Burning Paper Test 1

I tried to take John H's burning map and use it to add fire - for reasons unknown I couldn't access the textures. Anyway, here's the first version with some fire - it needs to be worked on but you can see the potential hopefully!

Dragon Progress

Still lots to do, but here's an update. Ignore any texture/shading issues.

River texture

According to a tutorial from John Mcgowan and it looks not bad > <. John!!!!! you are brilliant !!!! Any problem?

Tree-Hand Moodboards & Concept Art

Looking through everything that is being worked on at the moment I realized that not very much had been done for the 'Tree-Hand' which entraps the eagle, so I've gathered some research into moodboards and created some artwork concepts.

Tree-Hand Moodboard:

Origami/Paper Trees Moodboard:

Concept Artwork:

I quite liked the idea of the 1st one I drew (top left) of the roots looking like a second hand clawing at the ground - this part wouldn't need animated though, just the main hand part of the branches. With two hands this adds a slightly more human quality, as if Morgoth himself is clawing his way up through the ground. Also the branches and roots look quite contorted which add a sinister and creepy feeling to the tree.
I also tried out a tree with the fingers/branches more closed inwards and claw-like (middle bottom).
Added a few leaves to the tree (middle top) which could be shaken or dropped off when the tree becomes more alive - as if the hand was in disguise.
Also drew a more simplified and origami design for a tree (right) which could be the surrounding trees.

- Lilly

Wake of the Dragon

Another fire test - all animated textures at the moment - timing is to get right, as well as shape and disguising the paper split.  Will make a huge difference when we have real fire to cimp in!

Colour Script/Coloured Moodboards

Here is my attempt at coloured mood boards/ colour scripts. The last couple I just left as Sheng had already coloured them.

Updated Eagle Model

George had begun some tests on rigging the eagle and had asked ne to update the wings to add in some more feathers, straighten out the wings and slim the connection between the wings and body. In addition, I tidied up some of the geometry, enhanced the lines on the head and changed the way the sections wrap around the wings a little. I re-rendered these with a little transparency on the wings and tail, which gives it a more vulnerable papery look.