the ships add a nice human scale and makes it more dynamic, I think you need more blueish atmosphere / color on the far elements/aerial perspective, other than that it’s looking great, just try to keep things within a logical chaos, so it doesn’t look too cluttered with details and elements , make things always look like they are there for a purpose, that every cable, sail and element has a specific logical existence, this will make the viewer buy things easier and faster, and will relate things to the real world even though this is a sci fi environment.
WIP - Kreola - Bryan Sola
bpsola
#33
@jjasso - noted sir 
i have incorporated it now and that adds more depth on the scene. i will do more research for the proper adding of depth.
Might as well share my inspiration photos. it might help you visualize some elements(well not sure since we have different approaches, but sharing it anyway):
And for the final grading later on, maybe majority from these:
Hope this helps as well
nickmarshallvfx
#34
I knew someone somewhere must have seen John Carter!!! 
Some lovely work in here, you have a great way of thinking outside the box to come up with something original and huge in scale.
Cool stuff!
bpsola
#35
good to be back. here’s my progress so far
still have lots of detailing to do. till next time
Ackdoh
#37
Looking great Bryan!! Love the textures in the FG and the canopies. I would go even stronger contrast for the sky though since it’s a clear day…with strong low horizon cumulus clouds and a few bigger puffier ones higher up. Almost!!
aretoon
#38
Fantastic take on the topic! Very inspiring, this is my favorite entry so far! Seriously loving this 
artvandeley
#42
Awesome!
Since the lower background is stuffing-houses anyway, i see no reason not to bring the river back again. I´m pretty sure it would help to gain more depth.
Unless of course this is supposed to be a desert .
But still would save you from needing corny steam to cover anything up in your final plate
Have fun!
JoelHageman
#43
Hi Bryan,
Just wanted to bug you before the line runs out. I like the rendering on this. Pretty impressive. Later on.
bpsola
#46
Not much change in the overall look. just detailing everything for zoom in purposes. and little color grading as well
It’s been a good ride. Can’t work further more since I’m already busy at the moment. goodluck to and congrats to everyone who finished.
Follow link for high res: http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/314/2/b/kreola_matte_painting_by_bpsola-d6tphiv.jpg
Final Entry:
Emptyshell
#47
Wow! Really awesome finish Bryan, definitely setting the standard. Great work, best of luck 
Yatzenty
#48
Its nicely done Bryan, coherent and seamless blending with all elements. It doesn’t really feel like steam punk though, reminds me more Star Wars environment. Great work nevertheless
As I wrote before - It’s one of my favorite! You mentioned at your final entry that “not much change in the overall look” - I think there was no need to :). Good luck!
Regards
Jonatan
JamesColmer
#50
Hi Brian,
Firstly, I’d like to say that I think this is an awesome image, the detail in the buildings on the right cliff is amazing. I agree with Yacek though, this is definitely futuristic star wars style rather than Steampunk.
I was also surprised that you left the steam, spaceship and balloons in your final submission though, as the judges made it very clear that those elements are not to be included. Perhaps you could have submitted a clean plate as well as this one?
I might go back and add all those extra animated things now just for fun…as I’m starting to have withdrawls from the challenge.
Anyway, good luck with the comp, and again, very nice work.
Best
James
klaudio2u
#51
Great work, no doubt about it!
The only thing i think it might be the problem is the one particular rule that David Luong mentioned: “-Work from the plate kreola.jpg, at least 50% recognizable”
On this final piece i can recognize perhaps 5% (or even less?). The only thing is that walls of few buildings with some heavy changes and there is that small part of the street in front…everything else - gone.
Even so, as i said, nice looking stuff!