ANIMATION TESTS

These are a few different views of testing wing animation with a very simple rig. These wings are okay, and they get the point across for a simple wing flap. However when I try and fold them up completely they are a skewed feathery mess, so I will need to study how I can improve on that aspect of them next. Overall a good early test of what can be quickly and easily achieved.

RIGGING EARLY STAGES

Okay so since studying birds, bats and others attempts at angel wing anatomy, I've touched up my rough model and smashed a quick rig on him to do some testing with. The Digital Tutors wing rig looks very processing heavy so I will investigate those methods next, but I will try to find a simpler way of doing things in the process.  I am just thinking ahead to the animation that I am planning and there will be fluid effects involved, so the less stress on the computer for the rig the better.

Here's some screens, I've included one of the research drawings that I found to be the most convincing for believable angel wing anatomy, the side elevation screen shows how I've modeled the joints from it.

More Wing Research

Bit of study for the wing animation


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSzpM8vEAFA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNYCldtpiW0

WINGALING RESEARCH

After the anatomy chat I have been scouring the net for some wing anatomy, birds, bats, others attempts at angels, maybe even dragons if I'm lucky.

Here's some pics for now I'll get to a bit of modeling from them for the next post

EARLY CONCEPTS

Here are some various early concepts for the Angel character; Protoris

AIM

AIM:

The aim of my project is to fully create a functional and rigged angel character for animating for film in Maya with realistic wings and functional features involving maya muscle dynamics.

PROCESS:

Research maya muscle and how it can be applied to a humanoid, and how it may be applied to the angel character.

Research the different ways of creating wings within 3D software, and decide on the most appropriate for my character with good reasons why.

Quick concepts for the angel

Model the angel with animation topology in mind

Build the wings

Apply muscle

Build rig


ADDITIONAL Extra content if I have time:

Pose and/or animate to demonstrate the features

Textures

Dynamic light effects/powers


I have already started some concept work for this character, I will put that up in my next post before my research so that the changes I make are clear.