A Question For All Beta Testers

[DeeVee]

As far as I know many Beta testers have been posting images created with their new toy on the forum. To date (I may be wrong but I doubt it) only Mentat7 has done an image where he incorporated some painting with modeling, and he did a great job :tu: :tu: :tu:
Would it be asking too much if some of the other beta testers did some paintings. Not everyone on this forum is interested in modeling 100%. It would at least give those of us who paint a glimpse at what to expect on the painting side of 1.5.
Moderators if this is not in the right place, please delete.
DeeVee,
Joe.

[Mentat7]

Hi Joe! I agree paintings are great and we should see more of them. But I think I should clarify something. When I create what looks like a "painting" it really isn't truly a traditional 2d painting. Not in the sense that I did it with 2d or 2.5d paint tools. I use (extensively) the 3d object and modeling tools in ZBrush to create my image THEN I "painterize" it. I use 3D to get me to a 2D finish if that makes sense....

My abstract "Conception" and my "Island in the Sky" images were both created strictly from modeled objects that were then postworked (in ZBrush) to create a more painterly look. My Coral picture is also completely made from 3D modeled tools.

[DeeVee]

I guess that also applies to Childhood Memories. Well your statement just proves my point, that we need some real paintings done with 1.5 beta, premire, or any other of the 1.5 versions available.
Thanks for emphasizing the point so eloquently Lonnie it is appreciated.

DeeVee,
Joe

[Mentat7]

Yes my "Childhood Memories" picture was indeed made from 3D objects. I think Joe that you are going to be quite pleased with many of the new features. They are easy to use and I don't think (eventhough they are 3d tools) that they will encroach on your prefered painting methods. I believe you will find them very helpful with your sceneries and they can be used in a 2 or 2.5d fashion to achieve that painterly look with minimal effort. They truly are trans-medium tools. :)

[WingedOne]

I'll try to do a painting tonight or tomorrow.

[juandel]

http://www.cyber-webs.com/zbrush/3rd15.jpg

i got access early this morning :D - i bet that you will love the spraybrushstroke, DeeVee (the one above took 7 minutes incl. upload, so nothing special) and i bet there are quiet a few more 2 and 2.5D assets i dont know about yet :) further explorations will be done after dinner - have to run now!

- juandel

[DeeVee]

Thanks Jaundel. If you are one of the Beta testers, I can relax in the knowledge that the painting side of 1.5 has been adequately taken care of.
Nice quickie by the way.
DeeVee,
Joe

[Mentat7]

Joe, here is a five minute sky background I did in the beta. Spray stroke, shading enhancer, and smudge tools. I love the spray stroke.
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1027442875gyo.jpg

[DeeVee]

looks interesting ! Yourself and Jaundel have demonstrated that good looking skies can be done quickly. He did everything in 7 mins. you did yours in 5. How about something a little more complex?
Thanks for taking the time to fill the gap, it is appreciated by myself and those who wanted to ask and did not.
DeeVee,
Joe.

[Muvlo]

Those tests of 2D sure look great... I guess that new stroke will be a great thing! Keep showing us this stuff! :)

[DLee]

Thanks for asking this Dee. I've been wondering about the 2d side of the new Z as well.

I'm looking forward to the the modeling aspects, but I'm sure it will frustrate me as it does now ~G~ I need the 2d to relax. Looks like we're going to have some nice tools to play with.

[BluePage]

Any Beta testers care to comment on any changes/additions/improvements/compatability of zscripts?

I am hoping for file I/O, zsphere manipulation etc...

*crosses fingers*

[Slosh]

BluePage...I know Zilch about Zscripts, other than that they are very cool learning tools, so I am not the one to ask. Because of this, I haven't messed with them in Beta. Sorry (plus I don't think we'd be able to say anyway).

DeeVee, I know your curiosity about the 2d features is overwhelming, but aside from the spray stroke, I'm not too sure what else the beta version shows us. Then again, I just got it at 8:00 last night. I think one of the main purposes of the beta was to test a couple of the main new features, ie. zsphere and the 3d alpha thing. Just my opinion, though. Nobody has said otherwise. There are a couple of other things that I particularly noticed, one of which you will see in my "Skinning" thread, which I will post in a moment.

The spray stroke does make for some great 2d coverage and variety. As Pixolator has mentioned in previous sneakpeeks, it allows you to repeat a stroke or tool in varying sizes (described on page 6 here: Enchanted Forest (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005926&p=6). This makes great clouds, as you have seen, and foliage.

[Stonecutter]

Joe, I am also in the process of 'shaking down' the Premiere edition...I think that in the long run, your division between 'Painting' and 'Modelling' is an artificial one...The new modelling tools are an amazing leap forward, and you should try to get into the modelling side more. After all, when you do a wax for casting, that is what you're doing... ;)
I think a little flexibility, and you will see how much modelling skill you have already, and this combined with the ease of use of the new tools will open up whole new realms of Art for you... :)

[DeeVee]

I hear you folks loud and clear but PLEASE let me see a painting, and tell what was used.

