
Merry christmas mate!!!
:beer:

[Blachart67]

hey Remko,

Thanks man. Points taken. Will make some changes today...having survived xmas.

Hope you had a good one.

Cheers,

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167107318_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167107318_large.jpg)

Roughed in some city elements leading into the river...and a dock. Detail shows reflection in paratrooper no1's (let's call him Sgt Petrovic) visor...showing reflection of cap, plasma tube and the viewer (Mirsky?).

...still plenty to go!

Comments always welcome...

[nwiz25]

hey dude! wishing u and ur family a very merry christmas! :bounce: :love:
http://nwiz25.cgsociety.org/gallery/444492/

cheers! :beer:



> love the depth in ur imagery .. especially the gestures n all ... just a thought .. as they goin down .. how about some more clouds? .. all in all ... superb! :applause:

[targus]

Interesting composition and result, a little bit unusual work actually, so because of it i think it's eye catching.

And what about that man "Petrovich" - in Russian it's "Петрович".

Have a good luck !!!

[Blachart67]

Neville,

Thanks man. I will eventually try (sometime in the next two weeks) a few higher level clouds...but I will try and finish the rest first...otherwise I might never finish...

...which I am beginning to think must be the biggest issue with these challenges!


Targus (or is it Dimitry?),

Thanks for the comment. It is interesting that you say it is unusual...which I guess it is...I have tried to capture the peace, silence (other than white noise) and hopefully anticipation before an attack...which is obviously different to the more "traditional" scifi compositions of others...i hope it works?

Mind you it might all just be because I have never done this before...

What have I written? Anything?

[Falcorr]

This really fits in to the book.
I wonder why greg bear didnt make any use of the war inside the chamber. They could have just jumped to opposite direction of the chamber and blast each other by shooting straight up.

Just refine this pic and add a little depth effects to give small vertigo.

Then its done.

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167305045_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167305045_large.jpg)

Increased the reflection on the left from the plasma tube...plus general tidy up...

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167364475_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167364475_large.jpg)

Discovered radial blur!...hopefully this gives the illusion of movement?

Will post another image with some detail on it shortly...I never realised how much detail was lost in changing the image size :(

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167364667_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167364667_large.jpg)

Detail...

Hopefully that is pretty close to it! Just a couple of wee things to tidy up...

Oh btw decided not to put a further layer of clouds in - it was just cluttering the image...

[LightSovereign]

This has come along reral nicely mate..gotta be secretly grinning to yourself on this one. The shading for the characters have really done the job, more than ever they look as if they were in the environment..bet you can't wait to cross the finish line...great job, paul!.

Marley

ps, i do like the effect of the radial blur, it steers me toward the bridge, which of course fits the story perfectly

[targus]

i hope it works?
Yas, i think it works :twisted:

What have I written? Anything?
Write where ?

[Blachart67]

Marley,

Thanks for the kind comment...yup I have about had enuf of this image...will come back and do the final tidy up after NY....

hope you had a great xmas...and have a great NY!

[Blachart67]

TArgus,

Thanks for the comment. Does the helmet say "Pechovich"?

Hope you had a great xmas and have a great NY!

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167788769_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167788769_large.jpg)

Guys,

Could you have a look at this and the next image and let me know which works better...please?

My brain has ceased to function...need help!

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167788967_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1167788967_large.jpg)

Guys,

Could you have a look at this image and the previous and let me know which one works best?

My brain has ceased to function...need help!

[HFix]

i have been watching your progress..this is a really nice peice!! I like the blur effects also..the clouds look very solid to me...but dont stress it!! this is very nice!! good luck with the final!! :)



-Eon Link-
http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?postid=4109615

[Blachart67]

http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1168245364_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/14/12292/12292_1168245364_large.jpg)

This is the final image!

Scene: The Russian assault on the second chamber

Purpose: To illustrate one of the key incidents. Which if the book were to be filmed would likely be the one that an audience would most identify with.

Detail: I have tried to capture two aspects.

Firstly, the geometry and scale of the chamber - which is modelled in XSI and basically as close as I could get to the dimensions in the book...although I haven't been entirely successful with the major buildings which actually represent a block of buildings (or the equivalent) rather than individual buildings...which I have tried to illustrate with the 2d additions leading down towards the water.

And secondly, the absolute stillness (other than white noise from the wind) and anticipation that accompanies the buildup to an assault.

