So, back to the topic of the Challenge itself . . I have a question for the Mods: why the "no post-work" rule? What about those of us who use Bryce primarily as a starting point for more painterly work? There are many artists out there who do not live and die by their renders alone. Look at the Renderosity Bryce Hot 20. Five out of the 20 current spots are held by images done by the wonderfully talented Andy Simmons. His work is amazing, personal and incredibly unique. There is no mistaking an Andy Simmons image for anyone else's. Why? He uses Bryce plus his painting skills to create works of art that stand head and shoulders above the rest. This kind of artist is automatically left out of the Challenge because they do not simply rely on their Bryce renders alone. I'm not in any way putting down those who stick to that method, though. I've done so many times myself. But this restriction hinders the sense of community that exists around Bryce and its users. I would have gladly participated in this challenge, had this one rule not been in effect. It would be nice if, in the future, such restrictions would be lifted in favor of a more liberal view on Bryce art. I realize this is probably not going to happen, and the response will be something like: "That's why it's called a Challenge". But I had to voice my opinion. Thanks for listening. -Otis

I hate to disagree with everyone, but . . I'd say "yes", you DO have to be an artist if you want to do good work in Bryce. By that do I mean be able to draw or paint? No, but it doesn't hurt. What I mean is that success in Bryce requires the same set of inner tools that ANY artistic medium requires. The most important, I believe, is an artistic eye . . a unique way of seeing. If this is present, and you are willing to spend the time neccessary to master the tools of your craft, you'll be successful. 3D programs (especially Bryce, IMHO) can be deceptive, make a person feel like an "artist" right out of the gates. Load up the program . . throw in some objects . . load a sky, and render. Voila! An image. But is it art? The other thing I disagree with is the assessment that the Bryce manual is worth the paper it's written on. It's really not. It's Bryce kindergarten. If you want advanced education , buy and read (a million times, you should see MY tattered copy) Susan Kitchen's amazing "Real World Bryce 4". You won't regret it. That's not to say I don't think that you shouldn't read the manual if that's as far as you're willing to go with your Bryce bookwork. Personally, the very LEAST you should do is read the manual. I get the feeling (visiting the many Bryce message boards) that some people don't even do this. Some of the problems that new users come across could be avoided if they had just read the manual. Okay, rant over. Sorry to take up your time. -Otis

That's another great book, with some great lessons it it that are just as applicable to Bryce as they are to other 3D applications. Another good book in that series is "Digital Texturing and Painting". It totally changed the way I approach texturing models. It's amazing how differently I look at the world now bevause of that book, seeking out strange and beautiful surfaces to recreate. Those two books really cemented in me the idea that taking control of your lighting and texturing is the first step in mastering your 3D art. Some people focus on the models, but even the most basic of models can be made to look interesting if it is textured and lit in an interesting way. -Otis

Here are two other views of the scene so you can get a look at what I meant by the backdrop approach and building only what you need. In all of the wireframe views here, the lighst are selected (shown in red). I hope this has helped in some way. -Otis

I build only what I need. I don't even built the roof, I simply imply its existence with a custom light gel and square spotlight. I fill in light in selected spots with large radial lights with low settings (usually under 5). It's better to use multiple radials to acheive a softer look. Now look out the windows. There wasn't much sky visible in the scene, so I actually used a sky image (created in Bryce beforehand . . Bryce is a paint program, you knew that right??) and applied it to an elongated cube just outside the windows. I then light the "backdrop". Voila! Sky without bothering with sun and atmosphere setting that would get in the way! Like I said, it's like a movie set, or stage play. Show only what you need to show. :)

Now it's time for show and tell, for those who care. Here's my latest WIP using the same Brycean Blank Canvas. I treat Bryce like a normal 3D app, not a terrain generator. I think it's got an awesome renderer and is capable of fabulous images when used right. But you shouldn't approach every scene the same way. Whe creating indoor scene, you don't want the atmosphere getting in the way, so kill it. If you let it live, it will fight you the whole way. In the scene below (and most every scene I do, since I seldom do the typical outdoor Bryce environment) I approached it like a set designer and cinematographer for a movie. Build what you need for the set, and then light it.

