Art director Raphael Lacoste shares his matte painting techniques in this DVD for the Gnomon Workshop
Title: Digital Environment Painting
Publisher: The Gnomon Workshop
Price: $59
Overview:
Three hours of basic training in the art of digital environment painting, by Raphael Lacoste
System requirements:
This training DVD for the Gnomon Workshop puts art director Raphael Lacoste’s expertise in creating photorealistic environments to full use. Having spent his career in the games and cinematic industry - including working on titles such as Prince of Persia and Assasin’s Creed – Lacoste has extensive technical knowledge and experience in digital environment painting.
Digital Environment Painting starts with Lacoste discussing traditional illustration and basic drawing skills before moving onto more of the technical aspects of digital images. The art director champions traditional methods, making the viewer aware that mastering fundamental skills, such as composition and use of colour palettes, are key to creating a successful image. The opening provides a good amount of information for artists when thinking about the mood of an image, including the importance of contrast and atmospheric depth.
Lacoste uses the combined tools of 3ds Max and Photoshop to create the detailed image but it should be noted that the training does not include instructions on how to import files between the two, how to create the 3D elements in 3ds Max or how to create custom brushes in Photoshop. Users must be familiar with basic functions and tools in both programs to follow the training. As the DVD states, this tutorial is purely to share techniques that will help create a well constructed digital image.
The videos also touch upon the more technically challenging aspects of digital images such as lighting, selecting and integrating areas of multiple different stills and colour correction.
Lacoste is clear in his instructions and provides a good amount of technical detail during his lessons. This training provides a good basic guide for artists that want to improve their skills in digital matte painting but you must have prior experience with the chosen software. While the topics do not go into every aspect in minute detail, Lacoste provides enough basic and technical information in each area for the training to be followed comfortably. And with just over three hours worth of video for just $59, you can’t argue with the price.
Check out more training from the Gnomon Workshop on its website
Now check out this great selection of free Photoshop brushes at our sister site Creative Bloq.
Posted on Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 at 11:03 am under Reviews, Training. You can subscribe to comments. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.
Tags: digital matte painting, Digital matte painting review, Gnomon Workshop, Raphael Lacoste
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