cityscape

[goose443]

Tracy,

The windows are actually meant to be white screens with no image though I find it interesting that you saw them as windows. In that case I completely see your idea that it would be a library. It would definitely make an interesting library.

Craig,

In this case it was just a study in light and reflection though I agree the non-glasses version does need more story to it. I'll see what I can come up with.

Thanks to you both.

[NancyJ]

It looks more like a 3D render than a photograph. Its a very good attempt but I dont think it would fool anyone.
The objects dont quite sit right - they look very detached from the background, the ceiling and floor are great but all the objects look very 'gradient tool'. I think the shadows need some work and definately some dirt and variation.
Dont get me wrong - I couldnt do any better - but I have maya so I could probably recreate most of it in half an hour

[goose443]

Nancy,

It was never really meant to look like a photograph. At least not at this stage. I feel that every program has its limitations and quirks and will give a certain feel to images created using it. For example, if I were to create this same scene using Maya, the overall tone would most likely be different. When illustrating with Photoshop there's a certain feel that is created... almost a hyper-reality... Everything is a little too clean, a little too straight and a little too perfect. I guess it's what you call "gradient tool". It's an aesthetic that is really unique to this type of work though other programs will give you variations of this same thing. In fact media such as airbrush can also work this way. It gives a feeling of lifeless-ness or detachment. Almost like Hopper's Nighthawks painting. This is not to say you can't go full photorealistic in Photoshop but it's not always the goal. I guess if it looks like a rendering it's close to what I want. I'm really not trying to fool anyone as I don't think it's really the ultimate point in most llustration, or in some 3D rendering... unless you're doing special effects for films.

In terms of the objects and shadows, I would love for you to elaborate on any weaknesses so that I can peg them. I completely agree about the dirt and variation but I'm not sure what you mean about the objects being detached from the background. I also want to nail the shadows so any input on those would also be well recieved.

Thanks for the critique. I appreciate the comments and am intrigued to see what you could do in half an hour in maya.

[Kraellin]

In this case it was just a study in light and reflection though I agree the non-glasses version does need more story to it. I'll see what I can come up with.

in this case, like i've said all along, you've done a marvelous job! this would make a great backdrop in a movie like 'sin city' or something along those lines.

so, the next time i look at the original, i'll critique it on that basis. but in all honesty, just from memory, it's pretty damn good

Craig