OPUS ARTZ - Digital Art & Entertainment Design

Wacom Cintiq 24HD Launch

2011-09-13T04:08:00.001-07:00

Flagship promotional illustration developed for Wacom Cintiq 24HD

here is a live hands on review by product manager Guido Moeller

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Cintiq 24HD Product Reviews

Here are various links to Cintiq 24HD reviews

At £1,999 inc. VAT, it’s a pricey piece of kit, but for matte painters, texture artists or digital sculptors who have to use these systems for hours on end, it’s probably a small price to pay for improved accuracy and comfort.

Wacom - Cintiq24HD

2011-09-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

For all those asking about the Cintiq, here is some breaking news.

Officially announced on September 13 2011, this news story was already released from sources in Asia (china to be specific) of the next gen Cintiq 24HD.

Key Points

Improved graphical display
Improved gamut display
Cintiq 24HD 700:1 contrast ratio with 180cd/m2 luminance (vs Cintiq 21UX | 500:1 contrast ratio with 220 cd/m2) i.e more black/white discernment in a completely dark room which translates to better graphical discernment with ambient lighting.
2048 levels + Tip-sensor technology + 13ms response time
Cintiq 21UX and Cintiq 24HD will co exist within the Cintiq range.

Pricing

SRP: EUR 2.299,90 (incl. VAT)
GBP 1.999,99 (incl. VAT,)
US $ 2.299,95 (excl. VAT)

Cintiq 24HD Technical Details

-DVI-I with HDCP + DisplayPort, Analog RGB
-a-Si TFT active matrix LCD (h-IPS)
-Brightness: 190cd/m2
-Contrast: 550: 1
-Reaction time:13 ms
-Viewing Angle: 89/89/89/89
-Parallax: 2.6mm
-Native Resolution: 1920x1200
-Aspect Ratio: 16:10
-Supported Resolution: 1920x1200, 1600x1200, 1280x1024, 1024x768, 800x600, 640x480
-Pixel Pitch: 0.270x0.270mm
-Up to 92% Adobe RGB color saturation
-2048 levels of pressure sensors with 60 degree tilt sensor (Intuos4)
-Wireless passive pen technology
-Product Dimensions: 30.28 x 18.26 x 2.52 inches (769.3 x 463.7 x 64 mm) (without stand)
-Screen Size: 24.1 inches, 20.41 x 12.76 inches (518.4 x 324.0 mm)
-Weight: Digital display: 30.2 pounds (13.7Kg), with stand: 32.85 pounds (14.9Kg)
-Power: 71W (maximum), 2W (sleep mode)
-MTBF (mean time between failure): 20,000 hours

Wacom Inkling - Initial preview

2011-08-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

Now that the new Wacom Inkling is officially launched,
here are some initial images of the new device.

This will be subsequently followed by a field test report from various artist friends and colleagues.

For consumers, here is the initial information about availability and purchasing of Inklings.

Availability of Inkling: Available in the shops end of September/early October
Pricing: USD $199 / 169.90 Euro or GBP £149,99
NB: Wacom Europe only serves the EMEA markets

inFamous2: Production Design & Concepts

2011-07-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Here is a mini drop of some of the works, production design and concepts produced for Suckerpunch's inFamous 2.

In addition, Kotaku has greatly honoured us with a double mention pertaining to the recent drop.
Thank you!

this-video-game-art-packs-twice-the-infamy

Opus Artists: Bjorn Hurri & Theo Stylianides

2011-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

We've been extremely fortunate to have our Opus Art artists get a double mention on various news sites and kotaku this past week.

So for those who missed it, here are the respective links

Bjorn Hurri - Lead Artist: Kotaku:The Brutal, Beautiful Video Game Art of Bjorn Hurri

Theo Stylianides - Artist: Kotaku: Commander Sheppard Redesign

Pre-Order: The Art of inFamous 2

2011-06-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ballistic & Suckerpunch are producing a art of book for the inFamous2 franchise
for release in September 2011

The Art of Infamous 2
out September 2011

ISBN 978-1-921002-95-3 RRP: A$70 Ballistic Publishing has partnered with Sony Computer Entertainment America and Sucker Punch Productions to produce the next book in its The Art of the Game series with The Art of InFamous 2. The 272-page art book showcases the amazing work of the Sucker Punch Productions’ creative team, with hundreds of drawings, paintings, and sculpts created for the sequel of the critically-acclaimed InFamous PS3 game. Nowhere else will you get a better appreciation of the talent and skills that go into a major game production or the personalities of the artists working on these amazing projects.

Pre orders can be had at your local

inFamous2 - Hero Edition unpackaging

2011-06-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well folks,

InFamous2 is finally out in the wild and released.

Here is a look at the normal European disc boxart

Whereas, the Hero edition comes in a Lenticular slipcase with the game disc unfolding out in a horizontal 3 piece layered unfolding.

Additional merchandise include a Messenger tote bag with Sly Cooper logo on it, with a nice figurine of Cole.

The Unpackaging Experience

The only, one singular flaw of the European Sony box unpackaging experience is that it feels that all the seperate merchandise from the game disc, the comic and such are great in itself individually. Even the external box art is great with a good cole/bad cole on either side of a large cardboard box.

However, upon opening the box, one will quickly realise the whole unpackaging experience fell short. Either due to soem foresight, time issues or monetary, it just feels like - lets shove all these separate items in a cardboard box. make sure its secure, and....thats it. Stick a nice external box cover, and we're ready to rock.

BUT....has anyone asked, if you receive this as a special collectors item, and you've paid some significant funding for this, how would the recipient feel.

With the difficulties in producing limited edition box sets for fans and consumerist who want to EXPERIENCE the whole merchandise, saga and lore of a game or IP, this basic fact seems to have escaped the designers responsible for packaging, and liason with the manufacturers and sourcing the merchandising.

Perhaps the budget was stretched BUT, being able to source a suitable box or container, for all these lovely merchandise is NOT impossible. Its what every good design firm will do, every single day. Alas...

Anyways, onwards towards the game!

NB: And did I mention, the tote bag is really really useful and nice.
Fits a macboopro and intuos 4 and all sorts of smaller accessories in a external slim pocket.

Update:

inFamous2: End Credits - Contractors
We get a nice mention within the End credits, under Contractors

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 - E3 Material

2011-06-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some images we helped produce for Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2

And here are additional screenshots & images for Sniper 2 released at E3 2011

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 - Gameplay Visuals

2011-06-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a first look at Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 gameplay visuals incorporating conceptual art and direction developed at Opus Artz studio in collaboration with City Interactive for the CryEngine 3.

