Art and Technology
A Sculpture of Neil Armstrong For Russia
I have been working diligently on this project.
Recently a sculpture of Yuri Gagarin was donated by individals in Russia and placed here in Houston Texas. I was chosen by Sophya Tabarovski of Kindness Without Limits to now create a sculpture of Neil Armstrong that will be sent to Russia. A space has already been dedicated on Russian soil, and is ready to receive this sculpture. I hope to begin the physical sculpture of the project very soon. I have already been working on the digital design in the computer.
There was someone in Russia who wanted to buy the sculpture to be placed, but both Sophya and I felt that since Russia gave us a sculpture of Yuri Gagarin, America should give this gift of Neil Armstrong to Russia. And so, I joining forces with Sophya to target individuals who are interested in making a tax deductible donation to this project.
We have developed a project website called United in Space which lists all of the details and will hold the documentaiton of this project.
There are several donation levels that can be found on the website. I am going to list them below, but please also look at the United in Space website for more details. We have also put video and information about the Gagarin Sculpture on the blog on the United in Space website.
NOTE: If you should know of anyone who might like to cover this story, or if you should know of a business that has a vested interest in relationships between these two countries, we would greatly appreciate you passing this information on to them or drop us a line and let us know.
Donation Levels
Lunar Module- $25,000
Your companies name will be engraved in the sculpture by the artist as part of the art. It will forever reside below the artists name. Your name will be on the accompanying plaque as a donor, and mentioned on our website. You will receive a special gift from the United in Space committee. Only three of these are available.
Command Module- $10,000
Your name will be on the accompanying plaque as a donor to the project, and mentioned on our website. You will receive a special gift from the United in Space committee.
Service Module- $5,000
Your name will be on the accompanying plaque as donor and mentioned on our website.
Under $5,000
Your name will be mentioned on our website.
How To Donate
By Mail
Tax deductible checks can be made out and mailed to
Kindness Without Limits
Please indicate-Neil Armstrong Sculpture in the memo of your check
P.O. Box 320564
Houston, Texas 77282-0564
Read more on the process blog for this project found at http://unitedinspace.com/
A Wonderful Lecture- From Fabric to Frankenstein- Thanks For Asking Me To Speak
and the ladies of 3-D Houston
Thank you to Archway Gallery and the ladies of 3-D Arts Houston for asking me to present Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Traditional Sculpture – Fabric to Frankenstein.
For those of you not familiar -this topic discusses how artists are using digital technology in their traditional art processes. I talk about how I use it in my sculpting studio and how other artists around the world are using the technology. There is a lot of basics, but also a lot of information in this lecture. We end the lecture talking a little bit about the ethics of 3D technology especially as it pertains to regenerative medicine and how one artist has brought this to other people’s attention through what I refer to as Frankenstenien art. The lecture also focuses on more than technology and art, but also on the psychology behind how a traditional artist embraces the new technology, ownership and other points of interest. I especially like having so many different artist featured in the lecture. I’m always looking for new artwork from artists using the technology. So even though I will repeat this lecture elsewhere, don’t be surprised if you find it contains more artwork from more artists.
The presentation at Archway was a small group, and a bit different from presenting that same lecture at 3DCAMP Houston while also acting as Vice Chairwoman of the event. Needless to say, I was very relaxed and loved presenting in an atmosphere of art and with such an intimate group of creative people. Our group and space at Archway allowed us the opportunity to have an informal discussion on some of the topics. I was glad that the group left with their brains spinning and a bit dazed at the amount and type information presented. I did my job. I was also excited to be able to hint at another topic that I have spoken on before about the sculpting of the deceased and the undergraduate research that I did that explained the science behind what some refer to as psychic. How do we have an emotional reaction to a piece of art? That is what that topic explains. It also talks about the unusual things that transpire around such commissions. I guess between the two topics it was very appropriate for the month of October. Maybe they will ask me back to talk about that topic.
This morning I received a notice from one of the the members of 3-D Artists Houston group.
Hi Bridgette,
Thank you so much for coming to speak to our 3-D Arts Houston group at Archway last night. We were a smallish but very interested group. I think you opened many eyes and minds to new, fantastic and wonderous things. If they are like me these new ideas incorporating technological tools will be rushing around in their brains for weeks. This happened to me after your first talk years ago at Lone Star Art Guild and again after 3-D camp and my visit to TxRx labs.The new fabrication processes you explained are like a whole new toolbox for creating. I have to learn to use the 3-d modelling tools! We appreciate that you took time out of a super busy week to make your presentation to us. It was a great success with our members. Thank you for sharing your artwork and very bright intellect with us.
