United3dArtists Archive

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 01 Jan 2010, 20:33

You guys can't have all the fun. Updates soon...

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 02 Jan 2010, 00:55

I started the scene by first modeling a secondary character which in trueSpace land
we fondly (cough) call the "Bridge"

All work shown is on the workSpace side and the realtime renderer.

Set the scene to Transparent + WireFrame Mode so you easily see the wireframe but also any textures applied.
I start with a cube primitive set to 6x5x8 polygons. I then use the "Add Verticies" for the angled edges, select the faces
that will be deleted, and then finish with the "delete selected elements" I also deleted the top faces too.
Again using the "Add Vertices" tool I ran and edge parallel to the top edge forming faces which will be copied then swept forming
the top Granite Handrail. Adjust the width so that the Granite handrail overhangs the bridge slightly.
To form the arch I took the lazy route and Boolean subtracted a large sphere. Added the parallel verticies again and sweep the
new faces to form the arched granite trim.
Selecting side faces and sweeping created my steps. The first step was created by using the "Form Polygonal Bridge"
tool (which seemed appropriate

) This gives the illusion of a curved ramp leading to the first steps.

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 02 Jan 2010, 00:59

You deleted those faces and then created new ones or used booleans operation? Just to know, BTW seems that it is going to be really good!

Cya

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 02 Jan 2010, 05:41

What good is Venetia without blindes?...

The right window is a WIP which will be used for a few different
design shapes. The left window is almost ready for installation.

I fixed the previous post which was missing an instruction.
Thanks.

pugman 1 · Post by **pugman 1** » 02 Jan 2010, 08:22

Steinie the master

pugman 1 · Post by **pugman 1** » 02 Jan 2010, 15:46

Hi Steinie, can i borrow a window or 50

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 02 Jan 2010, 19:11

I really needed to cleanup the polygon mess at the top
of the window. So I took a trip over the "Bridge" to what is called
"Model" land. After copying a face from an end segment of the window I chose the circle
from the path library and used the tool not found in workSpace land... the "Macro Sweep"
Tool. After the sweep I deleted half the model to give me the arch I needed for the top of the window.
I quickly returned to the land of lost toys...workSpace land.

A nice clean model. Now 50 more for Pugman 1...

RAYMAN · Post by **RAYMAN** » 02 Jan 2010, 19:35

I see you fixed the Windows bug Steinie .......
Good start !
Peter

pugman 1 · Post by **pugman 1** » 02 Jan 2010, 20:21

Hi, when can i expect the delievery.
ps. dont forget the stained glass for them

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 02 Jan 2010, 21:46

Opps I dropped them...

Working on the Balcony now.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 03 Jan 2010, 21:00

Well it is time to put a roof over our heads...

tahnoak · Post by **tahnoak** » 03 Jan 2010, 22:13

Looks Steinie-esh (which by the way is a good thing). Nice work. Ironically I was going to do a venetian water scene as well but changed my mind...

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 04 Jan 2010, 03:04

Thanks tahnoak. No matter what you do it always looks great.

Here is an update for today. The next Villa corner is for tomorrow...

p.s. I did add some post to the top balcony after I posted this. Afterwards
all the post were selected and bent to form a curved railing. Updated scene
render will follow later.

pugman 1 · Post by **pugman 1** » 04 Jan 2010, 16:11

Man thats looking perfect as all your work does

Breech Block · Post by **Breech Block** » 05 Jan 2010, 02:54

Wow! Great work Steinie. Can't wait to see the render.

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 05 Jan 2010, 11:32

I have no chance against all this wonderful things, I would just for fun.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 06 Jan 2010, 02:49

You better keep going Leonregis! I'm counting on you!

Thanks for the encouragement, I NEED IT! These scenes
don't look like much but man o man is it a lot of work!

Refreshment time...

....

OK back to the drawing board....

RAYMAN · Post by **RAYMAN** » 06 Jan 2010, 04:31

Hey wait a minute where is my gondola ?

Very nice !

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 06 Jan 2010, 15:25

Gondola!? Why didn't I think of that!!!

Now I am going to put a wave-runner in the channel to foil your idea!

Thanks for the compliment Rayman.

Plans for this week for Wall #3
A dentil trim along the top of the walls, red and white striped awning for the Cafe,
a Venetian lightpost for any drunks or loose women, possibly a small wall along
the walkway, more windows and possibly two chairs and an umbrella table.

Still Planned for Wall #1
An ornate hanging lamp, water, a love boat

and whatever else comes to mind...

Wall #2
Just some detail work left.

Wall #4 is for me to know and you to find out!!!

In my research of Venice I came across this picture...check out the dude on the left!
P**** envy?

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 07 Jan 2010, 03:56

Sorry about all the post that look similar however I did want you
to see this develop daily.
Just to break the monotony tonight I modeled a lamp post, placed a local light
inside and studied the results on this particular street corner.

I hand made the awning texture and utilized it over the door also.

Tomorrow the modeling takes place further down the wall...

Stay tooned.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 07 Jan 2010, 18:12

You don't need sorry to all you posts. They are very intersting to see and I am impressed what you do.

With you, and with your scills, I feel I have no chance in the challanges . But I will not give up. As an old pacifist I will not be duelling. I will instead use my knowledge of non violence actions and sit by the computer and make plain chocolate plans to win a challange. The last sentence is strange in some way but that is the intention.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 07 Jan 2010, 20:27

Please remember that I cannot win again this Month as the Rules state.

So everyone please continue.

I am modeling this with the intent of possibly giving it away to all who have participated in this challenge. (If you want it).
I am trying to keep the mesh as clean as possible for all of you but my modeling skills are not as good as most here.

Thanks Tommy but there are others here that put my skills to shame!
I too just keep plugging away!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 07 Jan 2010, 20:47

Don't say you're sorry for showing your work. Never apologize for superior ability, the benefits you gain from it, demonstrating it, or for accomplishments resulting from it.

Giving away your model adds a prize for the contest. We all do the contests for learning and fun but a prize adds interest to it.

carlpatti · Post by **carlpatti** » 07 Jan 2010, 21:50

hi steinie,

thanks so much steinie for sharing your wip with us. i didn't know you can't win two in a row so your sharing is even more c-o-o-o-o-l!

the last render is wonderful - really beautiful - i love the lighting, the awnings, just the overall look of the scene.

one part is bugging me - ouch - the far left window over the stairway looks a bit off - something about it... the left window of the 3 just kind of hangs there... it would be an odd area inside that room - not much info, i know, but there is some part of it that is not quite right for me - what about a curved corner?... of course you may think it is perfect...

i am sure that does not help you at all - but a wip does encourage comment, helpful or not...

and from the picture you posted, i would LOVE venice!!!! the "dudette" on the left is missing the best angle. just one female's opinion...

thanks for the updates - i wait for more...

patti

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 08 Jan 2010, 01:47

CarlPatti, I take all criticism good or bad as constructive. So I'm glad you brought the window alignment to
my attention. However once you look at the buildings in Venice you will instantly notice they are never in alignment!
My hunch is that over the countless years the windows have been replaced so many times there is now a mixture of styles on every building.
So my windows are trying to represent that look. After I texture the walls please let me know if the window still looks odd.

I 'll post a screen grab of my trueSpace in action. You'll notice I only work in one large view at all times. The LE shows all the separate
models organized by type and location. Each model gets a unique name so that I can instantly select it. For example I have the window frame and shutters next
to each other so that I can draw a box around their names, selecting that model and it's parts easily.

In the "Stack" you will notice countless scenes being saved. You cannot save too often!
I make it a point to save before any boolean operation, any new model is completed and placed in the scene, before any point editing, before any
3d Encapsulation or every 15 minutes. Sometimes it will be a "Save Scene" but I also use "Replace" often too. I also use the "Save Project" to another hard drive.
This saves everything in case of a hard drive crash. If you are an old trueSpace user then the word "SAVE" is used in your everyday language...
this saved my A**!!!

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 08 Jan 2010, 01:54

Your organization is unbelievable! But I save more often than you, I'm an old tS user.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 09 Jan 2010, 07:58

Just an update with nothing hidden (like the lights).
Started to work on the textures, placed all light sources like lamp post etc.,
finished the roof (found a very easy way to make one in minutes!)
I still have a lot to do...
Hope you are enjoying the WIP. I will have to go back and give more details later.

pugman 1 · Post by **pugman 1** » 09 Jan 2010, 08:49

looking better and better .cool
hope we get more entrys

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 09 Jan 2010, 10:43

How can you keep improving, improving and improving? Your WIP is excellent!

tahnoak · Post by **tahnoak** » 09 Jan 2010, 14:11

Steinie...yeah, I guess it's OKAY if you're into very creative and excellent looking scenes and all that!

