The Jewels of the Sunset

This image was digitally generated in its entirety:

(Click to enlarge)

The conceit of the picture is that there are two peninsulas across the water, the one on the left somewhat more distant than the one on the right.

Before the chromatized reflection process is applied, the conifers on the peninsulas are generated in several different layers, with a random distribution in each. The earlier layers are laid down in a lighter color that is successively darkened with the application of each new layer, creating the illusion of depth by giving the more distant trees a misty appearance.

The pattern for the sky is derived from a Fibonacci Spiral centered on the setting sun. It is generated using the Ornate tile, as seen to the right.

The moon is applied using a partial mask, so that a portion of the sky’s pattern seems to be passing in front of the moon like a cloud.

When creating artificial reflections, the region where the water approaches the horizon is problematic. It simply does not look right to have a crisp, coherent edge where the reflection meets the sky. The problem is finessed by using a special algorithm to generate mist in the distance near the water’s surface. The same issue arises where the water meets the shores of the peninsulas, and is handled in a similar manner. A low-lying mist over the water near the shore seems reasonable to the eye, and thus does not disturb the illusion.

A second image, “Lunar Cabochon”, is a spinoff from the production of “The Jewels of the Sunset”:

(Click to enlarge)

A version of the same image was generated for the back cover of The Nothing Tree in Bloom.