Proper surfacing is one of the most important and time consuming elements in creating photo-realistic renderings with LightWave 3D. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult techniques to master. This hands-on class will take you beyond simple surfaces and image mapping and open you up to all of the powerful surfacing potentials in LightWave 3D. You will learn how to create realistic reflections, great looking glass, smoke, fire, sparks, and explosions. All workshop participants receive an instructional video created by Bob Anderson on surfacing techniques in LightWave 3D 5.5.

Prerequisites: Participation in the class requires a working knowledge of the fundamentals of LightWave 3D, including basic modeling skills (primitives and selecting and modifying points and polygons), creation of basic models, image mapping, and very basic surfacing. If you have taken LightWave 3D Essentials from Bob you should be able to take full advantage of the tips, tricks, and techniques in this class.

Topics covered:

• 3 dimensional procedural maps
• Review of basic image mapping
• Making sense of texture axes, size center, and velocity
• Stacking multiple types of maps on the same surface
• Stenciling
• Hand painting
• Texture reference objects
• How to use single and 2 point polygons to create hair, fur, and grass
• LightWave's surfacing plug-ins
• Incorporating Aura into your surfacing work

Want the more detailed syllabus for Advanced Surfacing Techniques? Click here.

Instructor: Bob Anderson, former Desktop Video Product Manager for NewTek

Fee: $495, 10% discount when registering for multiple classes