XCOM - E3 2011 Classified Matter Trailer

2011-06-07T04:02:00.000-07:00

At long last, a good look at gameplay and premise of the XCOM was shown at E3 2011

inFamous2 - Sony E3 2011 trailer & Street Fighter x Tekken

2011-06-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

Here is Cole at the Sony E3 Press Conference, showcasing his range of new powers now available on release on the 7th June 2011.

In addition, here is gameplay showing Cole's new electric spam death techniques

In addition, Cole McGrath makes a guest appearance on PSVita on the Street Fighter X Tekken project

And finally, Kevin Butler makes a promo for inFamous2

UK InFamous 2: Hero Edition - Play.com

2011-05-24T06:19:00.001-07:00

For you folks, clamoring for the InFamous2 Hero edition in UK, preparing to open your wallet at Play.com

Purchase InFamous 2 from Play.com and get early access to the Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Multiplayer BETA Trial from 28th June to 04th July 2011*

Harness the power of a hero and take on The Beast with this Play.com exclusive luxury edition, packed with memorabilia and deadly downloadable weapons

inFamous 2: Hero Edition Includes:
- Lightning Hook power: This electro-kinetic tether let's you grab your enemies from afar and also pick up critical ammunition
- Electrocution Grenade
- 24K Golden Amp
- Original Cole alternate skin: Play as the classic version of Cole from the first
- inFamous story
- Kessler alternate skin: Play as Cole's nemesis, the powerful electrokinetic master
- Kessler from the first inFamous story
- 8.5" Cole MacGrath figurine: Created exclusively for the Hero Edition by the legendary DC Comics
- Sling bag: Your very own replica Sling Bag as worn by Cole in inFamous 2
- Collector's edition digital soundtrack: Featuring all the original tracks from inFamous 2
- inFamous comic: A special edition from DC Comics

inFamous 2: Hero Edition

Here is a quick look at the latest trailer: the beast is coming - 11th June 2011

Some additional developer gameplay interviews from gamespot ranging from Cinematic cutscenes to new inFAMOUS 2 powers such as ionic vortex vs melee powers to integrating user generated content.

City Interactive - Ghost Warrior Sniper 2 @ E3 2011

2011-05-19T03:06:00.000-07:00

City Interactive will be showcasing their upcoming sequel to Ghost Warrior, featuring the CryEngine 3.

2010 and the first half of 2011 has been great for City Interactive, and our expectations for the rest of 2011 going into 2012 and beyond are even greater. Our lineup of upcoming titles will offer consumers a great mix of exciting games and will highlight our growing product development capabilities,” said Marek Tymiński, CEO of City Interactive. “Sniper: Ghost Warrior has been a tremendous success for us, selling over a million copies, and we are excited about some of the great things we are doing in our development studios and in utilizing the fantastic game engines we’ve licensed, which include the CryENGINE® 3 and Unreal Engine 3.”

City Interactive will be offering developer interviews as well as playable versions of the following titles at E3 2011:

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 (Xbox/PS3/PC) – Takes the bulls-eye precision of its best-selling predecessor to new and exciting heights. Powered by the CryENGINE3 engine, the missions of Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 are graphically stunning and more challenging as you once again step into the ghillie suit of a special ops sniper to take down the enemy.

Develop Brighton 20-21 July 2011

2011-05-06T03:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

Its that summertime again, and what a brilliant early start to summer we've had in the British Isle this April. Anyways, the annual Develop Brighton comes once again this mid-July and one of the main attraction for the creatives is the Keynote Art track by Ian McCaig - who is well reknown for visually and sonically engaging story driven lectures and anaecdotes of wisdom to last one's entire career. That's how impactful Ian's onstage persona can be.

In any regard, we hope we get to meet likeminded creatives for a good jaunt down at the Hilton Brighton on July 20th and have a good one!

Ian McCaig: Art Keynote Lecture

Iain McCaig
Job Title: Artist and Conceptual Designer

Session: ART KEYNOTE: Showtime!

IAIN McCAIG is an internationally recognized and award winning artist and one of the motion picture industry’s leading conceptual designers. His exceptional command of human anatomy, character, emotional expression and visual narrative make him on of the most sought after artists working in the entertainment industry today.

He has worked for Lucasfilm as one of the principal designers on Star Wars Episode One—The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode Two—Attack of the Clones, and: Star Wars Episode Three—Revenge of the Sith. His work includes the landmark designs for Queen Amidala and Darth Maul. Among his other film credits are James Cameron's 'Terminator II', Steven Spielberg's 'Hook', Francis Ford Coppola's 'Dracula', Neil Jordan’s 'Interview With the Vampire', Sony/Revolution/Universal’s ‘Peter Pan’, and Warner Brothers’ 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'. He is also Co-Producer and Concept Design Director on Ascendant Pictures’ science-fiction epic: ‘Outlander’.

Iain is currently writing, directing, producing and designing his first animated feature film, ‘The Book of Secrets’ for ForestLight in Sweden.

Steampunk Reimagined Starwars: Bjorn Hurri

2011-03-12T03:42:00.000-08:00

Opus Artz's Lead Artist: Bjorn Hurri has recently been featured in various magazine and blog articles related to his reimagineering of variosu Star wars characters within a steampunk style.

Here are a collection of the current images:

Dead Space 2 - 3D Artist: Mastering Horror

2011-03-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Issue 26: March 2011: Mastering Fur & Hair edition

Additional coverage of Dead Space 2 artwork featuring Opus Artz promotional artwork is covered within the Behind the Scenes of Dead Space 2 article.

In addition, discussion of how the new Isaac Clarke suit was reinvented and what makes a successful element of deep space horror is revealed.

Dungeon Legend Website: Official Launch

2011-03-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Opus Artz is proud to officially support the development and launch of the Dungeon Legend franchise - currently in development for the IOS platform.

Please find out more through the Dungeon Legend website here:
http://www.dungeonlegend.com

Paradox Interactive - promotionals

2011-03-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

Here are some promotional illustrations produced for paradox Interactive

SALEM

The Crafting MMO

Salem is set in a fantastical New England and offers free form massively multiplayer gameplay in a persistent, mutable and online world. With players taking the roles of intrepid colonists from the Old World seeking to make lives for themselves in the New, Salem provides them with unique crafting, farming and building systems inspired by 17th century alchemy.

Cast in a mold of cute-gothic Salem's lighthearted art style makes for the perfect contrast to the otherwise grim realities of open player-versus-player combat and permanent death. Experience Squonks, Hidebehinds, Witchcraft and the fullest freedom of a sandbox conceived in Liberty.
Features

* Massive Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game.
* Persistent and mutable world.
* Crafting, farming and building.
* Open PvP combat with permanent death.
* Free to Play.

