MARBLES | 3D Visualising | Caustics Study

Photorealistic render of a spherical cluster of multicoloured glass marbles with a high-gloss finish and dramatic reflections on a black background.
Photorealistic render of a spherical cluster of multicoloured glass marbles with visible light caustics on a white reflective surface.

MARBLES | Caustics Study

This personal project is a deep dive into the fascinating world of light, colour, and material behaviour—focusing specifically on caustics, refraction, and dispersion using V-Ray. Inspired by the visual purity and nostalgia of glass marbles, this study explores how simple forms can produce incredibly complex and beautiful light interactions when rendered with precision.

Each marble was individually textured to ensure variation in colour and pattern, adding to the sense of realism and handcrafted imperfection. Using Cinema 4D and V-Ray, I built a full lighting setup designed to capture subtle chromatic dispersion and light play on and around the surface. The goal was to create a floating sphere of marbles that felt both hyperreal and a little bit magical—celebrating the intersection of playful subject matter and high-end rendering techniques.

What began as a technical test evolved into something much more expressive: a celebration of colour, clarity, and the almost meditative quality of repetition. The layered materials, combined with careful control of light intensity and bounce, helped achieve a look that straddles product visualisation, fine art, and experimental 3D.

The result is a piece that’s visually striking yet rooted in strong technical principles—a small study in light physics and digital craftsmanship.

This render will soon be available as a high-quality giclée art print via the shop (coming soon). If you're a fan of colour, light, or just love seeing everyday objects reimagined through a 3D lens, this one’s for you.