I'll think of something that I would like to see in this scene yet

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 09 Jan 2010, 15:13

Thanks for the Compliments guys, your feedback is my reward!

The "Idea"
To create a 4 sided structure with each side displaying something unique
about the Venetian culture. The fourth side will used for "Artist Creativity"

The large Arches next to the canal today are part of the "Fish Market" in Venice.
The stairs leading up to the blue door and windows are the "Residential" side.
Windows don't match, are out of alignment, some are arches and others are square.
The "Cafe" window would be a window into the "Steinie World" so my "Fly Away"
rendering was used however spaghetti was added. (There really is glass over the
graphic).

Here are my plans for the next few days:
Large hanging red curtains in two of the large Archways of the Fish Market.
Table and Chairs for the outdoor Cafe.
A chimney.
Vines and vegetation on the balconies.
A gondola. (Thanks for the idea, hahaha)
A Landing for the gondola with red and white stripped poles in the canal.
White granite post for railing.
Wrought iron railings. (not sure about this one yet)
Some secret modeling for the gag...

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 10 Jan 2010, 16:24

CarlPatti, I found the window you said looked goofy! (actually my Wife brought it to my attention too! )
I was in denial! My windows couldn't possibly be wrong and NO I will NOT ask for directions when lost...

You will be happy to know I fixed it!
Thanks for helping and bringing it to my attention.

I am very close to finishing! Working on Cafe table and Chairs today.
The Secret Wall comes next...

carlpatti · Post by **carlpatti** » 10 Jan 2010, 17:09

Wow - thank you!!!!!!

i have NEVER been so happy - okay, not quite, but i really am pleased... you have a very perceptive wife!

i was looking at your updated .jpg that you posted yesterday and the window was still bugging me, even from the opposite view. i considered bringing it up with you again, but didn't want to be rude by pushing the point. i can't wait to see how you complete this project - i always learn so much from your WIP's.

by the way - i never ask for directions either. and i took me a long time to break down and ask for help on the forum. i am so glad i did. i have met so many great people!

thanks for letting me know...
patti

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 10 Jan 2010, 17:50

Womans are always good in perceive wrong things even if it is on our face.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 11 Jan 2010, 03:18

One wall complete three to go.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 11 Jan 2010, 05:14

How much does that cost and when can I move in?

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 11 Jan 2010, 13:51

Problems I have found during this WIP with my observations and questions for you all.
I am using the workSpace side:

How can I better manage the textures I use to keep the scene file size down?
If I paint two different models in the same scene the same texture is the texture being loaded twice?
Does texture instancing mean that it will be loaded only once and shared?

I used the Ivy Generator program but the Ivy model was 18 megs...how can I get that size down?
I loaded the Ivy obj model into trueSpace and used the poly reducer tool but the size actually increased!

Any thoughts?

Finis, are you the size of a mouse?

pugman 1 · Post by **pugman 1** » 11 Jan 2010, 14:12

Hi steinie, if you record the scene then save as
recorded scene it reduces the sise by half or more
3dvd said about this somewhere in the ourspace threads
Ralph

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 12 Jan 2010, 01:30

Wall Two Completed, Two more to go...
The Chair frame was done with MOI nurbs using the sweep tool and
combined with cushions created in trueSpace with cylinder primitives.
The vegetation on the balcony was a tree after I removed the trunk and branches.
I posted two renderings this time with one showing an angled view and the other was
done for personal gratification.

Thanks Pugman 1 I'll try your suggestion.

jamesmc · Post by **jamesmc** » 12 Jan 2010, 02:45

What!?!

No chihuahua on the porch?

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 12 Jan 2010, 15:39

Hey I know that a "Steinie Cafe" doesn't sound Italian but doesn't a chihuahua
belong in Mexico? This is suppose to be in Venetia where they drink fine wine, not
eat tacos.

spacekdet · Post by **spacekdet** » 12 Jan 2010, 20:16

The table/chair set are too large in relation to the size of the door, interior ceiling height, etc.
Unless they're big like that to keep your feet out of the Acqua Alta....

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 13 Jan 2010, 02:48

Would you believe the guest were to be 10' Avatars?....

Good catch and thanks!