Cheers,
Artist Cindy Rasche
For those of you who did attend the lecture I have added my notes in another blog post.
This lecture is great for many different groups, artists, sculptor, those working in 3D or those wanting to learn more about technology. If you are interested in having me present at your group on this topic of any of the other topics I speak on, please feel free to contact me.
_______________________________________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
A Replay of my Lecture at 3DCAMP at Archway Gallery
Some of you may have missed the incredible experience of 3DCAMP on September 29th at the University of Houston campus. I cannot recreate the entire experience of 3DCAMP Houston 2012, as it was very amazing, however, I have been asked by 3-D Arts Houston group to come to present the lecture Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Traditional Sculpture – Fabric to Frankenstein at Archway Gallery 2305 Dunlavy St. Houston, TX 77006 on October 17th . Wine and snacks will be served at 6:00 with the presentation lasting until 7:30.
_______________________________________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Fox Coverage of 3DCAMP Houston 2012
I thought I would share the unexpected coverage that 3DCAMP Houston 2012 received this year. Here is the FOX Houston news coverage. More posts on the incredible things that happened at 3DCAMP Houston, 2012 to come.
VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
3DCAMP- Registration Is Open And Check Out These Speakers
For those of you who follow my blog, as Co-chairwoman of 3DCAMP Houston I have been working very hard on 3DCAMP Houston 2012. It is going to be an amazing event. 3DCAMP Houston 2012 is an all day symposium on Saturday September 29th from 8:00-5:00. It is being hosted by the University of Houston Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in conjunction with the School of Art. There will be 15 speakers talking on a variety of topics. Registration is only $15. and includes breakfast and a lunch. We are also having an an art show titled “The Third Dimension” coordinated by Betz Gallery. The show will exhibit everything 3D. It will be open all day on Saturday for those attending the symposium and then to the public after 5:00 p.m. You can check out the prospectus for further information. There is still time to get your artwork sent. We are not just looking for Rapid Prototyping items, but anything 3D. Do you work in architecture, math, or the sciences and have something to contribute? That is create because 3DCAMP is returning with STEAM an educational initiative that encompasses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.
I will be talking about some of the speakers through the 3DCAMP website and mailing list, but I thought I would include them here as well. These are our our first three speakers.
OUR SPEAKERS
Here are our first three speakers, mentioned in our recent newsletter. Stay tuned for future newsletters and the website for the next 12.
Johannes Huber
Johannes Huber has worked in the entertainment industry as an artist since 1995. His art credits include games such as Starfleet Command 1 and 2, James Bond: Agent under Fire, and Mechwarrior Commander as well as films like RV, My Ex-Super Girlfriend, Rocky 6 and Seraphim Falls and worked with published authors on creature design and book covers. His other work includes clients such as Nalco and, Introgen Therapeutics, Inc, and other pharmaceutical companies focused on cancer treatment. He is an alumni of the Gnomon School of VFX high-end CG program and teaches illustration, Sculpting Human Anatomy and Autodesk Maya for the Houston Community College System. TOPIC: Digitally Sculpting in ZBrush and Human Anatomy
Mike de la Flor
Mike de la Flor is a freelance medical illustrator, animator, instructor and writer. He’s the author of The Digital Biomedical Illustration Handbook and other CG books and articles.Mike has also been an adjunct instructor of computer graphics at Kingwood College. TOPIC: Medical Illustration and Animation
Steven Ramirez
Steven Ramirez is the owner of Smash Design a Hollywood prop and set fabrication company. Steven first realized the need for new 3d fabrication methods while he worked on Hollywood movies sets for Film Director Robert Rodriguez at the world renowned studio Trouble Maker Studios there Steven discovered the need for 3d CNC machines which opened up new doors in the set construction world. But it wasn’t until working directly for ex-NASA Senior Robotics Engineer Chris Lovchik that his knowledge of 3d cnc all came together. Steven worked as an industrial designer for Lovchik’s tech company that fabricated the famous Carvewright cnc machine. Steven’s company Smash Design has since constructed numerous large scale projects for clients such as NASA, Saks 5th Avenue, Versace, Maersk, Cosentino, TLC, Warner Brothers, and NBC TV’s Extreme Home Makeover Edition. He uses large CNC’s to carve and create his 3d computer drafted models and themed environments and polishes them with old world sculpting and finishing techniques. TOPIC: Hollywood 3d Props
SIGGRAPH Conference- Looking For Interviews
SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group on Graphics and Interactive Techniques) is a very large computer graphics conferences. I have attended many SIGGRAPH conferences both as an attendee and as press. As a freelance writer and a podcaster I’m always looking for interesting new technology to discuss. My added interests this year are also emphasized by being Vice Chairwoman of 3DCAMP Houston 2012. I’m looking for things that might be of interest for our September 29th conference in Houston and artists for our international call for art for “The Third Dimension” Art show.