I have purposely not included Mirsky in the image (other than the reflection in the foreground characters visor (which is not so clear at this resolution (800x582 compared to the original 5000x3636) which implies that the viewer is Mirsky. I have tried to further interact with the viewer by having the foreground character (Sgt Pechovich (I think ;) )) communicating to them by indicating that he sees the target (not giving him Margaret Thatcher's rendition of the V for Victory sign!) Now that is showing some age ;)

All in all I have had a fantastic time communicating with everyone, looking at other peoples art, learning how to do the simple things in XSI and Photoshop and trying to incorporate most of the advice.

I have gone from a complete novice to just a novice (I hope).

Considering I haven't done even traditional art for at least a decade I am quite pleased with the result!

Thankyou one and all! And good luck to everyone else!

[LightSovereign]

This image is bloody great mate :D. congratulations on finishing your piece..

I have gone from a complete novice to just a novice (I hope).

Thats a pretty fine effort for a novice and considering you haven't done trad in 10 years, i'd say you've built a solid foundation for future work..a fine effort wow! (i have never touched 3d in my years doing digital)

Only major blemish is the frantic brushing by the troopers leg (screen right) possibly covering something up?...

I think this thread is quite inspiring.

Big hearty congratulations, paul !

Marley

[Terro]

It's looking hot B! Congratulations onyour final image my friend. I love that you equiped your paratroopers with machine rifles and small insignias. It makes them much more believable. Over the course of this challenge I think this is the entry that I checked out the most since we are both on the same track, lol.

This is a great piece my friend and I wish you the best of luck.

[Blachart67]

Marley,

Thanks...one of the many things I am worried about is the lack of colour a la your piece (which btw is stunning)...but I couldn't find a way to introduce it and make sense because of the angles and the "reality" of the lighting...c'est la vie!

Now in my defence ;) if by blemish you mean the darkness behind the guys leg...well that was actually a "chandelier" building that is really really blurred by the radial blur...and I do agree with you ;) Unfortunately the way everything developed the foreground character was the last item added so it didn't quite fit with the model...and to be honest I couldn't be bothered (nor did I think of it) changing the model much at that point...is that a good enough defence?

I think the biggest thing (among many many things) I have learnt is to develop the concept properly first rather than let it grow organically...which it was always going to in this first cg attempt

I should have given you a special mention in the credits as your help was invaluable...and your a "mainlander" of course ;) Must check Golden Bay out next month when I am up that way for work!

Can't wait for the next challenge!

Cheers,

Paul.

[Blachart67]

Greg,

Thanks man. I think we increased each others "hits" quite significantly!

Like yours my image was developed organically - next time I am going to spend a lot more time getting the concept image right.

Best of luck back at you and don't forget that promise you made to your wife!

Cheers,

Paul.

[OKMER]

Hi Paul!!!I wouldn't say novice at all and I think that there was a really great and especialy visible progress in your workingstyle and image.It was a real pleasure following your steps and congratulations for your finish and final pic!!!Really great and realistic piece!
I have just one more suggestion, but insignifant because just a matter of taste.maybe it could be cool to do some handpainted motionblur on your soldiers(with the thumb in toshop for exemple).But that wouldn't change in nothing the fact your pic is just great Paul!!!
One more time BIG UP and all the luck to you mate!
:beer:

[Blachart67]

Hey Remko,

Thanks for the warm fuzzy glow...I guess I better go and learn about this thumb thing now!

You should be detailing your painting - not cruising the forum ;) and drinking that tasty fruit beer!

Cheers,

[OKMER]

Ha,ha you're welcom mate!ok now then, last one and I'll go on ;-)
:beer:

[Blachart67]

Hey,

Anyone who is subsribed to this thread - for some completely insane reason I just started the 3d Scene Challenge! :eek:

Brain explosion - I think so! But since the deadline has been extended I might as well see what I can learn cause once again I am starting from "complete novice" level.

If you are vaguely interested the link is below. It will explain why I had a concept sketch of Olmy's ship on the first page of the thread - it won't explain why I accidentally posted it in the illustration thread though - d'oh!

[nwiz25]

congratulations on ur final piece mate! :scream::eek::applause: love the depth in ur entry and the details as well! i wish u the very best of luck! :thumbsup: rock on dude! :buttrock:

[OKMER]

Congratz mate on finishing,great image as i already said.may the frozzz be wizz you!:beer:

[Blachart67]

Thanks - again,

Same with yours - good to see you finally got it in - get back to those beers to celebrate!

:thumbsup:

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