Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Profiles and Pixels => Topic started by: john_matthews129 on June 25, 2017, 01:41:19 PM

Title: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 25, 2017, 01:41:19 PM
Hello everyone!

I'm John.  I'm a member of the secretprojects.co.uk forum where GTX was kind enough to invite me here to share with you some of my artwork.  After looking around here, I see I'm in good company with all of your creativity.  Looking forward to getting to know all of you.

I'm an ex-US Air Force Security Specialist Sergeant and I live in the State of Missouri with my wife and kids.  I've been an aviation buff/model builder/artist for a long time.  I enjoy doing renderings of little-known aircraft since some of them just aren't around for us to appreciate in-person.  My first two subjects were a "paper plane" (Lockheed's L-133 proposal to the USAAF) and an experimental bomber (Martin's XB-51).  Hope you enjoy them!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Tophe on June 25, 2017, 02:09:52 PM
Wellcome. Great pictures, thanks for sharing them here... :-*
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on June 25, 2017, 02:18:13 PM
Great introduction!  Wonderful work and interesting subjects that you have brought to life in your artwork.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: AXOR on June 25, 2017, 07:32:58 PM
Great work John! :)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 25, 2017, 10:34:46 PM
Thank you Tophe, Jeffry, and Alex for your kind words.  I'm glad you liked them.   

Those were two planes I worked on for quite some time in between work, going to my sons' ballgames, life, etc.  The L-133 was the first one I did, followed by the XB-51.  I hate to tell you how long the L-133 took.  It was my first 3D aircraft, and presented a few "teething problems" as I learned how to create a good mesh and then apply texture maps.  I have no personal tie to either plane, other than being fascinated by their respective designs and histories.  I also wondered what they would have looked like had they ever been produced.  Since neither of the two planes are around for anyone to actually see and appreciate, I thought I would start publishing artwork featuring them, followed by other works featuring other planes in the near future. 

Here are a couple I did of the XB-51 as if it had been chosen instead of the B-57 Canberra:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/xb-51-camo10-2-ship.jpg)
This is called "Sylvia and the Wench", and depicts two B-51 wearing tail codes and nose art of the 13th Bomb Group. 

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/sylvia-and-the-wench-test-render-11.jpg)
Here are the same two ships, just at a bit lower altitude, looking as though they're perhaps beginning to turn toward a target.

Here's another I did of the L-133:
(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/starjets-1-small-watermark.jpg)

I'm working on an F-105D right now:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/105-model-91.jpg)
This is the second version of the fuselage.  I think I'm on the right track and fairly happy with the way it's taking shape.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/105-model-71.jpg)
I haven't decided yet about any markings it will wear once completed.  SEA paint scheme, but undecided regarding any unit markings.

Please let me know what you think and, wherever you are, I hope you're having a great weekend.


-John

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on June 26, 2017, 01:18:49 AM
Eye candy with wings!  :)

F-105 Thunderchief has always been one of my favorite aircraft subjects. 

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: AXOR on June 26, 2017, 01:52:43 AM
Yes,excellent images John,L-133 and XB-51 have an incredible design,especially L-133!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 26, 2017, 02:14:45 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 26, 2017, 04:48:45 AM
Eye candy with wings!  :)

F-105 Thunderchief has always been one of my favorite aircraft subjects.

Thank you so much Jeffry!  The 105 has been a favorite of mine forever.  I think it was the first model kit I ever put together when I was around seven or so.  If I remember correctly it was this Revell kit:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/105-model-box.jpg)

Probably turned out to be a glue bomb, but I remember thinking it was pretty cool.

Like all of my artwork, this has to start as a 3D model.  I'm working hard to keep the model easy to apply textures (paint) to later and I want it to be as authentic as I can possibly make it.  I'll make sure to post updates.

-John

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 26, 2017, 05:04:47 AM
Yes,excellent images John,L-133 and XB-51 have an incredible design,especially L-133!


Thanks Alex!  I had never heard of the L-133 before checking out the secretprojects.co.uk website.  For a late 1930's design, it looked pretty cool.  Can't imagine how dominant it may have been over Europe or the Pacific if it had been green-lighted for development.  I was really captivated by it.  Scott Lowther published an article about it in his Aerospace Projects Review series (still available at http://www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com/ev1n4.htm (http://www.aerospaceprojectsreview.com/ev1n4.htm)).  That had a lot of internal and external arrangement illustrations.  There was also a great "Air Classics" article about it a couple years ago in which the son of one of the designers (Hawkins, I think?) was interviewed.  I must have made at least six attempts to get that fuselage right.  It's all blended, and there aren't many straight lines on it, so there was a lot of sculpting going on with that one.  There are a couple areas I'd do better, but at some point it's time to step back, say "finished", and move forward, you know?  In comparison, the XB-51 was a bit easier to model, but still presented some challenges.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/l-133-three-view-small-watermark.jpg) 

Lots of innovation in the XB-51 also.  More than many take into account, I think.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/b-51-68.jpg)

On my website I always write something initially regarding the history of the aircraft and its relevance.  Hopefully it's not a crashing bore, but I think it's important.

It's always rewarding to grab something from your mind, a photo, or a set of drawings and turn it into something fun.  One of the reasons I turned those into tribute artwork is that there are so few people (outside of propeller heads like those of us here) who have ever heard of them.  Then there are others who do know about them, but only have images from the Internet available.  I wanted to do something so anyone who appreciated these (or any of the art I create) can have something to enjoy. 

Thanks again for the compliment!

-John
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 26, 2017, 05:06:44 AM
:)

 :D Thank you, sir!  And many thanks for your kind invitation to become a member here and display some of my work!

-John
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: The Big Gimper on June 26, 2017, 06:03:51 AM
Hi John:

Welcome to the land of non-conformists aka BTS.

Your work is outstanding. I just wish there were cheaper to acquire 1/72 versions of the L-133 and XB-51.

I was an armourer on Voodoos so I was wondering if the F-101 is in your virtual hanger or inbound?

Carl
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: AXOR on June 26, 2017, 06:58:34 AM
  I must have made at least six attempts to get that fuselage right.  It's all blended, and there aren't many straight lines on it, so there was a lot of sculpting going on with that one.  There are a couple areas I'd do better, but at some point it's time to step back, say "finished", and move forward, you know?

John

I know what you mean. ;)
Few years ago I tried to make a line drawing for L-133 and I didn't managed to finish it.Although it doesn't seem complicated the rear wing area is slightly more difficult to reproduce if you don't use lights and shadows...I didn't like the result and I abandoned it.
Anyway, I'm glad you joined our forum and look forward to see new works from you.

Cheers

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Kerick on June 26, 2017, 09:37:58 AM
Your work is extraordinary!! Keep it up!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on June 26, 2017, 10:16:16 AM
Beautiful.  Actually, that was a multi-part (three, IIRC) article in Air Classics and it was quite interesting.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Old Wombat on June 26, 2017, 06:10:14 PM
Some great CG work there! :)

The L-133 would be a great starting point for something Science Fiction-ish & would only need minor modifications to be way out there! 8)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 27, 2017, 07:32:25 PM
Hi John:

Welcome to the land of non-conformists aka BTS.

Your work is outstanding. I just wish there were cheaper to acquire 1/72 versions of the L-133 and XB-51.

I was an armourer on Voodoos so I was wondering if the F-101 is in your virtual hanger or inbound?

Carl

Hi Carl!  Great having another Air Force guy here.  Thank you so much for your compliment!

I haven't priced kits of either plane, but I can imagine either one being expensive since they're both kind of "left field", as a friend of mine would describe them.  I was thinking about trying to have them printed.  If I ever do that I'll make sure to post pictures.

Yep, the F-101 is definitely on the horizon!  Since I'm from the St. Louis area,  I want to make a collection of McDonnell/McDonnell Douglas aircraft.  There's even an F-101b near my house for reference.  I can't say when, but I will most certainly make one.  I had a great teacher who was a back seater in the 101, so it's been on my list.

Thanks again!

-John
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 27, 2017, 07:39:40 PM
  I must have made at least six attempts to get that fuselage right.  It's all blended, and there aren't many straight lines on it, so there was a lot of sculpting going on with that one.  There are a couple areas I'd do better, but at some point it's time to step back, say "finished", and move forward, you know?

John

I know what you mean. ;)
Few years ago I tried to make a line drawing for L-133 and I didn't managed to finish it.Although it doesn't seem complicated the rear wing area is slightly more difficult to reproduce if you don't use lights and shadows...I didn't like the result and I abandoned it.
Anyway, I'm glad you joined our forum and look forward to see new works from you.

Cheers

There's a funny transition there where it stops being the wing and starts being the exhaust.  I know what you mean.  It took me a while to learn how to model that.  You really ought to give it another try.  I bet it will look great and I'd love to see it once it's finished!  The wing of the L-133 looks like it was used for the F-80, if you compare both.

-John
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 27, 2017, 07:41:47 PM
Beautiful.  Actually, that was a multi-part (three, IIRC) article in Air Classics and it was quite interesting.

That I didn't know.  Thanks for telling me that!  I'm going to have to see if they're available as back issues.  Just what the wife wanted; more magazines coming into the house.  Ha!

Thanks again!

-John
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 28, 2017, 02:26:56 AM
Great having another Air Force guy here. 

