Painting is different than traditional modeling because it simulates
using paint brushes to add texture or deform objects. Using painting programs
can sometimes make it easy to create organic objects and details.
Amorphium
Amorphium,
from Electric Image, is designed to make your 3D models look more realistic.
To create objects you start with traditional shapes or models imported
from other programs. Then you select a brush and paint the model, only
instead of adding textures the model is deformed in real time. Numerous
reviews have been written about Amorphium and most agree that for $150
this program is a steal. Check out a review from Maximum
PC. A pro edition is also available.
DAZ Productions Hexagon
Hexagon provides polygonal and subdivision surface modeling with a sculpting/painting like interface. The videos offer a quick way to see what Hexagon is capable of.
Maya Artisan
Artisan
is a high end, paint brush based, texturing and modeling program.
Maya Paint Effects
Maya
Paint Effects, from Alias|Wavefront, comes as part of Maya Complete
or as a plugin for Adobe After Effects. Paint Effects allows you to
create 2D and 3D plant life, solar systems, and more much quicker than
is possible with normal modeling programs.
In a recent issue, 3D
World printed a tutorial showing how design studio 422
used Maya Paint Effects to create realistic moving feathers for a television
show. Recreating the effect with traditional modeling tools would be
extremely difficult.
Other programs and devices mentioned in this section provide new ways
to model objects, but Paint Effects provides an innovative way to add
detail to those models.
VRMesh
VRMesh is a free-form 3d modeling software for arbitrary triangle mesh creating and processing, based on our industry-leading technologies: Point Cloud to Mesh , Smart Form , Digital Clay , Mesh Editing , and Surface Curve Editing .
Zbrush
Pixologic's Zbrush
allows you to virtually sculpt models and paint textures. The interface
does not follow traditional windows conventions which might be good
or bad depending on the user.
Image
Based