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

Time for action — using a NURBS surface to make the mainsail


You have used Subdivision Surfaces to model the sloop's hull and Bezier Curves to make the rudder and keel. Now you will use a NURBS (Non Uniform Rational B Spline) surface to make the mainsail:

  1. Zoom out so you can see the whole sloop.

  2. Press Shift+S and select Cursor to Center.

  3. Put the cursor between the boom and gaff in the middle of where the sail will be.

  4. Press Shift+A. Choose Add Surface then NURBS Surface.

  5. Press R, Y, -90, Enter.

  6. Press the Tab key

  7. In the Properties window select the Object Data, it's the eighth button from the left.

  8. In the 3D View, select one of the bottom control points of the NURBS Surface with theRMB.

  9. In the Properties window, the Active Spline subpanel appears, check the checkboxes for Endpoint: U and Endpoint: V.

  10. Press C and select the bottom row of control points. Press theRMB to finish the selection.

  11. Move the selected control points near to the boom. Press A to deselect all of the control points.

  12. Select and...