There are a few of us around...
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on June 28, 2017, 02:44:24 AM
Strike Voodoo based on the F-101B...  :-*
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: CiTrus90 on June 28, 2017, 07:08:04 PM
Great artworks :-*
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 29, 2017, 07:19:18 AM
Your work is extraordinary!! Keep it up!

Thanks a lot Kerick!  I'm happy you enjoy it  :D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 29, 2017, 07:22:32 AM
Some great CG work there! :)

The L-133 would be a great starting point for something Science Fiction-ish & would only need minor modifications to be way out there! 8)

Thank you very much sir!  You know, I wrote something like that on my website within the "completed work" section regarding this plane.  I thought it looked like something straight out of Buck Rogers (might have also been what the USAAF thought when they saw the proposal... Ha!).
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 29, 2017, 07:31:26 AM
Strike Voodoo based on the F-101B...  :-*

Sounds good.  Probably do a 101B.  Really miss that era since so many of the Century Series had some really colorful paint schemes applied to them.  And then there's the Navy aircraft, which had some very cool paint schemes also.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 29, 2017, 07:43:54 AM
Great artworks :-*

So glad you're enjoying it!  I'm working hard on getting things right on the 105 I'm working on.  From the basic 3D object to the textures, I want everything about that model to be as correct as I can reasonably make it.  It's important, since that plane has touched so many people who either flew them, were aircrew or support, or had friends or family who were involved with that plane.  Moving the needle a bit at a time.  Sometimes modeling takes a long time, and sometimes it's the textures.  On the L-133, it was sort of both, since it was a learn-as-you-go experience.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/turbo-trout-underside.jpg)

I forget how long the texture maps took for this.  It was a while.  I always look at it and think, "coulda' done that a differen't way" about some parts.  Lots of rivets and panel lines, grunging things up, markings and insignias, faded/scraped paint, etc.  Layer-by-layer, one things at a time, and lots of do-overs.  I need to do an overall gloss gray with the old, vintage Lockheed logo near the nose, as if it was in the prototype phase, perhaps.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 29, 2017, 07:45:29 AM
Great having another Air Force guy here. 

There are a few of us around...

Great!  I'm in good company!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 02, 2017, 01:47:14 PM
Just a couple new progress images to post.  I've added an auxiliary intake and the horizontal stabilizers to the fuselage...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-model-11.jpg)

Both are extrusions from the fuselage.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-model-12.jpg)

There's still a bit underneath the horizontal stabilizers to model, and I'm likely going to detach them from the plane so they can be rigged and moved, depending on the attitude of the plane.  I'll also start modeling things like antennas, ports, vents, etc.  The gun port too, of course. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 04, 2017, 11:25:23 AM
Here's a new profile illustration of the XB-51:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/xb-51-profile-poster-small-watermarked.jpg)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 05, 2017, 02:15:48 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Chickadee on July 10, 2017, 01:49:35 PM
HI there,
I've really enjoyed looking at your artwork.  Can I ask, what software did you use for the 3D work?  I have only just started to create profiles using illustrator and photoshop at present, but I am interested in experimenting with 3D.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 16, 2017, 11:02:51 PM
HI there,
I've really enjoyed looking at your artwork.  Can I ask, what software did you use for the 3D work?  I have only just started to create profiles using illustrator and photoshop at present, but I am interested in experimenting with 3D.

Hi there!  Thank you for looking!  Sorry I didn't respond to this earlier than today.  I think I forgot to turn-on notifications.

I'm using a very old version of 3D Studio to model the aircraft.  After the objects are created the texture maps are created in Photoshop and I render everything out afterward.  If you want to start experimenting with 3D, go to https://www.blender.org/ (https://www.blender.org/) download the latest version, and start doing the tutorials.  Blender is great and, best of all, free! 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 16, 2017, 11:13:45 PM
Here are a couple 36x12 profile illustrations of the XB-51 and the L-133:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/xb-51-profile-poster-small-watermarked.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/l-133-profile-36x12-poster-small-e1500130832999.jpg)

I actually ordered one of the XB-51 profile illustrations as a quality check.  I was very happy with the quality of the print on the semi-gloss poster paper I picked-out.

If anyone's interested, they can be ordered here:

https://www.zazzle.com/martin_xb_51_profile_poster-228957087028356023 (https://www.zazzle.com/martin_xb_51_profile_poster-228957087028356023)

https://www.zazzle.com/lockheed_l_133_profile_poster-228521975701558049 (https://www.zazzle.com/lockheed_l_133_profile_poster-228521975701558049)

As always, thank you for looking!

-John
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: The Big Gimper on July 17, 2017, 01:44:05 AM
Your work is outstanding John.  Both are great subjects.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 17, 2017, 01:46:27 AM
Here are some images of the Thunderchief, still a work in progress:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-model-15.jpg)

This is the second version of the wings.  I'm happier with them than the first version of them.  These begin as extrusions from the fuselage.  Once the extrusion is made the shape of the wing is sculpted (for lack of a better word) until it's correct.   

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-model-14.jpg)

Obviously the intakes haven't been modeled yet, nor have the wingtips.  Those will be last after I'm finished making sure the wing is right.  If I'm not in love with it, I'll start over with a new wing extrusion.  This is going well though, so I shouldn't have to do that.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-model-16.jpg)

Last week was a bad one for working on this project.  Work was crazy and there wasn't any time to come down to the studio to do anything.  This week should be much better.  I'm going to try and get as much done as I can before my family and I start vacation next week.  My goal is to finish the wings and work on the exhaust airbrake petals.  We'll see how far I get.  As always, thanks for looking!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 17, 2017, 01:55:14 AM
Your work is outstanding John.  Both are great subjects.

Thank you very, very much!  I'm happy so many people here have enjoyed looking at it. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 17, 2017, 02:10:29 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 17, 2017, 10:57:46 AM
Finally I was able to sit down and get back to work on the Thunderchief:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-model-7-16-2.jpg)

Still no splitter plates, and the intakes have yet to be extruded, but numerous changes were made to the wing and I finally added the wingtips:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-top-7-16.jpg)

Some of the changes to the wing appear subtle, but they were actually quite substantial

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-side-7-16.jpg)

I'm pretty content with it so far.  Hopefully I'll be able to begin modeling the inside of the intakes tomorrow and the splitter plates afterward.


Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: tsrjoe on July 18, 2017, 02:56:30 AM
Impressive work,many thanks for sharing your progress shots, very interesting to see it develop. I love your metal toning on the XB.51 profile, subtle yet effective

cheers Joe
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 18, 2017, 08:27:39 AM
Impressive work,many thanks for sharing your progress shots, very interesting to see it develop. I love your metal toning on the XB.51 profile, subtle yet effective

cheers Joe

Thanks Joe!  Like I said before, I'm happy people enjoy seeing it and I'm happy to post it.

The metal shading on the XB-51 was the outcome of a lot of trial-and-error, reading, and obsessively examining anything with a bare metal finish.  I had to learn how to express that material in two different 3D applications to make everything come together as you see it.  Kind comments such as yours reassure me that I've accomplished what I wanted to do.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 18, 2017, 08:34:15 AM
I had time today to work on the intake splitters and extrude the interior of the air intakes on the Thunderchief:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-2-7-17.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-4-7-17.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-7-17.jpg)

There's an assembly inside the intake which enables it to move forward and back, depending on the speed of the plane.  I won't model it to move, but I'll try to model part of it since it can be seen within the intake.  Then I'll want to model any antennae and vents that are symmetrical on the fuselage, and the arrestor gear. 

Tons of thanks for all the kind comments!

-Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 31, 2017, 02:20:00 PM
Hope everyone's week is getting off to a good start wherever you are!

A few images of progress on the F-105 model.  I was on vacation with my family last week and just began working on it again a couple days ago.  I was able to cut the air brakes from the fuselage and made them a different color to better distinguish them from the rest of the fuselage:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-7-30-4-airbrakes.jpg)

I also modeled some of the detail on the inboard side of the air brakes.  Not every detail, but enough to suggest the "stepped" construction on the inboard side.  The rest of the detailing will be done in texture, with each air brake object, when I get to that point.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-7-30-2.jpg)

I also changed my lighting a bit so I can better evaluate what I'm doing.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-7-30-1.jpg)

It won't likely be very visible, but I also started modeling the engine exhaust nozzle:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/105-7-30-5-engine.jpg)

I'll probably handle any further details on this part with textures since the part will rarely be seen.  As you can see in the last image, I chamfered the edges of the horizontal stabilizers where they join with the fuselage.  This helped define them a bit more, instead of just looking like they totally blended into the fuselage.  I have more work to do in the area where they pivot, which should be interesting.  Next big thing to work on should be the arresting gear.  I'm waiting on some images from a friend of some actual F-105 arresting gear to use as reference.  Hopefully can start working on that tomorrow. 

Cheers!