[Ron Harris]

I gotta agree with Joe...I would really love to see some more 2d painting going on with the beta bunch.....I have an extremely large towel sitting next to my chair to catch all my drool.... :D

[DeeVee]

SC, I am disappointed that you think I do not show flexability in my use of Zbrush. Look back over the past several months. Look at the postings I have made, look at the Zscripts I have posted on a wide variety of techniques and to me if any one has done more point me in that direction.
Modeling in wax, stone or Black coral is a different thing. Using a mouse or tablet is a world apart. I know you want me to model more, and have always encouraged me in whatever direction I moved in when using Zbrush. However you also said that if I could paint as I was at the time there would be little need to model.
There is no need for the Beta testers to get defensive, let's face it none of you posted any paintings, all I did was ask to see something done with the 2.5D side of the program. Some have replied with quickie samples,others have promised to post some which to this old brain is an indication that this aspect was overlooked. Check out the number of monsters and creatures posted since the beta's were distributed, and compare that number with that of paintings, and I rest my case.

[Stonecutter]

I agree with all you say, Joe... :)
BUT...
Painting is painting...
Whether it's coloured 'goo', or Pixels/pixols, the result is the same...I've seen people using layers for paintings, including you, and that puzzles the hell out of me. When I paint in Acrylics, I don't arrange a series of canvasses, and paint some of the painting on each canvas, and then cut them apart and collage them...I just paint on one canvas.

My point is that your question about painting in Zee is a complete mystery to me. When I paint, in the real world, I use brushes, airbrush, my thumb, natural and artificial sponge, crumpled brown paper, whatever does the job...
I don't think I or anyone else is being defensive...
We just don't understand what to you is a distinction, and to us is not... ;)

I hope this clarifies it, but I do disagree with your assertion that modelling is different in a computer...I've found that my carving techniques translate easily to computer modelling.

[DeeVee]

It does not. Let us end it by saying that you will remain with your ideas and I with mine.
'A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still'

[Stonecutter]

Okay Joe... :confused:
It's your distinction...You stick with it.
Sorry I couldn't help...

[DeeVee]

I am sorry also !it would have been nice if you could.

[WingedOne]

Here's the 2D painting I said I'd work on. Spray stroke was used (of course), also used were directional stroke, highlighter2 brush and paintbrush in additon to the older tools were all familiar with, blur brush, drag stroke, smudge brush, etc...


http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1027483760org.jpg

[DeeVee]

THANK you very much. This exactly what I wanted to see.
Your effort is very much appreciated. From this image I can see a lot of different things, and of course use my imagination to guess how and where the different options were used.
BTW a very impressive image also.

A grateful DeeVee,
Joe :tu: :tu: :tu: :D :D :D :tu:

[DLee]

Thanks Wing, looks really good

[juandel]

beautiful, WingedOne! :) + :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: i’ll have to check out these tools upon returning home tonite.

DeeVee, you will probably be as charmed into z-sphering once you will have given the introduction-script that will probably come with the full version as well a look-at. what a show! as you know, i am not into modelling much myself, but couldnt resist anyway, so instead of 2d-ing here are a few of my 2nd zsphereman’s doodle-models jumping the trampoline to give you additional ideas about the spraybrush-functions :) (i know, some of them are stuck in the sky :D)

http://www.cyber-webs.com/zbrush/trampoline.jpg

- juandel

[Hanuman]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> Look at the postings I have made, look at the Zscripts I have posted on a wide variety of techniques and to me if any one has done more point me in that direction <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well seeing as you ask...

...how about juandel, mentat, southern, le discot, zoid and about a gazillion other members of the forum. Personally I don't think this sort of thing can be measured on a scale. I have often found that help can come from the most unlikely places. I guess for an accurate answer you have to ask each member individually. Take yourself for example, being a painter all the modelling help that so many have given wouldn't be much use to you. It's horses for courses, as they say.

Then there are all those who not only make scripts but spend considerable time and effort making detailed anotations inside the script.

Not to forget of course (in alphabetical order) Auricks, Davey's, Jelee's, Ken's, and Upham's, detailed and illustrated tutorials

Appologies for all those I've left out. Dee Vee you are one among many who make the forum a useful place to be.

Then of course there are all the home pages that people have set up containing not only detailed tutorials but heaps of Alphas, Textures, Materials.....

Even with all the rampaging egos Z forum is still a generally helpful place. ;)

[DeeVee]

As usual you pick on everything I write. If you read and understood what I wrote I mentioned a specific time frame, within the last few months.
It is obvious I could not be speaking of those long time members! they were writing scripts before I was a member.
Please read my post again.

[Flycatcher]

WingedOne: thanks for that splendid painting - I'm looking forward to the spray stroke. I really like the ground-cover vegetation and the sense of depth as it leads away into the wood in the distance - very nice image. :tu: :tu: :tu: