Drawing in the Digital Age: An Observational Method for Artists and Animators - Softcover

Xu Ph.D., Wei

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118176502 ISBN 13: 9781118176504

Publisher: Sybex, 2012

Synopsis

A solid foundation for improving your drawing skills

Teaching a new observational method based on math and computer graphics principles, this book offers an innovative approach that shows you how to use both sides of your brain to make drawing easier and more accurate. Author Wei Xu, PhD, walks you through his method, which consists of scientific theories and principles to deliver real-world techniques that will improve your drawing skills. Xu's pioneering approach offers a solid foundation for both traditional and CG artists.

• Encourages you to use both sides of your brain for drawing with the highest efficiency possible
• Introduces an innovative method invented by the author for improving your drawing skills

If you are eager to learn how to draw, then this book is a must read.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Use Basic Math to Become a Better 3D Artist

Despite the sophistication of today's computer graphics software, if you want to become a professional 3D artist, solid drawing skills are essential. With a good foundation in drawing basics, you'll be better equipped to create the more realistic characters and environments that today's film, game, TV, and video markets demand. Using an exciting new drawing method based on simple math combined with established computer graphics principles, this book shows you step by step how to draw quickly and efficiently in a digital world.

• Find out how math can help you draw

• Master the six techniques of the Angle-Based Constructive (ABC) method

• Learn how to see, including how to extract shapes from a scene

• Review basic CG concepts, principles, shapes, and structures

• Discover hidden patterns, draw simple objects, and assemble them

• Learn advanced techniques, such as how to use curved shapes and shadow maps

• Draw the human body—find several tricks to make the job easier

• Explore the tradeoffs between accuracy and speed

About the Author

Wei Xu, PhD, teaches game programming and production, 3D math, and life drawing at the Art Institute of California—San Diego. He also teaches iOS game programming and drawing classes at University of California San Diego Extension. He is cofounder of Geomy Entertainment, LLC, a game-consulting firm. Xu was previously a lead engineer at Sony Computer Entertainment America for game technology R&D and a senior CG software engineer at Schlumberger Austin Technology Center.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sybex
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1118176502
• ISBN 13: 9781118176504
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224