 

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: AXOR on July 31, 2017, 05:11:35 PM
Is a job that consumes a lot of time and patience...great job so far  :D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on July 31, 2017, 10:25:25 PM
Is a job that consumes a lot of time and patience...great job so far  :D

Thank you very much Alex!  Its fun to see something like this take shape.  There are a lot of things left to do, but it won't be long until I'll be texturing this plane and then modeling scenery.  It's also great when so many people enjoy and appreciate the work.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 07, 2017, 06:24:03 AM
I could have sworn I posted some updated images of the F-105, but there may have been a problem between the chair and keyboard (...this is also known as an 1D10T error) which prevented me from doing that.  Oh well..  :o

So, since the last time I shared anything here I've added the RHAW and strike camera package, gang vent and a different vent down near the ventral fin, the arresting gear, a few antennas, formation lights, and today I was working on the gun...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/105-8-6-1.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/105-8-6-2.jpg)

Here's a couple pre-gun images:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/105-4-8-5.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/105-3-8-5.jpg)

As I said, I'm working on the gun now, then there are a few vents I want to finish and I plan on cutting-in the canopy glazing sometime this evening so I can begin working on the cockpit.



"Happy Trails!"

-John
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 12, 2017, 11:12:32 PM
Hello all!  This week I received some commissioned work to create profile illustrations for someone who is writing a novella.  I can't say anything about the novella, but I can post images of my progress regarding the aircraft I'm modelling.  This is the MiG-21F I'm working on.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21-8-10-17-1.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21-8-10-17-3.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21-8-10-17-2.jpg)

No details added, but the fuselage, wings, and stabilizers are all roughed-in.  The client wanted several variants of the MiG-21, and other Soviet fighters and bombers.  So I'll post updates as I go.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 13, 2017, 03:46:14 AM
Looking good.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: AXOR on August 13, 2017, 04:16:38 AM
Beautiful for some,ugly for others,The Tube (as it's nicknamed in RO) is one of my favorites,I'll watch this with pleasure. :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 13, 2017, 11:44:47 AM
Looking good.

Thank you very much!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 13, 2017, 11:48:04 AM
Beautiful for some,ugly for others,The Tube (as it's nicknamed in RO) is one of my favorites,I'll watch this with pleasure. :smiley:

Aptly named!  That's just about what this beastie is.  Then there were obviously things that may have been overlooked in the design (gun, landing gear, pilot, etc.) about which were forgotten, so they added bulges to accommodate them.   ;D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 13, 2017, 12:00:45 PM
Three more images from today's work.  I've modeled a scoop here, followed by a few bulges there, and the ventral fin at the bottom.  I was also able to clean up a couple things in the mesh to make it easier to pull the UV maps once it's time to texture it.  Going smoothly, all in all.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21-8-12-17-1.jpg)

I'm glad my client only wants profile shots, since that's really going to cut down on modeling time.  For now, anyway.  There are other variants that were also requested, but I can use this model as a base for those.   

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21-8-12-17-2.jpg)

This is still split in half, with a symmetry modifier in place (which accounts for any wierdness going on at the tip of the intake cone.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21-8-12-17-3.jpg)

I still have one more scoop to model near the exhaust and the vertical stabilizer, and a couple more bulges, then it's going to be time to collapse the model and start cutting-in the canopy and glazing. 

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 15, 2017, 11:18:17 AM
(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21-8-12-17-4.jpg)

This is the final image before I started cutting edges for the canopy and glazing.  This is actually the part that gives me fits.  I can either "collapse" the model with a smoothing modifier, which enhances the number of edges and polygons on the mesh of the model, or I can try to do it in its "simple" form and see how the edges and polys behave when I add the smoothing modifier afterward.  I'm trying the latter, which may also have the benefit of making the shape of the canopy more accurate.  After dealing with the canopy I'll most likely model the gun, on the starboard side of the aircraft, and then I think I'm finished before pulling UV maps for texturing.  I also added a bit of detail to the inside of the exhaust.  I'm hoping the rest goes smoothly.  Not bad, for four days work.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 16, 2017, 01:09:16 PM
A bit more MiG.  Now with a clear canopy:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21f-8-15-17-1.jpg)

At this point the model has been collapsed after the canopy was formed and the glazing was cut into the mesh.  I made that clear to better distinguish it.  I also gave it a very basic bare metal finish so my client could get an idea of how it's going to look after I fully texture the model for him. 

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21f-8-15-17-3.jpg)

The next thing I'm going to do is give the glazing and canopy frame some depth, then create a basic cockpit and ejection seat.  Then it'll be time to start pulling my hair out doing the UV mapping so I can texture this bird.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/mig-21f-8-15-17-2.jpg)

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 17, 2017, 02:33:10 AM
Looking good.

Would love to see you modify this into a operational Ye-2 variant at some point in the future.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 17, 2017, 11:03:01 AM
Looking good.

Would love to see you modify this into a operational Ye-2 variant at some point in the future.

He asked for a few different variants (for which this will serve as a base), but that wasn't one of them.  I'm sure after I'm done with the job I'll be using the model in my own artwork, so perhaps I'll modify it then.  He also wanted a MiG-23 and an IL-28.  I'm not certain I'll have everything he wants finished by the November deadline he requested, but I'll complete what I can between my "real" job and family commitments.  If my boys were still playing baseball it would be a real time crunch!  Ha!

This morning before work I was able to cut the canopy from the mesh and created its shell, so it has two sides and more depth.  Next will be a very rudimentary cockpit tub and ejection seat.  I'll post more images in a couple days I'm sure  :D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on August 17, 2017, 11:14:07 AM
This could be fun if he asked for a Ye-7/1 (MiG-21PF nose but with MiG-21F canopy and aft glazing without the bulge the MiG-21PF and all subsequent MiG-21 variants had).
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 18, 2017, 10:16:57 PM
This could be fun if he asked for a Ye-7/1 (MiG-21PF nose but with MiG-21F canopy and aft glazing without the bulge the MiG-21PF and all subsequent MiG-21 variants had).

The client requested profiles of the MiG-21PFM, MiG-21R, and MiG-21Bis.  He also wanted profiles of the SU-20, SU-22 Fitter F, SU-22M4 Fitter K, and the MiG-23 to round-out his Russian aircraft.  I'm thinking those are the ones which may be important to his story, whatever that may be.   
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: CiTrus90 on August 20, 2017, 07:54:39 PM
So sharp and metallic :-*

I've never been able to get such results in my renderings, hats off to you :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on August 26, 2017, 08:08:19 PM
So sharp and metallic :-*

I've never been able to get such results in my renderings, hats off to you :icon_alabanza:

Hey, thanks!  What you see on the model now is just a very simple metal tone with a bit of reflectivity thrown in.  The actual look of the finished texture will look more like the one I used for the XB-51 illustrations. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on September 03, 2017, 09:05:55 AM
Been a while since I posted any progress on my client's MiG-21.  I made a metal shader for it after unwrapping the model and mapping it.  After that came adding areas of varied reflection and gloss values, which seems to always involve a lot of tinkering with gray scales to get anything satisfactory. 

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-8-31-17-1.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/img_1957.jpg)

The surface is still a bit too reflective and mirror-like.  So that has to be toned-down.  You can absolutely get lost playing with each and every value to create the metal and really lose track of what works quickly if not taking notes.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-8-31-17-2.jpg)

So those were the first set of images I sent to my client after finishing the renders.  He and I have since exchanged emails regarding trim colors, insignia colors and sizes, and the color of numbers on the plane.  I'm glad to get the input, most certainly, since I want him to be happy with the finished product.

He also requested missiles, so this afternoon I modeled ATOLL missiles and racks for the plane.  I also tinkered with the metal finish and changed the trim color to his satisfaction.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-9-2-17-1.jpg)

The missiles were easy to model and texture, so that part went pretty quickly.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-9-2-17-2.jpg)

I'm finished now until I've heard back from my client regarding his choices of number styles, stencil types, number colors, and variations of his chosen insignias. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 04, 2017, 02:23:49 AM
Interesting roundels - I don't recognise them.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on September 04, 2017, 06:12:08 AM
Interesting roundels - I don't recognise them.

Those are part of the story my client's writing, and one of the elements of the illustrations he wanted  :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on September 04, 2017, 06:17:46 AM
A bit of weathering along the panel lines, changes to the fuselage numbers, and minor changes to the insignias...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-9-3-17-1.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-9-3-17-5.jpg)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 05, 2017, 01:37:15 AM
Those are part of the story my client's writing, and one of the elements of the illustrations he wanted  :smiley:

Ah ok.  I was starting to question my recognition skills. ;)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on September 08, 2017, 10:11:54 PM
Here's the final version:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-9-6-17-1.jpg)

Now I move onto the second plane for the same client, a MiG-21 PFM.  The 3D model of the first variant is saved so it can be modified for this variant.  Will begin work on that Sunday.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Old Wombat on September 08, 2017, 10:26:10 PM
Sweet! 8)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on September 09, 2017, 01:42:19 AM
That is lovely! Perfect balance of shiny BFM and Soviet-scruffy  :D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on September 09, 2017, 09:23:49 AM
Beautiful work!  I presume this is a later model with the four-hardpoint wing and a blanked rear glazing?  Or one derived from some Chinese J-7 interations?
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on September 19, 2017, 05:06:45 AM
That is lovely! Perfect balance of shiny BFM and Soviet-scruffy  :D

Sorry it took so long to respond!  Thank you very much! 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on September 19, 2017, 05:15:14 AM
Beautiful work!  I presume this is a later model with the four-hardpoint wing and a blanked rear glazing?  Or one derived from some Chinese J-7 interations?

