Tower Slide Reference Imagery

In search of reference imagery for the objects of my scene, I've looked through several books as well as the net to gather reference imagery. Here is some of the reference images used for the tower slide, otherwise known as a lighthouse slide.







Some books taken from the library for reference.

Quick Précis

For my scene, I am aiming to capture the scene of a carnival with a distinct uncanny, eerie quality in contrast to the usual welcoming lights of a typical carnival funfare. Through my range of concepts, I believe the most effective composition to be by adjusting the horizon line to offset the scene in a more dynamic intriguing composition, rather than a static one. Where the use of lighting and colour is integral to further push the scene in an unhomely direction, while the repeated use of bridging cable lights helps to provides a sence of depth and scale to the the scene. Placing objects in the extreme foreground further provides an intriguing effect to the shapes and compositon within the scene.





A range of definite objects has also been established from reference imagery and concepts; from a ferris wheel, tower slide, big round top tents to columns with bridging cables to carry the lights across the scene. The next step is to begin modelling these objects with a firm direction of the composition of the scene in mind.

I hope this provides a quick idea of the aim and direction of my work thus far.

Carnival Concept #3 & 4

Still trying to nail down the shot for my scene, I went through some more thumbnails concepts on pen and paper to quickly identify a range of ideas. Ideally, I was aiming to achieve a more dynamic composition with more definite objects to provide an unsettling nature to the scene.



Taking these thumbnails into Photoshop, I began working with these digitally to further resolve the composition.


Carnival Concept #3
Initial shapes

Colour, lighting, refinements


While a bit rough on the edges, this concept begins to capture the sort of dramatic atmosphere I am aiming to achieve, off setting a typical carnival scene in an unhomely manner. I'm still not quite satisfied with the overall composition, where some more objects is perhaps necessary to populate the scene with more interest.


Carnival Concept #4
Initial composition

Tweaks, refinements

Lighting, colour adjustments


I am much more satisfied with the direction of this piece, creating a definite unsettling nature with the colours and lighting. The repeated array of lights help provide a sense of scale and depth throughout the piece, where the extreme foreground provides a more visually dynamic composition of a looming headbanner. Overall, the piece is still open to further refinments which I may come back to, though serves it purpose in providing a much more satisfiable direction for my scene to work from.

Thus, from my range of concepts so far, it seems apparent that objects such as a ferris wheel, tower slide, big round top tents and columns to bridge the lights will be in the forefront of my scene to model. Where the rest of the scene may fall into the hands of the digital painted background to complete the scene.

Any thoughts and feedback is most appreciated.

Avatar

Went to see Avatar the other day, in Imax 3D too. One of the most visually beautiful movies you’ll ever see.



In the world of Pandora, Humans have begun to colonise the planet in order to being mining operations of a precious mineral. However, the native inhabitants of the Na'vi resist their presence where their live directly in the way of human mining operations, which threatens to destroy the unique ecosystem of Pandora itself. In genetically engineered Na'vi bodies, the humans as well as our hero Jake Sully is thrust into a unique position to interact with the Na'vi people.




Avatar presents a wonderful adventure into a pretty spectacular new world, needless the say, the animation and visuals are breathtaking. In Imax 3D, one could really appreciate the quality of visuals that is really something to behold, making it well worth it if you have the opportunity. In terms of story, one cannot fault it as it is well delievered and paced, squeezing a lot of content into quite a lengthy film.




While some human vehicle designs were awesome in action, they were not groundbreakingly original with familiar themes and ideas most likely due to the restriction in art direction and believability in human created machines. It is the very world of Pandora itself and the Na'vi people that what is to be really appreciated here with its fantastic lore and art direction, making one feel really immersed into a completely new world. The environments and the colours is what really sets the film apart with a magnificent use of scale that really settles Pandora as its own alluring, living world. Where, without spoiling anything, the whole conceptual side of the ecosystem and creatures that inhabit Pandora is deeply fascinating that no doubt stayed with my thoughts long after the film had ended.






Overall, Avatar is an amazing film that I throughly enjoyed that is likely to become one of my top favourites films. The hype surronding this movie is well justified and is a must-see on the big screen for everyone and those keen into CG animation. For those wondering whether to see it in 2D or 3D, I would certainly recommended seeing it in 3D to see the film in its best quality as this type of film demands it, and if you can see it in Imax 3D, then do not hesitate to do so as you won't be disapointed.

Santa Hat

Managed to complete the Maya workshops left over Christmas. Applying fur textures to a model, in this case a Santa's Hat in spirit of the Christmas season.

Base render without fur textures

Applied fur renders

Fur Textures #2

More introductions in creating custom fur textures for unique results.

Custom fur base

Custom fur density

Custom fur scraggle

Custom fur clumping

Custom fur bald ramp


Custom fur roll + ramp

Custom fur polar + inclination

Fur Textures #1

An introduction into fur textures and how to combine their effects for best results.

Bear fur plain

Bear fur shadow

Bison fur

Bear + bison blend fur

Porcupine fur plain

Sheep fur plain

Sheep + Porcupine blend

Polar bear fur + lambert shader

Polar bear fur with shader scale

Bear fur default global density

Bear fur shader density

Bear baldness

Return to a New Year

Hey guys, hope you all had fun during Christmas and New Years! Just posting to let you know I'm still alive as I've been a bit quiet of late. In truth, after a lovely break, I was pretty much bed-ridden from a nasty bit of flu. Probably the worst I've had for quite some time. Not to worry though, as I'm feeling much better now and back to continue the hard work.

Lots of snow, probably the most we've had in recent years. I hear more is on the way this weekend!