In the past SIGGRAPH has introduced me to some of the most interesting people and technology, and indeed it was the driving force for reference material as I completed an MFA-IA that focused on Art and Technology.
My thoughts on SIGGRAPH and Technology
I thought this might be a good opportunity to posts articles that relate to some of the topics at SIGGRAPH and art and technology that I have written in the past. I’ll also list my focus for my up and coming SIGGRAPH trip. If you know of a booth or an artist I should visit, please let me know. At this moment, I am not coming as press, but an attendee, unless someone needs an article or two from the conference, I’d be happy to oblige. My exploration at SIGGRAPH will still be as press, for my freelance articles and podcasts, as well as for a book I have been working on about Art and Technology. I’m just not working in an “official” SIGGRAPH Press capacity, unless someone contacts me to do so between now and SIGGRAPH.
Previous Articles and posts about SIGGRAPH Topics
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Review Pixologic ZBrush 4 Packed with features for both Mac and Windows Users.”
Studiodaily (November 2010) 30. pdf
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Exploring Digital Technologies as Applied to Traditional Sculpting.”
Sculpture Review. (Winter 2007) 30. pdf
Mongeon, Bridgette. “The American.”
Sculpture Review. (Winter 2007) 32. pdf
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Using the Computer and Poser in the Sculpture Studio.”
Best of Artists and Artisans online. (May2008)
Mongeon, Bridgette. “A Review of New Technology for the Traditional Studio at the Siggraph Convention.”
Best of Artists and Artisans online . (November 2008)
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Milling-An Additional Tool of Advanced Technology For the Traditional Sculptor.”
Best of Artists and Artisans online. (January 2009)
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Frankensteinian Art ”
Creative Endeavors. (May 2010)
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Antiquities, Masterpieces, Rights of Ownership and 3D Scanning”
Creative Endeavors. (May 2010)
Books
Bridgette Mongeon, contributing author. Digital Sculpting with Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for Artists. Focal Press 2010.
Book Chapters
Bridgette Mongeon, contributing writer. “A Brief History of Medical Illustration.” The Digital Biomedical
Illustration Handbook. Author de la Flor, Mike: Charles River Media, 2004.
Podcasts about Art and Technology
Besides writing articles I also have an Art and Technology podcast that I began during my graduate work. I am very interested in reviving these podcasts now that Graduate school is over. I’ll enjoy once again having that “fire side chat” with others in the industry.
You can see a list of the Art and Technology Podcasts on my other website Digital Sculpting.net or your open the player and begin to listen
My interests for stories and interviews for SIGGRAPH-
Please note: Conferences are busy places. We can meet at SIGGRAPH and set up a time outside of SIGGRAPH to interview further.
- Anything relating to digital sculpting- software, hardware etc.
- Output- rapid prototyping advancements, milling, holographic imaging etc.
- Art and technology-artists and processes
- Scanning
- Robotics
- Antiquities and 3D
- Education of 3D and especially STEAM
- Papers relating to psychology and the process of creating in 3D
- There is always something new that I get so excited about when I go to SIGGRAPH-what is the cool new thing that will thrill me this year?
Here is a look at a video I found on SIGGRAPH Emerging technologies.
Teaching Myself And Learning From Others Part 4 of 4
This will be a monumental sculpture.
Onward- Not long ago, Kevin Salki performed a great act of chivalry by coming to my aid and helping me with a work flow that I had to figure out.
To recap, I’m a traditional sculptor who uses digital technology to create presentations. The technology assists me in my traditional work, as I use it to have my monumental designs milled out. If you are interested to read more about that it is talked about in these two project blogs- Evelyn Rubenstein, and Prairie View Panther blog . I have been a traditional sculptor for 30 years.
