Top 5 Artist Spotlights: December 2019

December is coming to an end, as is 2019. Before we reflect on the year that has passed in our annual “Top 10,” let’s give five of December’s “Artist Spotlights” their time in the sun.

Chris Struber – Traveling Alone

At first glance, Chris Struber’s piece is a cute project with a child in an orb-shaped space craft going to visit the technologically advanced planet ahead of her. Closer examination, however, reveals a mixture of danger as well as wonder: the cracks in the glass reveal that it has sustained impacts and there’s a teddy bear with glowing red-eyes sitting against the base of the tree trunk. Inspirations that shaped this project include Doctor Who, Seveneves, Children of Time, The Fountain, and The Little Prince.

Matt Fisher – The Lifetime Express

“The Lifetime Express” is a simple concept done well. Matt’s appreciation for the subtle details of the model train display is apparent everywhere you look: on the smeared glass, in the pebbles and foliage of the model’s display, and in the finely crafted columns of the austere building’s corridor.

Louis Laurent – Roman Cavalry: Exploration

These mesmerizing images were first laid out in 3D and then overpainted in Photoshop. The painted textures and lighting are striking, showcasing the helpful reference an initial composition with a light source can serve in your 2D projects.

Arthur Abeen – Hidden Temple in UE4

Arthur Abeen’s “Hidden Temple,” is overrun with sumptuous vegetation, mossy carvings, and excellent contrast that comes from the light of a sunny day filtering into the dense forest canopy. The mysterious light source within the cave beckons us inside and complements the green, brown, and blue hues of the forest around it.

Luke Ryder – Milk and Cookies

Wrapping up our December lineup is this seasonally appropriate still life by Luke Ryder. The warm glow of the Christmas lights, the reflections on the snow globe and ornaments, and the backdrop of the frosted window were all too charming to resist looking back at one more time.