In this workshop, we’ll explore the process of relighting a 3D environment in Unreal Engine, taking inspiration from Luminism and the Hudson River School. Rather than aiming for strict realism, this project focuses on translating some painterly qualities of light into a digital space, with attention to atmosphere, emotion and storytelling. (Read our collection of Unreal Engine tutorials for more advice.)
Luminism, a 19th-century art movement, is known for its serene landscapes, clear and tranquil light, and contemplative mood. Painters of the Hudson River School, such as Frederic Church and Albert Bierstadt, conveyed vastness and depth while maintaining calm and harmony. Here, we’ll consider how some of those visual approaches – soft transitions, balanced compositions, and subtle interplay of light and atmosphere – can inform the lighting of a real-time environment.