My difficulty that I posed on a facebook forum was, how do I create a bronze material in ZBrush that I can light, and how would I create tiger stripes in a presentation?
This is part 4 of this documentation
Part 1 talks about how I needed a new bronze material instead of a metcap- we are working in ZBrush
Part 2 talks about how I got that material using Kevin’s video ( at the bottom of this post)
Part 3 talks about painting strips on my tiger using a darker version of that material – This is for a presentation for a client
Part 4, this page talks about putting it into my presentation.
Kevin walks me through the entire process above, and then goes a step further into making the sculpture into a presentation.
Kevin states, “this is going to be basic.” Good, I need basic.
He says he loads in a few HDR maps. (What are these?) According to Wiki
High dynamic range imaging (HDRI or HDR) is a set of methods used in imaging and photography, to allow a greater dynamic range between the lightest and darkest areas of an image than current standard digital imaging methods or photographic methods. This wide dynamic range allows HDR images to represent more accurately the range of intensity levels found in real scenes, ranging from direct sunlight to faint starlight, and is often captured by way of a plurality of differently exposed pictures of the same subject matter
Kevin states that Sibl has some pretty good HDR maps. Well, I had to see for myself, this is all about education. The website is intriguing and I could easily float off onto another track, but I’m on a deadline and doing these blog posts is distraction enough FOCUS! Kevin also mentioned a plug in at Sibl but. I’ll have to ask him about what he meant.
In my project I won’t use an HDR, but I do want to see how it works so I uploaded Topanga_Forest_B. I suppose my question is this- Kevin states that the HDR that he is loading will give him a background and source for lighting information for his scene? Hmmm, does that mean that ZBrush takes information from the photograph? Lets check this out. I download topanga forest and have a bunch of things in the file. Kevin clicks around on a few files in the video and I can’t really see, so I’m guessing. I pick forest 3 pk hdr. Nothing happens even after adjusting the gamma, as he states. Still nothing. I change what file I choose, and try again-still nothing. I’ll check with Kevin and clarify this direction.
(I don’t necessarily need to do my background this way, but I’m dedicated to getting through his video and understanding the process, and finding the best way to work this, but because my deadline is pressing down on me, I’ll have to experiment later. )
FYI I Looked around for other free hdr maps her is what I found.
http://freepanorama.blogspot.com/
http://www.unparent.com/photos_probes.html
PROBLEM
Next day after rendering I don’t like how the stripes look. I tried a variety of ways to create them. In the traditional sculpture, I do believe I will put texture over the entire sculpture or perhaps sculpt deeper fur texture where the stripes are. That way the traditional patination can settle into the crevises. (See the previous post for more information on this.)
In the end, I ended up adjusting the color and the Materials Blend Radius in the Render pallet, until I get the look that I need.
PRESENTATION
I would have loved to put my sculpted tiger into the scene of the school, however, I did not have a high resolution image of the school.
This tiger is massive and therefore, I did feel it was necessary to show a relationship to a real person. I move to Poser grabbing a Daz Michael and a Daz Vickie model. Clothing is essential, and I have often said that this part reminds me strangely of playing paper dolls when I was a little girl. I loved paper dolls. Unfortunately, those making daz models and their clothes are often men. This simply means that these men see no need to have real casual clothes for the poor Daz Vickie model. Poor Vickie, she must walk around all confined and pushed up. I’m sure she is sitting in the computer saying, “Hey guys, get real, how about a comfortable sun dress?” So I purchased the most casual clothes
I could find from Daz, and gave Daz Vickie a makeover. After clothing Michael and Vickie, I export them as obj’s and then add them to the scene. I do wish that that this process was easier. As an obj Vicki and Michael are just the color of the material and not life-like. I wish I could import them into my scene totally clothes and with facial texture, hair etc. This would save me a ton of time. I feel I probably will have to learn another 3D program that will allow me to import Vickie and Michael, completely clothed and textured, as well as the complete rendered ZBrush tiger. I’m open for suggestions to additional software to add to my repertoire, though I’m not terribly excited about having to learn a new software. My husband has been telling me the same thing.
Meanwhile, I take the Daz Michael and Daz Vickie from Poser and use lightbox textures, polypaint and Spotlight to help me show some type of reality or at least so that it does not look like the bronze.
I have not used Fibermesh much in zbrush, but I do like it and am thankful for the grass in this scene.