Getysburg: Armoured Warface

Prepare for the Alternate American Civil War

Gettysburg: Armored Warfare is a free-to-play online Real Time Strategy / First Person Shooter hybrid putting players in the middle of an alternate version of the American Civil War. The game feature persistent army progression allowing players to customize their army according to their taste and playing style.
Description

Large scale battles, customizable armies, unique gameplay set in against a familiar yet futuristic backdrop are the key elements in this re-creation of the American Civil War.
Features

* Free-to-Play
* 64 players per server
* 4 maps (9 km x 9 km in size)
* Over 1'000 controllable units on the battlefield at once
* Play as Union or Confederate
* 10 unit types
* Modifications & upgrades for units
* Persistent Point/XP system and Stats Tracking
* Upgradable avatars (Using points/XP)
* 3 unit game modes (Only 1860s, Only hybrid 2060s, and All types)
* Achievements powered by Paradox Connect

Infamous 2 - UGC

2011-02-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

InFamous 2 now reveal that User Generated Missions are included, thus providing infinite possibilities and longevity towards the series franchise

Cole McGrath Dated June 7th

2011-02-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

Looks like InFamous 2 is dated for a June 7th Launch, including this Hero edition

Dead Space 2 - Illustrations

2011-01-29T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks,

Here are the various cover illustrations and promotionals produced by the Opus Artz team, now available in the public domain: PSM3, OXM 360, XBOX 360 World, Playgamer, EGM.

A full size poster of Isaac is currently available on XBOXWORLD 360, Issue 101 March 2011

Enjoy!

UK Dead Space 2 - Officially Launched

2011-01-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

Well folks, Dead Space 2 is finally available in UK.

We're looking forward to receiving our Collector Edition packs, and sharing a retrospective of all the visual goodness of gaming covers & illustrations featured to date.

Watch this space (meanwhile, well be taking Isaac out into deep space for a spin!)

Update: 30 - Jan 2011

Dead Space 2 debuts at no1. as a new entry, for week ending 30th Jan 2011 in the UL

1 Dead Space 2
2 LittleBigPlanet 2
3 FIFA 11
4 Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
5 Call of Duty: Black Ops

Dead Space 2: Isaac @ London Tubes

2011-01-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2011 & welcome back!

After a well deserved break, we help usher in 2011 with Sci-Fi action horror Dead Space 2 launching 28 Jan 2011.

Isaac Clarke sightings around the London Tube stations

As such, here are some mugshots of Isaac doing the rounds at the various London tube stations (in particular London Bridge, Bank, St Pauls stations)

XBOX360 & XBOX World: Feb 2011 Dead Space 2 Cover Art

In addition, here is a early look at some of the latest Dead Space 2 magazine reviews hitting the news stands for Feb 2011 featuring cover artwork and artwork by Opus Artz.

*UPDATE: Live From Visceral

There is a Live videostream From Visceral at 4:30pm PST 24-Jan-2011!
Check it out!

www.ustream.tv/deadspace

**UPDATE: Dead Space 2 Launched!

Lucky folks in the US have received copies of their DS2 game, and from their local Gamestop retailers midnight launch event.

Metacritic currently scores Dead Space 2 to at 91%

http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/dead-space-2

Infamous 2 - Behind The Scenes @ Comic Con

2010-12-29T03:21:00.000-08:00

SuckerPunch - Behind The Scenes

Some nice developer video interviews for the development of InFamous 2 and being accepted as part of popular culture

Release of Digital Painting vol 2 featuring Opus artwork for limited edition t-shirt

2010-11-18T01:04:00.000-08:00

Digital Painting Techniques: Volume 2 provides another thrilling opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished and skilled digital artists from around the world.

With the imminent release of Digital Painting Techniques: Volume 2 , the first 200 pre-orders will receive a one off custom designed T-Shirt which features the artwork by Opus Artz's very own Chee Ming Wong!

Dead Space 2 - MultiPlayer Magazine Visuals

2010-09-30T02:24:00.000-07:00

Opus Artz is pleased to share some of the Multiplayer visuals produced for Dead Space 2, featured in Electronic Gamer Monthly and local PlayGamer Issue 16.

Bioshock 2 - Additional Concept Art [Part 1]

2010-09-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Opus Artz is pleased to share some key art visuals produced for the Bioshock 2 franchise.

Brunel Tunnel - Free Entry, Open House weekend Sep 18-19th

2010-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Open House Weekend

September (18-19th) see's the big weekend in London for getting to see inside buildings normally closed to the public. Our museum's record was 1,200 people in one day!

The Brunel Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 until 17:00 unless there is a special event on in which case see the publicity.

Entry to the Brunel Museum is a recession busting £2.00 and £1.00 for concessions. Children under 16 are admitted free of charge.

Brunel Museum
Railway Avenue
Rotherhithe
London
SE16 4LF

Telephone: 020 7231 3840
Email: education@brunel-museum.org.uk

Nearest tube stations are Bermondsey and Canada Water on the Jubilee line.

Lots of buses run down Jaimaca Road and Brunel Road from Greenwich, Peckham and London Bridge. Use the Journey Planner link on this page to find your best route.

Brunel Tunnel - 8th Wonder

The Thames Tunnel

When first opened in 1843 the tunnel was described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. People came from far and wide to see it such was the pulling power of the first tunnel to be built with a tunneling shield under a navigable river.

on the first day of opening 50,000 people walked though the tunnel paying a penny a time. Within the first ten weeks 1,000,000 people had walked through. These were staggering numbers that any attraction would be delighted with today but bear in mind this is 1843 and the population of the whole of London is 2,000,000 people. In the age of sail and horse drawn coaches enough people came from France and Germany it was worth while to produce souveneirs in French and German. When visitors descended down into the tunnel there was entertainment laid on and shops were in each of the cross tunnel arches.

Dead Space 2 - Multiplayer

2010-09-13T03:30:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, Visceral are releasing coverage and news with regards
to the Multi player aspect of Dead Space 2 on GTTV.

Here are some initial trailers/footage covered by Game Trailers on GTTV, of which we helped provide some high resolution marketing standees for Dead Space 2 that were shown at PAX 2010.

In addition, Dr. Michio Kaku presents the science of super suits, featuring
aspects like Isaac's suit.

GT: SCIENCE OF SUPERSUITS

For further news and information, the DeadSpace Facebook page has good commentary and social involvement.

