HOME | DD

RobCaswell — Digital McCall: An Homage

Published: 2012-03-23 03:43:10 +0000 UTC; Views: 10059; Favourites: 161; Downloads: 535
Redirect to original
Description This is an homage to one of Robert McCall's outstanding pieces of 2001 art, many of which have become as iconic as the film itself. This is probably the least reproduced of all the paintings he did for that project. You can see the original here: [link] I count McCall among my primary art influences.

This images was rendered in DAZ Studio and postworked in Photoshop. The Pod model is by Alvatar via ShareCG.com, the Discovery is the model available at Vanishing Point. The Exhaust brush is by Hameed and the background starfield is a composite of elements by FrostBo. Planet maps based on NASA/JPL photography.
Related content

RobCaswell - Prey

RobCaswell - Repair at Perimeter Relay 8

RobCaswell - 2010: Astronomical Engineering

RobCaswell - 2010: Heeding Bowman

RobCaswell - The Descent

RobCaswell - Seekers 3

RobCaswell - Dustoff

RobCaswell - TMA-2

RobCaswell - Before Jupiter's Throne

dragonpyper - June 6, 1996

Paul-Lloyd - Space:1959

AbaKon - STMP: Into The Core

markpilb - Liberator

Nova1701dms - Space:1999 Eagle

Natti888 - Gerry Anderson - UFO

Robby-Robert - Hawk with inbound target

davemetlesits - UES Conqueror

AlanGutierrezArt - Jumpshift
Comments: 77

Keiichi-K1 [2013-07-16 15:54:50 +0000 UTC]

Sorry to nitpick, but I don't believe the thrust came from underneath the pod, rather the round quads on either side.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to Keiichi-K1 [2013-07-16 18:00:19 +0000 UTC]

As designed, the main thruster is underneath. The quads are just for attitude control. But the only place we actually saw it in action was in McCall's painting.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Keiichi-K1 In reply to RobCaswell [2013-07-17 00:27:28 +0000 UTC]

Hmm... well, I could be mistaken.  I just couldn't really imagine these pods designed for more than simple thrust and attitude control for workbee-like actions outside the spacecraft.  And even then... why on the underside?  And where are the fuel pods?  *shrugs* maybe I'm over-thinking, but 2001 had often been considered the more logical look at space travel, so I think I am well justified to question design logic

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to Keiichi-K1 [2013-07-17 09:33:53 +0000 UTC]

I won't disagree with you. I was surprised to discover that myself. None the less it is part of the original design. The main thruster was only to be used in extraordinary circumstances... but that wold have included going after Frank's body and going to the monolith. For operations just around Discovery's hull they would have relied just on the verniers.

We never get a good look at the underside in the movie, but if you look at any accurate model you'll find that thrust nozzle underneath. Bob McCall was plugged into 2001's production and had a dedication to hardware accuracy, so his image was driven by the designed hardware functionality. On first view I thought he'd gone off his rails, but in studying the design more I found that his vision was accurate to the vehicle spec.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sealock713 In reply to RobCaswell [2019-09-05 00:52:19 +0000 UTC]

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

SpaceCowboy5000 [2013-02-08 22:03:31 +0000 UTC]

Groovy! That actually looks like Dave inside the pod. Not my cousin Dave, obviously ...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to SpaceCowboy5000 [2013-02-09 18:53:35 +0000 UTC]

Well... if it DID look like your cousin Dave, that'd be downright FREAKY!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

jizzyjiz [2012-10-27 10:27:53 +0000 UTC]

nice one!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to jizzyjiz [2012-10-29 17:55:09 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Monroville [2012-06-16 05:49:31 +0000 UTC]

I love how you can see Bowman inside the pod. Great work!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to Monroville [2012-06-20 16:13:29 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! Again, just copying the dance steps choreographed by McCall.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Fredy3D [2012-05-17 08:35:47 +0000 UTC]

Excellent!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to Fredy3D [2012-05-17 20:04:38 +0000 UTC]

Thanks, man!!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

CUTANGUS [2012-05-02 10:16:36 +0000 UTC]

Great! Good idea the inclusion of the image of astronaut Dave Bowman inside the capsule!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to CUTANGUS [2012-05-15 19:12:27 +0000 UTC]

McCall did have a visible astronaut in his original.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

LordSchtupp [2012-04-09 06:20:48 +0000 UTC]

Very cool, Excellent tribute!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to LordSchtupp [2012-04-09 15:11:51 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!
It feels a bit like doing a paint-by-number

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

LmAnt [2012-03-25 07:43:35 +0000 UTC]

oooooooh! Little people behind little windows!
okay,....one little guy behind one little window at least!
And I just L O V E how you made that (him) look behind that dark reddish glass!! Just great!
And iLike the lights - particular these searching-lights - a LOT too. And the depth given by that large ship.
Great great shot, again!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to LmAnt [2012-03-26 16:44:40 +0000 UTC]

LOL! "Little people behind windows". I know how to press your buttons!!!
I really enjoyed doing this one.... to even TRY to approximate something by McCall is such a treat.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Ptrope [2012-03-24 15:29:41 +0000 UTC]

Little did Bob know he was just painting a sketch for the finished 3D work ...

