http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/ groboto's gallery of images en-us 120 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/1015652

An Autonomous Floating, Illuminated Billboard

Modeled and Meshed with GroBoto's metaSolid Toolset (simple geometric primitives & booleans).

Exported to modo as OBJ for further modeling.
Texturing, Lighting, Rendering in modo
No post other than global color & gamma adjustments in Photoshop.

The WIP Thread is here:
Everyman Flyers - Airships, Autogiros and Aeronauts WIP Thread
]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:37:58 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/1015371

An Autonomous Floating, Illuminated Billboard

Modeled and Meshed with GroBoto's metaSolid Toolset (simple geometric primitives & booleans).

Exported to modo as OBJ for further modeling.
Texturing, Lighting, Rendering in modo
No post other than global color & gamma adjustments in Photoshop.

The WIP Thread is here:
Everyman Flyers - Airships, Autogiros and Aeronauts WIP Thread
]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:36:48 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/1013508

A variant of the TinTrout model… While playing in modo, this view somehow triggered a desire to try a little Photoshop post.

GroBoto - (MetaSolid Modeling System - simple geometric primitives & booleans).
modo - Additional modeling plus materials, lighting & rendering.
Photoshop - Texture maps and Post (just a bit of subtle compositing and paint).
Backdrop is an abstract layering of several old GroBoto renderings.

There is a WIP thread is here:
TinTRout WIP Thread

...and if you have not heard about GroBoto an/or the GroBoto/modo workflow…
Luxology Forums - CGI Discussions - GroBoto Thread
GroBoto Site
Best Wishes - Darrel
]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:16:55 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/1013507

Robotic Trout-Man. Created with:
GroBoto - (MetaSolid Modeling System - simple geometric primitives & booleans).
modo - Additional modeling plus materials, lighting & rendering.
Photoshop - texture maps.

Going for something with some complexity & subtlety of form while retaining the simple grace of the original quadric booleans.

Learning about lighting & materials toolsets in modo - once I got the gist, found material creation pretty easy & quite powerful.

Best Wishes - Darrel
]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:08:41 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/1011957

Testing & Playing with GroBoto's new variable density mesh.
Modeled in GroBoto - imported into modo for additional modeling, reshaping, texturing & rendering.

Lower Images are 100% modo renders with subtle, minimal Photoshop tweaking -- just global curves & color balance.

More info here:
Luxology WIP Thread (go to page 2)]]> Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:50:36 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/1009850

Modeled in GroBoto and modo
Image is 99.9% modo Rendering (very minimal, global curve and color balance adjustments in Photoshop).

There is a WIP thread is here:
RoboDuck WIP Thread

...and for anyone asking 'modeled in what and modo?' this will explain…
Luxology Forums - CGI Discussions - GroBoto Thread

…along with this video -- (RoboDuck and several other GroBoto-modo Videos):
GroBotz YouTube Channel -- RoboDuck - Zero-to-Nifty Series

Best Wishes,
Darrel
]]> Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:38:31 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/996592

They just don't make Stereo Projectors like they did in the old days.

GroBoto metaSolid modeling (simple primitives and true booleans output as unified mesh). Imported into modo for additional modeling, texturing, and Rendering.

Some Photoshop (logo & graphic elements plus global color/gamma)]]> Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:24:06 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/995813

GroBoto metaSolid Modeling Exploration
Perhaps as far as I'll go with this ungainly hodgepodge of a model. A conglomeration of styles & techniques as I explored GroBoto-to-modo possibilities (and discovered lot's of good things to be had).]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:25:09 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/995105

GroBoto metaSolid Modeling & modo Render.
Just playing with some material/texture ideas... still some modeling to do before I get serious about a final render.

Leveraging GroBoto rich seamNet mesh structure for age/wear/patina effects.
]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:03:20 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/995102

GroBoto metaSolid Modeling
Set up of a GroBoto metaSolid model for auto-mesh generation & import to modo. The gray renders are the raw OBJ import as seen in modo.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:53:43 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/994180

Just experimenting (and having some fun) with GroBoto set-ups for import to modo.

Very pleased with how well they get along... exploiting GroBoto's beautiful mesh structure with modo's deep toolsets.]]> Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:18:00 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/993525

Initial import of the GroBoto metaSolid mesh into Cinema4D (see my two previous gallery images).

This is just the raw OBJ import - no Cinema4D work yet -- however I have done a good deal of experimentation with simpler GroBoto models in C4D -- there are some wonderful tricks & options available that I plan to bring into play here.
GroBoto metaSolid Modeling ]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:02:16 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/993524

GroBoto metaSolid Modeling
This is both a WiE (work in exploration) & a promotional piece for. I'm looking into GroBoto-to-Cinema4D/modo workflows using GroBoto's new metaSolid toolset.

