James Clyne - Artist Profile continued...

The Move to Digital

CGN: What do you think of the move art is making to the digital medium? Do you produce most of your current work digitally or still sometimes work traditionally?

That’s a thought-provoking question. I think the birth of the digital medium as a tool for producing art is both a blessing and a curse. As a commercial artist, it has certainly made my execution faster and more efficient. The medium is now malleable, able to edit and transform itself on the fly. Traditionally, if the client wanted a change to a painting or drawing, the artist would basically have to start over. Now with painting or sculpting software, changes can be made during the process. Furthermore, multiple images can be produced from one idea. On the flip side, I see the importance of having a traditional art foundation in education and also see this gradually being diminished and forgotten.

The Gnomon DVDs

CGN: Tell us about the Gnomon DVDs that you are currently producing. What are we expecting to see, and who are the DVDs for?

I just finished two instructional DVDs that focus on conceptualizing and rendering cinematic environments. It’s a great way to see how a digital rendering is constructed from thumbnail sketch to final presentation level rendering. It’s also a wonderful way to see how an artist tackles his/her process of design. Several influential artists have been involved and I’m exited to learn new techniques and process from them.

City Layout (top - click for larger image)
One of several digital conceptual renderings for a futuristic Washington DC for Minority Report.

Fly By (middle left - click for larger image)
A shot depicting a hovercraft and Precrime officers on patrol in the city of Washington DC 2040 done for the film Minority Report.

Jet Pack (middle right - click for larger image)
Costume design for the Precrime Jet Packs for the film Minority Report.

Trans (bottom - click for larger image)
Architectural designs for Minority Report. This shot was done for the purpose of explaining the relationship between vertical traffic flow and its integration into the building designs.