Ancient Sentinel

[choronr]

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!

[choronr]

PS ...sorry, I should have cropped this image.

[choronr]

Ancient Sentinel cropped.

[TheBadger]

Like it. tree looks like a star, very crisp and clean render too. The scene works well and I like the composition.

[Walli]

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.

[Tangled-Universe]

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.

[Seth]

Very nice job !

[choronr]

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.

[choronr]

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?

[Walli]

I keep it short: great!

[choronr]

I keep it short: great!

Thank you Walli, I should have done this in the first place.

[inkydigit]

Bob, this is a killer...great work on showing off this beautiful model!
perfect surroundings/light/bush work!

[Tangled-Universe]

Very pleasant render Bob, great work!

[choronr]

Thank you Jason and Martin. I have some ideas for another scene using the tree that hopefully will be completed soon.

[Jo Kariboo]

Beautifull ! I very like the last one.