Heart of the Forest UDK Scene (WIP)

corydoran3d

Hey everyone,

I was hoping to get some critiques or overall thoughts on this scene that I have been working on. The concept is from Tuomas Korpi and the scene is built in UDK.





Thanks,

fragfest2012

The geometry is looking pretty good, but the lighting isn't that interesting. You should be making yellow lighting around the bulbs.

SoulWind

Hey man, you've got some great taste in concept art. I like how far you've come already.

You seem to have all your elements in place. Here's some major points that will help it along.

Stronger Silhouettes
I would push the shapes of your roots further, in the concept they are sinister curved and menacing. In yours they are a bit stringy.

Make your tree bigger and more imposing. It should be looming over the path like a curious and creepy giant. Also, thicken up your branches. Remember, the tree is your centrepiece, it should look like it owns the place.

Stronger Composition:
Although most things are in the right place, you've lost the flow of the composition. There are paths being formed by the shape, placement, and lighting of the objects, that guide the viewers eye.

In addition you need to reduce your negative space. In the concept you can barely see beyond the first layer of trees, but you can see well into the distance in yours. Close that gap and bring the focus back to the main tree and path, it will create the intimacy that is so crucial to this piece.




Lighting

-Colour Bounce
The yellow orbs are a light source and you've managed to make them glow, but that glow isn't effecting the surrounding environment. If you look at the concept you can see how the light from those orbs is bouncing around everywhere.



Also consider looking at subsurface scattering, since the orbs have patches of "shadow" where the light doesn't get through as well.



- Moon Light and Shadows

There is lovely cool blue moonlight casting down from the sky that would really pop your scene. Also, there seems to be no cast shadows in your scene. You'll need those to create depth and mood. Cool moon light against warm shadows (broken up by orb light) will make for beautiful lighting.

I wont pretend to call this a paint-over. Its more like a visual aid/diagram. Sorry for its naffness.



Anyway, I hope that helps. This is a good project to improve yourself and I'm sure you're already doing that. =]

corydoran3d

Thanks for all the great advice and visual aids SoulWind. Plenty of great information to digest. Will update ASAP.