New Crobuzon - Rooftops
Some paintings are difficult, some are pretty easy and some are extremely time-consuming. A more than a year ago when I was thoroughly into 360 paintings, I started this piece based on an older painting of snowy rooftops somewhere in the New Crobuzon. It seemed quite easy since I had previous experience with 360. It wasn't easy, far from it. Not only I was not satisfied with the design, colors, composition, details so I reworked the whole painting two times but as well a fatal technical misfortune hit with no warning whatsoever. Almost finished painting happened to be on a faulty drive and no backup had been done for weeks! Tons of work was lost, months passed by and the dust settled on previous versions of the painting. Long story short, by some miracle of Gods, long forgotten I gathered enough strength to finish the painting. New ideas, new techniques came and helped in the final struggle. The result is not perfect, not at all, but it certainly has the spirit. Spirit of the city.
Original painting of rooftops which was extended.
One of the first sketches which evolved from the painting. A lot had to be invented. Whole city with Perdido station in distance was established opposite to the original view.
Early 3D model based on the sketch. This helped to keep the perspective and deformation in check.
Finished 3D base with different lighting which fits better to the city of New Crobuzon, with warm hues despite winter season. There is not much of fresh air in metropolis, but here, clear sky showed for a brief moment in the west.
Early stage of paintover. A lot has to be done. Details and ornaments will give more personality to the nearby buildlngs.