3d art

Modelling the Wisteria
This process is based on simple, efficient solutions
04 Model the flowers
In the presented scene we did not use blueprints; we simply
focused on the reference images and tried to retain the
general forms. The flower consisted of three elements.
Create a simple plane object and add new divisions to obtain
the low-poly shape of the main body. Follow the same
procedure to prepare the petals and core. In the end, we’ll
need a shoot that will connect the flower to the stalk. Copy
the flower twice and change the geometry a little to give it
more variety D.
05 Prepare the geometry to multiply
Once the main elements of the flower are done, apply a
UVW map to each object. We used a simple box-mapping
procedure. Create the necessary maps, shaders and apply to
your models. Next, convert the geometry into Editable Poly
and attach all the components into one object. Adjust the
pivot; make sure the Z axis is placed exactly as shown in the
example – this stage is very important, so take your time E.
D Create the flowers using
simple elements with
Editable Poly techniques
d
E Be sure to pay close attention
as to keep the correct order
of actions
e
f
F Note that having plants of
different ages in the scene
will produce a much more
realistic finish
g
G Play with the general size
and density in each group
to achieve a more natural,
random impression
g
g
Problems &
solutions
The main problem when
creating plants is the
random impression
required for all elements.
We need to make sure
the flowers, leaves, etc,
will not appear
countable in the end.
Creating the Wisteria
scene, I also needed
very dense branches to
cover the whole
courtyard and climbers
on columns.
Each new model will
require specific textures
and mapping, which in
some cases might be
difficult to complete
because of the lack of
stock textures and the
unusual geometry. The
many repetition issues
might discourage at first
sight, but remember that
once you go through the
process you will gain a
unique model that can
be used in future
projects, and will make
your artwork distinct.
Overall the solutions
are very simple. To
spread the predefined
components we will use
the Advanced Painter
script developed by
Herman Saksono;
branch creation will be
solved with the Ivy
Generator plug-in from
GuruWare; and the rest
will be covered by basic
poly modelling and a
little patience!
e
e
06 Stalk and leaf creation
In this step we will create the stalk object and some leaves.
The actions in this step are pretty much the same as in the
basic flower creation process. First, use a spline to draw the
stalk and leaf. Copy them twice and tweak the size and
shape slightly. You can create three different lengths of stalk
to produce plants in various stages of development. Also,
take care when adjusting the pivot points here f.
07 Create groups of plants
Using the Advanced Painter script spreads the leaves and
flowers on the stalk. Set Advanced Painter to Randomizer
mode, and select the correct object to Multiply. Be sure to
check the Align Up-Direction is set to N, and remember to
use stalks with different lengths. Once you have created
similar groups to those shown, convert the objects into
Editable Poly and attach them into one object. Once again,
carefully adjust the pivots until it looks right g.
Advanced
Painter
The Advanced Painter script
is a very powerful tool.
Among its many options you
will find the Randomizer,
Grass and Stone modes.
Depending on your needs, it
can be used to arbitrarily
spread custom objects on a
mesh surface or to apply
predefined settings. It is a
very accurate tool that allows
you to, in fact, paint with
objects in real-time – very
handy when adding finer
details to your scenes.
Advanced Painter gives
you control over the position
and rotation of distributed
objects so there are many
ways to apply them, as
demonstrated in this scene.
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