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General => Image Sharing => Topic started by: choronr on June 26, 2012, 06:28:41 PM

Title: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: choronr on June 26, 2012, 06:28:41 PM
Bristlecone Pine - Perhaps the oldest living plant species on Earth. Some years ago, a dendrologist tested a number in these specimens that reside in the 'Inyo National Forest' in northeastern California only to find that a particular tree has survived for 4,768 years - being alive before the start of the Great Pyramid. Later, this tree was named 'Methuselah'. Its survival methods are second to none. It lives at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet and has a growing season of only about two months. Parts of the tree die off while other portions spring forth new growth and carry on.

A big thank you to Walli for taking on the task of creating this beautiful model. Rotating it in any direction, you will find it to have a photogenic appeal inspiring one to create a scene ...the possibilities are endless.
To learn more about the tree, have a look at the following sites:
•   http://jtroth.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Oldest-Trees/5539489_sthpGg/339266849_J7ZPW#!i=339266849&k=J7ZPW
•   http://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=3e917a0f-f93b-42db-be8e-4e8d1491df1d&gid=3

Here is a link to Walli's site: 'Silva 3D' where you can download this beautiful model for free:
•   http://www.silva3d.com/product.php?id_product=61

One more note, in this scene, the model sets on the ground on a 20+ degree slope. It gives the appearance of floating, but I guarantee you it is not.

Happy rendering!
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: choronr on June 26, 2012, 06:35:39 PM
PS ...sorry, I should have cropped this image.
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: choronr on June 26, 2012, 06:55:23 PM
Ancient Sentinel cropped.
Title: Re: Anchient Sentinel
Post by: TheBadger on June 26, 2012, 07:14:07 PM
Like it. tree looks like a star, very crisp and clean render too. The scene works well and I like the composition.
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: Walli on June 27, 2012, 02:35:37 AM
very nice, I really like the light and mood in this scene, looks very calm. Probably the floating appearance could be fixed by manually placing a stone or two under the roots, as if the tree would embrace those rocks. I never really did this in older versions of TG, but now with wireframe preview that works a lot better compared to before.
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: Tangled-Universe on June 27, 2012, 02:38:52 AM
Yes indeed...you can let the preview render finish the terrain entirely. Then activate the wireframe preview of the model and move it using the cross-handle. As soon as it submerges into the terrain you'll see the wireframe disappear. Much easier now.

Like others I like the lighting and atmosphere here. Pretty realistic!
The huge fake stones have a bit funny texture.
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: Seth on June 27, 2012, 03:43:21 AM
Very nice job !
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: choronr on June 28, 2012, 02:03:16 AM
Thank you all. Per Walli's and Martin's suggestions, I've made the adjustments and are re-rendering the image. Should be done tomorrow morning - I'll be posting it then.
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel Modified
Post by: choronr on June 28, 2012, 01:26:35 PM
Items modified include: Rotated tree, increased gamma from 1.9 to 2, increased diffuse of trunk and branches from 0.7 to 0.8, added (painted) stones/rocks at base of tree, added more dry grass at base of tree; and, disabled displacements on boulders.

I think it looks better?
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: Walli on June 28, 2012, 02:32:21 PM
I keep it short: great!
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: choronr on June 28, 2012, 02:45:46 PM
Quote from: Walli on June 28, 2012, 02:32:21 PM
I keep it short: great!
Thank you Walli, I should have done this in the first place.
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: inkydigit on June 28, 2012, 05:09:28 PM
Bob, this is a killer...great work on showing off this beautiful model!
perfect surroundings/light/bush work!
:)
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: Tangled-Universe on June 28, 2012, 05:36:31 PM
Very pleasant render Bob, great work!
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: choronr on June 28, 2012, 05:53:16 PM
Thank you Jason and Martin. I have some ideas for another scene using the tree that hopefully will be completed soon.
Title: Re: Ancient Sentinel
Post by: Jo Kariboo on June 29, 2012, 07:31:33 AM
Beautifull ! I very like the last one.