Leaving Orbit by Darklorddc
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
A Protectorate Expeditionary Fleet, lead by one of the massive, self-sufficient colony ships, prepares to depart for a new world beyond known space.
The Colony ships are armed, but they're not military ships, and they are generally associated with a lot of fanfare and prestige, so they're designed a bit differently. Lots of lights and glamour and lots of windows for the colonist crew, who aren't used to the spartan military accomodations of the Stellar Navy's warships. Once they arrive at a planet that's deemed suitable, there's a long scientific investigation and some terraforming is usually necessary, before permanent habitation can take place.
This is the first time I've really lit up a ship like this, and it's surprising how just a few lights here and there suddenly make your image look "Star Trek" or "Star Wars" styled. I might do more civilian ships like this, but I still think the military stuff should be unlit and have almost no windows.
Sound off and let me know what you think, esp. the other ship designers and sci-fi fans on here.
Models created in DOGA-L3, touched up, textured and rendered in Carrara.
Background is a NASA satellite photo
(you pretty much have to view this one at full size)

Comments (16)
Love the POV on the ships.
Awesome scene!
Phantastic SciFi-scene!
I love the image! I would vote for lights, but I'm in a retro SF period now (EE Doc Smith and other 1950s writers) and I figure with that tech a ship's engines are more noticeable than the lights. Also most ships will have glass or the equivalent (transparent aluminum anybody?) but military ships will minimize that to a degree. Stealth ships would have less light and less detectable engines. That's just my opinion and where my mind is at right now. Your ships seem to fit the universe you're making.
Another wonderful work!!!!
fantastic POV and models!!! gorgeous scene!
Excellent scene! I agree with NerdBird, this is your universe - play as you like
Cool modelling and sci-fi scene. Well done.
excellent pic
Excellent sci-fi scene!
Nice work!
Great energetic scene....nice work!!!!
Nice fleet departure scene. I like the variety of vessels depicted. The small lighting details are a nice touch.
Fine POV here! Not sure how necessary outside lighting would need to be. Probably most "sightings" would be through electronic gear rather than visually by flashing lights and generally way beyond visual range. Perhaps outside lighting might be needed for helping in outside repairs on the dark side of the ship, but why else?
Very cool image and POV. A good Sci Fi theme.
Beautiful work on this scifi scene!