I tried to experiment with a few things to make it more interesting:
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I fidgeted with the transparency and mirror material options to make the white pieces translucent/crystalline.
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I used colored lighting and a low angle to give the impression of sunset.
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I made a plane to support the chess board, which I textured with a few different colors of noise. I had some of the noise change reflectivity, and one kind of the noise change the normal map (option under textures) so that I could make a rough surface. By mixing together these textures, I was able to get an okay approximation of granite!
(I got this idea by looking up a Wiki of Blender materials and seeing a note that said that noise textures could be mixed to create more realistic stone.)
I’d be happy to hear any suggestions or critique!