Dead Space 2 - Gamescom

2010-08-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

Here is the insane HALO space jump revealed at Gamescom 2010

InFamous 2 - Gamescom

2010-08-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some trailers and views of InFamous 2 shown at Gamescom 2010, Cologne.

GDC Europe/Gamescom 2010 - Part I

2010-08-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

We return again to the 2nd year of the GDC europe/Gamescom event run in the beautiful cathedral city of Cologne.

Over the weekend, the weather was indeterminate - being amazingly warm balmy 30 degrees one day, and torrentially wet the next. Nevertheless, we will bring you live some of the highlights of this highly recommend event via our Opus picture diary blog.

Notes: As you can see, on a good day Cologne is spectacular. Great balmy weather, pink charity marathons, beer, italian eis and food by the Rhein, and stag night parties everywhere. Even the GDCE10/gamescom flags stand proudly in its full colours throughout the city

GDCE 10 - Registration:
For early registration, attendees (managing to tackle through the rain) Sunday, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm in the Cologne Congress Center East. However many of us could not hack the cold biting 16 C rain, and choose some alternate indoor activities.

On such occasions, we were recommended the local Koln zoo. And the abundant enclosures, wildlife, aquariums and insectarium made for a good day out (if you happen to fancy splashing about in soggy wet shoes, whilst getting in touch with nature)

Around London & UK - July to Sep 2010

2010-07-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

Now we are enjoying a truly British weather, let us highlight the cultural and creative highlights around London to enjoy.

First up. RCA Sargent and the Sea Exhibition (featuring sketches and works around Paris, Normandy, Brittany. Please note, the contrast seen from the preliminary sketches and doodles and the vast amount of preparation involved per saloon painting is astonishing that at times one wonders how the sketches relate with the final image. And thus it is easy to be underwhelmed in some aspects of Sargent's preparatory works.

Sargent and the Sea

10 July—26 September 2010

In the Sackler Wing of Galleries

American expatriate artist John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) is best known for his glamorous society portraits. Now, for the first time in Britain, 'Sargent and the Sea' presents more than 80 paintings, drawings and watercolours that reveal a less familiar side of the artist: the seascapes and coastal scenes subjects produced in his early career during summer journeys from Paris to Brittany, Normandy and Capri, as well as two transatlantic voyages.

Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London W1J 0BD
Registered Charity No. 1125383

Trafalgar Square's Hedge Maze

Next up is the Trafalgar Square's maze.

Being run till August 6th 2010, visitors should enjoy and delight in rediscovering the old historic significance within this hedge maze in the Centre of London.

Parts of the maze are named after areas of the West End and as the visitors try to find their way around they can learn about those places.

In the centre of the maze there will be a different piece of entertainment, from around the West End, every day for the five days the maze will be open.

The labyrinth, organised by the West End Partnership, runs until 6 August.

Around London & UK - June to July 2010

2010-06-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some upcoming local events that are recommended to our local lads/ladies this Summer in UK.

Sotheby London - Victorian & Edwardian auction lot | Jul 13th 2pm

The Victorian and Edwardian era was one of the most fascinating periods in art history and one of the most diverse. This sale in particular presents the best of the varying styles and schools of artists, from PreRaphaelitism in the mid nineteenth century to the work of the Newlyn artists and their followers in the early twentieth century. Many of the pictures have not been seen in public for many decades, including an exquisite charcoal drawing by John William Waterhouse entitled Flora made in preparation for his large painting Flora and the Zephyrs.

Unknown to modern biographers having been in a private collection for almost half a century, this drawing is one of a strong group of Pre-Raphaelite works by Rossetti, Millais, Stillman and Watts, which also includes a dramatic coloured chalk drawing by Dante Gabriel Rossetti of his model Alexa Wilding and a delicate portrait by George Frederick Watts of his adopted daughter Blanche

Update: 7th July 2010

A Turner masterpiece has sold for almost £30m - a new auction record for the British master. Joseph Mallord William Turner's Modern Rome - Campo Vaccino, fetched £29,721,150 at Sotheby's in London.
The painting was sold by a descendant of the fifth Earl of Rosebery, who bought it in 1878 while on honeymoon with his wife Hannah Rothschild.

The previous record for a Turner was £20.5m for a view of Venice, which went under the hammer in April 2006.

Credits: BBC News

Develop Brighton | 13-15 July
UK's top game conference is back this year with the main keynote opening from Bioware founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk , featuring a whole host of game related developments for production, art, audio, design, and bizdev. Included are 9 free 30 minute sessions open to all participants and expo pass holders. Guaranteed a good social atmosphere by the beach, we look forward to seem familiar ole friends and new faces

London Festival of Architecture 2010 | 19th June - 4th july
The London Festival of Architecture will be a city-wide celebration of architecture in the capital. As London gears up for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games we look at ways that planners, architects and local communities play their part in the development of 'The Welcoming City'. Includes:

Central Weekend: NASH RAMBLAS: 19-20 June
East Weekend: HIGH STREET 2012: 26-27 June
South Weekend: BANKSIDE URBAN FOREST: 3-4 July

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening | 27th Jul - 1st Oct 2010.
This summer, see lavishly furnished rooms with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace. Highlights include:

•paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude
•sculpture by Canova and Chantrey
•exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain
•some of the finest English and French furniture in the world
The Queen's Year Exhibition at Buckingham Palace
The special Queen's Year exhibition at the Summer Opening of the State Rooms in 2010 presents the spectacle of the principal national and ceremonial events in the royal calendar.

The Queen’s Year will include displays of ceremonial robes, gifts, uniforms and dresses, as well as archive photography and film to evoke the many and varied aspects of the sovereign’s work.

The exhibition will illustrate the pageantry, tradition and ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament, the historic Garter Day ceremony at Windsor Castle and Trooping the Colour, as well as investitures, garden parties and State Visits.

Other sights to See

So there you have it folks, I highly recommend visiting these areas this summer, and take in some of the sights for free or relatively low cost - and overall inject a bit of culture, atmosphere and most importantly all for the love of improving art, architecture and design.

We would also highly recommend enjoying a picnic at one of the open cinema screenings at Somerset house near embankement.

If there are some cultural art events you think we should include, please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions. See you around the London Thames sketching!

London Bridge Sketchmeet - 13th May

2010-05-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

There is an informal Nandos Southwark sketchmeet at 7pm tonight.

DS2: Agents of EarthGov

2010-04-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

EA have just released a bunch of artwork regarding Isaac Clarke, hailing the return of Dead Space 2 on a foregin moon.

