October 2007 - Ventana - Lost Valley

[Ventana]

Ok, I'm a noob but be brutal. This is my first attempt at matte painting after force feeding on some Dylan Cole, Dusso and David Levy DVD'[s.

This is the first version.



And the ND, after a little refining.



and after more refining (almost ready for the challenge)



Ok, fire away.

[Kingcolin]

Looks nice!
But I think the perspective is to high to not see the top of the waterfall..
Think you have to make it higher

[Ventana]

Thanks, Colin. working on that as I type.

[Ventana]

Wow, anyone else> 127 reviews and only 1 crit. Please, this is a learning experience. Help me fine tune my skills.

[eyecon]

The image is cool!

Okay i'll help you out but like you i'm also not an expert. (well I expect to be an expert someday.... ahaha!)

heres what I think can still be improve since we do have time...

1. the backgound just won't do... its all pixelated, you can still find a few larger images from the net. Try looking at the resources page and you can find links to image sites that are free

2. The water is not that realistic yet. Since this is matte, try to push yourself to your limits, same applies above (about the images)

3. I think the grass needs a little bit of pushing too...

Well i hope this helps, remember i'm not an expert yet... so i'm not that reliable yet okay? You may take my comments or not depends on you. good luck and happy painting.

[Ventana]

Thanks eyecon. You may not consider yourself an expert but if you aren't then you're pretty darn close, in my book. I checked out your WIP and am amazed at how you are pulling it together.

ok, on the pixelated background. You're spot on about that. I noticed it yesterday and I thought about paining over it but I like your idea about finding another picture better.

Same with the water and grass. I am playing with using a high res graphic to replace the water.

I should explain that this was a painterly piece I was working on to print and frame. I was only recently (maybe 2 weeks?) introduced to matte painting by a friend. So while hunting around for matte painting resources I stumbled across this thread. I figured I already had the sketch so I started converting it to more of a matte painting. Unfortunately, I lost about 6 hours work last night when I went to lie down because I was feeling ill and my computer decided to lock up on me. I know, save, save, save and I do but I was really out of it. I love matte painting and like you I hope to one day do it professionally even if it's just on a small scale and for self gratification as opposed to money. Although money would be great, lol. It combines 2 of the things I like to do most, painting and photo manipulation.

[eyecon]

Great!

Mattepainting is a very cool profession. You get to create worlds literally! And whats more, f your doing it professionally you also could get to see you works animated!

I will look forward to your work and do check the other threads, there are a lot of great talent to be found...

[Ventana]

Yeah, I have been checking the other threads. Can't tell you how many times I've said "wow, I'll never be able to do that", lol.

Here's an update. I worked on the river. Not satisfied just yet. I need to blend the water edge some more. I also added some rocks at the foot of the large falls. Next I want to tackle the background and the hill to the right.

[Kingcolin]

I really love the water looks of the waterfall!
Well done there!