Out-flippin'-standing interpretation - nice job integrating Keir in there, too.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to Ptrope [2012-03-26 16:43:01 +0000 UTC]

Thanks, man! Glad it tickles yer fancy! It was fun to try and walk in Bob's footsteps.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

PUFFINSTUDIOS [2012-03-24 14:05:55 +0000 UTC]

The last time anyone will see Discovery until 2010...

Brilliant picture!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to PUFFINSTUDIOS [2012-03-26 16:41:56 +0000 UTC]

The concept of "retro-SF" can certainly play with your brain

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

PUFFINSTUDIOS In reply to RobCaswell [2012-03-26 16:55:34 +0000 UTC]

that is a brilliant scene, it would of be harder in model form!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

OccamsRayzor [2012-03-24 10:35:16 +0000 UTC]

Superb!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to OccamsRayzor [2012-03-26 16:41:10 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Pwesty [2012-03-23 22:11:07 +0000 UTC]

Double points! Dam, your good!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to Pwesty [2012-03-26 16:40:56 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

LordTigeron [2012-03-23 16:33:41 +0000 UTC]

speechless
Its brilliant

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to LordTigeron [2012-03-23 16:58:55 +0000 UTC]

Well.... it's sure "full of stars"

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

SquallLion1 [2012-03-23 16:16:24 +0000 UTC]

amazing homage!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to SquallLion1 [2012-03-23 16:58:27 +0000 UTC]

Glad ya like!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

SquallLion1 In reply to RobCaswell [2012-03-23 20:14:13 +0000 UTC]

^^

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

celticarchie [2012-03-23 16:02:27 +0000 UTC]

< does a 'Chow Knives'...Wowwwwwwww...in awe of The Master Arcass...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to celticarchie [2012-03-23 16:58:11 +0000 UTC]

LOL! Chow is awesome!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

celticarchie In reply to RobCaswell [2012-03-27 15:01:34 +0000 UTC]

This is true!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

dkroth [2012-03-23 14:38:35 +0000 UTC]

Spot-on - Great!
The details and layout are perfect. I like Your version of Jupiter far better too! I would say I'd be interested in seeing a version where more of the McCall yellow tone was increased? - Warm up the Discovery? Otherwise - top notch homage!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to dkroth [2012-03-23 14:50:46 +0000 UTC]

Hm. Interesting idea. I may try that tweak tonight. If it seems to work better, I'll update the image. THANKS!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

KeithEKimball [2012-03-23 14:07:17 +0000 UTC]

Hmm, as you mention in your description, I consider myself a 2001 nut and I'd never seen the original painting. Thanks for the link and more importantly, for your own awesome tribute to the work. You've made a great digital version that deserves plenty of love on its own.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to KeithEKimball [2012-03-23 16:56:20 +0000 UTC]

This one doesn't seem to have the same polish as McCall's other 2001 works, but it's still got lots of appeal - to both McCall fans AND 2001 fans. I think it's the only time that the pod's main thruster is shown being active?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

KeithEKimball In reply to RobCaswell [2012-03-24 02:29:06 +0000 UTC]

Hmm, I have to agree that this one (the original, not your sweet tribute, natch) does look a little "sketchy" next to his other paintings and is probably why it's not pasted all over like his others. Still, it's a neat shot...and I also agree that this is the only time I can think of seeing the pod's main thruster going. Not that I blame Dave or Frank...looks like Discovery is doing a good job of outrunning the pod here!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

NICELabs [2012-03-23 14:06:13 +0000 UTC]

A fantastic tribute to such an iconic piece. You've captured his vision beautifully and thank you for sharing his wonderful work as well!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to NICELabs [2012-03-23 16:54:01 +0000 UTC]

It's nice to really know that so many people still admire McCall's work.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

AbaKon [2012-03-23 13:33:01 +0000 UTC]

Is it okay to say that I like your work much better than his?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to AbaKon [2012-03-23 14:49:16 +0000 UTC]

Nope.
Heretic.


Sweet, cuddly heretic.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

RalfMaximus [2012-03-23 13:06:37 +0000 UTC]

I've always loved this image, and you do it justice here.

But one thing's always bothered me... Discovery's EVA pods carried limited fuel and weren't really designed for joyriding around the solar system. But somebody's boosting like crazy here on a non-sensical vector, away/above the ship's course.

In my mind I hear the pilot's diminishing cries of "woo hoo! woooooo hooooo!" and then the inevitable "aw damn, out of fuel" just before the mayday that can't be serviced because they're ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FREEKING SOLAR SYSTEM.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to RalfMaximus [2012-03-23 16:51:24 +0000 UTC]

LOL! Yeah, opening it up like this for more than a few seconds is... well, a "limited thrill".

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Thomas-Peters [2012-03-23 12:47:59 +0000 UTC]

Beautifully well-done, sir! Your match of the perspective and palette of McCall's original (probably the least reproduced of McCall's 4 paintings for 2001) is right on. The emotion and mood are wonderful.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

RobCaswell In reply to Thomas-Peters [2012-03-23 16:49:27 +0000 UTC]

Doing a McCall homage like touching the face of God

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

sicklilmonky [2012-03-23 11:51:45 +0000 UTC]

A true Classic

👍: 0 ⏩: 1


| Next =>