I am sorely lacking in skills on both lighting and rendering and wish I could hire someone to really walk my little brain through this process. Any takers? we can do joint tutorials on my process.
Photoshop is my final stop for this presentation. I like that I can manipulate the color balance as well as the brightness.
So hear are the final versions of the Tiger. A very long but fulfilling learning process. Now, let me get my hands in the traditional clay.
I will be documenting this entire project on a blog, but can’t put it up quite yet. I’ll be sure to let everyone know when that goes up.
Bridgette Mongeon-Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is deeply engrossed in the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
3DCAMP Houston Returns In 2012 With The Collaboration Of The University of Houston to Build STEAM
Press Release (Houston, TX—June 24, 2012) 3DCAMP Houston, a local organization supporting education in all things 3D, is proud to announce its return scheduled for Saturday, September 29. The University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the School of Art will host 3DCAMP Houston 2012, featuring a number of expert speakers who will discuss 3D technologies and how they are impacting new and existing disciplines. This year the camp will also feature an art exhibition to showcase the impact of technology on art.
3D technology, once reserved for the likes of sophisticated science fiction films, has advanced to now include a myriad of artistic and scientific disciplines. This year’s camp will showcase these advancements with presentations exploring innovative technologies. From holographic paintings that tantalize the viewer to 3D printers that produce completely formed sculptures, there is something amazing for everyone to experience.
The goal of 3DCAMP Houston 2012 is to encourage and educate individuals about the use of 3D in various disciplines; therefore 3DCAMP 2012 is returning with STEAM, an educational initiative that supports 3DCAMP Houston educational goal of incorporating and encouraging the blending and education of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM).
“The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston is pleased to help further the community’s appreciation and knowledge of the many aspects of 3D applications in our modern world. The rapid evolution in visualization technology is playing a critical role in advancing many important areas, from medical and surgical techniques to new methods of energy realization and information transmission,” said Mark A. Smith, dean of the college. “With the university playing a critical role nationwide in these developments, it is satisfying as well as natural to help bring this understanding to our community through 3DCAMP 2012.”
Rex Koontz, director of the university’s School of Art added, “Technology, art and design are converging into a significant force on our cultural and economic landscape. The School of Art welcomes the opportunity to work with the cast of 3DCAMP to further the goal of creating synergies between art and technology.”
3DCAMP Houston is an all-day event and is open to the public. It features lectures and presentations from professionals in the arts, architecture, engineering, science and much more. Online registration will open in July at www.3dcamphouston.com
Vendors will be on hand to demonstrate the possibilities and uses of some of the most interesting and mind-blowing 3D technology. “The Third Dimension,” an art exhibition comprised of 3D art, will be open to the public on Friday, September 28.
For more information concerning 3DCAMP Houston 2012, the art exhibition, and volunteer opportunities please visit www.3dcamphouston.com.
Media Contact:
Bridgette Mongeon
Please feel free to repost this press release, with photo credits.
Teaching Myself And Learning From Others Part 3
This is a post/tutorial that has been continued from Teaching myself and learning from others part 2. I’m continuing on with my progress of getting this to work on my project. (Please note this is a WIP)
Well… Kevin and I cheated. I got the bronze color by uploading his material. Because my sculpture has so much texture, as compared to his in the video it automatically makes the sculpture look different. (I’m kind of known for my textures and with the traditional process it also changes the color of the patination.) When sculpting on the real clay I believe I will really emphasize the stripes by carving the fur differently where the stripes are. I’ll probably give it more texture or more strokes. Because, unlike the digital process, weather will change my traditional sculpture patination. Even if it goes dark, I will need the stripes to show. But for now, it is back to the digital model.
A little too green, so I bumped down the color diffuse on the blue, hey it almost sounds like I know what I am doing now. I now want to change my specular but my curve looks all wonky. Not sure how to get it to do what I want it to do.
—Mental note- remove unwanted dots on specular curve by dragging them off. And there is a tiny reset button under the shift if it gets really out of control. Kevin confirms that his too is a little wonky at times.
I also must remember to do a quick render ( shift R) because the digital model looks way different with the render than it does just working on the screen.
Now I’m on to part 5.58 on Kevin’s 14 minute video made for me for this tutorial. So on to making a darker color of the material for the stripes.
So instead of Kevin’s green of 72 red, 116 green, and 93 blue, I oped for a darker brown 109 red, 59 green, and 33blue. Maybe I’ll lighten it just a touch using the mixer that Kevin has introduced me to.
