Untitled image

[Pixolator]

Hi
This is another ZBrush test image that I have started today; I have initially planned to add a creature/s as a centerpiece, but as I made progress I felt that adding a creature may actually detract from the overall impact of this piece. What do you think? What would you add to this image?

Click here for a smaller size image

As usual, there is some loss of details due to jpg compression. Original image size is 2560x1920, below is a portion on the image in actual size…

Questions, suggestions and 121 are (as always) welcomed.
Thanks,
-Pixolator

[system]

I would add a lizard. And will not ask any questions about the water - it’s just madZik.

[Digits]

Heh, I love your tests This image has put my brain on overload so it is hard to type. But I just want to say wow.

My opinion would be to keep this wonderous landscape the focal point, I agree with Martin perhaps some local fauna etc to fill it out.

Also, I am sure you will work all this out, it looks like there is a waterfall to the left and then on the right we should be looking thru an archway to more water, it needs a little more depth of field to give it distance. Thou I hate destroying that detail you have there

Looking forward to seeing this Test! when it is done

[juandel]

that’s so… i love it. muy muchissimo. i think it’s my absolute zbrush favorite uptonow. and i’d love to be right there, sitting on a stone with someone i love or simply meditating, so please no add of any dangerous dragon-lizards or the like

ok now, i’ll ask for it, pix: please tell us how you did this zincredible zwonderful zwater!

TIA
juandel

[Kathy]

I would concentrate on the flora and fauna of that type of environment, as well as the density of the air, and possible mist from the waterfall.

This could go Midwestern or Amazon really.

Nice.

[chrisd]

Amazing!

I’m sure it took a “little” longer to produce than a Bryce rendering. I don’t use Bryce, and have considered purchasing it because I have seen a lot of good work done with it. However, based on what I have seen, I don’t think this level of realism is possible in Bryce. Any comments on this thought Bryce users? I’m curious.

Maybe ZBrush will get some Bryce converts when they see beautiful stuff like this!

I’m going to save my money and start doing landscapes in ZBrush!

ChrisD

[Adman]

Pixolater,

Absolutely incredible! I agree with Digits. If the part of the scene furthest back could have a little haze, then there would definately be more depth and a sense of scale. The part of the scene I like best is the first couple of inches from the bottom. The rocks seem too slippery to sit on! Great subtle textures. If you do decide to add an animal or humanoid, it needs to be as great as the rest of the scene. Somehow, I don’t think that would be a problem for you.

Or don’t do anything. Take the word “test” off, give it a name and call it a day.

Adman

[Kathy]

chrisd,

I own Bryce, and used it quite a bit until I bought ZBrush.

Actually, yes, Bryce is capable of this. But you will get a different environmental feel.

I still use Bryce, but for very specific reasons/needs. Bryce has KPT in it’s material builds, which I love. I still have alot of respect for Bryce.

It’s Poser that has lost completely. I used to use Poser alot. (anyone who has gone to my site will see this. Heck, Zen, my female icon was built in Poser)

But since ZBrush, I haven’t opened it up. At all. I may if the need arises, but I sure have lost the need for it…

my 2 cents…

[Nikko]

This is beautifully rendered, Pixolator. If you put any creatures in it, to keep them on the small side would be my suggestion. Maybe a small family of little dinosaurs interacting with each other, drinking, frolicking, or something like that.

I love the textures on those rocks and the absolute believability of that water. This one has such a wonderful organic feel to it, much like the underwater scene you did not too long ago, hell, like ALL your pieces!

Just awesome!

[system]

Simply Marvelous!!!

Makes me want to take a bath now…

[ed_the_atom]

Hi Pix,

A 121…

Now let’s get picky.

I know many out there will not agree with this critique, but with opinion tossed aside (except to say…some great texture in the picture) I shall continue.

I can understand why you are hesitant with a possible future placing of an animal, or indeed object…as the picture stands I can’t see that there is any place for such. Maybe a child fishing…just crossed my mind.

At risk of upsetting you I find that technically the image is found wanting.

Let’s see why I think this…

If an image such as this can have ‘gesture’ then the gesture I have found (as pictured immediately below) is found wanting…follow the arrow. We see a flat sweeping curve that leads us out of the image at a subliminal level…where in reality it should draw us inward, and embrace the senses.

[img]http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads0/user_image-996249705woc.jpg[/img]

The image appears flat, although it has two main areas these areas do nothing to enhance the form, or depth, let alone the feel/view of the image. In fact they tend to split the image in two…as seen below

[img]http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads0/user_image-996250002une.jpg[/img]

Now on to movement…the arrows in the image below indicate the movement(s) I see within the image. There seem to be too many within going in too many directions…the eye is led around the garden path.

[img]http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads0/user_image-996250276dic.jpg[/img]

Again follow the arrows…where is the depth? The blue arrow indicates what should be happening in that area…use of shading or form in that direction would force a belief of depth (contrast movement)

[img]http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads0/user_image-996250484gtf.jpg[/img]

Now if I take all the parts I have mentioned and use them within a similar image I end up with the image below. This image while rather ‘rough’ and in need of more form and shadow in places gives me all that I feel is missing in the original image. The green oval is an area I would build up more. This image below is merely idicating areas of possible change…I would add more water to the bottom right…and paint rocks as you have in other places.

[img]http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads0/user_image-996251002mle.jpg[/img]

Now your image may exist in reality as you have depicted it…but if we ‘frame’ that piece of reality than adjustments must be made to enhance it as a separate ‘entity’. Form and shadow need enhancement to give one the feel of the environment, include also atmosphere.

