This course introduces students to the design and development of organic and inorganic visual environments, providing a solid foundation for the conceptualization of 360?degree worlds. The course explores how to understand and organize space, fill it coherently, and build universes capable of integrating characters and objects. Through various styles and techniques, from 2D to 3D, students will learn how to transform an initial idea into a complete and functional visual environment.
Titular Professors
It is required to have previously taken the course in Organic Environments.
The objectives of this course are to enable students to understand and independently develop a visual environment from its conceptual phase to its final completion, integrating drawing, visual planning, basic modeling, lighting, rendering techniques, and digital painting. Throughout the course, students will learn to create thumbnails, sketches, and coherent compositions, as well as to organize elements in space using 3D bases. They are also expected to acquire proficiency in advanced texturing and finishing techniques, develop artistic judgment in the presentation of their pieces, and demonstrate the ability to design objects integrated into the environment, culminating in the production of final images that are solid, expressive, and technically consistent.
Topic 1: Conceptualization and Initial Environment Design. Creation of environment thumbnails using line and shape techniques.
Topic 2: Visual Planning and Spatial Layout. Planning and basic modeling to distribute and position environment elements within the space.
Topic 3: Introduction to 3D: Lighting, Cameras, and Basic Rendering. Environment lighting and camera placement.
Topic 4: Painting and Advanced Texturing Techniques. Painting over 3D renderings using various techniques.
Topic 5: Final Render and Presentation of the Final Images
The course combines theory and practice through a methodology based on active learning and visual experimentation. Instruction will take place through conceptual explanations, analysis of references, technical demonstrations, and progressive exercises that allow students to apply the content immediately. Classes are structured around guided practice, drawing sessions and formal exploration, 3D work, and both individual and group critiques. The approach is primarily hands?on, encouraging each student to develop their own working method, improve their observational skills, and understand how to build coherent environments from an initial idea to their final representation.
The assessment of the course will be based on the progressive development of the practical exercises, evaluating both the students’ understanding of environment?design fundamentals and their technical and artistic progression. The first exercise, diagnostic in nature, will measure the initial skill level through the creation of thumbnails, sketches, visual planning, and basic 3D spatial layout. The second exercise will assess the ability to light a scene, place cameras, generate a base render, and apply digital painting and techniques such as photobashing to build images with depth and visual coherence. The third exercise will focus on the design of objects integrated into the environment and on the final polish of the images, evaluating stylistic coherence, the use of advanced techniques, and the professional quality of the final presentation. Overall, the assessment will reflect the student’s ability to conceptualize, build, and finalize a complete visual environment.
Evaluation criteria for all sessions: If the conditions for passing the evaluation are not met, the maximum grade will be a 4. The student is entitled to a review of the grade on the day stipulated by the professor. During the review, the student's grade may be increased or decreased.
Use of AI tools: If AI tools are used in any activity, a paragraph should be indicated stating what AI was used for and what indications were used to obtain the results. Failure to do so is a violation of academic honesty policies
Robertson, Scott. (2013). How to Draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments
Gurney, James. (2009). Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist: Volume 1
Robertson, Scott. (2017). How to Render HC: The Fundamentals of Light, Shadow and Reflectivity
Gurney, James. (2010). Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter (Volume 2)
Supplementary material will be provided in class.