Sweep It Under The Rocket...

The rocket for my trailer is part of a learning project for me.  Instead of modeling the rocket as
a 3D piece in a 3D application, I'm building the file based on an existing sculpted piece I created.  Thr original was a simple 3D model that I used as a foundation for more detailed sculpted pieces out of Magic Sculpt epoxy.  I'm trying to turn that into a reproduction piece for the trailer that I can mostly carve in HDU.

This next step involves creating some rocket engine/legs. Why?  The import of the 3D model has left the legs far too flat.  I could do things like pull the legs off of the 3D model and import them seperately, but I think all of this can be built in Vectric Aspire 4.0 and that's the goal....

So, I've created 2 vectored lines to represent the shape of the leg. 

Numbers 1 and 2 represent the first two vector lines.  The vector labled number 3 represents a cross section shape. Imagine the shape being pulled along the two vector rails to create a shape.  In this case, as vectors 1 and 2 arc toward each other, the half round shape will begin to taper.  I could set it not to do that, but it's exactly what I want.  Here is the result applied to the left leg.

 
Here it is duplicated and placed on the right leg as well.

As I build each shape and add it to the piece, the rocket will become more and more like the sculpted piece I'm copying.  I'll add some of the texture through paint, once it's carved.  Next, I'll build up the body and then begin to add wood "planking".

Before You Can Run...

Part of working on the 3D version of Stella is doing some modeling to get some of the shapes I'd like.  I'm very fortunate to be in the mood for some learning!  I have been doing some self training with the new version of Vectric Aspire (version 4.0).  One of the great things about the software is that they provide over 30 hours of video tutorials and many support files to help.  It's not a small undertaking, but by viewing a little each day between other work, I've built up some understanding of how to proceed.

I learn best by applying new techniques to real projects, so I'm setting up files for Stella as well as putting some of these techniques into practice.  I have a 5' x 10' trailer that has needed some attention for a year.  Dan dared me to put some dimension on it, which is exactly what I intend to do.  I'll be building a 2 1/2 D version of my rocket ship...

Beginnings:

The rocket will be mounted on this design.  The brown on the background will be an actual "rust" finish.

Stay tuned to see how I add the details!

STELLA!!!

I had the opportunity to visit with a group of friends both old and new this weekend.  It's always inspirational to see what others are doing.  One person, in particular, has been knocking it out of the park with his design work.  His name is Joe Diaz. He's part of  Diaz Sign Art 

He recently won the CorelDRAW International Design Contest with this:

I mentioned that I thought it would be a wonderful 3D piece, and he said he'd been thinking that as well.  Before I left for home, we discussed the idea of doing it as a joint piece.  We've been discussing how to generate files, and how to  divide the pieces into layers.

We're going for a combination of  2 1/2 and 3D.  Joe has already turned Stella herself into a 3D file, and I'll be assisting in converting the vectored portions.  It should be a fun project and I hope you'll follow along as this new version of Stella comes to life.

Done? Noah..I mean Yessah

While there are one or two little things to highlight, the noah mural is completed.  I'll put some mounting pieces on the back so that my friend Jason can pick it up tomorrow.
Most of the animals are sculpted, and I'll try to get some good close-up shots before tomorrow, but I thought I'd share it now:

I must admit that the reference images for some of the work came from images sent to me by Jason as well as some reference I found.  While the photos were a help, the job of sculpting them into dimensional forms was the real fun and where this piece becomes very different from a painting.  It was a combination of cnc carving, hand sculpting and layered painting.

Magic Sculpt

I've discussed Magic Sculpt in the past, but wanted to talk about it just a bit more.  Magic Sculpt (also known as Abracadabra Sculpt) is a 2 part epoxy that is very much like and totally dislike clay.  I've been using it to further build up a 4' x 5' piece based on the story of Noah's Ark for a local church.  First, here's the progress.  Essentially, the sculpting is completed. I'll do a bit more, and then begin paint.  Additional creatures that are very small or in the background will be painted.

I did give the animals a quick coat of primer.  The thing I love about Magic Sculpt is the ability to shape things and then smooth it all with water.  The working time varies, but I mix relatively small batches (2 golf ball size pieces at a time).  What I've found is that if you spend the time early on just blocking in the shapes, by the time the epoxy firms up a bit it hold detail really well.  If you want to "micro-sculpt" pieces- you can put them on parchment paper.  For some odd but useful reason, it does not adhere to parchment paper like it does everything else in the universe.

Here is a close-up from a couple days ago as I was blocking in some animals and the ark.  Another great thing about Magic Sculpt is that you can build it up...additional coats will stick to itself.

So- now it's on to paint.  Time to break out the airbrush and brushes.  I'll begin by giving the sky and ground a base coat, avoiding the animals and ark as much as possible.  There will be plenty of glazing, too. 

It occurs to me that at the time the Halo video game came out- I never saw anybody connect the "Flood" with the Noah's Ark story....so here you go: