'ASCENSION'- UPDATE (renamed 'Second Coming')

[s o u t h e r n]

Over the next few days I will post sketches and images that I have created over the last two weeks that have lead up to one of my most challenging ZBrush images to date. These first 4 images were concept designs that have all be rejected as we progressed to the final image.


One of the first sketches. The theme was a Demon (fallen Angel) that had broken free of his chains and was making his way back up to heaven.
http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img116.jpg

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img117.jpg

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img118.jpg

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img119.jpg

I`ll post more in the morning.

[DeeVee]

Very interesting to follow your methodology Glen. When he gets to heaven, will he loose his horns? will he get back in ? Do you care to give us a little more of the story. No need to comment on the imagery as it is always top quality.

[s o u t h e r n]

He does lose his horns but he never makes it to heaven.

I scrapped so many stages that when you see the finshed product in a few days you will not think that it was the same project. Let me just say that as I was putting this work together I was reading about Michael Angelo and the final render is more like his work than mine. That is if MA ever used Maya or Lighwave.

When you see the final image you will all, everyone of you, be crying out to get hold of the upcoming copy of ZBrush (no, I haven`t got it). Suffice it to say, I had help from the highest place to complete the image/render and I am still in awe of the finished product.

And I almost never, ever, ever say that about my own projects. Seeing some of the final renders I began to wonder if I had actually done then.

The project took a dramatic turn after I created this set. I can`t wait to share them with you all.

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img120.jpg

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img121.jpg

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img122.jpg

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img123.jpg

[Ron Harris]

the image right above my post, is that zbrush? geez..and if you reject these....there is no hope for me then...snicker....outfriggin standing...if ya ask me....how much computer time have you invested so far in the imagery? thnx
Ron

[Stonecutter]

Thanks for building the anticipation to an almost unbearable point, Glen! :mad: ;)
The images are fantastic! :tu: :tu: :tu:
This software also gives me the feeling that it's bringing out levels that I only thought about with other apps, and it seems impossible to maintain the level of innovation, but they are!

My mouth is watering, looking at the render quality! :cool:

[levius]

WOW :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu:

Its fantastic, I like it a lot

[Angst]

UN -(insert expletive here)- BELIEVABLE.
Glen, you rock. As always, first-rate work.
I can't wait to see what features the new Zbrush possesses that have YOU drooling.

I really dig that cape. Might I assume that there will be a tutorial forthcoming? (he asks greedily.)
Great sketches as well.
Was this image a commision or just you being your usual productive self?
~a.

[DeeVee]

Glen, thanks for sharing the additional images with us and for driving us to a state of utter hysteria while we await the final render and the new version of Zbrush. You are indeed a wicked man to do this to family hehe, I hate to think what you would do us if we were enemies.

[Mentat7]

We're not worthy!...we're not worthy!....

Oh Glen you wonderfully talented person you! You just upped the ante...pushed the envelope...raised the bar...etc etc. This rather reminds me of the imagery in that Robin Williams movie "What Dreams May Come". Indeed I await like some gleefully anxious child on Christmas Eve to see what glories you will visit upon us next!!! OMG I want to get better at using this software in a bad bad way!!! Can you feel the excitement you have generated?

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

By the way...however do you sculpt that body tool like that? Please oh please tell us your secrets oh great and powerful Oz!!

[Angst]

Hey, that's good! Glen IS the great and powerful Oz!! I say we refer to him thusly from here forward...

[el_pix]

glen, that's unfair .. now i'm discouraged, curious, jealous, drooling, impressed, impatient and feeling useless at the same time, quite a confusing condition.
needless to repeat it, but that r o c k s! period ....
and you are rejecting pieces that would make me run around, shouting *looooook, i'm an illustrator* :)

[Muvlo]

You've got my curiosity all of a bubble about the finished pic. Can't wait to see it! :)

[WingedOne]

::stunned silence ::

[Bobono]

Incredible work Southern.
Again,..a Masterpiece
greetings
Bobono

[The Saint]

Very nice use of Poser Figure...

;)

[AxE]

Great stuff. I think the dark background looks the best.

[michael scott bader]

in simple word's WOW................
i have never seen anthing so cool
were can i sign up for lessons !!!!

[Ken B]

I love the colors. Looking forward to the final product.

[Nikko]

Beautiful piece so far, South! I too like the dark background in this composition.

One thing, is that cape/flowing robe thing supposed to be metallic? It kinda looks that way to me.

You are sounding a little cryptic on the processes used in this image. I am anxiously awaiting any further(?) developments and more information on this one! What the heck else could you do to it???? It's freakin' awesome the way it is! :tu: :cool: :tu:

Lemme guess. Did Pixolator do a final render for you with the latest, greatest rendering engine?? Hmmm??? ;)

[ZBC Moderator]

Great image Southern!! ;)

-ZuZu :)

[Tallyra]

:eek: Wow! Man if talent could be boxed...I think you would be in a lab somewhere and we'd be sponging off your braincells - hehe

Well dude this image is unbelievable! You have a serious eye for light and color. I cannot wait for your 'tutorial' and your next image......

