ONLINE WORKSHOPS:
Instructed by Eni Oken
Learn how to create great textures or to design awesome fantasy worlds. Learn online, during
your own free time, from anywhere in the world. For classes and availability,
CLICK HERE.
Creating 2D Textures for 3D Art
Regular live Course at Gnomon
For those of you interested in learning how to create great 2D textures for 3D art, I am currently teaching a 10 week class in the Los Angeles area, at the Gnomon School of
Visual Effects.
Click here for more information
Articles at 3DGate.com
The Artist's Canvas March 17, 2001
USING COREL PAINTER TO CREATE PAINTERLY, SEAMLESS TEXTURES
One of the most interesting tools available for the texture artist is Corel Painter v6. Painter is widely used by traditional painters and
artists that have transitioned to the digital realm, but is still not heavily explored by 3D users. This article shows how to use this tool to create a painterly, seamless texture image to use in 3D. Click here to read. 
January 17, 2001
NO TEXTURE PAINTER QUITE LIKE THIS
Creating realistic texture work has been the Holy Grail of 3D modelers and texture artists, who have a variety methods
and tools at their disposal. One method of creating texture imagery, although not very popular, can be extremely convincing. It uses 3D software to generate the image file. Click here to read more December 11, 2000:
"NO CLEAN AND CRISP EDGES, PLEASE!"
Since the beginning of 3D computer graphics, artists and viewers alike have complained about the artificiality of computer-produced images. Although few people are able to
put their finger on it, one of the main reasons for that artificial look is the lack of natural randomness around the edges of surfaces.
Click here to read more November 13, 2000:
"MARKING IMAGE": THE POOR MAN'S CUSTOM TEXTURE WORK
By now it should be pretty obvious that the mark of good 3D
work lies not only in the curvaceous, organic NURBS model, but also in the texture work that is applied on to the surface of the geometry. This involves doing more than choosing a
texture map from a commercial library and slapping it on to a model: it requires custom-made texture maps, carefully made to suit the final geometry.Click here to read more October 11, 2000
WHERE HAVE ALL THE RENAISSANCE MEN (OR WOMEN) GONE?
There is no question that 3D computer graphics is a new medium in the arts. I want to stress the word new, because compared to other media (both in commercial and fine arts),
computer graphics' life span is just a speck of sand, covering at most 20 years since it started being used in a more popular and affordable way. Some 10 years ago, 3D graphics appeared to be a new wave
in the succession of new media, following desktop publishing. (How many of you are old enough to even remember what the term means?) 3D computer graphics was all the hype,
and it seemed to be a bright, shinning star in the constellation of new media. As with any typical new wave, the medium started growing slowly; the pioneers struggling
with technical limitations, but then grew faster and stronger, attracting many new surfers (in the literal sportive sense of the word, not the Web surfer), who saw the potential for
growth, profits, enjoyment, and artistic fulfillment.
Click here to read more September 11, 2000:
THE TRUE COLOR OF THINGS
A strong factor in establishing realism is how we approach color choices and saturation. In a computer world, we are
offered endless colors displayed on a bright monitor. We tend to imagine that colors present in our reality are far more saturated and bright than they really are. By realizing the
true value and saturation of colors, 3D artists can work to improve realism and thus make 3D blend into live footage more seamlessly and imperceptibly. Click here to read more August 14, 2000:
FLAT VERSUS DEEP: FAKING DEPTH IN TEXTURE ART
Texture art is an often misunderstood and unexplored area in 3D, only recently gaining recognition. Largely responsible for the final look of any 3D model, textures not only give
personality to the work, but also increase realism and add character to a model. One important aspect of textures is the depth of the elements in the texture, a quality which can also be called
dimensionality. A texture is a piece of art like any other, and, as such, can have a more dimensional or flatter feel.
Click here to read more July 11, 2000:
ARTISTIC STYLE: DO YOU HAVE IT?
In 3D computer graphics, the technological advances that happen that each new batch of software brings are amazing.
Very few times we discuss or evaluate the artistic merit of a certain animation or still image. This article intends to focus exactly on this subject-artistic style. My take is that for 3D
computer graphics to become recognized as a true art form, one of the best ways to start doing it is through open discussion. Click here to read more Articles online at Designfreak.com
DesignFreak.com, which has just recently launched, is a website dedicated to graphic artists and designers using all
media, not only 3D. COLOR WHEEL: STILL THE DESIGNER'S BEST FRIEND
As much as you may think you are a master of your artwork, any artist will benefit from a little refresher in the basics.
Follow along as we show you how to make a color wheel in Adobe PhotoShop, an invaluable tool for all digital artists. Click here to read the entire article
COLOR SCHEMES: PLANNING AHEAD
Knowing how to use color effectively in design projects can brighten your prospects for success. Learn how to control color using color schemes and discover the factors involved
in creating the right look for your client, or just the perfect mood for your next work of art.
Click here to read the entire article
Various articles & interviews online RAPH.COM: INTERVIEW AT 3D ARTISTS
A full interview done at one of the most prestigious sites related to 3D artists: details of how some of my best work
was created, such as Little Village, Resident Alien, Funhouse and Zork Rotunda. Click here to read the full interview CULT3D ARTICLE
Also at 3Dgate.com, another article I wrote on how to export models from 3D Studio Max to Cult3D Designer. Cult3D, for those of you who are not familiar with it, is a web software
that allows you to view, rotate and analyze 3D objects in realtime on the web. Click here to read the full article INTERVIEW AT PLANET3DART.COM
Interview with information about myself and details about some of the images that I have created. Click here to read the full interview
ARTICLE ONLINE AT GIGNEWS/ARTIST'S CORNER:
"CREATING RICH AND BEAUTIFUL TEXTURE ART"
Article explores one of most important and misused concepts in creating texture art: the art of layering. "One of the most
important techniques used to create texture art that is rich and full of depth is called "layering". Widely used in the traditional art world, "layering" is still not very well known in
the gaming industry, even though good texture art is vital for the success of any game project..." Click here to read the full interview
Works displayed in online galleries GAMASUTRA: GAME ARTIST GALLERY
Short profile with display of some of the my most interesting 3D images. Click here to read
MASTERING 3D GRAPHICS IMAGE GALLERY
Features the image "Two guys on bridge".
Click here to see 3D DOMINION ART GALLERY
Features "Two Guys" and "Alien Bouquet".
Click here to see 3D RENDER VISITING ARTISTS SERIES
Features "Resident Alien" with a behind the scenes profile of the image.
Click here to see ATOMIC ANIMATION GALLERY
Features 5 images in their gallery.
Click here to see BLACK GAS GALLERY
Features 5 images in their 3D gallery.
Click here to see
JL GRAFICUM ARTIST'S GALLERY
Features 9 images in their 3D gallery.
Click here to see
J3D GRAFIX-NET
Features 5 images in their 3D-ART Elite gallery.
Click here to see Color Schemes: a software that helps you think about color
Free Download
ColorSchemes is a software that helps you think about color,
developed by Gregg Patton and Eni Oken, and is now being offered for free download. To download the PC program, click here (707KB)To download the manual in a zip file, click here
(2355KB) Attention: This software is no longer being commercially sold. Therefore, THIS FREE DOWNLOAD IS OFFERED AS IS -- NO TECHNICAL SUPPORT WITH USAGE OR INSTALLATION.
Documentation is abundant and you should have no problem installing or using the software. Please do NOT contact us with questions regarding usage or technical installation. |