Make sure the color settings are the same as above, and all numerical settings are at ZERO. No haze, no fog, no clouds, no nuthin'.

Here are the important settings.

Attached Link: http://www.geocities.com/otisframpton/Blank_Canvas

I've uploaded a new, updated version of Brycean Blank Canvas after realizing that the setup for creating new objects was a bit off . . world center has now been restored to its proper place. Sorry about this. When I was setting up the file for download, I must have been a bit tired. :) Hope this helps. Sipapu- You're welcome. Feel free to ask any more questions you may have. I'm far from an expert, but there are a few nuggets of wisdom I've acquired (stolen, really) from better artists. :) Tirjasdyn- Glad I could help. let me know how the change affects your work. -Otis

The Bryce manual is a joke. It's as if they KNEW someone like Susan would come along to show us how it's done. My favorite section, the one I go back to the most, is Chapter 17: Bryce Eye Candy. It definitely helpful to read how other (better) Bryce artists solve their problems. If you push yourself to create interesting/orifinal/personal work, you're not in any danger of adding to the Tang-ness around here. :) I think starting out in the Beginner's Gallery is a good sign. A lot of folks don't have the humilty to admit that their work is embryonic and in need of appropriiate feedback (especially in 3D, where the initial product can be deceptively "art-like"). I spent about 8 months studying and working with Bryce before submitting anything to the various Bryce galleries. I wanted to make sure that I was ready, that my knowledge and experience had reached a level worth showing off. The result was a Bryce Forum Gallery Award, and I was thrilled. I'm getting long-winded again . . so, it's someone else's turn. -Otis

I'm glad someone appreciated it. :) Regarding Susan Kitchens' book, you couldn't have found a better Bryce reference. It was the first Byce book I ever read, and it remains (for me) the most informative graphics software book. It deals with all of the technical aspects needed and doesn't ignore that the ultimate goal is artistic in nature. I also come from a traditional media background, so I know how you feel. I get the feeling that a lot of people think of computer graphics as a shortcut to art, when I've found it's just the opposite. If anything, it requires all of the knowledge I gained in the "real" world to function artistically in 3D. Conversely, having spent time working with Bryce and Carrara Studio has helped my 2D work considerably (most notably with thinking in three dimensions. Sounds obvious, but I see things differently now when I draw). As for the apples an oranges analogy . . this site IS about apples, but most people think it's about Tang. :) -Otis

Allow me to explain why I offered this file for download, since there seems to be some confusion (especially since someone else posted THEIR custom default file . . a file that sort of goes against the point I was trying to make). So here goes . . The file I use for my default is the result of using Bryce and other 3D apps for a while now, and seeing how starting from nothing can enpower a user. The original Bryce default is a handicap, not a help. It's a good start for the first time you load the program and just want to see a quick example of what a Bryce scene looks like, but it's not a starting point for the serious artist. Ever look at an image and automatically KNOW it was done in Bryce? This is most likely because the artist did not take control of the scene's light, texture and atmosphere. The other main 3D application I use (Carrara Studio 1.1) has the same default handicap . . the user would benefit greatly from going into the scene properties and turning of the ambient light; it's a scene killer, IMHO. I've rambled enough. Speech over. Off the soapbox. Happy Brycefulness to all, and to all a good Bryce. -Otis

What exactly confuses you?

As the contest winds down, I just wanted to thank everyone for their great entries. I also want to say thanks for playing along with the "Coffee & Donut" theme. It was fun seeing so many different takes on such a simple concept. Good luck to everyone! -Otis

I don't know his Renderosity user name, but his website can be found here: http://www.ans-graphics.co.uk/ He combines Bryce with his unique Photoshop painting style to create images that are truly unique. -Otis