Mountain lakes 3D (step by step project outline)

[Gluhoded]

***updated some more tips***

I've been requested to draw a mountain lake with a rider using magic to cross it, and an army in pursuit.
here's a step-by-step walkthrough of what i did:
1) make a 3d topography using google sketchup:
3_lakes_3D.jpg
*** to make the angles all wacky i changed the field of view angle from the normal 30-45 degrees to 60-75 degrees, this makes that fish eye lens look to the perspective.

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2) make a very crude drawing to illustrate the general idea. send for approval:
3 lakes layout 1.jpg

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3) start drawing outline and general topography:
3_lakes_progress_01.jpg

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4) finished B&W:
3lakesbwsmall.jpg
*** the water color is an extra layer of light gray set on "multiply" transparency.

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5) color:
3_lakes_color_02-no falling-dude_small.jpg
*** layers i used (+blend modes)
1) B&W lines (set on multiply)
2) Base color layer (set on multiply)
3) Dark tones (set on multiply)
4) Light tones (set on screen)
5) Fog & clouds (set on screen)

[Korash]

I likey muchly

Repped for the walk through and Liked for the finished look

[Dain]

The process is indeed really interesting, thanks for sharing
You're using SketchBook Pro right?

[Gluhoded]

yeah,
I'm painting on a laptop, and not a very strong one, so when the painting was rather detailed and there were more than 3-4 layers it just became so slow it was getting really annoying. sketchbook pro is not as strong or versatile, but it's just really fast and comfortable (besides, i don't know how to use ~95% of Photoshop features).

[EruSilme]

it is a interesting process, sure!
I want to give it a try as soon as possible: i am not a pro using Sketchup (yes, i'm not a pro at all, indeed!), but i think you have described a simple and straight linear, yet fully functional, way to create an artistic looking 3d terrain. Thank you for sharing.