Here is a image, we helped produced for the Agents of EarthGov audio log.

For more of the EA artworks, do check out their official dead space website: Deadspace.ea.com

Opus Artz - April to May Activities

2010-04-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

April has been a busy month for us here at Opus, and combined with the lovely Easter break and beautiful weather we will be meeting again at our favourite drawing haunts, at the Southwark Nandos on April the 14th for more casual drawing, feedback and meeting of like-minded artists (amateur & pro) from the entertainment industry.

In other news,

There are further life drawing activities at the Hesketh Hubbard Society, Mall galleries on April the 12th, 16th, 23rd, 26th and 30th.

We will be planning further sketching/reference daytrips to:

Enjoy!

Tower of London

Some early morning Plein aire sketching and digital painting to be had around the Tower of London area from 9am to Noon on 18th and 24th April 2010. If you're in the area, please feel free to drop us a line/comment.

London Art Sketchmeets

2010-02-19T00:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks,

Here is our Q1 2010 calender of events, whereby various art sketchmeets and art classes are being organised.

NANDOS - Southwark SketchMeet
Dates: 25th February 2010

Life Drawing - HESKETH HUBBARD ART SOCIETY
Dates: March 12th, 19th, 26th, 29th 2010

Studies - Museum & Exhibits
- National gallery: 19th February 2010
- V&A: TBD
- Soane Museum: TBD

Bioshock 2 - Rapture Edition

2010-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasant surprised to receive some hefty packages from the delivery man this morning of both the Xbox 360 & PS3 Rapture editions of Bioshock 2.

We were particularly impressed by the high quality and level of detail that went into the marketing collaterals, boxset, velvet inlay, metallic sheen on the boxdisc, the Vinyl imprint for the CD & Vinyl copy. Last but not least, the art books was a hefty beast itself featuring artwork from a few levels, some storyboards, dioramas and character designs.

To top it all off, the 3 vintage posters are featured proudly in the studio.

At long last, after more than a year of waiting, we get to re enter the realm of Bioshock 2, and enjoy the fruits of labour that we had helped contribute in, with regards to the early pre production and production of the environments & props.

Credits: Opus Artz - Additional Environmental Concept Work

Kudos to the team at 2K Marin, and a great job on the marketing/box set collaterals. Job well done!

Onwards with the Rapture!

Bioshock 2: Bioshocklings Invade London Tubes

2010-02-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks,

Over the weekend, we took the opportunity to collate the various Bioshock 2 adverts & pictures gratuitously featured across the various London tubes.

It is not too remote to imagine what London would be like if flooded, and a Big Daddy and Little Sisters stomping through the disued tube stops.

Tomorrow, Bioshock 2 officially hits the shops, and I'm sure all the staff at 2K and our studios will be looking forward to its release.

DS2: OPM & XBOX World 360 Mag Covers

2010-01-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

Opus Artz has produced exclusive european & South Afrika magazine artworks for EA's next horror title Dead Space 2 which is currently featured in the latest issues of Official Playstation Magazine UK and XBOX World 360.

Featured artworks include Magazine Cover Art and interior splash images.

Official Playstation Magazine UK Issue 44 Jan 2010 and XBOX World 360 Issue 87 Feb 2010 are out now, and available at major UK retail stores.

In addition, it features surprisingly as nice wallpaper at the recent PAX Eeast conference, about a world of horror. Check it out! Isaac can really fly, in the lovely train chase flight teaser! I know we were certainly impressed with that wow moment!

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/5755043

Lisa Tse of Opus Artz speaks to Women in Games Jobs

2009-12-22T03:41:00.000-08:00

Opus Artz is a dynamic creative studio providing digital art for the entertainment industry, specialising in pre-production, pre-visualisation and concept artwork for games and movies.

WIG Jobs met Lisa Tse, Director of Opus Artz in Lyon, France. In collaboration with Lisa Tse Ltd, Opus Artz is in the unique position to offer an integrated art and design service to clients wanting to take concepts from the drawing board into successful marketable titles.

Their key services includes: Key Visualization scenes; Character Concepts; Environment & Industrial Design; and Production designs.

Seasons Greetings

2009-12-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We look forward to seeing you all in 2010!

Opus Artz Studio

Key Art // Production Design // Illustration // Environment // Concepts

Character Design // Transport Design // Box Art // Promotional Design

Our studio will be closed during the Christmas break and open as usual from 4th January 2010.

Opus Artz is a private limited company registered in England and Wales. Registration No. 6379176. Registered offices: Gresham House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN United Kingdom.

Christmas & New Year Festivities

2009-12-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

To all our friends, and clients, well wishes and seasons greetings.
Wishing you all a time of festivities, reunion and kinship with family & friends.

Here are a collage of pics from our Studio Christmas Party.

Here is looking forward to a great 2010.

IGDA London - Writers Block

2009-12-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

IGDA London hosted a wonderful evening roundtable featuring a great cast of game writers, their challenges, how they broke into the industry and the challenges of being a game designer.

In the evening, everyone ajourned (and invaded) the local pub in Borough for an evening of drinks. I just wished, I could have found out more, with regards to the challenges of developing games realted to Movie tie ins. Eg. Terminator Salvation, Avatar, etc.

IGDA London: Writers Block

Spend an evening with a group of experienced games writers who will share their thoughts on game writing and where it’s headed by regaling stories of how they broke into the industry, discussing the obstacles that face writers new to the industry and answer any questions the audience might have. In association with IGDA’s Writing SIG and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, IGDA’s London chapter invite all those interested in games writing to join them on the Thursday, December 3 at 7 pm at London South Bank University (followed by a pint at The Ship).

Speakers
Tom Jubert – The Penumbra Series,
Rhianna Pratchett – Heavenly Sword, Overlord, Mirror’s Edge
James Swallow – Deus Ex 3, Maelstrom, Star Trek Invasion
Andrew S. Walsh – Prince of Persia, Risen, Harry Potter

Where:

Keyworth Theatre A
London South Bank University
Keyworth Street

When:

2009/12/03 19:00 - 21:00

Opus Artz at Games Connection Lyon 2009

2009-11-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

Opus Artz will be present at the Games Connection Lyon on Dec 8-10th 2009, and would love to meet and discuss your visual development needs.

Our key services includes: Key Visualization scenes; Character Concepts; Environment & Industrial Design; and Production designs.

For an appointment, please contact us:

info@opusartz.com | +44 (0) 20 3138 1548

Opus Artz - space painting e-book

2009-09-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

Opus Artz - space and environment specialist Dr. CM Wong's mammoth 161 page e-book is now available on release at the good folks at CGsociety store and 3DTotal.