The water fall and rocks either side seem out of form/context. The bottom part of the rock face in the cavern seems to be floating in the water, while the water doesn’t appear to be at the right level. Focal point appears lost in the overall image.

Harsh? Yes it certainly sounds that way, but in no way intended to insult. On first impressions a remarkable image.

[system]

Hi Pix,

With the wet look on the rocks I thought some

Seals or Sealions may be an option.

I see where Phocids may be marine, estuarine, or freash-water.

I felt they might fit in with the color’s already in use.

[impending]

Well Hello Sir Pixolator, you certainly are able to demonstrate the power of ZBrush

I’m struggling for adjectives, it’s photo quality - I know how those rocks would feel, I know what it would sound like if I was there.

Would I put creatures in it? I would at least try it. A group interacting in the pool beyond the arch perhaps, maybe even a portion of one in the foreground to help illustrate the distance scale - although a foreground creature would obscure some of the rocks which I would hate to lose. (I laugh at myself thinking I just said “yeah, just toss some creatures in there” - silly me )

The water is superb - the reflections - did you paint these? I think what makes the water so perfect is the reflection - you’ve added the blue of the sky, I wouldn’t have thought of this and the turbulence is perfect!

Would I change anything - others have spoken of the depth. My only comment is the arch at the top left center blends too much with the rocks beyond - if the interior of the arch was placed completely in shadow the blending would be eliminated. I may prefer this over a “distance haze” which by nature would obscure detail in the far rocks.

This said - if you changed nothing - this is most excellent

jd

[Kruzr]

‘Morning . . .

After reading "Ed_The_Atom's" post, I was initially hesitant in posting, due to the fact that many will disagree with his comments, but after thinking it over, I figured "What The Heck!", if other members don't agree - who cares. I don't really know of any "Professional Artists" or "Skilled Art Critics" on this forum anyway. :rolleyes: I think Ed_The_Atom gave some extremely good criticism of this piece of art. It is a very nice image, & I can't take that away from Pixolator, but going over the image again after Ed_The_Atom's analysis of what's there, & what's not, I'd have to agree with him completely. I've read many of his comments on other images in the past, & I find him very knowledgeable in the field of art. I think I've learned more from his comments & suggestions, than from anyone else on this forum. Now, I don't claim to be an artist, nor am I critic, but I don't feel that there are any others on this forum either. ;) I guess I've said enough for now, but I think that many on this forum should really listen to, & maybe seek out Ed_The_Atom's opinion about their art. Ask his ideas or suggestions, because of all the members on this forum, I have to say that he appears to have more knowledge of art & is more honest in his opinions than anyone else. A lot of the members on this forum are too quick to tell another "That's beautiful or wonderful or fantastic, there's a whole list of descriptive terms used by members to describe another's work,, instead of just being honest & saying what needs to be said." :D These are just my feelings, & I'm entitled to them, have a good one . . . :cool: Mark.

[Muvlo]

Oggalyboogaly… :eek: …The quality of this amazes me, even after seeing so much Z-Art, this is so photorealistic! The best parts of this image to me are the front of the image, the water and wet rocks, and the steaked shadows near the arch. Such beauty! About characters, in this kind of scene I imagine elves. (Elves as in the Lord of the Rings type, kind of serious, the kind that love pretty things…)

Also, to Ed, I’ve often been curious about this “leading the eye” stuff. Perhaps you know of a good website were I could learn more about it? Thanks.

[system]

Go Off

This image is beyond Awesome.

Completely amazing, I’m astounded. There is so much happening. The hyper reality, the slight incongruity just adds to the unsettling calmness. Is that a camouflaged small creature about to leap out near the waterfall on the right or is the whole thing about to come alive.

However it is spoiled by the lack of fruit fly lavae in the moss. I’m sure you’ll get it right next time

BTW is this the right time to express my disappointment with the 123 manual. 300 pages! It looks so good that I’m just not going to have any more excuses for not learning it.

Thelonious

[system]

Pixolater,

You’re really really good. This takes an artist to draw. Not just “knowing” the program. Thats why I could never draw it. You are indeed an amazing artist!

-Chad

ChadCoronato.com

[system]

Hello again,

I have now gone back to read ed-the-atom’s deconstructionist critique. It’s quite spooky really because on another forum I have done a semi toungue in cheek set of tutorials on composition and they are very similar to ed’s. I hope no-one minds but here’s a link http://talkgraphics.infopop.net/1/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=98519178&f=048197611&m=9521908232&p=3 if you go down to the bottom you will find the snow covered branches which makes a similar shape to ed’s big curve. Also the hanging horse. But strangest of all is the shot of the bird footprints in the snow which I have likened to arrows going off in all directions.

In fact I find that the big curve which ed has pointed out is not really apparent. The waterfall is on the third and as such keeps one pulled to that spot, this is well balanced by the dark area. The arrows, if there are any would actually serve to keep one’s attention wandering all over the scene which I find to be a good thing. As for the different planes and perspective, I can only say that having done a bit of bushwalking in the blue mountains in Australia this sort of disproportionate size thing is in fact oddly realistic. When a scene is very large and contains a huge object further back perspective tricks get played on the brain.

Pixolator’s composition is a scene I have witnessed many times, including all the strange lurking creatures.

I hope I havn’t annoyed anyone with this verbose post. It’s just that this image has overwhelmed me a bit.

Thelonious

[ztevie-rae]

Beautiful,inspiring…
What about a ROCK creature asleep in the sun,problem solved my friend ?
ztevie-rae…

[system]

This image is from India. How big do you think that big rock is, the tallest one?

T