3D Environment Project - Planning, Mood Boards, and Studies

February 05, 2018

3D Environment Project - Planning, Mood Boards, and Studies

For this project I have to create a 3D environment based on the Wild West. The first task was researching towns and cities that were involved in the Wild West in 1880.

Background Study - near Philmont, NM

First I planned out what area of Wild West America I wanted to explore. To help, I found the book 'Ansel Adams in Color', which is a collection of photographs taken all around America by Ansel Adams. I found the photographs from New Mexico really exciting because of the bright orange landscapes and houses, which contrasts the softer sunset sky. I like including lots of colour in my pieces, so I thought this environment would suit me.

I narrowed it down to two cities: Socorro and Taos. I love the history of both cities. Socorro looks very generic, except it is home to the oldest Catholic church in the U.S: The San Miguel de Socorro. The building is so unique, with parts of it left from when it was founded in 1598 (or 1652, historians are not sure on the date of construction) and parts built later on after it was destroyed in the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. San Miguel de Socorro definitely stands out. It's tall structure, historic style, and bright red bricks make the city stand out as an interesting environment.

Taos has a more intricate and extensive history. Taos Pueblo, which is 2 miles from Taos, is one of the longest continually inhabited communities in the U.S. The ruins date to as far back as 3000 B.C, and they are still being used for spiritual practices. I found this settlement when looking in the Ansel Adams book, and I was struck by how different the buildings are. There is evidence of that the West has affected the architecture, but incredibly most of the buildings remain as their original forms. There are only a few windows, no doors, a softer clay-like appearance, minimal sharp lines, and the bright orange tint. The buildings are made from natural materials, and you can tell. What I love about the Taos Pueblo is the way the buildings melt into their environment. The sun lights them into a bright orange, yet they still look very much part of the mountains. Taos Pueblo was used as a trading centre in the West, where 'heroes of the Old West' such as Kit Carson would visit.

As I couldn't decide on one city, I decided to make a mood board for them both. I collected images showing the important buildings, the depth of the landscapes, and the colours in the environment.

I also did some quick background studies of the cities using the photos in the mood boards. To make them I used the app Procreate. This wasn't required for the mood boards, but I wanted to do them so I could understand the textures, lighting and colours. I prefer 2D work, so by doing these studies it will help me find it easier to connect with this project, and how I can learn from the 3D techniques and bring those skills to my 2D work.