Here is what they had to say:

3D Total: Space Painting - Tutorial eBook

This mammoth 161 page eBook is an extremely detailed exploration
of the techniques and design approaches behind creating epic and lavish digital artwork relating to the theme of Space and Science Fiction.The series is divided into three main categories; Planets & Starfields, Transport and Environments and spans across 12 in depth chapters in total. The tutorials on offer cover a multitude of techniques and useful tips and tricks to painting all aspects of space and deals with the tools in Photoshop used to create such effects.

The author covers a multitude of the aesthetic considerations behind producing the wide array of both digital and traditional artwork alike,
as well as much of the scientific theory relevant to the design process ensuring a measured and realistic approach to the subject matter.
We look at traditional sketching techniques common to many design studios and how these practices work hand in hand with digital methods and all along ensuring a practical approach to solving the artistic issues, producing both plausible and yet imaginative concepts.

Bioshock 2 illustrators Opus Artz join Tiga

2009-09-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

Opus Artz Joins TIGA - press release

Bioshock2 Illustrators Join TIGA

Extract:

Versatile British art studio wants to raise the profile of 'games as art'

London-based art outsourcing group Opus Artz – which has recently produced concept art for Bioshock 2 – is the latest company to join games industry group Tiga.
The firm has international clients based in the film, game and publishing industries, with services ranging from key art to industrial design and concept art.
As well as providing its services for Bioshock 2, the group is also playing a part in Southpeak Interactive’s Edge of Twilight project.
The company’s founder, Dr Chee Ming Wong, said the group wanted to join Tiga to “raise the profile of video games as the 8th art”, and at the same time linked that concept to a speech made by Denis Dyack.

Opus Artz Joins TIGA

2009-09-03T03:49:00.000-07:00

03 September 2009

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK’s games industry, today announced Opus Artz as its newest member.

Opus Artz is a visualisation centric art outsourcing studio based in London, UK with a global client base in film, games and publishing. Services include Key Art, Industrial Design, Illustration and Concept Art. Current projects include Bioshock 2 (Xbox360, PS3, PC) for 2K Marin and Edge of Twilight (Xbox360, PS3, PC) for Fuzzyeyes / Southpeak Interactive.

Dr Chee Ming Wong, Director and Founder of Opus Artz states: “At Opus Artz we pride ourselves on our personal touch, providing professional and experienced support with the aim to ensure that our client’s products are the best available on the market. We live, dream and breathe art and work collaboratively with our clients to deliver exceptional results on time and on budget.”

On joining TIGA Wong stated: “We believe in the impact of producing great concept art that contribute towards making games successful. To both inspire and define a unique visual art style and thus distinguish and enhance the overall production process.”

“We would like to work with TIGA to raise the profile of video games as the 8th art [as proposed by Denis Dyack at Silicon Knights]. There is phenomenal talent in our industry and the visual beauty of some games can literally take your breath away. We would like to see more done to promote video games as a medium which inspires, immerses and enthrals its users, rather than simply as a pure entertainment platform.”

“In addition, we would also like to work closely with TIGA on improving the links between academia and industry with regards
to the Visual Arts. We have noted TIGA’s work to bring industry and educators together and we welcome this.”

Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO stated: “Opus Artz have a very commendable ethos of cross participation and art exchange between all levels of disciplines, artists and groups across the entertainment industry. This is something that TIGA also aims to foster within the games industry and among creative industries, academia and others through the Play Together initiatives. We look forward to working closely with Opus Artz on this and other programs in the future.”

Link: Opus Artz Joins TIGA

Reference - Lost Cities & Lost Treasure

2009-08-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

Every artist - established or growing has at his or her disposal a decent and modest access to a available references and books on hand. This task and quest, is a lifelong one and I would recommend a gradual and considered consideration of purchases in order to ensure you have the appropriate reference (and not end up with stacks of un usable and out of data references that end up as being expensive door stops at best!)

Thus, I would like to introduce our studio Library recommendation with two new reference books that have joined our growing studio Library within the mythology and ancient treasures section.

Firstly, these books are produced by Octopus Books at http://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
and the following two books caught my eye in particular:

The Atlas of Lost Cities: Legendary Cities rediscovered
The Atlas of Lost Treasures - John Levy

Often when deciding the suitability of a reference book for our artists at Opus Artz, there is a fine balance between context and information vs visuals.

On one hand, the medical and scientific training background absorbs and revels in the raw data, history and random bits of datum in books typical of Mythology and Ancient History. On the other, I have to be mindful that a more visual centric reference can be more relevant.

I am glad to say, these Atlas series by Octopus books is just the right blend of visual temepered with information. Each area or region or object is split into two pages - filled with relatively informative narrative, visuals and additional data.

Thus, for anyone into historical concept art along the lines of action adventure, these two books come highly recommended!

Further Information

The Atlas of Lost Cities

Brenda Rosen

Imprint: Godsfield Press Ltd
Format: Hardback
Size: 279 x 240 x 22 mm
Pages: 176
ISBN: 9781841813271
Published: 15th January 2008

"The Atlas of Lost Cities" explores some of the most extraordinary ancient cities from around the world that have been abandoned, forgotten or hidden by time, and ponders the lessons they can teach us today. This fascinating book examines the role of natural and man-made disasters, rulers and hostile neighbours and the fate of cities built to celebrate religious beliefs and enshrine gods and deities. It traces the lost beauty and ancient wisdom embodied in such key sites as Borobodur in Java and Aphrodisias in Turkey and examines the causes of the failure of cities such as Niya in Central Asia and Mesa Verde in Colorado that had thrived for centuries. This is a thought-provoking and illuminating reference work for everyone fascinated by ancient civilizations.

The Atlas of Lost Treasures

Joel Levy

Imprint: Godsfield Press Ltd
Format: Hardback
Size: 279 x 240 x 20 mm
Pages: 176
ISBN: 9781841813363
Published: 15th October 2008

From the Anglo-Saxon Kings' treasure trove at Sutton Hoo to the sensational discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, this book explores treasures both ancient and modern lost, stolen, seemingly destroyed and miraculously rediscovered. The book will include the search for such legendary treasures as the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail, as well as accounts of the disappearance of wonders of the ancient world including the Statue of Zeus at Olympia and the Colossus of Rhodes. Detailed, sumptious artwork reconstructions will show the treasures in situ in their original temples, palaces and throne rooms, and will take you on a treasure-hunting journey around the world.

