Aims and Objective

After discussing further my aims and objectives I think the aims and objectives are almost there and of course they will change throughout the project, I'm sure: 

Investigate how traditional practical colour and lighting techniques can be used to drive a practice-based approach of mood and evoked by light in a built environment to inform the aesthetic quality of a 3d environment.'

1.0 Review and critically evaluate examples of traditional colour and light philosophies and techniques from appropriate art movements.

2.0 Review and critically evaluate through sketchbook work examples of environments for films, games and comics.

3.0 Conduct practice-based research into practical colour techniques and compositional lighting incorporating influences from the review.

4.0 Create colour/light guides based on theories explored in research and produce a small 3d environment that reflects these findings.  

Change in Direction

In my draft proposal I stated that I would be creating a series of renders using just Maya. But after looking at the link below, it has nailed right on the head what I really want to do. Building models with Maya and Zbrush and texturing with Photoshop and create an interactive painting finally in UDK:

http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90519 -

 

Baolong created UDK Arch and Fountain on Yesterday 07:26 AM

His level was inspired by an 18th century artist by the name of Michele Marieschi. I am exploring traditional art methods and how these can be applied to a 3d environment and this person has done exactly that but of course I will be going into much more depth with light, composition and colour. These areas will all be explored throughout the entire project. Below are shots from Baelong's work from the link:

Development Sketches

This was a simple church study I did based on some of the photographs that I took looking at shape and form; getting a better understanding of how these buildings are layed out.

These are initial ideas that I have been thinking about for my 3d environment the main study here was form rather than colour. Above is the kind of end result that I would like to have just I want to primaryly focus on lighting the building rather than all the other features.

I thought about exploring an interior environment (inside a church) because I think there could be a lot of small interesting features rather than worrying about a massive outdoor environment.

This is another angle of an interior of a church. I remember looking at some impressionist paintings and roses was the main focus and it really caught my eye and I though it was amazing to look at. So I thought about the idea of roses leading to a tree inside a church. Using a small colour palette I was trying to lead the eye to the tree although the silhouette itself stands out.

This is from a building next to Post Office at Mc Manus Galleries. I thought the detail in this door was interesting so using the photograph I studied the details in the arch of the door. This was to get myself with common architectural features which are present in many traditional buildings.

Above is an idea I had of creating a maze and guiding the player with a tube of light (inspired by light setup in the Enchanted forest). But after speaking with Brian it was clear I was looking at the aesthetics of an environment more than just light on it's own.

2.0 - Research into Theory of Colour

''Combination of Architecture Light and Art could give you a glimpse of Paradise'' - Brian Clark.

Mark Kidel's film Colouring Light: Brian Clarke - An Artist Apart. This was recommended to me by Brian for further research. This 1 hour documentary was brilliant; getting the insight of a world famous artist; Brian Clark. He was commissioned to create the biggest stain glass projects in the world. He met famous people such as Paul McCartney and tapped in the culture of Punk Rock in 1976.

''You can't afford to compromise...If your making a statement...artistically when you're making that statement...It's an absolute'' - Brian Clark.

Clark never compromised in art and fully expressed himself through stain glass design and also doing paintings as well influenced by Matisse. Watching this documentary it really opened my eyes as how significant color really is and the impact that it can have on society as well as the symbolic meaning behind the works of Clark.

'Colour Theory: The Mechanics of Colour Training' with Richard Keye's  DVD available from Gnomon Workshop. Keye's has taught the theorys of colour for almost 20 years and has a huge insight into this subject. I took many notes on this training dvd alone and it has given me a real solid foundation to build upon. Keye's goes through the various colour systems and where they began and also goes back hundreds of years and picks on the relevent painters of each time.

From Aristotle who first created the colour system, to Newton's interest in light. Also discussed is the whys of colour in a huge range of examples of paintings from different artist's/periods. Also some practical tips when creating my own work. Many amazing artist of the past and present day are presented and I feel now that when my objectives and aims are formulated I can now go and research further in the field of colour in confidence.

I want a really good understanding of Architecture as well so I picked up the book simply titled: 'Architecture' by Jonathon Glancey and it's proving to be a great read. This book doesn't deal just with Architecture in terms of style but also deals with materials that were used through the ages and how this affected design.

Like everyone else I do have skill gaps in but I'm already looking into training lessons to deal with these gaps; they are crucial for succeding. Really understanding Maya's texturing and lighting system and Zbrush are the key things that need to be learned. I have a good understanding of UDK so that isn't really an issue.

Dundee's Architecture

Some of the buildings here on our doorstep are fantastic examples of architecture. When we are walking along I think sometimes we don't realise how much character Dundee has for a small city. I took these photos to help get my creative juices going, looking at key features in buildings that make them stand out.

Forester Street.

Forester Street.

Barrack Street Museum.

Mc Manus Galleries.

Mc Manus Galleries.

                                                                 Comics buildings.

Small church across from galleries.

Mc Manus Galleries (other side).

Mc Manus Galleries (other side again).

Building across the road from Galleries.

Close-up of Mc Manus Galleries.

I love the architecture of Mc Manus Galleries when It's a bright sunny day to when it turns to night it's like seeing two completely different buildings.