Old House - Matte Painting WIP

[Judderman]

Hi All,

It seems there are a lot of old houses about - here's my work in progress. I know the tree on the right is bad. I need to fix it or find a better tree...or just draw a better tree.

It's my first go so I don't expect to achieve great things yet. My dirt texturing is probably off and isn't consistent throughout. I'll try and fix that when I do another.

http://www.cahal.net/matte_1.jpg

http://www.cahal.net/matte_1_original.jpg

Higher res version here - http://www.cahal.net/mp1_4.jpg

I need to work on the grass, and that path too.

Small update. Added a well - made it in 3d max and just composited in PS.
http://www.cahal.net/mp_6_web.jpg

[Judderman]

Not even one reply? :roll:

Removed the plastic chairs, changed the driveway, adjusted the sky and dirty areas of the house.

http://www.cahal.net/mp_9_web.jpg

[AliK]

I think it looks like painting black ink all over the house.
As an old house, the color should be peeling off with brown and orange color spills, Broken parts, hanging elements…
Suggestion: look for reference images of old houses and study them.

[tide78]

looks like youre off to a decent start. Your edges on the walkway are pretty fuzzy so you might want to paint in some grass and stuff along the edges to make it look less cloned. Also, maybe some vines growing on the house would help sell the whole "old" thing. Also, on the grunge on the far right side. It seems like it has no cause. Maybe have something there to give it some purpose.

[Judderman]

Thanks - valid points, taken on board.

[smooth]

Is it possible to get the original in high-rez. I'd like to take a shot at it.
As for any crits, I'd suggest removing the flowers from the pots. A house that neglected can't have colorful flowers. Also..desaturate the canvasas over the windows to a brown stain. With several hole-like rips. Would be cool to have some hanging off in shreds. Also the grass should look neglected too. - weeds, not cut. :) Very good start though.

+smooth+

[cstoski]

I think "smooth" and the rest made some very good comments. I would definitely follow up on those. Real photo reference is very important, you can get very valuable ideas from them that will make your matte painting absolutly believable.

Parts of the house still have whites that are pure white and need to be toned down AND dirtied up. Next, try and think beyond the dirt on the walls and think about it as a real place that you're visiting. Maybe the house's lines shouldn't be so straight, the roof may sag in the middle. In fact alot of the wood might be sagging and warping. I also think the trees look cut out. I like the leaf-less trees you had in the original photo to the right-rear of the house, those have an old, kinda creepy feeling to them. It might require more cutout work and supplemental painting, but it would be worth it. Overall, the trees are still too green and contrasty, you can tell they were shot on a brighter day and fight this old and neglected feeling. Lastly, the well looks CG, maybe some painting would help that.

A good start, I hope these comments are helpful... keep at it.

[Judderman]

Wow...I didn't realise people of such caliber posted on this board. I'm pretty embarrassed with my effort now. :oops:

Still you guys clearly know your stuff and I've a lot I can learn from you.

I can supply the photo in high res for someone else to have a shot at, if they want to embarass me further :D

I think I'll just start it again, with your comments on board, and post progress as I go along, rather than when I'm nearly finished.

Thanks,

Judderman.

[smooth]

Yes supply the original photo PLEASE!
Stoski - i'd like to have your feedback as soon as I get some matte work done. Stick around! thx.


+smooth+
-shake compositor.