Again........WOW! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[s o u t h e r n]

Let`s be clear about a few things here (Because of recent events where people claimed to be doing things with ZBrush that weren`t).

The model for the body in this image was a Michael OBJ mesh from DAZ 3D. I know most of you know this but I wanted it to be clear.
I posed the basic figure then edited it in ZBrush to enhance the shape.

The wings were modeled in ZBrush from a sphere.
The Cape is made up from a combination of deformed 3D Planes and Cubes.
The chains were modeled in ZBrush from rings and Multi-Markered together and the cuffs were rings. The background is a 3DPLane that I painted the background onto.

Because the image was using a lot of 'body', I have added modeled clothes to hide his modesty even more and this is where things started to get better.

I did a test sketch using Photoshop to paint on top of a test render. I painted a dummy white tunic and some dummy hair and liked it.

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img124.jpg

I decided to go ahead and build the white robe to see what it would look like as a model.

So, liking where it was going I completly started again from scratch and built an image based on the prelims and came up with this.....

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img125.jpg

To get the metalic reflective material I grabbed a copy of the image and gave the red material some reflectivity then used the grab as the reflection. It looked like metal rather that fabric but at this stage I was still experimenting.

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img126.jpg

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img127.jpg


It turned out well but to push the software harder we need to try something different....

SO, as a bit of a test I decided to flatten the 6 or so layers (Not the background) and cover the image with one of my new Materials. As the figure had a biblical look to it I decided to use a Bronze effect....and WOWSER!!!! Stage three was born......

(Casts in Bronze, Gold and Marble to follow....)

[Stonecutter]

Fantastic, Glen!!! :tu: :tu: :tu:
This is really amazing and informative to watch, and my sincere thanks for sharing the process! :tu: :tu: :tu:

[Korr3d]

:eek: awesome clothing and design :tu:

[WingedOne]

Looks great so far, but I seem to be having trouble loading up the third image in the above post. The image that's right above the close-up.

[DeeVee]

Excellent work Glen !! just simply fantastic.

[Bastard76]

:eek: Very Impressive!!!
I have no words.
I look forwaed to see something more of
your masterpieces.

[kelly_b_c]

Very excellent stuff here. I am anxiously awaiting more . . .

[s o u t h e r n]

Then the model got a face lift and some metal coatings....

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img129.jpg


http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img130.jpg

and a stand, then a re-designed stand...

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/img131.jpg

then it all changed again because......


OOOHhh...wait...if I tell you the next bit you`ll just want ot see more then where will it all end? The next image set after these Bronze ones is really cool. I`m so happy with t he way things went from here onwards. We`re about halfway throught the journey so far.....

More tomorrow....Anyone still following all this????

[Stonecutter]

Glen:
Nice chatting to you, and this is more and more fascinating...I'm almost hoping you can't easily settle on a final, and just keep exposing these wonderful visions!
:tu: :tu: :tu: :cool:

[WingedOne]

Awsome. I wouldn't mind having one of those on my mantle. :) A big :tu:

[Tallyra]

Well now when are you going to have this statue made in real life !! It would be a masterpiece - just like the image! ;)

It really seems like you are having a great time with this one!

Can't wait to see what you're gonna come up with next! :D :D

Tallyra

[Kaz]

So far, I am very excited about the direction this is taking...

[kelly_b_c]

These are great! I can't imagine what is next.

[s o u t h e r n]

TRUE STORY!!!!

The next phase of this image goes REALISTIC! I output the 2000x2800 image on a HP 1220 C A3 Printer at 300 DPI on Gloss card. I showed it to a few people today. One of them said she would like to buy one if I had any already done. She meant the `Cast` statue not the image!!!! It was a `stone` coloredpiece that she saw.

I`ll show you soon..........

[Nikko]

Glen, this is looking more and more awesome all the time! The realism of that bronze version is astounding! And the stone version is incredible, too. Keep em' coming, Man!

:tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu:

[DLee]

The last stone one is my favorite.

[Muvlo]

Wow!!! *Clap clap clap clap*... This is great and I cannot wait for more! :tu: :tu:

[Mentat7]

Absolutely amazing Glen!! :tu: :tu: :tu:

Those stone and metal renders are truly beautiful. You're only half way through? I better get some blood pressure medicine 'cause I don't think my pounding heart can take much more of this excitement!! You know some people push the envelope but you just re-invent the whole dang concept! Bravo!!! :D :D :D

[drjjwow]

you make me sick southern... i want someone to buy my work too...bhaaaaaaa..lol... all of these images are masterpiece of a different world... simply brilliant.. keep them coming...

