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Monday, May 31, 2010

Using ZBrush MatCaps in Blender

In this tutorial we'll take a look at how to use ZBrush MatCaps in Blender, and where to find MatCaps.

This works with Blender 2.5 and 2.49.



Watch the video tutorial...

Resources




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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Shape Modeling Exercise Series - #4 (Twisted Doorknob)

In this shape modeling exercise we take a look at modeling a Twisted Doorknob.



The point of these videos is not to model a complete object but to rather focus on different shapes and issues that you may encounter while modeling. So, essentially, these are exercises.

Hopefully, these videos will help you better understand how to approach modeling certain shapes, and what tools are available in Blender to make things easier.




Download the blend file, reference image, and texture.

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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Book Review: Blender 2.49 Scripting (by Michel Anders)



This book review turned out to be quite easy. In short, the book is ideal if you want to get up to speed with Python scripting in Blender 2.49.

The lessons are presented in a clear step-by-step fashion with very practical applications. And, the book covers quite a wide range of subjects. Take a look at the Table of Contents.

Also, here's a PDF of Chapter 5 (Acting on Frame Changes), provided by the publisher (Packt Publishing).

There's really not a whole lot more to say. Take a look at the Table of Contents and the sample chapter to confirm its value. If you're interested in Python scripting in Blender, then I think you'll see that this is a definite must-have resource.

BTW, the book also provides a URL for downloading the code used in the book.

Even though the Python API is changing in Blender 2.5, you'll still be ahead of the game by learning the current API. It will be quite some time before the Python API in Blender 2.5 is as complete as what's available in Blender 2.49.

The author acknowledges the pending 2.5 version of Blender, so hopefully there will be an edition released for Blender 2.5 when that becomes feasible.

There's so much more to Blender when you consider the power of Python scripting in Blender, and this book will get you off to a strong start in the right direction.

The cover price of the book is $39.99, but if you order from the Packt Publishing website there's a 10% discount.
Get more details and order information...

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

News: UpComing Book Review for "Blender 2.49 Scripting"



A new Blender book has just been released by Packt Publishing called "Blender 2.49 Scripting" (by Michel J. Anders). I'll be reviewing the book after I receive it and have had time to read through it.

I was a little bit hesitant at first because its focus is on Blender 2.49. However, when you consider that the Blender 2.5/2.6 Python API has quite a ways to go before it's as good as the Blender 2.49 implementation, it may be more practical to get up to speed with Blender 2.49 Python scripting.

There's a great deal of extra power and control that can be introduced into Blender via Python scripting and it's nice to see a book dedicated to the subject. I'm sure there will be an edition released for Blender 2.5/2.6 once it becomes stabilized.

Here's a sample chapter from the book "Chapter 5: Acting on Frame Changes"


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Monday, May 17, 2010

News: BlenderArt Magazine Issue 27 - Shadow Showdown

In this issue, we explore lighting and creation of shadows with a nice variety of tutorials and articles on various lighting tools and techniques.

Also be sure to check out our gallery of wonderful images submitted by very talented members of our community.

FEATURED CONTENTS
  • Articles/Tutorials on Fun with Shadows
  • I finally get it! Ambient Occlusion
  • Mesh Lights
  • Studio Pack Shot
  • Robbie the Robot
  • Using textured light to spice up a scene
  • Lighting the Vault
  • Lighting Troubleshooting Tips
  • & more…

Grab your copy today!

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Sunday, May 16, 2010

Shape Modeling Exercise Series - #3 (Fenestron Tail Rotor Blade)

In this shape modeling exercise we take a look at modeling a Fenestron Tail Rotor Blade.


The point of these videos is not to model a complete object but to rather focus on different shapes and issues that you may encounter while modeling. So, essentially, these are exercises.

Hopefully, these videos will help you better understand how to approach modeling certain shapes, and what tools are available in Blender to make things easier.




Download the blend file and reference image.

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Saturday, May 15, 2010

News: Blog Layout Changes for Larger Embedded Videos and Images

Things were starting to feel a little bit cramped in the post area so I've tweaked the layout to allow for larger images and videos! It's a work in progress, but I think it's a step in the right direction. Images and videos were limited to 400 pixels in width, but now we have 600 pixels.

The third column that contained the Labels has been moved over and underneath the second column.

This should make for more comfortable viewing of the images and videos.

New shape modeling tutorial coming later today...

BTW, I tend to announce upcoming tutorials via Twitter, so it might be a good idea to follow me at http://twitter.com/BlenderNewbies

You can also see my most recent messages in the column to the right.

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Thursday, May 13, 2010

News: The first Sintel trailer is available!



Trailer for the short animation film "Sintel", the Durian Open Move project by the Blender Foundation. More information at http://durian.blender.org

The movie, created with Blender 2.5, is expected to be finished in about two more months.

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Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Shape Modeling Exercise Series - #2

In this shape modeling exercise we take a look at modeling a fancy doorknob handle.


(Please excuse some issues caused by my sinus allergies. :p )

The point of these videos is not to model a complete object but to rather focus on different shapes and issues that you may encounter while modeling. So, essentially, these are exercises.

Hopefully, these videos will help you better understand how to approach modeling certain shapes, and what tools are available in Blender to make things easier.




Download the blend file, reference image, and texture file.


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