Now we want to add a special light effect (to represent the rise of bright light). We can use Omni lights with a suitable light scope and Video Post to achieve such an effect (Fig.16).


Next we need to make the background elements. As the tree is the clear focus of the image, it is unnecessary to make any background elements particularly detailed – it would just be a waste of energy. Take the stones in Fig.17 as an example; both the shape and structure of the stones are simple and clear.


The whole image consists of four parts: the first part is the foreground, the second part is the medium shot, third part is the mist layer, and fourth part is the background. While making the overall scene, it is unnecessary to build the overall scene according to real scale; it will be too large then. We can build "large” scenes in "small” areas if we a good grasp of the overall concept and abide by the perspective principle of "the nearer the larger, the further the smaller” (Fig.18).


As you can see in Fig.18 & Fig.19, the mountain is not very far away, but has been scaled down to be very small. This is so that when the camera angle is adjusted, a simulated perspective effect is achieved.



Add some atmosphere effects to finish, and the "Joy Tree” is completed (Fig.20).


As you can see from this tutorial, you can make a fairly complete piece of work just by using the basic functions of 3ds Max. However it's important to remember that software is just a tool and it is the artist's original idea that is the source of art creation. Skilful control and artistic appreciation can make work more beautiful but are not preconditions for creating a piece of work.

The technical content of this tutorial was not very high, but I hope I was able to effectively convey a concept to you through the creation process.