Form, Value and Perspective

24/11/2014

Form, Value and Perspective 

This week I studied both in class and for homework the Value scale and Half way to Black techniques as well as adding shadow using perspective in my images.

The homework task was to use these techniques in drawing a armoured vehicle in perspective. I began researching different types of armoured vehicles on the internet and creating a moodboard. During my research I stumbled on several batman vehicles such as the batmobile and decided to create my own. Since the vehicles in the Batman universe are very dark colours or even just different tones I thought this would be a great way to study the methods taught to me in class.

I started by creating rough sketches with a batman twist based on some of the vehicles I'd researched online.

I was particularly fond of the BatPlane design and decided to develop it further.

I uploaded the design to photoshop and laid out the perspective grid using the polygon tool and setting the radius, sides and indent sides to 99. I created two of these shapes and positioned them at their respective vanishing points marked by the ruler tool. I then drew the rough outline of my Batplane in the grid.

I then added additional features based on references to get a design which I liked.

I then used the Value scale and Half way to Black technique with the lightest Value at 50% and lowest at 80%. I also tweeked the design to try and correct the perspective. 

I then changed the layer from normal to multiply and added a darker value on a separate layer underneath for the base colour of the vehicle. 

 I then added two new layers one for the grill and another for the cockpit window. I applied a hard light to the window layer to give a tinted window look. 

Once I was satisfied with the design I searched for a background online and imported it into photoshop. From there I turned down the opacity and drew over the design making sure it was in perspective.

I then added 3 shades of blue, one for the river and two for the sky. 

From there I added the Batsignal. I used two layers for this one for the light and one for the logo itself. I turned down the opacity for the logo slightly and used the blend and smudge tools to help blend the signal into the background. I wanted to make sure the logo was sitting on the vanishing point. 

I then added one more layer for the lights and blended the whole background to help add depth to the image and help the vehicle pop out.

I wanted the BatPlane to stand out even more so I decided to add a trail of fire behind the vehicle. This also helps guide the viewer through the image between the BatPlane and the Signal. 

Here is my final image. I am happy with the end result as values is a weak subject of mine and I am still learning my way through photoshop. I feel I need to expand my vanishing points off the image as during the process of completing the background they managed to creep back on. I also need to improve my perspective skills in my roughs as this will save a lot of time when developing the final image in photoshop. I feel i am making progress, but I have much to learn in improving my values, perspective and photoshop skills and improving my concept art skills.