Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Creating Rock and Stone Materials
This section covers a broad spectrum of materials ranging from stone and brick, to clay and stucco. These
materials share many common attributes, such as diffuse and reflective amounts, coarse surface qualities,
and a general location on architectural models. Many of these materials can be used interchangeably to
quickly vary the appearance of a façade. Building up a library of these materials will allow you to make
quick adjustments that demonstrate sweeping changes in the appearance of the model.
As a general rule, smoother materials in this category, such as stucco, can be created by using procedural
texturing methods. In contrast, rougher and more-complex materials, such as a rock wall, will usually require
photographic textures. This differentiation is largely due to the scale of the surface displacement. Processed
materials (for example, clay and stucco) have a fine grain, so the individual details are rarely seen. The larger
scale of walls created out of bricks or rocks result in recognizable elements that are easily picked up by the
viewer.
Procedural Materials
Perhaps the most commonly seen material in this category is stucco. The small, nondescript details and ran-
dom patterning that result when the mixture is sprayed on make it an excellent candidate for procedural
textures. In the Noise section of the Enhance: modo Textures, there is a Stucco texture. When applied, this
texture will look like anything but stucco! However, with some clever adjustment, a convincing material
can be produced.
Figure 11-8
shows a material with the default Stucco settings mapped to the Displacement
channel.
Figure 11-8:
Don't be discouraged by the default settings. The Stucco texture will work well with a few
small adjustments.
