 |
NURBS modeling is very efficient, but may be hard to use. This tutorial describes how to create a dragon head based on NURBS surfaces, quite easily. It has been made with Amapi but can be used on others NURBS modelers. However Amapi is fast, powerful and very affordable... |
The finished Amapi 3D models is here (name: dragon.a3d)
First, You must know exactly what you want. So you can make a quick drawing to have an idea on the proportions and the main dimensions. Sketch it on paper.
Next, comes the computer. We create some curves describing
the shape approximately. Only a few curves with a few points are enough
and required. Initially, all these lines may be in the same plane, but
you can easily reposition them side-by-side, or turn the far left end around.
With the Ruled Surface tool, we create a surface joining
the curves, simply by clicking one curve after another to create a mesh
across these profiles.
Then, with the Smooth tool, we add control curves and
we deform the shape to make details.
Thus, we create detail gradually: the mouth
the lips, the nostrils
and then, the eye.
At last, we create a horn and a tooth which we correctly
put on the shape.
We finally get a completed half head.
With Mirror 3D, we create the other half.
Notice here, the real time previewing (a quite powerful
processor is better).
With Weld, we attach the control points on the shape to
get a single one.
And voilà!
A quick rendering under Amapi enables to have an idea
on the final shape.
The final file is only 22 KB!
And Finally, we add a texture.
Thus, this technique, used with a few thought, lets make every model you want, such as organic model with a low or high resolution and without unexpected problems (unwanted sharp edges, for examples).