by John Swanson

Book Title: "Ispirato – A Collection of Fine Visualization Artists of the World – Volume 1"
Published by 3DATS
Price: Check the website for prices and availability
Site: 3DATS

I couldn’t wait to see what was inside my review copy of ‘Ispirato’ from 3DATS. I was not disappointed. Every page is indeed the “showcase of some of the best 3d visualization talent on the planet” as their ad copy puts it. This book is sitting right next to my computer and there it will stay to be used for one of its intended purposes – to inspire. This book is beautiful both inside and out, being artfully bound with padded black leather on front and back,with silver foil embossed lettering. Alex Roman’s interior rendering of the Louis Kahn’s library at the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire is featured on the cover.

The limited amount of text inside the book is rationed out to an ‘Acknowledgement’ page with the mention of the judges (from 5 different companies within the industry), a thanks to all the entries sent for consideration, and a thank you to Jeff Mottle who went to China to oversee the project to ensure it was printed to perfection – and it was.

The ‘Jurors Award of Excellence’ follows with a short biography of the winner, with a few pages of his work. We can see why he was given the award. Then we go immediately to the main part of the book; the renderings of 43 artists from around the world with each given two pages. Let me say this about the pages - they are wonderful - thick and glossy with colors and details that jump out at you. This is a great way to experience these works. The rendering themselves were great to look at and study. Each and every one of them deserve a place in a book like this.

It was truly amazing to see the variety of work contained in this book. Of course some were interiors while others are exteriors but to see them ‘captured’ at all different times of the day and from so many imaginative angles was inspiring. I loved the contrast of light and shadows evident in so many of these projects; it gave me ideas on how I might present my work. You are reminded page after page how important it is to get the lighting just right in your renderings. To choose the right time of day for an exterior rendering, or the right level of light for an interior view is important if you want to convey a certain feeling in your work, or to direct attention to a specific area. Expert modeling and texturing is also evident throughout. The ability to study the many different color palettes and composition up close is worth the price of admission. In the book we are treated to many fine examples that succeed at this intangible magic.

I don’t know how others will use this book beyond just enjoying the artists’ works but I intend to use it to help plan the direction for my own projects. These spectacular renderings are the results of artists who use their hard earned experience as well as their talents to create visions that, for the most part, exist only in the mind. This collective experience along with technology is pushing the envelope further and further. This is what I find so fascinating about being a part of this field. Strong examples found in the pages of this book show where we are, and hints at where we are headed in the visualization world.

Check out the website at 3DATS to get an idea of the contents. The computer monitor cannot do the artwork justice but it will still give you an idea of what is in the book. This is a limited edition and at the time of this writing I hear there are only about 200 or so books left. So if you’ve been to the 3DATS website and have had a chance to see some of the pages and like what you see, you should purchase one soon. It would make a great gift for anyone in the field of visualization, even if that person is you. I am sure many will keep it near at hand at their workstation, but it would not be out of place proudly displayed on a coffee table.