Pirate day – explore London’s hidden treasures, old and new

2009-08-05T02:03:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, August 5th sees a brilliant Pirate day and exploration into the lost rivers and tunnels of London's past. This event is organised by the Bee Keepers in conjunction with the very cool and free events, arts and musicology London public project - The Tree House gallery.

For further information:
The Bee Keepers - Pirate Day

Info:

There are other rivers of London which lie concealed, encased in tunnels or in pipes, occasionally to be heard but generally running silently and invisibly beneath the surface of the city. To name them in order, west to east – Stamford Brook, the Wandle, Counter’s Creek, the Falcoln, the Westbourne, the Tyburn, the Effra, the Fleet, the Walbrook, Neckinger and the Earl’s Sluice, the Peck and the Ravensbourne.

It has always been said that enchantment is bought in the burying alive of great waters, yet the purchase may be a perilous one.
Peter Ackroyd, ‘London’ p 555

CITY OF LONDON & PIRATES
The City of London is built on burial sites, on entombed rivers and buried treasure.

In the ‘Golden Age’ – from about 1650 – 1720 – pirates operated from London, many licensed by the State. Pirates were lodged in Deptford – right next to Greenwich and the Royal Navy who often pursued them on the High Seas – and on the other side of the Thames, at Wappingside.

The Neckinger – a stream that ran from Bermondsey Abbey to the Thames, part of which is now St Saviour’s Dock – took its named from Neckinger Wharf where pirates were executed, according to folklore. The rope used to hang them became known as the Devil’s neck-cloth or ‘neckinger’.

PIRATE PLUNDER
Pirate loot was carefully reinvested. Many of London’s great institutions built their foundations on pirate plunder: the silver of the Incans and the gold of the Aztecs. Stolen from civilisations of the New World, seized again from foreign ships of the Old World by British privateers, and brought back to London. This money paid for the growth of the City.

The history has been paved over, buried beneath the streets and the every day by bricks and mortar. Dark subterranean veins – associated with crime, alcohol, deformity, disorder, stench and agues – run through London’s financial heart.

The lost rivers have become repositories for discarded and forgotten objects. An anchor was recovered from the Fleet as far North as Kentish Town. Their silted arteries yield coins, daggers, brooches, medals, keys and pins. Things dropped between grates, by accident. Sentimental keepsakes washed into the underworld by the wind and the rain.

Discover the lost rivers connecting London: we will be processing along the routes of the Fleet, Tyburn and Walbrook, looking for clues revealing their progress through the City and finding buried treasure along the way.
Unearth the City’s past: we will visit the sites of City institutions that did very well out of piracy. Bring a spade and an open mind.
Spin a yarn: there will be readings at the Treehouse Gallery from Robert Louis Stevenson, Daniel Defoe and other writers inspired by the piratical past.
Recover the loot: make your own treasure. The Beekeepers will run workshops to make precious things – rings, bracelets, bookmarks, you name it – from recycled materials, ingenuity and pluck.
Hunt for treasure: the treeHouse Gallery is a treasure-trove of knowledge and ideas. We’ve buried some clues around the place.
‘X’ marks the spot: Pirates operated a kind of anarchist democracy. We’ll be staging a debate: should piracy be renationalised? Join in and cast your vote.

Phone Tim on 07905 277719 for more details, or email info@thebeekeepers.com.

Opus Artz - New Denizens

2009-08-03T03:40:00.001-07:00

Hi Folks,

This week I thought we share our new residents who have come to occupy the studio space at Opus Artz, and to provide fresh horror, inspiration and volumetric studies to our Opus artists.

At opus, we believe that the best way to understand form is to study a volumetric object in front of you (and it allows us to collect various..ahem - collectibles for research and painting purposes, strictly)

Think of it as a minor substitute to life drawing, but more portable, and handy, allowing you to study vast shadows and bounced light onto its forms, at your convenience.

BUST OF ARIADNE

First up is the lovely Ariadne, straight from the British museum. Legend has it that this lovely maiden (daughter of King Minos) , fell in love with Theseus and helped him overcome the legendary Minotaur at the centre of the Labyrinth of Crete. Later she was bridge to the god Dionysus.

Ariadne, is also said to the the fertility god of Crete, and her name may have been derived from ariahgne - meaning "utterly pure"

OPUS LYCANTROPE - AUSTIN

Next up, is newcomer Austin, a veritable Lycanthrope produced for Opus to better study and understand the realms of creatures, and monsters via form, texture and frozen motion. Our grateful thanks to the lovely Laurel Austin, whose innocent looking countenance masks the veritable guns, guts and glory of her daily duties as senior concept artist at Splash Damage.

All in all, expect some derivative studies and works in the near future.

- Opus Artz

GDC EUROPE 2009

2009-07-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

As is the tradition of Opus Artz, we will be organising a small exploration and art sketchmeet. Join us on Sat 15th and Sun 16th August 2009, as we tour and sketch this beautiful city prior to the Gamescon.

In addition, Opus Artz will be attending the upcoming GDC Europe, and welcome the opportunity to explore new business opportunities in the beautiful and historic city of Cologne.

See you there!

English Heritage - Festival of History

2009-07-23T04:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,
Following our ancient days out on Saturday 24th July 2009, Opus Artz and Friends will be relocating camp further up north, in the expansive (3500 acres) grounds of impeccable and romantic gardens of Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire for a weekend of live re-enactments and loads of sketching, drawing and inspiration.

So, if you are attending this festival, feel free to contact us and it would be good to share the experience and meet new art colleagues on this weekend of history

Here is a brief line up on what is on offer:

BRAND NEW FOR 2009
Agincourt 1415, Time Travellers Go..., Tudor Fashion Show, Beauty Secrets from the Past, A Norman Melee, King Henry's Joust

BIG BATTLE SPECTACULARS
Tank Attack 1944 with Aerial Display, English Civil War Battle, Heroes of the Empire, Tommies of WWII, Gladiators!, Soldiers of Waterloo

HISTORY LIVES
Grand Parade, The Victorian Gymkhana, Music Through The Ages, Roman Games, The Roman Imperial Army, Animals in History, The Historic Market

FAMILY FUN – It’s not just for kids!
Time Travellers Go..., Bzents, Family Activity Zone, Victorian Seaside, Penny Merriments, Trifles & Japery, Victory in the Garden, Heuristics: Tudor, Young Archaeologists' Club

HISTORICAL DISPLAYS
EH Archaeology & Buildings, Portable Antiquities, The National Monuments Record, Federation of Family History Society, Battlefield Trust, Northamptonshire Archaeology Society, Beauty in History, Turn the Key of Time, Pheonix wargaming Club

Avebury: A Walk Through a World Heritage Landscape

2009-07-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks, on the 25th of July Opus Artz & friends will be taking a deep plunge into the pre historic, archeology, art and exercise (12km walk) in the lands of Wiltshire, home to stonehenge, avebury and salisbury hill, salisbury cathedral, the quintisential english villages of Castle Coombe and Lacock, and the stately homes of Longleat house (and nearby Longleat wildlife preserve, largest hedge maze in the world) .

