Some early sketch ideas for the group project. 

Drawing water realistically isn't easy :(

We were given a little 1 week drawing task, after our first 'Animation Background' session, to find some examples of backgrounds used in animation. I decided to have a go at recreating some of the examples i had found. 

Heres the original, from Beatrix Potter.

And my effort. using water colours wasn't too easy, but i enjoyed the process and liked the effects you can get with colour blending.

I then picked something slightly more cartoony, which was from the Roadrunner Animation. 

I didn't want to go for a straight copy on this one, so i decided to take inspiration from the 'Incredibles' concept work, which is shown in 'The Art of PIXAR' book. This book, and the 'Dreamworks Artists.. After Dark' book, are really great and recommend them to anyone interested in the concept and personal work of 2 major studios. 

Original Roadrunner. 

After gathering inspiration i recreated the Roadrunner background into this.

Here are some water tests i've done. Ended up with a couple of different results, with one pantomime style using layered shapes, and one more realistic style using fluids. both in 3D. 

Decided to do my boulder lift in 3D, as after using a few other methods in the first semester, i found 3D the most comfortable and enjoyable. There are still a few in-betweens that i need to add, and a few tweeks in the graph editor, but so far i'm happy with the progress.

Started some prep work for the heavy ball lift exercise today, and managed to talk a pal into doing a few lifts for me for video reference. 

Also dug out a Xmas present which is 'The Human and Animal Locomotion Photographs' by Eadward Muybridge. I really recommend this to anyone looking for all kinds of locomotion reference. Ranges from males to females, lifting, running, dancing, and animals eating, and doing everything else animals do. 

Second semester, First project. The first mini task was to animate the sea using methods we had previously learnt, or experiment with new techniques. Before experimenting, i decided i'd take advantage of my surroundings and visit some of the local beaches, Maenporth, Gylly, and another that i cant remember the name of, but It had an amazing pub called The Ferryboat Inn. 

Time to get animating.

pirate progress.