Book Image

Blender 3D Basics

Book Image

Blender 3D Basics

Overview of this book

Blender is by far the most popular open source graphics program available. It is a full featured 3D modeling, animation and games development tool used by millions all over the world ñ and it's free! This book is for those looking for an entry into the world of 3D modeling and animation regardless of prior experience. Blender 3D Basics is the entry level book for those without prior experience using 3D tools. It caters for those who may have downloaded Blender in the past but were frustrated by its lack of intuitiveness. Using simple steps it builds, chapter by chapter, into a full foundation in 3D modeling and animation. Using Blender 3D Basics the reader will model a maritime scene complete with boats and water, then add materials, lighting and animation. The book demystifies the Blender interface and explains what each tool does so that you will be left with a thorough understanding of 3D.
Table of Contents (20 chapters)
Blender 3D Basics Beginner's Guide
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
3
Controlling the Lamp, the Camera, and Animating Objects
Index

Chapter 6. Making and Moving the Oars

In the last chapter, you put your knowledge of building objects to a practical use as well as what you knew of how to use the 3D View. You made a small boat and added textures, and then explored different ways of lighting.

In this chapter you will expand on your modeling skills and what you have learned about animation to take things to the next level. You'll learn some cool modeling techniques, and animate the boat and the oars.

You will explore:

  • Creating oars and oarlocks to move the boat

  • Controlling the smoothness of a surface

  • Appending objects to the scene to reuse previously made objects

  • Creating child-parent relationships, to group objects for animation

  • Using kinematics to organize animation

  • Employing animation cycles to save work

  • Using camera tracking to follow the boat's motion

Let's start by making the oar.