This week’s selection is an architectural concept piece by Darius on CGSociety. Dig the angles and implied details!
One of my favorite forms of digital art is this concept style, where large shapes are blocked in and tiny details are largely implied. It’s a freedom of mind that I don’t really possess. While I can conceptualize these things quite readily, I haven’t matured enough as an artist to feel comfortable with this style at all.
Check out the scale of this piece. We’re sitting somewhat above street level, probably a hundred feet or so, and the structures around us are gargantuan. The centerpiece reminds me of the sail of a submarine, or a shark fin. The large maw at the base is pretty intimidating as it stands agape and accepts the now-invisible population. All the dark tones and narrow palette give a quite ominous feel.
The other thing that draws me to Darius’s work here is the gorgeous texture. It’s so easy with digital pieces to make things with clean edges, or use simple brushes to block in shapes, leaving a low flow or opacity to hint at depth and texture. But here, it’s so evident and really a central part of the work. Even though he lists this as practice, and it truly is concept art, it has a feeling of statement and finality. The ragged edges, the grime in the reflections, even the haze all feel heavy and old while still looking quite modern.
I get the sense that this could be an establishing shot for a Ridley Scott movie. It makes me want to know more of the story, but a little wary of becoming involved.
What do you think?
