Digital Matte Painting DST60904/Project2

Digital Matte Painting

DST60904/Project2

LIU CHENG RUI  (0370930)

DST60904/Digital Matte Painting/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University


INSTRUCTION


PROJECT 2 INVISIBLE SET EXTENSION

First of all, I collected materials such as architecture, cities, skies and future technological elements from multiple image resource libraries. When making the selection, the consistency of perspective, the uniformity of light source direction and the distinction of picture layers were given priority consideration.

Then, through sketches, I initially divided the foreground (architectural framework), middle ground (main urban agglomeration), and background (distant building complexes and circular structures) in the picture to establish a sense of depth and composition rhythm.


Fig2.1 Create layers for different objects

After all the materials were imported into Photoshop, I began to layout based on the concept of layering:

Prospect: Add large industrial structures and elements hanging from the urban edge to enhance the sense of immersion.

Fig2.2 Production progress 1

Medium shot: Select high-rise buildings and perform partial cropping. Use tools such as the Quick Selection Tool and Layer masks for cleaning.

Fig2.3 Production progress 2


Fig2.4 Production progress 3

Background: Construct depth using a blurred urban outline and giant structures (such as the spatial city above).

Fig2.5 Production progress 4

Next comes the core color-matching step:

Use the Multiply mode to overlay shadows to make the lower part of the building more volumized.

Add the illuminated area using the Soft Light or Lighten mode to simulate the light sensation of the slanting sunlight at sunset hitting the metal surface.

Fine-tune the edges with a paintbrush to enhance the logic of reflection and occlusion, making the architectural hierarchy more three-dimensional.

Fig2.6 Adjust the overall color tone

Fig2.7 Add the the background platform

Fig2.8 Add shadows and buildings to the background platform

To enhance the sense of reality, I superimposed a grayish-blue fog layer in the medium and long shots, and moderately reduced the saturation and clarity of the unimportant areas to make the center of gravity of the picture more concentrated.

Finally, I checked the overall color temperature and light and shadow balance of the picture, and moderately added some color adjustment layers (such as levels, hue/saturation, photo filters, etc.) to unify the style.

Fig2.9 Hue/saturation adjustment

Fig2.10 Color level adjustment

Fig2.11 Before the adjustment

Fig2.12 After adjustment

I showed Mr. Kannan the progress of the PS I had completed so far. Mr. Kannan thought it was not bad, but it was necessary to pay attention to the perspective of the middle building and the upper platform in the background. The same building as the lower platform could also be added. Finally, Mr. Kannan also showed me that some dark blue could be added to enhance the atmosphere.

Fig2.13 Modify perspective

Fig2.14 Increase the superstructure

Fig2.15 Enhance the atmosphere of blue color

After that, Mr. Kannan thought that there were still some problems with my architectural perspective and showed me the correct perspective. Besides, Mr. Kannan also suggested that I make some adjustments to the color of the background platform and the sky.

I also added a space shuttle to the background, which makes it look more sci-fi.

Fig2.16 Final image

Fig2.17 Project 2 Compilation


FEEDBACK

week11
Mr. Kannan thought it was not bad, but it was necessary to pay attention to the perspective of the middle building and the upper platform in the background. The same building as the lower platform could also be added. Finally, Mr. Kannan also showed me that some dark blue could be added to enhance the atmosphere.

week12
Mr. Kannan thought that there were still some problems with my architectural perspective and showed me the correct perspective. Besides, Mr. Kannan also suggested that I make some adjustments to the color of the background platform and the sky.

REFLECTION
Experience
This project has given me a more comprehensive understanding of the process of digital landscape painting. From the initial collection of materials and composition arrangement to the later adjustment of light and shadow and the unification of tones, every step requires patience and meticulousness. I have learned that during the collage process, one should not only focus on whether the parts look good or not, but also consider the overall situation and think about whether the perspective, light and layers are unified. I also realized the importance of light and shadow handling, such as adjusting the positions of highlights and shadows, which can effectively enhance the sense of space and atmosphere.

Observation
During the production process, I observed that the most common problems when different materials are collaged are the perspective relationship and the direction of the light source. If they are not unified, the entire picture will look unreal. I also found that the clarity of the building's edges and the layering treatment of the layers will directly affect the spatial sense of the picture. For instance, the foreground needs to be clearer and have a stronger contrast, while the background should be slightly blurred. To create an atmosphere of the evening, I observed the color changes of the sky and the city's light and shadow at dusk in reality, and attempted to enhance the sense of light by adjusting the color temperature, adding shadows and highlights.

Findings
Through repeated adjustments and feedback, I found that the key to truly achieving a "fusion" of the picture is not merely choosing the right materials, but rather how to unify them in terms of space, tone and light perception. For instance, even if the content of different materials is consistent, if the perspective directions are not the same, the picture will appear unnatural. Besides, I have found that creating an atmosphere is more important than stacking details - appropriate color temperature, distance, reality and illusion, and contrast of light and shadow can enhance the atmosphere of the picture.

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