[Motor]

Glenn,

I logged in today only to see if you continued your journey with the angel. Thanks for this series. I feel lucky to be able to glimpse the evolution of your masterful work.

Ryan

[levius]

I am looking forward to see that version, please post it, post it, post it !!! :D

[juandel]

omg, the evolution of this is beautifullious and this thread is definitely one i’ll keep going back to for a looooong time. excellento, Sir! :D

- juandel

[Bamboo]

These are truly incredible images, I can't wait to see what's coming next. Keep up the great work :D

[s o u t h e r n]

A bit of a Gold leaf was added next....

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1012594670wpt.jpg

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1012595313oxw.jpg

[robotalk]

WOW !! These are Extraordinary Images--and you seem to be writing a very helpful 'book' for us here in your step by step close ups--very much appreciated!! -

[DeeVee]

Glen, when I grow up I would like to be half as good as you are.

[Stonecutter]

So is this rendered with the new render engine, Glen? :qu:
Whether it is or not, this piece has succeeded in taking a Poser figure to a non-Poser continuum, which is a revelation of possibilities I wouldn't have foreseen. On the other hand, this stands on its own as a fine creation, and you have my congratulations of course, combined with my gratitude for sharing your creative process in such a generous fashion!
:tu: (Another dimensionally-folded, tesseract-based thumbs up, since regular mathematics wouldn't allow enough thumbs-up here...)

[WingedOne]

I don't think Southern's gotten to the new rendering engine stage with the pictures he's posted so far yet. Still awsome nonetheless.

I think Glen is enjoying torturing us with anticipation. :D

[aurick]

Good grief! The evolution of this has been really interesting to watch. The gold statue version is simply amazing. It looks like a photograph.

[Muvlo]

That last golden one... Oh my god it is real!! Or close enough to amount to the same thing!!! Awsome job on these Southern! :tu: :tu:

[martial]

I am dreaming on a Zbrush book written by this talented artist

[drjjwow]

well southern im just now getting a chance to see these images.. for some reason they didnt want to load... but now that they do .. wow and double wow...excellent as always and im liking the idea of a zbrush book..

[s o u t h e r n]

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1012728098bux.jpg

:b3: :b3: ASCENSION FINAL IMAGE :b3: :b3:

I couldn't wait any longer. I have a range of test renders to show you all but the response to my posts and tests has been overwhelming. I've received more mail about this image that any single project that I have ever undertaken. The whole project has taken a little under three weeks from concept to finished print ready, 300 DPI, 2000x2800 RBG image. Excluding the post-render composition work in Photoshop the whole image was a ZBrush only project. Just to clarify some points:-

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/arrow.gif The body mesh was taken from a DAZ 3D Michael. Posed in Poser (with Pro pack).
http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/arrow.gif The Wings are modelled from a 3D Sphere within ZBrush. Wing tips were partial rings.
http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/arrow.gif Hair was a one piece Sphere in ZBrush
http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/arrow.gif Cloak and tunic were modelled in ZBrush from either a 3D Planes or 3D Cube. Tutorial coming soon.
http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/arrow.gif The stand was a ZBrush 3D Cube deformed with TAPER and PERSPECTIVE. BTW I used my QuickDeformer ZScript throughout this entire project.
http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/arrow.gif Chains were ZBrush 3D Rings deformed and combined using the MultiMarker tool.
http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/arrow.gif The final render was completed using the, as yet, unreleased version of ZBrush and I do not have a copy. I had help :)

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1012727430gaj.jpg

The reason that this project moved away from the painted form was due to the success of a test render using global illumination and soft shadows. The areas in the black circles show show some points of interest where you can clearly see how the next version of ZBrush is going to change the way you work in ZBrush.

The darker areas and undersides of the cloak and tunic give you a good example of how accurate and subtle the shadows will be in the future. The shadow fall-off from the Stand (the Base) gives the whole image a photorealistic feel. Combine this with the radiosity-like noise effect and a whole new world begins to open before your eyes!!!

Comments and questions welcome, although I may need help if the Q's are hard :)

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1012727562irq.jpg

http://www.southerngfx.co.uk/uploads/sig.jpg

[DLee]

HA first to see ~G~ It's so good Southern. Questions? where does one start? Too many questions to figure out which one is the right one to get myself in gear ~G~ Really do love this. I once tried something simliar in poser. Was a woman accending... Nothing like this though.

[juandel]

now thats ... absolutely terrfic, Glen + helping hands :) looks like 3d-art has found its Michelangelo! what an artist, what an app! bravissimost!!! praisepraisepraise!

- juandel (cant wait to have another look now)

[DM]

Amazing example of the possibilities when using ZBrush combined with Poser. I've tended to avoid doing this, but your result might make me think again.
Dave

[DeeVee]

It is ironic that some members try to be ZBrush purists, yet some of the most outstanding work is done combining the strengths of at least two programs. I think that this subject could be addressed in the upcoming version.

