Posted on June 6, 2012

I mentioned last time that the only way to move forward with my “Gotham” render was to redo the clouds. They were simply too expensive to render. I’ve spent the past few days exploring ways of making them render faster. I also wanted them to look more cloudlike and less like smoke.

My second version is now available in the Members Gallery. I know there are going to be quite a few people who will prefer the first version and that’s fine. I thought it was pretty cool myself when I first put it together. Unfortunately it just took too long to process. It will remain in the Pickle Jar available to my Members for all time.

This new version took around 24 hours to render. A lot better but still a long time. Let me know what you think!

Speaking of long renders: I ordered myself a new “mobile workstation” yesterday to replace my wonky MacBook Pro (black screen of death every 15 minutes). It should ship out next week and be here in time to meet up with the extra RAM I ordered from Newegg. I’m looking forward to working on new projects while my renders are cooking!

If you would like to help me pay the bill for the new machine please think about purchasing a Membership, renewing one, or purchasing a gift for someone else. Did I mention my prints? Thanks!!

Posted on June 2, 2012

Not long ago a fan sent me an aerial photo of Chicago at night under a blanket of clouds. I really liked how the city lights cast a glow on the underside of the cloud deck.

That photo served as the inspiration for an update to my 1998 “Gotham” wallpaper which I’ve added to the Members Gallery this morning.

Here’s the 1998 original (rendered in Bryce using a single terrain and some creative “shading”).

Here’s the 2012 update using Vue d’Esprit’s Ecosystems and volumetric lighting.

I might try another with fewer clouds, as I think they came off a bit heavy in the final render. Aesthetics aside, this one took a ridiculous time to process so any future renders are going to have far fewer clouds.

What do you guys think?

I also wanted to mention that I’ve added a couple of new t-shirt designs to my Zazzle collection based on my “Portals” wallpaper. One uses the square version that I rendered for tablets and the other uses the narrower version I rendered for dualscreens.

You can see the rest of my t-shirt collection (plus a few neckties designed by Jessie) here. I will let you guys know if/when Zazzle has their next big t-shirt sale!

Posted on May 24, 2012

I’ve updated the dual and triple-screen versions of “Atoll (Nightfall)” with the new brighter render. The darker first version will remain available in the Pickle Jar. Which do you prefer?

Posted on May 23, 2012

I’ve added dual and triple-screen versions of “Anemone” to the Members Gallery this evening. I’ve also added a free version designed for use as a Facebook cover image here.

I also wanted to mention that our little Jason turned 6 years old today. I won’t be able to hold him like this for much longer!

Seems like just yesterday I was holding him in the crook of my arm…

Posted on May 22, 2012

I’ve added a new render of “Anemone” to the Members Gallery this morning.

The camera is pulled in even more with this version and the focus is a bit tighter as well. I’ve also added a bit more blue in the center.

The first version will remain available in the Pickle Jar for comparison.