CGNetworks Feature :: Reader Project
Finding the
Fire Temple Shan
Xuejun, 5 October 2004
CGTalk member, Shan Xuejun (AKA Souleage) describes
the creation of his majestic CG painting, Finding Fire Temple,
or rather how it is 'released' from the canvas of his computer
screen. An eerily lit depiction of a Tolkienesque temple or 'fane', Finding
Fire Temple was posted on CGTalk early this year.
Whenever I think about this quote from Michelangelo, I combine
the two subjects that haven't any relation – the life and
the stone. My inspiration was to release a fane* from
the hills and endow it with life.
Finding
Fire Temple by Souleage
Sketches
Release? We need to have a clearer plan. Viewed honestly,
a vista of hills, somewhat like a group of volcanoes, are comparable
with churches – or a group of temples in the sense of style
and structure. Okay! Let's assimilate the form of a volcano into
a fane. My favorite style for churches is the Gothic architectural
style. So let's begin to release a Gothic church from a group of
hills similar to volcanoes...
reference
images for Finding Fire Temple concept
At the very beginning, we need some reference information.
I find there are masses of data on the web to help me visualize
the temple. Yes! These are what I need – sources for appearance,
interior effect, and a detailed architectural plan.
old
technical drawing of a church interior
In order to have a simple simulation of the scene
before formal work and make quick modifications, we need to draft
a sketch to reflect the general structure, basic perspective and
perspicuous relationships between light and shadow. This is an
important step that will help you us save lot of time. When the
concept sketches are prepared, we also need to draw some drafts
of details for reference when created the detailed portrayal.
I decided to adopt a low (upward) visual angle to convey the majesty
of the structure.
