Use Basic Math to Become a Better 3D Artist Despite the sophistication of today's computer graphics software, if you want to become a professional 3D artist, solid drawing skills are essential. With a good foundation in drawing basics, you'll be better equipped to create the more realistic characters and environments that today's film, game, TV, and video markets demand. Using an exciting new drawing method based on simple math combined with established computer graphics principles, this book shows you step by step how to draw quickly and efficiently in a digital world.
- Find out how math can help you draw
- Master the six techniques of the Angle-Based Constructive (ABC) method
- Learn how to see, including how to extract shapes from a scene
- Review basic CG concepts, principles, shapes, and structures
- Discover hidden patterns, draw simple objects, and assemble them
- Learn advanced techniques, such as how to use curved shapes and shadow maps
- Draw the human body--find several tricks to make the job easier
- Explore the tradeoffs between accuracy and speed
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Introduction xiii
Chapter 1 Understanding the Relationship between Math and Art 1
Understanding How Math and Art Differ 2
Understanding How Math and Art Are Similar 4
Using Math to Create Digital Art 13
Using Math in Traditional Drawing 15
Using Math to Help You Draw 18
Examining Existing Drawing Methods 22
Stop Separating Math from Art 28
Chapter 2 Extracting Graphical Structures- A Scientific Point of View 31
Introducing CG Concepts and Principles 32
Unifying 2D and 3D Cases 40
Understanding the Properties of Basic Shapes 43
Understanding Graphical Structures 47
Extracting GSs with Triangulation 54
Chapter 3 Drawing with the ABC Method 57
Meeting the Criteria for a New Drawing Method 58
Introducing the ABC Method 61
Chapter 4 Drawing Simple Objects 79
Preparing to Draw 80
Extracting Basic Information 80
Demonstrations of 3D Objects 85
Demonstrations of 2D Images 92
Exercises 97
Chapter 5 Drawing Complicated Objects 99
Breaking Down Complexity 100
Demonstrations 108
Exercises 120
Chapter 6 Drawing Complicated Scenes 121
Introducing Techniques for Merging Objects 122
Demonstrations 129
Exercises 138
Chapter 7 Using Advanced Techniques 141
Working with Curved Triangles and Polygons 142
Drawing a Group of Ovals 146
Using Shadow Maps 149
Using Rhythms for Partitioning 151
Exploring Trade-Offs between Accuracy and Speed 152
Demonstrations 153
Summary 161
Exercises 161
Chapter 8 Using Special Techniques for Drawing Human Bodies 163
General Tips 164
Tips for Drawing Faces 169
Tips for Quick Life Sketches 174
Demonstrations 180
Summary 186
Exercises 187
Post-Test: Drawing Van Gogh 188
Index 189
