3D Viz Coastal Golf Villa by Terri Brown
This particular project 3D Visualizer Terri Brown was commissioned by a client of Eric Chavoix’s, and is set on a beautiful golf estate in Mauritius. The plot sits right on the golf course, with a view of the lagoon through the trees. It is an expansive house, designed around a central pool and outdoor kitchen. The lounge and dining area are open plan, with a large terrace allowing for lounging and outdoor dining. The double-storeyed living quarters are on the other side of the pool.
To tell you the truth this was a tough project. We did so many view options that I ran out of letters of the alphabet. You know it’s time to quit when you reach View Z08. The problem is that the architects were forced to design under strict guidelines (according to the estate) and there was a whole section of the building we weren’t too keen on emphasizing. It wasn’t all that bad, but you knew that if the architects had had their way they would’ve done it differently. So I preferred to focus on the light and airy living spaces, and the lush vegetation that is so integral to the design. The home is obviously tropical, but as Eric is so influenced by African art and architecture I modeled many bespoke items that lend themselves to an overall warmth and calmness that are so prevalent in Eric’s designs.
-Terri Brown
As usual I was given free artistic license. I have been dying to do an autumn scene, but alas on a tropical island those are pretty much non-existent. Before starting any project I always surf through my library of inspirational images. Every time I see a project or image that strikes me I save it in my library. That way it’s much easier to find what you need at the beginning of each project. In this case I had in mind I the image of low morning light filtering through the trees and grass.
-Terri Brown
To be honest I don’t believe I have a particular edge compared to others. I do work hard, and I love art and the process of creating art. We all have our own style. There are so many people doing incredible things out there, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to imitate others. I think at the end of the day we need to allow the artist in us to express him/herself in their own unique way. We’re all different, and we all see things differently; once we accept that we can express ourselves naturally. To answer your question on my style, I would like to think I am / aim to be photorealistic (that said I always look back and see areas where I can improve). I also think I have that slightly painterly style that probably stems from all my years of Fine Art.
-Terri Brown
I love the aesthetic feel to an image - I don’t want to just portray what a building will look like, but I want you to wish you could be standing where it is. My inspirations….where to start and where to end? Like I said, there are many incredible artists out there. To name a few of my favourite 3D artists: Bertrand Benoit, Alex Roman, Peter Guthrie…and the list goes on and on. Favourite photographer: Fernando Guerrra. I adore Scandinavian architecture and Dutch design. I think I have also developed an unhealthy obsession with chairs and pendant lighting.
-Terri Brown
Practice, practice…practice! Don’t give up…even when it seems like you’ll never be as good as Joe Soap. When I look at work I did two years ago I want to cringe. There’s always room for improvement, and in this field we’ll never stop learning. Keep your eyes on guys that inspire you - be inspired and not intimidated…they also started out somewhere once apon a time. Store up references. Study nature.
-Terri Brown
The way light reacts with surfaces and different environments. Take your example from reality, not from someone else’s 3D. Do tutorial after tutorial. Study composition, form and colour - Fine Art basics. Rather be an artist trying to use the software than a software pro trying to be an artist. And have fun! What a cool career!
-Terri Brown
References/Moodboard for the project:
About Terri Brown
Terri Brown is a 3D visualisation artist from South Africa, currently living in Mauritius. She graduated with a degree in Fine Art (Master in Painting). As much as she loves art, she knew it was a tough industry in which to succeed, and so 13 years ago she started in the 3D field with the dream of making movies. Terri was lucky enough to begin her career at The Mill in London, and there learned a lot about the commitment needed to make it in the industry. It was only after marrying and moving to Mauritius almost 9 years ago that she unintentionally fell into the architectural field. It was through working with the very talented Eric Chavoix that she developed a real love for the pure forms and compositions of good architecture, and discovered how exciting and challenging it was to try and capture that ‘perfect shot’ that probably would have been impossible in reality.Terri is now working part time for Eric Chavoix and do freelance work when it comes around. See more of her work on Behance or her website.