Bryce: Boolean Difference

Today we will be learning how to create a "Boolean Difference" in Bryce -- basically meaning you cut one shape out of another shape.  The image below features a "cave" that was created by cutting a "symmetrical lattice" (looks like a mountain on top of an upside down mountain) out of a regular "terrain" (a mountain).  You can cut a block out of a sphere... a cone out of a pyramid, or whatever other shapes you might need. 

To begin this process:

• Place the two shapes together intersecting one another (touching)
• Select the shape you want to use as a "cutting tool" and click the "A" (Attributes) tool.
• Select the "Negative" bullet and un-check the "Transfer Materials of Negative Boolean" option.
• Click the "check mark" to okay the change.
• Select the shape you want to cut IN to (the shape you want to keep).
• Click the "A" (Attributes) button.
• Select the "Positive" bullet mark and click the check mark to okay the change.

Next you have to "Group" the objects to be joined/cut:

• Select the 1st object (i.e. the "negative" piece)
• Hold SHIFT and select the 2nd object (i.e. the "positive" piece)
• If it looks like you have other objects selected, deselect and try again.  You may have to rotate the scene a bit to make clicking easier.
• With both pieces selected, click the "G" (Group) tool. 

Now you should be able to "Render" your scence and view the cut out shape.

Bryce: Buildings

Monday we will be creating some City Scapes using the Terrain Editing features we used before.  But today we will be making some individual buildings.

We are going to be using both PhotoShop and Bryce for this project.  We will create a grayscale image in PhotoShop (size 1024 x 1024 pixels) with a "bumpmap" of our building design.  Remember that the white is the highest point in the map while the black is the lowest point.  

So something like the following would resemble a pyramid:

Here are some examples of buildings used in a bryce scene:

The rounded building on the above-right image is an example of that.  Here are a few examples of "bump maps" that you can use for interesting buildings.

Bryce: 3D Logo

Today we're going to experiment with using Bryce Symmetrical Lattice to make a 3D logo.  On the right you can see the finished YouTube logo in 3D, while on the left (below) you can see the original.  I applied the logo to the Symmetrical Lattice.

I am also attaching a tutorial video (below) for those who would like to try this at home.

Here are some sample logo patterns -- however you should find (or create) your own:

Here are a couple different versions of a logo which you can use to create a "stained glass" effect.  The left image being the "glass" and the right image being the "lead" borders:

Basically I create the first shape (a symmetrical lattice) and then COPY it and PASTE the second shape directly on top of the first shape.  Then I just have to apply a new "bump map".  See below:

 Here's how it would look fully rendered in Bryce:

Bryce: A Winter / Snowman Scene

Today I would like you to create a scene in Bryce set in Winter and featuring a snowman and/or a snow globe.

• Change the texture of the Plane (it starts out as a flat gray)
• Adjust the sky / change the texture
• Add some objects (trees, rocks, snow, or whatever)

When finished, make sure to:

1. Save your document (FILE > SAVE AS > whatever.BR7)
2. FULLY render your scene
3. Save your image (FILE > SAVE IMAGE AS > whatever.JPG)
4. Upload your project to your portfolio.

Be creative and have fun!

Bryce: River Valley

Today we will use the Terrain Editor to build a river valley / canyon.  It will be similar in setup to the Island project from yesterday -- you will have a "mountain" (terrain), water, and a good sky texture. 

We will level out our terrain, apply spikes & mounds, and user a smaller brush with lower elevation levels to "cut in" a river valley.  Then we will add some "eroding" to make the scene more natural, followed by a little "noise" to make things less flat.

Remember to start out with FILE > NEW DOCUMENT > STANDARD > 800x600 (or 1024x768).

Bryce: Lake / Pond Scene

Today we will use the Bryce Terrain editor to create a lake scene:

• Insert a Terrain
• Paint the entire Terrain with a dark gray (very low elevation)
• Use the soft-edged, smaller brush on the lowest (black) elevation to paint a lake shape
• Exit the Terrain editor (check mark) to view your new Terrain
• Click EDIT and drag the Y Axis (Resize) down to flatten your terrain
• Add a Water Plain and use the  Y Axis (Reposition) to move the water to the appropriate level (so that it shows inside your lake cut-out but doesn't cover the entire Terrain
• Add finishing touches (additional Terrains for background, adjust textures, change your sky, etc.)

When finished:

• Save As (as a .BR7 file) to your Thawspace
• Render your picture
• When finished Rendering, "Save Image As" and  select JPEG
• Upload your JPEG to your portfolio blog