[Bastard76]

Glen it is really a fantastic picture and
when I saw this last one you posted I thought:
'Did he render the whole picture in an other
3d program or he's just showing a sculpture
that gave him inspiration?'

I like a lot the art concept of this picture
and this new unrealized version of ZB give
makes it real. As always you leave me with
a fallen jaw! :eek:

[Mentat7]

Absolutely without a doubt beautiful Glen! Bravo, bravo, bravo, [clap], [clap], [clap]. Will you by chance be selling printed versions of this? ;)

[Nikko]

:eek: :eek: :eek: STUNNING :eek: :eek: :eek:

Absolutely. The bar for realism has just been raised a few notches. Harrah for Southern and Pixolator!

Are we gonna see this in an upcoming Zbrush 1.5 ad?

[Muvlo]

Truly, truly amazing. This next ZBrush... I can't wait to see it when all Southern images are being run through it... Amazing amazing amazing. :ex: :ex:

[Ron Harris]

very ultra kewlies to say the least...and your "helper" is to be commended as well...not much to add that hasnt already been said...cept I am jealous....muhahahahhahahaa and as always outta curiosity, how many hours total do you think you have invested in this project,Glen?

[s o u t h e r n]

Hey Ron

Including all the coffee making and scraping ideas about 40 hours. If you were to ask me to do another in a different pose I should say about an hour. Try doing that in Lightwave!

Glen

I launched SOUTHERNGFX to the world today as I am now officially 'freelance' and looking for commissions to build my portfolio (that means I'm still doing the day job but I charge at night, now).

At 3.30pm I secured my first commission. I am to create a Bust of William of Orange in ZBrush to replace a logo. At £80 an hour ZBrush has just proved to be a loyal and worthy partner for me.

And I have to say it, well done Pixologic for the best tool an Artist could wish for.

Glen

[Bamboo]

I can't even find words to express how crazy this artwork is.

[aurick]

Congratulations, Glen! Both on a remarkable, pioneering piece and on finally going freelance. Way to go!

I still can't get over the incredible photorealism here. I don't know how well other programs can accomplish the same thing, but I bet there's not another one in ZBrush's price range that will be able to do the job! Terrific work!

[Ogre]

Glen,

Fantastic image.........breathtaking !!!!!

What was your inspiration?.......the adagio of Bruckner,s 8th perhaps.

ogre

[kelly_b_c]

Truly amazing!

Inspirational.

[upham]

William of Orange? Was he a King roughly around the Battle Of Waterloo days??? Sorry, I should go and check my history books before asking ....
Well done for the jazzy images, and even bigger slaps on the back for the commission! 80 pounds an hour is a fair wack! Wow!
Catch ya bud.
Upham :)

[Kaz]

[picsas]

I love this finished image Glen, it is beutiful to say the least, I am glad that your are getting started as a freelancer, I believe you deserve the recognition of your exellence through success, thank you for all the inspiration your images give :) Arran

[Stonecutter]

Bravo, Congratulations, and thanks Glen...

This has been fascinating to watch, and I for one am all ready for the new render engine! :tu: :tu: :tu: :cool: :tu: :tu: :tu:

[Nikko]

Congratulations on the great new commission, South!

[Bobono]

Southern, how thin is the air upthere?
Verry impressing!
Greetings
Bobono

[jibberish]

well, glen...this is probably the most realistic picture i've seen on this forum. it's been really cool to not only see this increbible version, but to see the evolution of the image, several different versions of the final one (gold, stone, etc.) and the textured variations. the detail is amazing and you've done an fantastic job. keep it up.

josh

[impending]

:tu: Hi Southern :tu:

This rendering is stunning, superb modeling and a true sense of Ascension. This does not look like CG - arguably your finest work :tu: :D :tu:

jd

[Hexagonal]

so much to wrap my head around...
question
- are the cloth, hair, wings etc just positioned in 3D space or are they attatched to the figure (If they are attatched, can this be done in Zbrush itself?)
The resulting image is beautiful.
...Di

[s o u t h e r n]

Hi there,

the cloak and tunic were modelled and plced in the scene after I placed the full figure. They are not attatched as such (as per a more tradition 3D package), but seeing as you can't move a mesh once it is stamped in (snaphot) it may as well be joined.

Glen

[Adman]

Glen,

Congratulations on a beautiful image and a very promising career. Freelance can be tough, but in your case, it should be smooth sailing.

cheers,

Adman (anxiously awaiting the next version to experiment with the new renderer)

[Ion_Image]

any body seen my lower jaw ? i just had it around here some where id go look for it but my eyes r glued to your pics %#$@ awsome i have a long way to go hehe ok laters