Here is a screen shot of how I created the Gondola using nurbs and the
Loft tool in MOI. I then boolean subtract a box to create the
inside. Using Froo's OBJ Importer I brought the Gondola into trueSpace
to add the seat cushions and to apply textures. An ornamental front was
added also.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 13 Jan 2010, 02:57

Here is the completed third wall. Having finished the three walls my entry
for the Challenge will be completed.

vi ... =22&t=1328"

Thank you all for your support, comments,
and help. I will be watching the other entries now so please keep updating them.
Less then two weeks left folks. Good luck!

My object all along was to create the Secret Fourth wall. That is what I will work on
now...

noko · Post by **noko** » 13 Jan 2010, 06:40

Steinie wrote:Problems I have found during this WIP with my observations and questions for you all.
I am using the workSpace side:

How can I better manage the textures I use to keep the scene file size down?
If I paint two different models in the same scene the same texture is the texture being loaded twice?
Does texture instancing mean that it will be loaded only once and shared?

I used the Ivy Generator program but the Ivy model was 18 megs...how can I get that size down?
I loaded the Ivy obj model into trueSpace and used the poly reducer tool but the size actually increased!

Any thoughts?

Finis, are you the size of a mouse?

Yes scene material instancing will do just that. The same material will only take up memory space one time no matter how many times you use it. The clevit is each material will look the same minus geometry and lighting to it, of course UV maps can be totally different giving the same material a different look as well. Texture size can be dramatically reduced by using compressed textures. Not the compressed texture setting inside of some shaders since tS does a rather low quality compressed texture or routine. I use a free program called TheCompressonator by AMD. This program does very high quality compression of textures which most times it is very hard to tell the difference but yet can save 3x to 6x in file size but more importantly scene ram usage when being viewed. 7.61 and maybe 7.6 when it sees compressed textures will not uncompress them in memory like previous versions of tS on the WS side. This makes possible for use of some rather larger textures and scenes.

http://developer.amd.com/gpu/compresson ... fault.aspx"

I use ATI3Dc compression saved in DXT1 or DXT5 format. tS can't see some of the other file formats so experimenting and testing can help. Hope this helps.

Breech Block · Post by **Breech Block** » 15 Jan 2010, 03:49

Another great piece of work, Steinie.

Y'know, one of the amazing things I find with all your scenes is that they always make me feel like I'm missing out by not getting to grips with the WS (darkside

) of tS.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 15 Jan 2010, 05:03

I'll have the chihuahua manicotti with a side order of ...

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 15 Jan 2010, 12:58

Thank you Noko for your information. Will "TheCompressonator" work only with certain brand video cards, I have an older ATI card ?

Breech, I could never understand why so many people say they cannot use workSpace to do
bla bla bla. There really isn't much I can't do with it. The problem with workSpace is using the DX9 shaders. Caligari didn't/hadn't create an easy to use material editor for it and that turned tons of users off. What saved me was after I bought VRAy which does have a nice editor. I use that editor first and then switch over. Prodigy designed a very usable material editor for realtime shaders I wish he would share. It should be part of workSpace.

Finis, I am soooo tempted to add a chihuahua to my scene.

tahnoak · Post by **tahnoak** » 15 Jan 2010, 22:11

Another great piece Steinie. I've been on travel all week and just now getting caught up.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 17 Jan 2010, 15:31

Thank you tahnoak for the compliment.

Whenever I tackle a scene which is not organic
I feel like a fish out of water. You and many others here are
the impressive ones. I am just a student. (figuratively

)
My enjoyment comes when I can apply techniques learned from
all of you.

Thanks to all the participants in this Months MMC. All the projects
are coming along nicely. I love watching how each one of you handle
the challenge differently.

Good luck to you all.

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 17 Jan 2010, 17:43

For info: if you have the conversion pack 2, you can import/export nurbs from TS to Moi (choose iges format and open in Moi). Modelside only but it is a good think to save old TS nurbs and save them as quad (conversion of nurbs to polys in TS is not good). Also you can import iges from moi to TS but the interest is limited.

noko · Post by **noko** » 30 Jan 2010, 11:29

[quote="Steinie"]Thank you Noko for your information. Will "TheCompressonator" work only with certain brand video cards, I have an older ATI card ?

quote]

Not limited to ATI cards, I've used it both on Nvidia and ATI cards. If your video card is DX9 or better it should work.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 30 Jan 2010, 14:12

Sorry Marcel for not responding but I just now read your tip about iges format. Thanks for the information!
Noko, thank you for the additional information. Another tool in the toolbox!

MMC Jan 2010 "Another Venetian Wet Basement"

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