Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Having completed the framework, we can
wrap up our spline cage by playing “connect
the dots.” The existing splines on the face
end at an edge loop that runs over the fore-
head, down the side of the head, and under
the chin. Each of these splines can be con-
nected to the framework created in Steps
43 through 46. (See Figure 14-59.)
points on the back of the head. As a result,
we're going to use a different technique for
building these splines.
47. Select the
two
points shown in Figure
14-60 and press <
Ctrl
>+<
p
>to
create a new spline.
I mentioned at the beginning of this tutorial
that the most basic spline consists of three
points. Two act as endpoints, and the third
acts as a control point that allows you to
adjust the shape. We've just created a
two-point spline which, if you examine
carefully, is perfectly straight. It needs a
third
control point to alter its shape.
48. Switch to Polygon Select mode. The
spline you just created should be high-
lighted. Navigate to the
Multiply |
Subdivide
menu and select the
Add
Points
tool. Click on the center of the
spline to add a third point. Then use
the Drag tool (<
Ctrl
>+<
t
>) to
adjust the shape of the spline. Make
sure you rotate your object in the Per-
spective view to check the shape of
this new spline. (See Figure 14-61.)
Figure 14-59: The remaining splines can be
created by connecting those in the face to
those outlining the head and neck.
We could build each of
these splines as we've
done in the past by cre-
ating “in-between”
points, then selecting
the points in order and
pressing <
Ctrl
>+
<
p
>. However, our
spline cage has become
fairly complex and this
will make it difficult to
position the in-between
Figure 14-60
