For this task we were introduced to VR immersive art primarily through the use of Open Brush and asked to create a diorama through the program.

A VR artist creates their art work through an immersive program, such as open brush, allowing users the freedom to explore their artwork in a physical realm through virtual reality (Walden, 2021).

Open Brush

Open Brush is an open source, community run program that can be used with VR headsets to create artwork with various brushes and paint strokes (Thacker, 2023). Users can create their artwork in a 3D realm and export content using built in cameras. Initially when testing this program, I used the environment that included a model to create clothing and experimented with the brushes on the model.

Alternative Programs:

Another program we were introduced to was Shapes XR. This is a program similar to Open Brush that allows users to import a selection of 3D shapes or models into the working area and arrange and colour them how they would like. This program reminded me of a much simpler version of Maya if it was in virtual reality. Shapes XR has assisted in countless projects, including for the app CoasterMania. The developers used the program to visualise concepts for the app and then directly export them for use in the development (Shapes XR, 2023).

Another alternative program is Gravity Sketch. Gravity sketch is similar to the other programs in that it allows to the user to sketch and create in 3D using VR, AR or mixed reality (Gravity Sketch, 2020).

Gravity sketch allows multiple platforms for use, not just VR so users don’t necessarily have to use the headset every time they wish to edit a project. The program also allows multi user access, allowing multiple members of a team to work on the project together.

Task

The task for this session was to create a diorama; a replica of a scene using open brush, shapes xr or gravity sketch. For this I decided to create a replica of my computer desk but add an element of nature to it to make it seem more interesting. For this task, I decided to roughly sketch the outline of my PC and add drawing of flowers and greenery to the scene.

Below is an example of a diorama created called ‘Granny’s house’ (Fayaerts, n.d.).

I found that although Open Brush is relatively simple to use, unfortunately my drawing capabilities did not allow for me to create the level of art the majority of people who use this program create. It was difficult at times to judge the depth when drawing and I often misjudged where the next part should be and had to erase it. I was unable to easily locate an undo button, which meant that I had to use the eraser every time, which became quite time consuming.

Reflection

In the beginning of this session I was very apprehensive of if I would be able to engage with the software; Creativity in terms of drawing has never been natural for me, so I was concerned that I would not enjoy this session. Regardless of my ability, I still found the session engaging and the programs interesting. I found myself being immersed in the VR headset and actually enjoyed exploring the technology available. In future, following this session I will be more open to embracing new technology, even if it is not in my direct interests.

I will also spend more time perhaps exploring Gravity Sketch, to experience a multi platform program that will allow me to work both on PC/Tablet and in VR. This will allow me to determine if VR can assist in conjunction with traditional programs on PC and tablet.

Reference list

Fayaerts, J. (n.d.). Diorama Granny’s House. [online] Jasper Fayaerts. Available at: https://jasperfeyaerts.artstation.com/projects/nYOZ81.

Gravity Sketch (2020). Product. [online] Gravity Sketch. Available at: https://www.gravitysketch.com/products/ [Accessed 20 May 2024].

Gravity Sketch (2021). Intro to Gravity Sketch. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1RMaav-mSM&t=115s [Accessed 20 May 2024].

Shapes XR (2023). Transforming Collaboration and Design in XR Game Development. [online] www.shapesxr.com. Available at: https://www.shapesxr.com/case-studies/transforming-collaboration-and-design-in-xr-game-development [Accessed 19 May 2024].

ShapesXR (2024). Mixed Reality Game Design with ShapesXR: Coaster Mania case study. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LckrJJHGr5w&t=103s [Accessed 19 May 2024].

Thacker, J. (2023). Download open-source VR sketching tool Open Brush 2.0 | CG Channel. [online] cgchannel.com. Available at: https://www.cgchannel.com/2023/01/download-open-source-vr-sketching-tool-open-brush-2-0/#:~:text=A%20community%2Drun%20open%2Dsource%20successor%20to%20Google [Accessed 19 May 2024].

Walden, S. (2021). Guide to Virtual Reality Art: What It Is and How to Make VR Art Yourself. [online] Skillshare Blog. Available at: https://www.skillshare.com/en/blog/guide-to-virtual-reality-art-what-it-is-and-how-to-make-vr-art-yourself/.