drawbridgep opened this issue on Aug 13, 2004 ยท 79 posts
drawbridgep posted Sat, 14 August 2004 at 9:21 PM
@PJF - Just had to thank you for your eloquent comment. Well, presented and rational and probably all very valid.
The bike was the first I found and I do have a reluctance to make a model that I didn't create the star of the show. Hence the muted colours of it. When (if) I get more proficient with modelling, I hope that I will be able to create my own models. It was the last thing I put in and really an afterthought.
I like your point about thumbnails. Very true and a good reason for us to post slightly smaller images. (as mentioned in another thread)
You also kind of mention a lack of a focal point. Again that's true to a degree. but I wanted the alley itself to be the focus rather than one thing in it. If anything, then the nearest doorway should have been the focus and I maybe should have concentrated more on that part. Maybe that's why I put the bike in, since I knew something was amiss.
As for a human figure. Another great idea, but that means resorting to Poser and again I lack the skill at the moment to produce a figure that doesn't look like a shop dummy and I think that would have detracted from the picture. The other option would have been 2d insertion. But then we're getting into the realm of mixed media/collage art rather than Bryce, which was my intention. So yes, all very good points and let down only by my lack of experience and skill.
In the end it really comes down to the fact that I took this as a lighting exercise. Trying to create a harsh brilliant sunlight contrasting against deep dark shadows. And I'm really happy with that at least. Of course, it's impossible for any outsider to see what my intention was. So as with all art, the question is posed by the artist, but the answer lies with the viewer.
Forgive me if this contradicts itself or makes no sense at all. I'm currently the wrong (or right) side of a bucket of vodka.
p.s. Pangalacticgargleblaster is infact a rather potent drink and was invented by part time president of the Universe, Zaphod Bebblebrox.