Jewelled Window - experiment with layers & lights.

[Northstarr]

Hi folks I haven't been around too much, been doing a lot of experimenting when I have had time. Today I thought I would work with layers and lights areas where I need practice. I came up with this and it didn't come out too bad so I thought I would post it. Comments Welcome!

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http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1030224678ahk.jpg

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[DeeVee]

N, I like this image :ex: I find the fact that the background is showing through the stones in the middle row a little off-putting. I think that if they were not so transparent the image would be improved, but this is just my opinion.
Apart from that one point, I think you did an excellent job. :tu: :tu: :tu:
DeeVee,
Joe.

[Northstarr]

This is another one I did along the same theme but more abstract...

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http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1030226091sui.jpg

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[Northstarr]

Thanks for commenting DeeVee, I see what you mean, however, I was also experimenting with transparency in layers so I kind of left it that way for effect... Oh well ;)

[DLee]

That's why the phrase "different strokes for different folks" is so true ~G~ I like that you can see through it. Very good, Northstarr

[Stonecutter]

Well, I like them both Mak, and as a gemcutter working with facetted stones, I think the background showing through gives it realism... :) If you were to add a reflection map to your gem material, it would be an even more realistic effect...

I also like the rich metalllic components... :tu:

:) :tu: :tu: :tu: :)

[Vikki]

Very nice Northstarr! I think I like the second one better but can't explain exactly why. It just catches my eye more. :D The are both very nice!

:tu: :tu: :tu:

[Ron Harris]

I too like them both...the first one is more machined looking and the second one is more organic and hand crafted looking. I too like the 2nd one. I would love to hear how you made your stones for these.... :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu:

[Northstarr]

Well I sort of cheated a little bit regarding the stones. I wish I could say I made them completely myself but that wouldn't be honest!! :rolleyes:

So here is the link to a page that Stone Cutter posted on an earlier post.
http://www.3dlapidary.com/Home.htm

They are actually .dxf tools all of them clear, all you have to do is size them add material, mess with the lights and the modifications for the material and add colour, et voila!

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[Tag]

Very pretty Northstarr. Those gems are amazing looking! I would wear the first one over the second, but the swirling shape and contrast on the second one just keeps pulling my eyes back to it :tu:

[Flycatcher]

Nice images, Northstarr. I donwloaded a few gem meshes from the site that StoneCutter recommended, but didn't manage to get renders as good as these.

I think if you could use the composition of the first image and apply similar lighting to that used in #2, it would be ideal - add that bit of sparkle that I'm sure would lift the first picture to great effect and really show off the stones and setting.

:tu: :tu: :tu:

[filament9]

Your experimentation looks to be paying off with some very good results. The overall effect, in both images, is quite stiking. Strong imagry, with subtle colors - nice combination.