Animation - Animating with Blender: How to Create Short Animations from Start to Finish - page 213

Figure 11.46 Back two frames from the IK pop, the heel is
raised

Figure 11.47 The leg is brought forward for the passing pose

Now advance the frame until the formerly front leg hits full extension and “pops” or separates. Move backward
two frames. Set a key on the “heel raise” bone of that leg, just like you previously did with the other leg. On
this same frame, pull the formerly rear leg forward so that it is almost at full extension, rotated so only the heel
is touching the ground (Figure 11.48). The foot should be oriented in the direction of the walk. Drop the pel-
vis a bit. Advancing two frames, you fully plant the rest of the foot by rotating the leg controller (Figure 11.49).

Figure 11.48 The receding leg now raises its heel, and the pro-

ceeding leg plants its heel

Figure 11.49 The proceeding leg fully plants the foot

And repeat. Easy!

Okay, this is actually kind of diffi cult to get right, and you will probably need to pace around the room for
a while, observing exactly what your legs and feet do while you walk. Of course, if this all proves to be too
hard, you can always alter the shot to only show your character from the waist up! Actually, this technique,
like many others, becomes easier when you get used to it.