Thank you so much! 

Yes, the later model  As a matter of fact, I did sling some ATOLS underneath since that's what my client asked for:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-9-6-17-2.jpg)

Here's the next one I'm doing for the same client.  No texture as yet.  He's asked that the finish be duller, with a bit more weathering:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-pfm-9-18-17-2.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mig-21-pfm-9-18-17-1.jpg)

After I've finished a few details this one's pretty much ready for UV coordinate mapping and texture work.

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 03, 2017, 07:29:53 AM
My "day job" has been hectic.  About all I've felt like doing is flopping in front of a TV and watching a movie after work lately.  Working on the MiGs is relaxing, too, though, so I've been able to get some texturing work done on this variant:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/mig-21-pfm-10-2-17.jpg)

Somewhat darker shades than the previous variant, and the weathering at the panel lines stands-out a bit more.  Here's a 3 View:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/pfm-3-view-24x16.jpg)

This is an odd time of year.  No daily baseball games!  The regular season is over.  :o   No post-season ball games until later this week!

I'm going through withdrawals...   :-X
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: AXOR on October 03, 2017, 05:30:27 PM
Great job so far John  :smiley:\
Do you take into consideration the MF version?
Cheers

MLS it's still on if you like soccer. ;D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on October 04, 2017, 02:47:48 AM
...This is an odd time of year.  No daily baseball games!  The regular season is over.  ...

Looks like that will be to our benefit  ;D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 06, 2017, 11:19:26 AM
Great job so far John  :smiley:\
Do you take into consideration the MF version?
Cheers

MLS it's still on if you like soccer. ;D

Thanks very much!

Funny you mention that; I'm working on the MF right now.  It shouldn't take very long to complete modeling on that one since I'll just have to make modifications to this variant.  That'll end the fighters for awhile.  I was asked to also make three Russian airliners and a couple bombers after completing the MF/Bison variant.  I'm enjoying the work, that's for sure (more importantly, my client is happy with the illustrations).  Then I want to finish my F-105, which sits forlornly in the recesses of my computer and beckons to be completed. 

MLS?  I'm not as big a fan of soccer as my former next door neighbor.  He's from Turkey.  He dated a gal from Germany.  I guess it was four years or so ago teams from both countries were playing against each other in the FIFA World Cup finals, and, lemme tell ya,  things got pretty spirited/heated over at his place for awhile.  Ha!  There was a group in St. Louis which tried to get attract MLS into coming here, but they weren't able to come to terms on a stadium with the city government.  I'm sure it'll happen in the future though.  It would certainly be good for the region since the sport is popular.  Thank goodness for post season baseball!  Although, its just delaying the inevitable-the dead period of time between no baseball ( :o) and the day pitchers and catchers report for spring training. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 06, 2017, 11:28:09 AM
...This is an odd time of year.  No daily baseball games!  The regular season is over.  ...

Looks like that will be to our benefit  ;D

Thanks so much!  Yep, late fall/winter (my boys and I renamed winter to simply "no baseball") will be spent building a back log of models (Monogram 1/48 B-58, Hasagawa 1/32 F-5 and F-16A, Revell 1/24 Gemini, and a Revell 1/32 P-47D) with the boys, and my 3D illustrations.   
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 08, 2017, 03:51:13 AM
Began modifying the 3D model for the latest variant a couple days ago:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-10-5-17.jpg)

Creating a more pronounced dorsal hump to extend to the modified vertical stabilizer. 

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-10-6-17.jpg)

Very little of the canopy had to be modified to make it appear correct for now.  Still working on the dorsal hump and correcting some minor issues with the topography of the mesh.  Lots of changes that look deceptively minor, but actually take time to do.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-10-5-17-2.jpg)

You can see there's a bit of a "ridge" near the base of the dorsal hump which was the result of moving things around while shaping the hump.  That'll be corrected, possibly by welding verticies together or just moving them.  Also have sort of a flat spot to take out of the fuselage.  The intake will also have to be modified a bit.  The pitot tube needs to be re-extruded on the starboard side of the intake, and a few of the bulges along the fuselage and stabilizers have to be modified.  Much work for this weekend...

Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 11, 2017, 06:58:18 AM
(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-10-10-17-1.jpg)
No textures, but with additional rocket pods and a new center line drop tank.  Adding a MER with bombs may be in the works.  That, or a single rack with one larger bomb. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on October 11, 2017, 10:41:55 AM
Nice!!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: dy031101 on October 12, 2017, 01:35:48 AM
Do you have data to do, say, an Analog (144) after your current efforts?

And then to imagine an armed version thereof?  ;)  :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 13, 2017, 03:50:25 AM
Nice!!

Thank you, Elmayerle!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 13, 2017, 03:54:43 AM
Do you have data to do, say, an Analog (144) after your current efforts?

And then to imagine an armed version thereof?  ;)  :smiley:

Could it be printed as a solid?  Yes.  The plane is one piece, with the wings, stabilizers, intake spike (etc.) all being extrusions.  If the files were saved with a denser mesh it would probably print-up pretty well.  The ordinance was created the same way, but would have to be modeled separately and cemented to the plane.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 13, 2017, 04:04:48 AM
So I forgot to model the cannons...  I also completed modeling a bomb rack and bombs for the desired ordinance load-out:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-10-12-17-1.jpg)

Bearing in mind, nothing is textured yet (probably start working on that tomorrow by assigning material IDs and pulling the coordinate maps for everything).

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-10-12-17-2.jpg)

There's also an issue regarding level of detail I'm discussing with my client.  There's obviously detail on the bomb rack which I would continue modeling if it were for myself, and were it to be used in a scene where such detail might be visible.  However, in a profile view, such detail wouldn't be very visible at all.  My suggestion was to leave it as-is to save modeling time and money.  Of course, if he wants me to continue modeling details on the bomb rack, who am I to say no?   :D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: CiTrus90 on October 13, 2017, 10:25:22 PM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 13, 2017, 10:43:46 PM
Very nice!

Thanks, Citrus! 

I got the go-ahead to begin texturing the MiG and its ordinance, so I'll set about doing that this morning. 

Meanwhile, my F-105 was just siting in a dusty corner of my hard drive, looking sad because I hadn't worked on it since August. So, I took it out for a bit, made a friend for it, and dropped them into a quick, generic terrain environment:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/105-10-12-17-1.jpg)

Now, off to texture a MiG.

Cheers!







Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Tophe on October 15, 2017, 06:50:00 PM
With 3D models like yours, is it easy to invent a Zwilling/twin/double derivative (like in 2D) or very difficult? ???
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 21, 2017, 05:31:47 AM
With 3D models like yours, is it easy to invent a Zwilling/twin/double derivative (like in 2D) or very difficult? ???

Sorry it took so long to get back and respond!  No, I don't believe it wold be that hard at all.  You mean, like a twin boom/twin fuselage MiG?  I'd probably just have to decide where to merge and weld the two models together.  All I've been doing with this one is modifying the original MiG-21F 3D model to create the successive variants.  Takes a bit of planning to get from the former version to the current one, but not that difficult.  New textures have to be done for each one though, since the fuselage changes shape between the three versions.

Here's a shot of the current MiG I'm working on with some partially finished camouflage:
(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/mig-21-bis-camo.jpg)

Hoping to be finished with camo and panel lines by Saturday evening, then start grunging it up afterward.

Cheers everyone!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 22, 2017, 02:08:35 AM
Looking good.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 22, 2017, 04:31:19 AM
Looking good.

Thank you very much!  Got the rest of the camo finished except for the canopy, which had to be made as a separate piece.  Finishing that this afternoon.  Afterwards I'll complete the panel lines and start weathering her up a bit (faded panels, chipped paint, a bit of grunge here and there, etc.)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/mig-21-bis-camo-10-20-17-1.png)

An overnight email from my client revealed he wants me to make illustrations for another nine airplanes now, military and civilian, for his novel!  Wow!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Old Wombat on October 22, 2017, 08:12:16 AM
Looks good! :smiley:

An overnight email from my client revealed he wants me to make illustrations for another nine airplanes now, military and civilian, for his novel!  Wow!

As long as the money comes in! ;)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Tophe on October 22, 2017, 12:29:20 PM
like a twin boom/twin fuselage MiG?  I'd probably just have to decide where to merge and weld the two models together.
This is good news. I hope you will, reaching a new level in creativity... :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 25, 2017, 12:37:50 PM
like a twin boom/twin fuselage MiG?  I'd probably just have to decide where to merge and weld the two models together.
This is good news. I hope you will, reaching a new level in creativity... :smiley:

Might just do that when I have some free time.  In the mean time, more work on the MiG.  Did just a bit of weathering and a little chipped paint near some access panels.  Not really certain how much age I'm supposed to put on this, so I didn't want to go too crazy...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/mig-21-bis-10-24-17-1.jpg)

I'm sure I'll end up having to make some adjustments here and there.  Done for the day though.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 30, 2017, 12:35:02 PM
Hope you're all in good health and spirits!  Nearing the end of a very nice weekend here.

As it turned out, I didn't have to make any adjustments and ended up just chipping away some paint from places on the fuselage...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-10-29-17-2.jpg)

I believe this should be the completed camouflaged version of this plane.

I now have to paint a separate version of this one in gray, which I did, and sent a sample to the client to get his take on whether he wants some parts darker or lighter.  Once I get it completed, I'll post it here.  Thankfully it should be a fairly easy proposition of changing a few brightness/contrast values in PS.  After that it'll be time to start 3D modeling a new airplane for him.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Empty Handed on October 30, 2017, 07:45:53 PM
Impressive. I particularly like the stressing on the spine.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 30, 2017, 09:56:37 PM
I'm looking forward to finding out what book these are all for.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 30, 2017, 10:14:23 PM
Impressive. I particularly like the stressing on the spine.

Thanks so much!  I was hoping I hadn't gone overboard with the weathering effects on this one.  Sometimes, as with the texturing for the L-133 model I made, I end up setting it aside for a few days so I can come back and look at it with a fresh eye to decide whether it looks okay.  The client was pretty happy with this one, so it'll be the final version.  The gray one will be just overall medium gray with blue tac numbers and loaded with missiles.  Aside from the diffuse color, I'll most likely re-use the rest of the textures from the camo job to complete that part of the project.  Hopefully I'll complete that today, amidst the errands I have to run, and I'll post it later this evening.  Then it'll be time to consider which of the nine other planes he wants done and which one I'll start next. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 30, 2017, 10:20:48 PM
I'm looking forward to finding out what book these are all for.

So far I have limited knowledge of the novella he's writing, and I've agreed not to disclose anything.  All I can say presently is that it's an intriguing idea and could be quite interesting.  The airplanes I've illustrated so far are just one side of things.  I agreed to illustrate Soviet planes first, then I'll move forward with western aircraft for him. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 31, 2017, 04:57:12 AM
Without further adieu, here's the MiG wearing medium gray paint as requested with blue tac numbers:
(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-gray-1.jpg)

and with red numbers:
(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/bis-gray-fuselage-red-numbers-1.jpg)

Seems repetitive, but I had to make both with the different colored numbers to give the client a good idea of how they would each look so he could choose which one he wanted.  I also suggested making MERs with different missiles as opposed to the same ATOLs and racks we've been using.  But, that's up to him.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 31, 2017, 06:50:57 AM
Wicked!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Tophe on October 31, 2017, 01:23:58 PM
Maybe dark grey "low-vis" stars would still improve the grey camo in the clouds, no?
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 31, 2017, 09:59:43 PM
Maybe dark grey "low-vis" stars would still improve the grey camo in the clouds, no?

Makes sense with the overall gray color.  I suggested that, but I think he prefers the color insignias.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on October 31, 2017, 10:01:00 PM
Wicked!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on November 01, 2017, 06:39:52 AM
...  I was hoping I hadn't gone overboard with the weathering effects on this one...

Not possible  ;)  Love the medium grey too  :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on November 01, 2017, 07:47:44 AM
Very nice!!  Please remind your client that later MiG-21 variants also carried a semi-active radar-guided variant of the Atoll and the final versions could also carry the AA-8 Aphid on twin launchers.  If you wish, I could check some references as to other Atoll variants that might could be used.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 02, 2017, 06:36:23 AM
Well, if you wanted to go later still there was the MiG-21-93 proposal with different canopy and even R-77 missiles:

(http://www.airwar.ru/image/idop/fighter/mig21-93/mig21-93-c1.jpg)
(http://www.airwar.ru/image/idop/fighter/mig21-93/mig21-93-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on November 02, 2017, 08:06:43 AM
And a proposed re-engining of that with the RD-33 engine from the MiG-29.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on November 02, 2017, 01:44:02 PM
Very nice!!  Please remind your client that later MiG-21 variants also carried a semi-active radar-guided variant of the Atoll and the final versions could also carry the AA-8 Aphid on twin launchers.  If you wish, I could check some references as to other Atoll variants that might could be used.

Hi Elmayerle!  As a matter of fact, I suggested later variants of the ATOL, or another A2A missile on MERs, for this variant, but I haven't heard the "GO" for that.  I know he's on a budget and a schedule I do my best to honor.  He may not want me to go to the trouble or time of modeling these and may want me to move on to the next plane on the project list. 

Image of the finished gray MiG-21 BIS with better gamma correction:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/bis-gray-11-1-17-1.jpg)

This is actually how it looks when it pops out of the renderer (that's after the bell rings and the confetti sprays from the top of the monitor).  For some reason I didn't have the gamma output set as high as it should have been.

I'm looking forward to getting on with the next plane in the project line.  One of them is a seaplane, which should be fin to make.  We'll see!

Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on November 04, 2017, 01:01:19 PM
I'm happy to say here's the final version of the gray MiG-21 BIS with blue tac numbers:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/bis-gray-11-3-17-1.jpg)

After I complete texturing the CL drop tank I'll be starting on the next plane (either a MiG-23 or an SU-22).

Hope everyone here has a great weekend!


Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on December 02, 2017, 01:20:29 PM
HIYOOOOOOO!

Still working on MiGs.  I was asked to start on a MiG-23 next (the seaplane will have to wait I guess):

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/flogger-11-23-17-1.jpg)

Modeling the fuselage as one piece, and creating the intakes was a chore, but it's getting there...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/flogger-11-23-17-2.jpg)

I'm still obsessing over the way the intakes blend in near the midsection of the fuselage, so more work is going on there.  I'll probably add the stabilizers soon.  I've been able to slow down on the MiG modeling of late, which has given me time to break out the F-105 again:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/11-28-17-1.jpg)

As you can see, the canopy and glazing has been sorted out and I've been working on the cockpit...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/12-1-17-2.jpg)

I modeled the cockpit tub and unwrapped it so it could be textured.  The instrument panel and side panels are finished, as are the gunsight and ejection seat.  Here's a shot where I put my XB-51 pilot in the driver's seat:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/12-1-17-1.jpg)

I have just a bit more work to do on the cockpit, but not much more.  Chances are the detail will go largely unnoticed or unseen at the distance the "camera" will be from the aircraft in the finished illustrations.  I'm really anxious to get cracking on the fuselage so I can start swathing it in camouflage. 

I do plan on making a few subtle modifications to the model to create earlier variants.  I absolutely have to paint this in bare metal and a Thunderbirds paint scheme!  It looked marvelous that way.  I also want to modify it to become an "F" or "G" model so I can do some Wild Weasel illustrations.  That shouldn't take a lot of doing though.  Just a stretch here and there, and modeling another canopy.  Fortunately I've saved this model at a stage where it's still possible to make that kind of modification.

That's about it for now.  I hope to post more soon with some SEA paint on this big bird. 

Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 03, 2017, 01:51:12 AM
Loving the 'build' process here. :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on December 03, 2017, 06:52:02 AM
Loving the 'build' process here. :smiley:

It's funny you said that because that's just what it is.  And my process is always the same.  Working from a primitive object, forming the canopy, then usually the stabilizers, intakes, the wings, and, once everything is finished, then create the cockpit and anything that goes in there.  On the MiG-23 though I wanted to tackle the intakes after I got the shape of the canopy because they're split from the fuselage and I had to experiment with modeling it all as one piece.  Figuring out the smoothing groups for the intake area is a challenge, but it's coming together.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: AXOR on December 03, 2017, 07:30:07 AM
Great job with Thunderchief so far...and now we have Mig-23 too...lovely !
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on December 05, 2017, 01:56:54 PM
Great job with Thunderchief so far...and now we have Mig-23 too...lovely !

Thanks Alex!  I'm working on the textures for the air brake petals  for the 105 now.  And I have to get back to work on the MiG as well pretty soon also.  More progress images later this week, I hope!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Geist on December 05, 2017, 08:06:30 PM
I like it (Thunderchief ) - great work!
Waiting for the painted version :)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on December 06, 2017, 05:56:15 AM
Oh that is handsome. Looking forward to your Wild Weasel  :-*
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on December 10, 2017, 03:35:04 PM
I like it (Thunderchief ) - great work!
Waiting for the painted version :)

Thank you!  Working on texturing it now, little by little.  Camo for this version soon.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on December 10, 2017, 03:41:58 PM
Oh that is handsome. Looking forward to your Wild Weasel  :-*

Thanks!  I'm looking forward to doing a Wild Weasel version quite a bit.  A lot of history to explore as far as possible scenes to create.

I've finished texturing the air brake petals for now.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/12-9-17-1.jpg)

Not that the reflection or gloss maps couldn't be tweaked a bit here and there, but I'm generally happy with them for the moment.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/12-9-17-4.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/12-9-17-5.jpg)

I think tomorrow is going to be a MiG day.  I really need to finish modeling the stabilizers.  Then I can play with the 105 some more. 


Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on December 17, 2017, 05:56:58 AM
John: those hinged petals on the exhaust nozzle are gorgeous! Watching with interest  :D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on December 17, 2017, 11:21:04 PM
John: those hinged petals on the exhaust nozzle are gorgeous! Watching with interest  :D

Wow!  Thank you so much!  They aren't rigged for movement right now, but they can be positioned since they're separate objects from the fuselage.  The canopy is the same way. 

