This is an in progress piece of concept art which I have done using photoshop.
These images are progression shots of a piece of concept art that I was working in conjunction to coming up with an idea of how my forest may look. Although I am pleased with how it is going, I think it needs to be darker, giving it a more creepy effect.
I am revisiting this film for this project purely to do with the set design that they use to create a unique and original world. In particular the forest scenes.
The film takes place on a planet called "Thra" which has several suns. Living amongst the planet is a race of creatures which are called "Urskeks" who are the guardians/protectors of the crystal of truth. 1000 years before the movie really begins, the Urseks divide the crystal into two halves and upon the suns aligning they create two new species. The story follows a young "Gelfling"(elf like creature) who believes he is the last of his race after tragically losing his family in an attack.
I don't want to give anymore away just in case anyone wants to watch this movie, I just thought i would give a basic introduction to demonstrate what I will be referring to. Now the book I found in the libary was very old and a little tattered especially when considering how many people had taken this book out. The thing I remember most about this film was the magnificent set design. I really loved the environments and the way the layed out the film.
This film unlike some others have everything in place for a reason. I love the set design in this movie, from start to finish, especially within the castle at the end. Below this text are some images of concept art that really inspired me at the beginning of this project.
Ok so the books concept art I couldn't find on the internet but only in the book so I hope the quality of the images is ok and easy to see.
The images below and above have been picked from the internet and not the book. I love the image above which reminds me of a possesed forest, full of life. I really like the way the trees roots come together to create spirally patterns amongst the surface and around the main trunk of the tree. This is something I was trying to do when I was creating the forest concept. The image below however gives me a sense of eerieness. Although dark and creepy I also get a sense of beauty in this image, maybe the moon, or the coloured highlights amongst the sky. Another spirally pattern but used in a different way, another technique.
Another one of Jim Hensons great movies. Jim Henson, famously known for "the muppets, Sesame street and the Labrinth(David Bowie) which in my opinion is another great film for set design.
About a month back I had a day off to go visit howletts zoo. Whilst there I came across lots of really amazing scenery which I gathered to aid me in completing this project.
When walking around I found that there was plenty of research to be gained. In particular, the park had lots of old looking trees which I found to be a great source of inspiration.
Another image which I really love is the one below. What I find so fascinating about this image is the way moss and plants have grown all over the old tree stump.
Another couple of trees which I found whilst walking round the park The image below really reminds me of the whomping willow from the Harry Potter series.
A continuation of my refined concepts. This post shows more conceepts which I have drawn and which will help me develop the project further.
The image above is a concept which I put together with a pen. This concept shows an overgrown forest scene with one main tree standing out in the middle.
I have created a short storyboard for my short animation in order for me to create a dark and mystical world. Although this may not be how my final animation turns out, it is a vital piece of information which will aid me in creating my final piece.
After doing research into different plants I have come up with some more refined concepts which I would like to add into my final animation.
I have designed the concept above by looking at my research images. This plants roots have adapted over time,they are exposed and covered in small vines and thorns which wrap and constrict anything that comes across its path. This plant has become a hybrid weed.
I really like the next two concepts. In particular the image on the right. It reminds me of buttercup but alot deeper. These two are also covered in vines and thorns which make them look a bit more creepy.
The image above and below are two of my favourites whilst researching this project. The plant above looks like a massive mouth, a hole which acts as an acid pit, trapping prey who fall in.
I really like the plant in the image above because I feel that it looks beautiful but atthe same time it looks as though the stem may be poisonous.
This can also be said about the image below. The plant also looks beautiful but is covered in small black pimples which look like eyes.
The plant above is commonly known as a bat plant. A very creepy plant which looks like it may come to life at any second.
