Broken

It came out really nice, but Apophysis renders are way too slow. Ah, how I wish there was a resume option! Depending on the reception, might as well as render them for Prints and Posters.

It’s quite interesting to see the textures and patterns up close. The textures specially can change drastically the way they look and affect the overall structure. I think that, at this level of zoom, you really start to see how fascinating fractal artwork can be.

Work in Progress #1

Anyway, the structure (shapes, forms…) is done as well as the basic colors. The shading (that’s the depth and 3-Dimensional look) is mostly done in Photoshop (as you can see in the right side of the above image). I could have done it in Ultra Fractal but because of the way I built the image (layers and layers of different colors and shapes using different merge modes) when I tried to add a shadow layer it completely ruined my colors! In that case, better use Photoshop instead.

The next step is to add texture. I’m still thinking about what to use but I definitely want to experiment with things. Probably will use some new OCAs and techniques.

Ojo

Anyway, our first homework was to create an asymmetric fractal from a symmetric one. My end result was Ojo (you can see it on the right). For formula, I used Julia 1st Correction (started with a Mandelbrot, then switch to Julia and then to Julia 1st) and for OCA (Outside Coloring Algorithm), used one of my favorites, Soft Gnarly. The image consists of several layers with the same gradient/formula/OCA except for the texture layers that use Pixel (jp), Advanced Gnarl/Perlin Noise and a BW gradient. I obtained the initial symmetry using the Kaleidoscope mapping and the assymetry using different settings of the Ripples mapping and Kaleidoscope on each of the following layers.

Still deciding if I will put it up for prints and posters, etc. I really like the energy vibe and the contrast between colors but still think it could use a bit more of texture in the different areas. Let’s see.

The download is available here: Fractal Flowers Wallpaper Pack. If you enjoy the wallpapers, please consider buying something from the shop and/or leaving a comment. I appreciate the support. Thanks!

The magazine is available for purchase online on Fantasyana Publishing website, in both a PDF version as well as a Printed one. It’s full of artwork and interviews from artists all over the world and I highly recommend it.

Most of the time I have a rough idea of what I’m aiming for in a piece, whoever, sometimes that can change drastically as I explore the formulas and coloring algorithms. I have lost the number of times that I started with something completely abstract and ended doing a floral and vice-versa! Anyway, for “Doodle” I was looking for simple shapes and bright, vivid colors as it as going to be much more a masking practice, a.k.a. fun, than a serious piece.

Normaly I start with what I call Base, which consists of several layers that form my basic shapes and colors. I like working this way as I feel I get a better range of colors by mixing layers with several modes (addiction, subtraction, red, green, etc) then just using a single layer with gradient (of course that there are moments when having all your colors made of the gradient is more ideal, as in when you need total control of what colors you want, for example).

Well, my Base for Doodle consists of 3 layers and 1 mask (1 layer [merge mode set to normal] + 2 grouped layers with one of them masked [group merge mode set to difference]). They all use Julia as Formula and Orbit Traps (UF3) as OCA (Outside Coloring Algorithm). Here you can see each layer and how they are stacked:

After I have my Base ready I start adding textures to add more depth and detail to the piece. A while ago, I would probably add textures all over the place but since using masking I’m a lot more conscious about the use of textures and where I want them to show up and where they should show up. In Doodle’s case, the textures are a major part of the fractal since I added texture to each part: background, leaves, hearts and other small shapes. Here’s is a glimpse of the textures that I used in the blue background:

All texture layers have they mode set to overlay with varying opacity that can go as low as 5% and high as 60%. The Formula used is Pixel and for OCA’s I made use of 3D SFBM, Single Truchet, Patterns, Truchet FBM and the new Texture that is available in Ultra Fractal 5.

Besides that, I also made use of Mapping. For example, the Kaleidoscope effect in the Movement layer is done through the use of the kaleidoscope mapping. The little dots in the heart’s frames are also made with a mapping but this time instead of kaleidoscope, it was dots.

Overall, this was one of my longest pieces, worked on and off for around 1 month. Most of the work was choosing the right textures and making the masks. Plus, getting iteration masking right, as the texture on the leaves and hearts is dependent on their size, i.e., large leaves, larger texture (trust me, it’s a lot easier said than done). In the end, I learned a lot more about Ultra Fractal and I’m pretty pleased and proud with the result, even if it looks too girly!

A wonderful display of flowers to enjoy all year round. The colors correspond to the months giving you an uplifting feeling throughout the year even for the months we don’t normally like.

Yet another Spiral

Yes, another spiral. I have been making a lot of those lately. This time, it’s for masking and texture practice. Looks promising though, don’t you think?

I like the colors (far from being my favorite combination, but looks alright), but am still unsure about composition. Plus, it looks like it’s lacking a bit of depth (looks too cartoonish and “bi-dimensional” for me at the moment).

But as always, it still is a rough draft of what it can possibly become. Aww, all the results that can come from it!