Since 1959, Professor Fowler has been studying the archaeology and history of Avebury World heritage site, he will take people both through the intricacies of this uninhabited landscape and to many of the particular places and sites within it.

These include the Valley of Stones, full of sarsen stones and geological interest, worked sarsen stones, burial places, fields and settlements of prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post-medieval date, and the Experimental Earthwork built in 1960. Both walks will start at 10.15am from outside the National Trust restaurant in Avebury; so each will begin with a 2 km walk through Avebury and along Green Street up on to The Ridgeway.

Develop Conference - Brighton July 15-16th 2009

2009-07-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

Opus Artz will be attending the Develop Brighton conference this summer. We look forward towards meeting our fellow artists, developers and welcome new business opportunities!

See you on July 15-16th in Brighton. Post conference details to be updated.

Secret Underground Cities

2009-07-14T05:18:00.000-07:00

Version 1.0 - Updated 14th July 2009

Following our art sketchmeet at the recent Kelvedon hatch,
more interesting information cropped up with regards to the multiple decommisioned cold war nuclear bunkers spread across UK.

Of particular note is the impressive Wiltshire, Burlington Site 3 area, feaeturing over 60 miles of roads and space for over 4000 personnel which was to be the site of the main Emergency Government War Headquarters which is almost as impressive as the US Greenbrier facility, West Virginia (featuring a luxury 5 star hotel built above)

Thus, this post will be dedicated to cataloguing and being updated with regards to various secret and decommisioned underground facilities, bunkers and cities.

WILTSHIRES SECRET UNDERGROUND CITY

The BBC has been granted exclusive full acess to Site 3 and features full panoramic, video and image stills. Check it out

BBC: Wiltshire

KELVEDON HATCH - Art Sketch Trip

2009-07-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

KELVEDON HATCH: UK SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER

Opus Artz & Friends will be visiting the Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex on the 10th or 20th July 2009 for an art sketchmeet.

If you are interested in meeting and joining us for this trip, contact us via our opusartz website.

Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
Crown Buildings
Kelvedon Hall Lane
Kelvedon Hatch
CM14 5TL

Admission Details

Summer: March 1st to October 31st

Open Every Day!
Weekdays :
Open 10 am - 4 pm
Weekends & Bank Holidays :
Open 10 am - 5pm

Winter: November 1st to February 28/29th
Open Thursday to Sunday inclusive.
Open from 10 - 4 pm*
(* We are usually open during school holidays and half term.)

Admission:
Adults £6.50
Children £4.50 (5-16 Years)
Family £16 (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Group Discount 15+ Adults £6 Child £4
Travel Details
By Road
Access is from the A128 Chipping Ongar to Brentwood road at Kelvedon Hatch.
If you have GPS then use CM15 0LA and look out for the Brown Tourist signs.

From the M11:
Take the A414(Chelmsford) to Ongar then take the A128 to Brentwood.

From the M25:
Interchange with the A12, junction 28, take the A1023 to Brentwood then take the A128 to Ongar.

Rail:
There are services to Brentwood and Shenfield Mainline Train Stations, where you may either take a 7 mile taxi ride, or from Brentwood you can also catch the 501 Townlink bus.
For train times ring National Rail
Enquiries on:
0845 748 4950

Underground:
Take the Central Line to Debden, Theydon Bois or Epping, and then a 7 mile taxi ride. There is also a bus service from Epping, which is the 501 Townlink bus.

Steampunk Art & Design

2009-06-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Opus Artz's creative director - Dr. CM "koshime" Wong will be presenting a lecture on steampunk art & design, at Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore with opportunity for a live demo and Q&A session afterwards.

Nordic Games Conference, Malmo Sweeden

2009-05-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Opus Artz would like to thank all our associates and game developers, who made this Nordic Games conference a very memorable event, within a very compact pretty city of Malmo.

Nordic Game 2009 drew more than 1100 participants from the Nordic region and around the globe, as well as industry and educational exhibitors and extensive international press coverage.

Of particular note, were the exceptional presentations by (in no particular order):

World Domination: By CCP executive producer Nathan Richardsson (Nathan showed the big world dreams of how to make a product, and make it better over 12 years by providing continuing dedicated customer support. And the simple lesson of, if it is not broken, dont try to change it)

Creative Gaming: Lessons Learnt from Making Little big Planet by Alex Evans (Alex described the pure genius of quitting your day job, starting up a independent company, thinking big and abstract, and re-inventing the wheel (literally) for a better cause for all players with opposable thumbs!)

Next Century Middleware: Business tech 101 by the Unity Team (this presentation was a brilliant jewel in the crown; the three founders of Unity showcased how to apply the low cost, high volume, global appeal any platform approach they took towards generating the exciting future of gaming via Unity)

All in all, this was intimate gathering of developers, publishers, and related game students
that promise to be the bright young stars of tommorows games. Till next year, see you all again.

National History Museum - Mineralogy

2009-02-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

This month, Opus Artz & Friends, took the opportunity to visit the London Natural History History Museum on our regular monthly research & sketchtrip - in this instance to study and be fascinated by the vast variety of crystal and stone formation growths stored in the vast stone repository.

The National Building and Decorative Stone Collection contains 10,000 rough and polished samples which record the international use of stone over the past 150 years, facilitating the comparative identification and sourcing of replacement stone.

Many a sketchbook were filled with studies of stone formation and unfathomable strange shapes that crystal growth could undertake, given the right conditions. Especially bizzare were images of fused mixtures of multimple minerals growing between one another.

Natural History Museum

2009-02-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

During our monthly sketchtrip, Opus Artz & Friends too the opportunity to visit the Natural History Museum (a good ole haunt and favourite) due to its vast palatial grounds and its naturist engraved designs inherent within the building's construction and impressive attention to detail throughout.

One thing to note, some days even in the cold weather of a February morn - it can get especially busy (even on an off peak season)

Here are some shots depicting the graceful architecture, mood and lighting within the Natural History Museum. Certainly it is worth spending at least 2 - 3 hours sketching and studying the various compositions and architecture (especially for environmental concept artists)