I also decided I would play with the noise slider. I have never been one to see differences in this type of thing. Often my husband Mike de la Flor will work with photoshop and say, “see this?” and well, I just don’t see it. I think it is because I don’t work with color and have not for years. Of course I work with the color terra-cotta, longhorn white, as it pertains to clay and bronze. I really, really want to learn color and rendering with zbrush. I have some illustrations I would like to do. So maybe I can talk Keven into doing some more of these tutorials with me.
I’m posting both of these renders. One is at noise level of 10 and the other 129. Though I can’t say what the difference is, if there is any, I m gravitating to the higher noise level than the lower. I don’t know why, to me it looks like the bronze has been bead blasted instead of sand blasted. Bead blasting feels softer.
On to stripes.
I wish it would be so easy. Kevin says to copy the material and then paste it so I have a duplicate. It took a couple of tries but I managed to do it. I actually feel good about the process. On to rendering.
Stay tuned for part 4 of ?
Bridgette Mongeon-Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
On the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Teaching Myself And Learning From Others
The title of this blog post is “Teaching myself and learning from others”. This is the entire process of how I learn things. I plug away at a project and search for answers. I got stuck on this recent project and this incredible person Kevin Salki from the Facebook Zbrush forum came to my aid, and he even created a video to help. It is so incredible when you find someone who is willing to go the extra effort to assist you in your learning process. I thought I might take this entire post and document this learning process on this specific subject.
To recap- I’m working in ZBrush trying to put together a presentation for a traditional sculpture project by working digitally. For example -how I did with the Mad Hatter tea party “Move one place on” pitch to a recent client.
“Move one place on” a life size sculpture for a park.
I noticed that when I was working on Mad Hatter sculpture that the Metcap material that I applied to the sculpture to make it look bronze did not interact with the lights, and therefore I had a hard time lighting it. For those of you new to ZBrush , a metcap material can be applied to your sculpture. These are made available in many places. For example check out these metcap materials. However, if I can’t light the sculpture, or put it in a scene, then using a metcap can pose a problem. I have posted this question in numerous places, and until Kevin came along, no one has helped me work through the problem. I’m sure this is not going to be as easy as pushing a few buttons, so I thought I would document how Kevin Salki and I work through it.
Here is my post on the forum
man is placed to show the massive size of this life size sculpture.
ZBrush question. I’m posting everywhere I hope someone can give me guidance, I’m on a deadline.
Any Zbrush users out there? Question- I am creating presentations for a larger than life-size bronze and I am using a metcap bronze that I found on the internet. I like the look, however, if I understand it, metcap materials are not affected by lighting in the final rendering? If this is the case, how would I get the bronze look that I need in my presentations without the metcap?
Being that I will try and take the digital sculpt presentation and put into a photograph of the area that the client has provided, lighting will be essential.
And, In the case of the tiger, I need to add some darker bronze stripes. Now I’m very puzzled. Another problem. How can I add these stripes to the metcap or other solution that I’m sure you guys know, but I can’t figure out?
I had entertained using GoZ but I was not sure if that would work with the metap and I have never used GoZ with anything. If that is a solution, is there a good tutorial on using GoZ and photoshop? I looked everywhere. However, that still does not solved the problem with lighting and a metcap.
I’m posting a picture but it is very much a work in progress. This is a regular part of my workflow as a traditional artist and I would be very thankful if you could help me figure this out.
I can hardly believe that Kevin Salki went to all of the effort to record a video to walk me through this process. So, in light of his educational efforts. I’ll document my process of doing this with him on this blog post. It may be a long one, nothing ever goes smoothly with this sort of thing, in fact, I might have to make it my next couple of posts.
STEP ONE- applying double shader- as I expected- I have to undo the stuff I have done before I can do what Kevin has asked me to do. As I apply a double shader (doubleshade1) in zbrush, this is what I come up with. Also, I started to paint the stripes in and hated it. Should have done it on a layer, but did not and so, I may have to backup to a previously saved version before I did this. Which means a ton more work, but hey that is all about learning. FYI- always save incremental versions of your work. Unfortunately, I have written over my incremental versions and will have to figure out how to undo all of this stuff. or erase the part of the gier where the strips have been put and start again. Now Kevin, do you have any ideas how to make my image look like yours when saying apply double shader?
Stay tuned as we figure out this problem
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Bridgette Mongeon-Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
On the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.