There’s no need to sugarcoat it: this March has been a stressful month for much of the world. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let this month’s top five be a soothing staycation into beautiful digital environments.
Daljit Singh – The Revenant – Unreal 4 Teaser
Taking inspiration from the film of the same name, Daljit Singh constructed a tense, difficult-to-traverse environment. The scene’s photorealistic level of detail was achieved through a powerful combination of SpeedTree and Megascans.
Akshay G – into the cave
Based on concept art by yang qi917, Akshay G’s real-time environment showcases a variety of foliage on land and in water. To fill the forest, Akshay G constructed a “mother tree” and utilized its branches to make additional trees that grow out of rock walls. (Learn more from Akshay’s breakdown!)
Michael Di Lonardo – When the Dust Settles (Unreal Engine 4 Cinematic)
This reworked Kitbash contest entry might have been finished too late to submit, but it got a spot on our list for being a spectacularly designed environment. The broadleaf trees designed in this piece have dynamic, hand-drawn trunks with bends reminiscent of Kieran Goodson’s pines in, “Those Who Mourn.”
Marc Schneider – Calm Morning
Hobbyist Marc Schneider’s dramatic lighting and colorful seasonal variation imbue this landscape with dramatic contrast. Much of Marc’s work takes inspiration from traditional landscape painters; this piece is inspired by a Victor Yushkevich painting.
João Miguel Silva – Lost in Bliss
Though the VW van pictured in João Miguel Silva’s project is succumbing to the reclamation of nature, the warm color palette and sunny weather still convey a joyful atmosphere, one that won’t dissuade us from a day of adventure. The van, acting as a force mesh in SpeedTree, could be even further consumed by the vines.
Build a world from the comfort of your home using assets inspired by March’s Top 5 Artist Spotlights!
Giant Sequoia
(Games)
The trees in Daljit Singh’s, “The Revenant,” appear as stoic giants watching the world happen beneath their branches, much like our towering Giant Sequoias.
Zenii Magnolia
(Games)
The critically endangered Zenii Magnolia tree would be well-protected within the secluded environment of Ashkay G’s,”into the cave.”
Queen Palm
(Cinema | Games)
Reclaim ruins and populate tropical environments like those found in Michael Di Lonardo’s cinematic with the Queen Palm.
Scots Pine
(Cinema | Games)
This colorful and shapely pine would be well-suited for the foggy forest in Marc Schneider’s, “Calm Morning.”
Quaking Aspen
(Cinema | Games)
When it’s windy out, these deciduous trees will provide inspiration for your adventure in the forest of João Miguel Silva’s, “Lost in Bliss.”