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on December 19, 2017, 07:42:35 AM
No 105 activity because of work on my client's MiG-23:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/12-18-17-3.jpg)

The fuselage and stabilizers are blocked in now.  Fixed a few issues where the intakes meet the fuselage, extruded the exhaust, and the nose pitot tube...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/12-18-17-2.jpg)

I'm hoping to have the wings on by the end of the week, then refine the contours on the underside of the ship before adding on all of the bits that protrude from this beastie...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/12-18-17-1.jpg)

I'm going to also start sorting out the material IDs for the 105 model so I can begin texturing the fuselage.  No idea as of yet who's ship I'll paint it as, so I'm doing a bit of research before I begin.

Till next time, Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on December 19, 2017, 07:46:46 AM
Very nice  :smiley:  I love how, in the top image, there seems to be a seam running down the centreline of the fuselage. I guess 3D modelling has its equivalents to filler and sanding sticks  ;D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on December 19, 2017, 09:15:22 AM
Very nice  :smiley:  I love how, in the top image, there seems to be a seam running down the centreline of the fuselage. I guess 3D modelling has its equivalents to filler and sanding sticks  ;D

Seems you've seen my seam.  (Ha!)   :o  This is what I get for making anything what popped out of a mold that's been in use since 1973. 

With the symmetry modifier being used I get one of those if the vertices along the centerline haven't been aligned and a setting re: those verts is set to zero.  Nothing some Squadron Green won't cure!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 20, 2017, 01:37:58 AM
I love how it almost looks like a resin build due to the colour. :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: lippischh on January 02, 2018, 04:50:08 AM
Nice model you've got going on here! i'm guessing 3dsmax?
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on January 03, 2018, 03:25:48 PM
Nice model you've got going on here! i'm guessing 3dsmax?

Like me, an older version.  Ha!

Been working on camouflage this week.  Absent national insignia, panel lines, markings (etc.), here are a couple renders I made in Vue Studio:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/105-1-2-18-1.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/105-1-2-18-2.jpg)

I'll be rendering the completed plane against scenery/clouds/etc. created in Vue (as I did the XB-51 and the L-133 illustrations).  Unfortunately, Vue is not playing nicely with the model after it was imported and, for whatever reason, doesn't like my UV map for my fuselage (there are a couple of blue bits visible on the port intake and the roots of the horizontal stabilizers where the UV map has been deformed).  I also had to dance with it for awhile before it liked the canopy frame and wanted to accept the texture map for it.  I didn't have these issues with the other two planes I imported.  Fortunately, E-on Software are quick to respond via Facebook (despite their website having been down for maintenance for ages now) and someone from support is supposed to get back with me tomorrow via email.

Here's a shot from a render in 3ds:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/1-2-18-3.jpg)
(I really need to get the arresting hook painted  :-[)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on January 04, 2018, 07:04:52 AM
Oh, that is handsome  :smiley: At risk of sounding obsessed with petal nozzles, that rear view shows off the exhaust to perfection  :-*
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on January 04, 2018, 01:26:22 PM
Oh, that is handsome  :smiley: At risk of sounding obsessed with petal nozzles, that rear view shows off the exhaust to perfection  :-*

Thank you so very much!  I modeled them separately since, at full chat, they extend a bit to allow for the exhaust in afterburner.  And when it's parked, the lower one drops down due to lack of hydraulic pressure (in case I want to model it gear down and parked).  Now that it's in Vue I'll have to work on getting the anisotropic values set correctly for the bare metal on the petals so they look appropriately steely. 

Texturing a model is a bit different in Vue than 3DS.  I'm still bugged by Vue tearing my mapping at the intakes and the roots of the horizontal stabilizers.  It's a mystery to me as to why it's doing that in Vue, but looks completely fine in 3DS.  I'm bouncing things off someone from E-on Software's support team at the moment.  Unfortunately, info turn-around is slow since they're in Europe and I'm in the midwest US.  It'll get sorted-out though, even if I have to resort to re-doing the UVW mapping and re-painting the fuselage (which I'm hoping to avoid since getting the camo to line-up is tedious).  We'll see what happens.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on January 06, 2018, 01:03:16 AM
After sending all of my files regarding this project to Vue support the problem was "resolved".  I say that in quotes since I'm not quite sure what happened to solve this.  Vue support (who have been very responsive and helpful, by the way) unchecked and rechecked a couple boxes I had unchecked and rechecked numerous times myself, and that is apparently what solved the texture map tearing issue.  However, I'm no closer to knowing what happened so I can correct or prevent it in the future.  So, it's resolved, but I have to admit to being just a bit frustrated and confused since I don't know what the root cause was.  We're still exchanging emails, so hopefully they'll present this to their programmers for a look.  One thing I wonder about is whether a recent update to the software may have anything to do with the results here.  I can't patch my software because E-On's website has been down for several weeks.  So, now I'm wondering whether it's an improvement in the update that lead to the positive outcome here.  I'll post a couple images after I tweak some settings. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on January 06, 2018, 01:03:11 PM
Any chance of seeing those F-105's in Euro One or "Asia Minor" camouflage schemes?
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on January 06, 2018, 02:49:58 PM
Any chance of seeing those F-105's in Euro One or "Asia Minor" camouflage schemes?

Perhaps, when time permits.  I could do either/both.  I'm trying to get the SEA camo finished now.  Panel lines, weathering, insignias and markings just for one generic representation of an F-105D that might have flown in SEA.  After I get all that done I should be able to move on to more specific markings that depict someone's actual aircraft.  Both of those camo patterns are pretty neat though, so I imagine I'll write those down as a reminder to do them.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on January 07, 2018, 01:01:28 PM
Thanks.  I am particularly wanting to do one in the Asia Minor/desert scheme with the WS tail code, operating from a Wheelus AFB that was never turned over to Libya (i.e. the US supported the base commander, "Chappie" James, in not turning it over, or offering to turn it over solely in the condition it was in before the US built it).
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on January 08, 2018, 10:19:03 AM
The camouflage has a few spots that need to be aligned.  I've started the panel lines, too.  Also tinkering with lighting.  Here's three at the end of the day...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/f-105-1-7-18-2.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/f-105-1-7-18-1.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/f-105-1-7-18-3.jpg)

Hope everyone had a fun weekend.  I'll post more this week.


-Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on January 13, 2018, 05:59:25 AM
Hello chaps!  Moving right along with texturing, and I've also been tweaking the atmosphere and lighting settings.  I'm setting this first plane as Col. Vic Vizcarra's F-105D, "Pussy Galore II".  This is one of the test images I made yesterday after modifying the lighting settings in Vue Studio.  I'm trying to bring up the ambient light level and maintain good shadows and contrast.  As you can see, there are areas where less ambient light creates areas which are to dark.  Still experimenting, which is the fun part.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/f-105-1-11-18-1.jpg)

I'm working on fuselage panel lines and markings.  Panel lines are always somewhat time consuming since they, like the camouflage, always have to line-up from one part of the texture map to the other.  The various markings are a lot easier.

More later!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on January 23, 2018, 05:42:20 AM
Turns out I had the green camouflage colors flipped.  That's been corrected since my last post.  And I've began adding more panel lines and markings to the plane...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/f-105-1-21-18-1.jpg)

I can't decide just how many markings to add to this.  The 105 suffered a horrendous rate of attrition and nearly half of the "D" models (I believe) were destroyed in action.  As damage was repaired sometimes markings were removed, painted-over, or omitted entirely with just the most important ones being left on the plane.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/f-105-1-21-18-3.jpg)

And there are a ton of markings, most of which are quite small, but enhance the level of detail greatly.  Fortunately, someone I know (who's assisted in the restoration of one of these), gave me a set of large format copies of Republic's technical drawings which specify all of the markings that go on this and on the "F" and "G" model as well.  I'm starting to refer to those drawings now since there aren't enough images available via the Internet to do the job.

Here's a shot for Apophenia because... exhaust petals! (Ha!)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/f-105-1-21-18-2.jpg)

I'm working on panel lines on the starboard side right now.  Also beginning to develop terrain for the background.  What you're looking at in these renders is just a generic "grass" terrain texture.  The one I'm going to do will have mode details (think tree lines, different patches of colors in the fields, etc.).  More soon!



 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on January 23, 2018, 07:37:18 AM
Those exhaust petals look fantastic. But so too do the panels lines ... see, I'm not totally obsessed with shapely hind-quarters  ;)

And amazing what a tonal difference flopping the FS34102 and FA34079 greens makes.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on February 17, 2018, 08:31:40 AM
Hello all!  Just a few update images on the F-105 project and my client's MiG-23.  The modeling of the MiG-23 3D object was finished...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/2-8-18.jpg)

and then my client asked for the wings to be swept back just half way (...sound of sad trombones playing).  No big deal...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/2-15-18-1.jpg)

This is collapsed, but I haven't started cutting apart the canopy glazing or frame yet.  With the wings partially back, as requested, I'm hoping I can move onto getting the camo pattern started after I pull the UV maps.  With any luck I can have all the UV mapping done by Monday evening.

The paint on the F-105 is getting weathered...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/f-105-2-9-18-2-panel-line-revisions.jpg)

With the panel lines and rivets/fasteners completed I could begin creating a sort of grungy appearance around them.  Then I checked-in with F-105 maintainers on Facebook to ask what happens to an F-105's appearance in wartime conditions.  I mean, we see images taken during that era, but I always thought the appearance of the planes in those photos belied just how rode-hard-and-put-away-wet they really looked.  I got no shortage of responses, all for which I was thankful.  Lots of info regarding areas of "normal" wear, and why.  So, I started incorporating that into the weathering of the plane. Bit by bit I worked my way from the nose to the tail until the fuselage looked appropriately chipped-at by the environment, maintainers, etc. 