This second image shows how thinking/seeing/designing continue throughout the process. A mesh can be auto-generated at any time, so I'm unconstrained and free to make big topological/morphological changes at will or whim.]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:56:59 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/993522

GroBoto metaSolid Modeling
This is both a WiE (work in exploration) & a promotional piece for. I'm looking into GroBoto-to-Cinema4D/modo workflows using GroBoto's new metaSolid toolset.

This first image shows the aeroSki model in mid-state... fairly complete in it's basic forms, but still highly mutable.]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:51:06 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/953982

More play with GroBoto Primitive/Boolean Models as setups for ZBrush Sculpting.

Here I was chasing hard-surface stuff, but also wanted a bit of bioMech.

A bit bolder with the sculpting too - deviating more from the original primitive forms.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:17:24 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/953727

Recent GroBoto Exploration.

Keying off of SeamNet Mesh structure for hard surface detail. Mesh can be tilted soft/organic or crisp/mechanical using the Seam Styling options.

Found it a breeze to tease out the details in ZBrush.

GroBoto v3 Beta Site

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:08:37 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/915689

Based on my 3D Model -- created and Rendered in GroBoto
GroBoto's 'Style Editor' for enhanced line effects.
Photoshop compositing and layout to finish things up.

Another promotional piece for the Concept work I'm offering on the 3DOcean site.
GroBoto Concepts

Part of a series of Airships in an early 'Diesel Age' style.
As usual, experimenting with more graphical render treatments - going for an illustration/line drawing look.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:14:55 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/915232

A promotional piece for some work I'm offering on the content site, 3DOcean.
GroBoto Work

Based on my 3D Model -- created and Rendered in GroBoto
GroBoto's 'Style Editor' for enhanced line effects.
Photoshop compositing and layout to finish things up.

A whimsical Airship with giant LED 'Sandwich Boards'.


Best Wishes,
Darrel
]]> Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:02:50 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/910356

A promotional piece for some Concept work I'm offering on the content site, 3DOcean.
GroBoto Concepts

Based on my 3D Model -- created and Rendered in GroBoto
GroBoto's 'Style Editor' for enhanced line effects.
Photoshop compositing and layout to finish things up.

Another whimsical ultralight compressed air powered vehicle to go with my ‘ScuttleBug’ (not altogether a fanciful notion — several real world companies have manufactured practical air-powered craft). This one is a sporty model. Features include:
- Braking Energy Recapture System
- Rear View Camera
- ‘Cyber Tiller’ acceleration & steering control — providing tactile feedback while translating driver’s hand pressure and torque.
- Front ‘Collision Bladders’ that act as external air bags providing a dynamic crumple-zone.


Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:46:31 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/909515

A promotional piece for some Concept work I'm offering on the content site, 3DOcean.
Templo del Girasol Concept

Modeled and Rendered in GroBoto
GroBoto's 'Style Editor' for enhanced line effects.
Some Photoshop compositing and layout to finish things up.

This one was kicking around in the rough for a year or so -- always liked it, finally got back sorted it out -- complete rework, also put in a basic interior.

Really enjoy chasing architectural notions (using GroBoto's beta 3 modeling tools). Still exploring the line drawing style. I'll post a larger version of the high-rez blueprint (or 'brownline') that goes along with this piece (seen in miniature at the bottom).


Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:37:28 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/906429

A promotional piece for some Concept work I'm offering on the content site, 3DOcean.
PyroBot Concept

Modeled in GroBoto
Rendered into GroBoto's 'Style Editor' for the line effects.
Some Photoshop compositing and layout to finish things up.

I like chasing this line drawing style, and GroBoto modeling is always a kick for me -- feel at home there. Art has always been about invention with me. Anything that touches on Drafting, Blueprints, etc. always strikes a personal chord.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:21:07 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/905803

A promotional piece for some Concept work I'm offering on the content site, 3DOcean.
ScuttleBug Concept

Modeled in GroBoto
Rendered into GroBoto's 'Style Editor' for the line effects.
Some Photoshop compositing and layout to finish things up.

The concept is based in part on some interesting real world (experimental) technologies including low-power lightweight vehicles powered by compressed air.

Having fun whipping up simulated drafting and Blueprint styles. Tapping into new capabilities of GroBoto's modeling tools. Art has always been about invention with me. Anything with that industrial design feel strikes a personal chord.

I'm uploading two more like this today, so please forgive the partially repetitive descriptions.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:17:18 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/905802

A promotional piece for some Concept work I'm offering on the content site, 3DOcean.
SoliScooter Concept

Modeled in GroBoto
Rendered into GroBoto's 'Style Editor' for the line effects.
Some Photoshop compositing and layout to finish things up.

Getting a kick out of the emerging capabilities of GroBoto's modeling tools. Also like chasing this line drawing style. Art has always been about invention with me. Anything that touches on Drafting, Blueprints, etc. always strikes a personal chord.

I'm uploading two more like this today, so please forgive the partially repetitive descriptions.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:09:55 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/867027

Another take/redesign of this craft concept.

Getting a feel for carving out desired volumes and forms while keeping 'brushwork' loose and fluid. Mostly straightforward painting with minimal layer/constructive stuff (thruster fx and text/design elements)

Lots of fun... pretty happy with the results.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:44:19 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/866056

More Digital Paint play.
Just trying to loosen up, scribble, get a feel for the tools.

Tweaked some Wacom settings and used some very simple brushes... finally starting to feel pretty intuitive and natural -- freeing me up to engage the and 'see with the medium'.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:28:57 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/865391

Another shot at a D-Painting based on a GroBoto scene I did a while back.

I fell into some of my old Photoshop image-manipulation habits with my first take ('shearCraft'). What I really want to do is Paint.

Just need some more time to become comfortable with the Wacom and PhotoShop... but starting to get a feel with this one.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:48:53 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/861880

Finally getting back to some 3D/2D hybrid ideas.

I've long wanted to find an approach that uses 3D as a base, but transcends it in the 2D paint phase -- not constrained by a realistic render... something beyond a 'paint-over'.

...feel like this piece is a positive step in that direction.

Rouged out forms in GroBoto and composited several renders in Photoshop. The renders were intentionally vague (mosly depth images)... just something to indicate perspective, form, volume... get the brain firing.]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:59:37 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/864355

More 3D/2D exploration.

A variety of GroBoto renderings were used... depth, line, simple shaded -- 'tho nothing with textures. The idea is to generate a lot of interesting forms, masks, and other visual grist, then start playing in Photoshop. The geometries used here were quite simple and primitive.

Again, I'm trying to avoid being a slave to some over-descriptive render... not a 'paint-over', rather a paint kick-start.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:38:16 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/862721

Whimsical SciFi setting.

More explorations of 3D/2D techniques... once again with the notion of only using 3D to create an evocative 'ground' -- provide some visual cues -- and then paint freely.

Simple 3D setting and other elements created with GroBoto --followed by lots of Photoshop work.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:20:44 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/861246

Modeled in GroBoto - Rendered in ZBrush - Painted in Photoshop.

Did a bit more modeling, and worked up a little environment for this model (created a few months ago).

... wanting to stay in the realm of a 'portrait' -- something less than a fully developed scene, but more than a trivial model-backdrop image.

Mostly rendered components -- dust, smoke, steam painted in PhotoShop... and a fair amount of Photoshop work all around.]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:46:33 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/858737

Modeled with GroBoto
Sculpted and Rendered in ZBrush

An anachronistic android navigator... playing some classic scientific instrument forms against a sort of 50's-ish/modern SciFi blend... in other words, all over the aesthetic map.

Nonetheless... pretty happy with the balance.

Modeled with simple primitives in GroBoto. Simple ZBrush render.
My MechWorks thread here has some WIP images and notes.]]> Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:50:51 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/857808

Modeled with GroBoto
Sculpted and Rendered in ZBrush

Another E.D.A.H spin-off (Every Day An Hour -- communal thread - WIP/Critique: 3D Stills forum).

Modeled with GroBoto's geometric primitives (Head, Shoulders, Base), and 'Bot' forms (serpentine part of Stand). Sculpted and detailed in ZBrush. Going for a clean, lyrical, decorative feel.

Simple ZBrush Render.]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:49:37 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/850817

Modeled in GroBoto
Sculpted in ZBrush

Another quick sketch for the 'Every Day An Hour' thread here. Just letting the geometries take me where they want to go.

]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:25:50 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/849365

Modeled in GroBoto
Sculpted in ZBrush

Another work-up of a GroBoto 'BlocHead' model... created for the communal 'Every Day An Hour' thread in the 3d WIP forum.

...always surprised at what turns up with these.]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:47:07 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/849227

Modeled in GroBoto
Sculpted in ZBrush

Another sketch for the 'Every Day An Hour' 3D WIP thread.
Going for something stylized... semi-abstracted geometries.]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:32:42 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/848791

Modeled/Meshed in GroBoto
Sculpted in ZBrush

Sketch/Study. Another spin-off from my contributions to the E.D.A.H (Every Day An Hour) thread.

As usual, started with a GroBoto model -- getting a good feel for proper setup to insure lot's of opportunities, and few hurdles, once I move into ZBrush.]]> Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:42:59 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/847046

A study for a simple creature. Plan to put him in a simple environment. A bit more sculpting to do first.

Started as a quick sketch for the E.D.A.H thread here (Every Day An Hour -- practice/exercise thread originated by JackZhang)... decided to carry it a bit further.

The workflow can be seen in my bioMorphs thread.
]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:13:46 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/846177

Another GroBoto-to-ZBrush 'BlocHead'.

Started as a quick sketch for the E.D.A.H thread (Every Day An Hour -- in the 3D WIP section).

Evolved nicely enough -- thought it might merit more development. Still a WIP here, but probably done with the modeling (other than fine detailing).

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:11:59 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/844370

Taking a GroBoto character into ZBrush for a bit of sculpting (another image in my folio shows the setup).

GroBoto's auto-generated mesh structure includes edge loops and patches that are grouped in the output OBJ... very useful for Hard Surface articulating & detailing.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:42:59 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/844369

Just playing with the new FlexTools & FlexForms in the GroBoto v3 beta. A kind of implied hierarchy that allows posing and reshaping of any collection of simple primitives (n this case a character, but works with architecture, mechanical forms, anything).

]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:37:30 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/842092

Modeled in GroBoto
Sculpted/Rendered in ZBrush
Finished in Photoshop

A runaway test... was just trying to find my way around ZB -- specifically Lights & Render/Environment settings...

...got sucked into making art. A bit unfortunate because the robot was exported from GroBoto previously, (to test some specific things about our meshes) -- and I did not set it up for posing -- leaves me knowing it could be better with a more compelling pose (I also see several other things that would improve the piece... but I'll hold off until I start a new image based on a properly exported mesh).

Still, I learned a lot, and with some Photoshop work, I feel it became a viable image.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:41:06 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/841031

A quick character riff. Usual workflow...
GroBoto Model
SeamNet Mesh export (Single unified mesh, OBJ format)
Sculpt and Polypaint in ZBrush.

Some of the geometry is still a bit too raw, and I will probably play a bit more -- 'tho I plan to keep the simple stylized look.

More images/workflow shown in my 'bioMorphs' WIP thread.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:02:22 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/841012

Antique Interplanetary Rover.

This image shows the workflow... starting with a GroBoto Model, exported as a single unified mesh (automatically generated GroBoto SeamNet Mesh).

Sculpted and Polypainted in ZBrush.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:57:56 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/841010

Antique Interplanetary Rover.

I plan to finish up detailing and place this in a simple environment.

Modeled in GroBoto -- exported as OBJ -- Sculpted and Polypainted in ZBrush.

Simple ZBrush workspace render.

Best Wishes,
Darrel]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:53:15 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/840886

I've always loved old scientific instruments... have been able to visit the Harvard Collection a few times.
This is one purely imaginary, but attempts to catch that aesthetic.

I have a WIP thread that includes this piece. Modeled in GroBoto. ZBrush used for sculpting, detailing, and polypaint.

Going for an Illustration style - rather than photoreal. Image is a Photoshop composite of a couple of ZBrush renders.

Best Wishes
Darrel]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:50:41 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/691221

Continuing my reentry into digital paint. Approach was similar to the last one (purpleSage)... This time just blocking in basic geometries and lighting with a 3D (GroBoto) model & render.

Resisting the temptation to detail & polish -- feel it could only detract at this point. Best medicine for that temptation is to move on to a new piece...]]> Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:26:36 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/690527

Based on my GroBoto/ZBrush sculpt (see my Gallery and WIP thread here). I don't like working from references -- prefer to 'see with the medium' -- finding the image by pushing paint or pixels -- seeing what emerges.

This is my reentry into digital paint after years of pursing 3D stuff. I have a love/hate thing with 3D. On one hand it's magic -- on the other it's all too tight & clean, everything is overstated, over-delineated... 'rendered' is certainly the right word --little room for the viewers imagination to play a role.

I was drawing and painting for years before ever touching a computer -- when I did start creating digital images (early 80's), the entire image had less data than color icons have now. It was before pressure sensitive tablets, or respectable tablets of any sort, were available.I did everything with a mouse... and when tablets came along I never took the time to get comfortable. I did a few images using a Wacom, liked it, but never really committed.

So I'm learning now -- trying to keep it loose and free -- that's what sings for me -- it's the kind of stuff I love most here on CGS. I'm a bit rusty & ham-handed, but already enjoying it.]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:56:27 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/689143

Another working 3D sketch from the 'blockHead' series -- based on a batch of stylized head/bust models created in GroBoto (3D software) -- then exported as unified OBJ meshes & sculpted in ZBrush.

These are simple ZBrush working renders with a bit of subtle poly painting

]]> Sun, 26 Oct 2008 22:08:08 +0000 http://groboto.cgsociety.org/gallery/685668

Part of an ongoing project. Several dozen heads were blocked out in GroBoto (3D software), forming a kind of evolutionary sequence of a pilot character. Looking at various stages like a human with flight-helmet, an alien, a robot... and things in between.

I plan on developing several models from that sequence.

GroBoto generated OBJ taken into ZBrush for sculpting.


]]> Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:03:24 +0000