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/f-105-2-13-18-1-panel-line-revisions1.jpg) 

It's slow going.  There isn't a button to click labeled "paint chips".  Ha!  Everything done one panel at a time, or groups of panels if I'm just doing general scuffing on the fuselage panels.  By the time I'm done it will definitely look as though it's been out-and-back a few times.  Mind you, I'm only finished with the half of the fuselage you can see.  The starboard side still needs to be done, as do the stabilizers and the wings.

Everyone have a great weekend!  More later!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on February 17, 2018, 02:40:07 PM
That F-105 is beautiful! 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on February 17, 2018, 07:36:16 PM
That F-105 is beautiful!

Thank you, Jeffrey!  The 105 has taken waaaaay too long to finish.  I'm working on it and my client's MiGs now (105 one day, MiG the next) trying to get the texturing on the plane finished so I can also work on a pilot and scenery.  More to come!  :D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 18, 2018, 02:29:46 AM
Looking good. Keen to hear more about your client's project.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on February 20, 2018, 04:48:20 AM
Looking good. Keen to hear more about your client's project.

I am, too.  He writes, I just illustrate.  Ha!

After today's work on the 105 I had to make one rendering to see what a four ship formation would look like:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/formation-2.jpg)

Don't look too closely.  They're all the same plane, just cloned so I could see what this might look like with a simple terrain texture without any clouds.  There are so many more stencils that have to be painted on the object, but the weathering of the paint is pretty much done.  I'll have to focus on modeling drop tanks and ordinance now.  For now, though, I have to start working again on the texture maps for my client's MiG-23.

More later.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Old Wombat on February 20, 2018, 07:38:18 AM
Looks excellent! :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on February 20, 2018, 07:58:57 AM
Looks excellent! :smiley:

It does indeed! Especially the weathering  :smiley:

... There isn't a button to click labeled "paint chips"...

Hmm... I wonder how Adobe Support would response to a suggestion for a 'paint chip' Photoshop plug-in/extension?
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on February 20, 2018, 11:49:49 AM
Looks excellent! :smiley:

It does indeed! Especially the weathering  :smiley:

... There isn't a button to click labeled "paint chips"...

Hmm... I wonder how Adobe Support would response to a suggestion for a 'paint chip' Photoshop plug-in/extension?

Thanks very much Old Wombat and Apophenia!   :D   

Oh, why bother Adobe when I can just wear out a mouse button by clicking randomly with the eraser on everything?  Ha! 

I still want to vary the color values of some of the fuselage panels to suggest panel replacement by maintainers.  I also noticed a set of panel lines I'm going to have to fix, but that'll be for another day.  Forgot to chip away at the paint on the horizontal stabilizers, too.  You can see the paint weathering a bit better in this image:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/f-105-2-19-18-starboard-side.jpg)

I may have to tone down the metal bits somewhat.  And looking at this particular image I'll have to dull down the leading edge weathering on the wings.  Oh well, enough work on this for one day.  I did manage to get the material IDs set-up on my client's MiG-23 this evening.  So, I can start getting the UV mapping done in the morning on that one.   



Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 21, 2018, 01:32:28 AM
Are you going to add pilots?
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: ysi_maniac on February 21, 2018, 03:41:54 AM
^^^^^
OUI ;)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: ysi_maniac on February 21, 2018, 03:42:44 AM
Neat illustrations indeed!
 :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on February 21, 2018, 01:56:13 PM
Are you going to add pilots?

LOL!  That's in the works  :D:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/clydeii-1.jpg)
This is Clyde Mk. II. 

This is Clyde Mk I:
(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/pilot.jpg)
The first Clyde was very low detail.  Since he'd only be seen from several hundred feet away, and really most of the time only from about the shoulders up, I only made him as detailed as I thought he needed to be.  He also had clothing and gear more appropriate for a pilot of the 50s and wasn't very well "rigged" for movement.  Clyde Mk. II will be a bit more detailed, "wear" survival gear more appropriate to that issued during the 60's, and will be fully rigged (for example, when he turns his head his helmet/mask/air hose, will follow that movement).  I started on him prior to the F-105, but then dived into my commissioned work.  So, both went on the back burner.  After I create the drop tanks and ordinance for the 105, then it'll be time to finish work on Clyde.  Should be interesting work since I don't do character figures really.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on February 21, 2018, 01:58:11 PM
Neat illustrations indeed!
 :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:

Thank you so much! 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 22, 2018, 02:14:44 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on May 21, 2018, 02:17:19 PM
Been quite a while, but I wanted to share the MiG-23 just finished for my client:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/mig-23-two-view.jpg)

I've been trying to finish this while also assisting with home renovations, mounds of work at my "day job", a job search, and my boys' baseball season.  Yeeesh!  Anyway, this is finished now and I'm moving on to the next requested plane, a Tu-16 Badger.  The Badger will be outfitted for anti-shipping duties and will be finished in bare metal once completed.  Stay tuned and, as always, thanks for looking!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Logan Hartke on May 21, 2018, 10:01:37 PM
That's lovely work, well done!

Cheers,

Logan
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on May 21, 2018, 10:59:41 PM
That's lovely work, well done!

Cheers,

Logan

Thank you very much Logan.  Great avatar, by the way.  Always was a fan of Lee Marvin.  If you haven't seen it, go to YouTube and watch the video clip of his visit on the Johnny Carson Show when he tells Johnny where he was shot during WWII.  Hilarious!

Here's a profile shot of the MiG:

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/mig-23-5-16-18.jpg)

Hopefully the Badger won't take as long to complete.  Still working on the pilot for the F-105 and finishing that project, too. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on May 22, 2018, 01:38:06 AM
Looking good.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on May 22, 2018, 10:18:40 PM
Looking good.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on May 25, 2018, 01:45:21 AM
Looking good.

It is indeed ... and suitably scruffy. Love it  :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on May 25, 2018, 11:52:59 AM
Looking good.

It is indeed ... and suitably scruffy. Love it  :smiley:

Thanks very much!

I don't want to put too many carts before too many horses, but I was contacted by a publisher today who was interested in my work.  I'll be chatting with him tomorrow after I check him out a bit.  Wish me luck!  :D
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on May 25, 2018, 12:29:29 PM
Good luck with that.  I hope it's the start of something great for you.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Volkodav on May 25, 2018, 04:02:16 PM
Good luck!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on May 25, 2018, 09:55:38 PM
Good luck with that.  I hope it's the start of something great for you.

Thank you!  This has started as a hobby where, initially, all I wanted to do was create a good 3D model of the Enterprise from the original "Star Trek" TV show.  That was about 18 years ago and I've been working at developing my technique to produce what I'm making now.  It's been a lot of fun, and I'm really happy there are folks who enjoy looking at what I'm creating.  I'd love to eventually have so much work that I'll have to quit the "day job" just to keep up with it.  Ha!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on May 25, 2018, 09:57:03 PM
Good luck!

Thanks!  Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on May 26, 2018, 02:26:14 AM
Thank you!  This has started as a hobby where, initially, all I wanted to do was create a good 3D model of the Enterprise from the original "Star Trek" TV show.  That was about 18 years ago and I've been working at developing my technique to produce what I'm making now.  It's been a lot of fun, and I'm really happy there are folks who enjoy looking at what I'm creating.  I'd love to eventually have so much work that I'll have to quit the "day job" just to keep up with it.  Ha!
Cool!!  I'd love to see that Enterprise model.  Do you have a "tweaked" one to depict the version from the two pilots (there are some definite differences, particularly in the back end of the nacelles).
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on May 27, 2018, 10:38:01 PM
Thank you!  This has started as a hobby where, initially, all I wanted to do was create a good 3D model of the Enterprise from the original "Star Trek" TV show.  That was about 18 years ago and I've been working at developing my technique to produce what I'm making now.  It's been a lot of fun, and I'm really happy there are folks who enjoy looking at what I'm creating.  I'd love to eventually have so much work that I'll have to quit the "day job" just to keep up with it.  Ha!
Cool!!  I'd love to see that Enterprise model.  Do you have a "tweaked" one to depict the version from the two pilots (there are some definite differences, particularly in the back end of the nacelles).

The one I was working on was the version used throughout the production of the show, not either of the pilot versions.  15 year old Enterprise renderings?  As you wish...

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/1701-quarter.jpg)

Bearing in mind that this was never completed.  I was teaching myself 3DSMAX by working on this project and other tutorials along the way.

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/primary-hull-top-right.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/ent.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/secondary_hull_windows3.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/secondary_hull_windows4.jpg)

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/dorsal-neck-test-shot.jpg)

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on May 28, 2018, 03:33:12 AM
Nice!!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on May 29, 2018, 05:31:44 AM
Nice!!

Thanks!  So much trial and error (and, of that, more error than trial... Ha!)  Good learning tool though re: creating all the objects which, together, make that ship miniature.  I look at it now and I know there are so many things I would do differently, more efficiently, regarding modeling it. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on May 29, 2018, 09:13:10 AM
Nice!!

Thanks!  So much trial and error (and, of that, more error than trial... Ha!)  Good learning tool though re: creating all the objects which, together, make that ship miniature.  I look at it now and I know there are so many things I would do differently, more efficiently, regarding modeling it.
Having done a lot of 3D CAD in the course of my career, I can understand that.  Learning how to model efficiently is always a learning experience.  The real fun comes when you try and work with someone else's model that is anything but.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 15, 2018, 12:57:31 PM
I could have sworn I posted this, but I probably got in a hurry and forgot to hit the all-important "post" button while having what my son refers to as a "senior moment"  ;D

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/f-105d-squadrons-1080-watermarked.png)

This is a poster I finished earlier this week commemorating the F-105D and the squadrons that flew and crewed it in Vietnam.  I also got a new art client who wants a 105 profile illustration and designed some t-shirts using the 105 that folks have bought, which is kind of cool!  Meanwhile, I'm, working on a Tu-16 Badger for my first client and getting closer to being finished with modeling a new and improved pilot figure.  Busy, busy, busy... 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 15, 2018, 01:03:50 PM
Nice!!

Thanks!  So much trial and error (and, of that, more error than trial... Ha!)  Good learning tool though re: creating all the objects which, together, make that ship miniature.  I look at it now and I know there are so many things I would do differently, more efficiently, regarding modeling it.
Having done a lot of 3D CAD in the course of my career, I can understand that.  Learning how to model efficiently is always a learning experience.  The real fun comes when you try and work with someone else's model that is anything but.

Been there, done that-but with my own meshes.  Ha!  I found out that sometimes objects that look just great in Max don't always play nicely once imported into Vue Studio.  Smoothing issues and angles, things of that nature.  Sometimes I might have to go back into the model and clean things up a bit, but not a great deal.  It's all a learning experience and fun, so I don't mind terribly. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 16, 2018, 01:07:29 AM
I could have sworn I posted this, but I probably got in a hurry and forgot to hit the all-important "post" button while having what my son refers to as a "senior moment"  ;D



No senior moment...just a timeslip issue... (http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=7933.0) ;)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on June 18, 2018, 12:51:35 PM
I could have sworn I posted this, but I probably got in a hurry and forgot to hit the all-important "post" button while having what my son refers to as a "senior moment"  ;D



No senior moment...just a timeslip issue... ([url]http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=7933.0[/url]) ;)


Bummer, hate when that happens... 

(https://onetwentynineblog.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/nsm-105-6-18-18.png)

Here's one I'm working on for a friend who's one of the many gifted volunteers at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  This year they completed work restoring an F-105D-20-RE and painted it in silver, with the correct markings per its S/N (61-0107).  Planning on completing a profile for him as a gift.  Still working on placing all the markings on the fuselage at this point.  I've written to the USAF Museum and the 49th Wing, at Holloman AFB, to obtain further information regarding this plane that I can use while I'm considering layout options for the profile.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Geist on July 13, 2018, 08:58:43 PM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on January 08, 2019, 08:57:31 AM
Back after a long hiatus!  Busy working on a few things.

I guess when I changed the name of my website all the images in my previous posts automagically disappeared  :(.  I guess I hadn't really counted on that happening.  No matter.

Still working on Russian aircraft for one client...

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/badger-10-31-18-3.jpg)
Like this Badger, which is the latest...

[img>https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/badger-10-31-18-2.jpg, (https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/badger-10-31-18-2.jpg,)[/img]http://(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/badger-10-31-18-1.jpg)

It's getting texture mapped presently...
(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/badger-12-30-18.jpg)

But I've also made a couple nice F-105 prints for a client.  Gotta love the Thud!  You can check those out at my website.

Made some images of "Memphis Belle II"...
(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/60-504-5.jpg)

Here's a couple 105Ds.  Not entirely correct for the markings on the aircraft, but they're correct for the plane that's displayed at the nuke museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico...

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/105-inverted-2.png)

Here's a print I did for the volunteers who restored her...
(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/49th-tfw-profile-7-20-18-10801.png)

I've also started a B-47...
(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/b-47e-10-16-18-1.jpg)

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/b-47e10-17-18-1.jpg)

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/b-47e-10-14-18-2.jpg)

The model is finished and I'm working on the textures now.

Well, I suppose that brings us up to date.  Pity about the previous images though...  I guess I can re-post them as time allows.  I won't be changing my website name again though. 

Enjoy! 

Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Old Wombat on January 08, 2019, 09:49:50 AM
 :smiley: :smiley:

That first image of the Thud is great! It takes a bit of searching to  figure out it's not real. 8) :-*
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 09, 2019, 02:19:51 AM
Looking good.  It would be god if you could fix the earlier images too.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: apophenia on January 09, 2019, 07:45:10 AM
Loving these new bombers!  :-*
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Ghost Rider on March 03, 2019, 02:45:32 AM
excellent 3 work  ;)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 03, 2019, 02:54:16 AM
... possibly the first jet vs jet dogfight ...           ?


(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0288XRJ/088a.jpg)

Not sure if this belongs in this thread.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Ghost Rider on March 04, 2019, 12:43:56 AM
 :icon_crap:

Sorry my bad .
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 04, 2019, 01:54:25 AM
That's fine - just move it to your own profile thread.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Geist on March 11, 2019, 07:03:52 AM
I like the Badger model :)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 24, 2019, 06:00:28 AM
:smiley: :smiley:

That first image of the Thud is great! It takes a bit of searching to  figure out it's not real. 8) :-*

Thanks so much!  I'm terribly sorry it's taken me so long to migrate back here to post replies to anything.  Work has been crazy.  There were a lot of Thud drivers and maintainers who liked that one.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 24, 2019, 06:02:26 AM
Looking good.  It would be god if you could fix the earlier images too.

Hi!  I want to do that as soon as I have time.  Once I changed the URL for my web site it caused a lot of blank space here, unfortunately.  I'll try  ;)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 24, 2019, 06:10:16 AM
Loving these new bombers!  :-*

Many thanks!  I wasn't getting any notifications for replies so I haven't been here for awhile.  Here's the finished Badger I was working on...
(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/badger-3-4-19-2-fb.jpg)

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/badger-3-4-19-1-fb.jpg)

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/badger-3-3-19-1.jpg)

And here are a few images of the B-47 with a little more work accomplished on the panel lines, rivets, and some markings....

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/b-47-2-25-19-2.jpg)

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/b-47-2-25-19-1.jpg)

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/b-47-2-22-19-1.jpg)

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/b-47-2-25-19-tail.jpg)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 24, 2019, 06:14:15 AM
So here's the latest thing I've been working on...

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/59-729-wip-17a.jpg)

A collector who enjoys my work commissioned me to work on a reversed camouflage F-105D with some specific markings.  This one is in the home stretch now aside from a couple modifications to the 3D model. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 24, 2019, 06:16:42 AM
excellent 3 work  ;)

Thanks so much! 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 24, 2019, 06:25:47 AM
:icon_crap:

Sorry my bad .

That's a nice little illustration you have there.  I couldn't help notice the L-133 in the image.  Is that your work?  I ask because the L-133 you have in your illustration looks familiar...
(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/l-133-two-ship-poster-watermarked.png)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 24, 2019, 06:27:49 AM
I like the Badger model :)

Thanks!  I finally finished one version of it.  Same client commissioned on in natural metal finish with different missiles.  I'll post here when I'm done working on it.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: Old Wombat on March 24, 2019, 05:24:14 PM
Love your Thuds! :smiley: :-*


And the L-133's a very cool subject! 8)
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 24, 2019, 10:03:06 PM
Love your Thuds! :smiley: :-*


And the L-133's a very cool subject! 8)

Thanks!  The Thuds are a pleasure to do.  I've become familiar with several Thud drivers and maintainers and they've really enjoyed what I've been doing.  A collector asked that I do several for him that he's interested in.  Between his Thuds and my other client's Russian planes, it's a bit like having a second full time job.  Ha!  No complaints though!

I may return to the L-133 and re-do the textures at some point in the future.  That was the first 3D plane model I did and there are things about it I would approach differently now.  It's all a matter of learning, I suppose. 
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: elmayerle on March 25, 2019, 03:15:41 AM
Be interesting to see you do the Thud in other camo schemes, either real (wrap around lizard or Euro1) or whif, "Asia Minor" or an "Arctic" mod for a standard scheme for exercises in Norway.
Title: Re: Matthews Aviation Art
Post by: john_matthews129 on March 25, 2019, 06:24:31 AM
Be interesting to see you do the Thud in other camo schemes, either real (wrap around lizard or Euro1) or whif, "Asia Minor" or an "Arctic" mod for a standard scheme for exercises in Norway.

I imagine, if I get spare time, I could have a go at that.  This has to be completed for my client though.  Then he also likes to have one with some scenery, so I'll have to get something together.

I finally added the proper vents near the nose of the plane.  It was a detail I totally forgot about while I was modeling the plane.  Happy to have those finished now though.

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/59-729-wip-19.jpg)

(https://johnmatthewsart.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/59-729-wip-20.jpg)

After this 105 I have to get back to the B-47E.  Then I've decided to start an F-101B.  I had a teacher in high school who was a back seater in the 101.  Looking forward to doing a few planes that are mostly gray, save for the colorful tails and other markings of that era.