I always wanted to have full control on cloud shape.
So I came up with this very simple technique. It was
built from simple mesh element (see the second image)
and is very similar to 'stacked planes' technique.
Rendering time 3 seconds and it looks the same way in
any resolution. The source is in p.b.s.-f.
It's waiting for somebody who can make macro from it :)
That mesh element could be placed on different curves
(splines) to make plump cloud(s) :)

Gena.

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Preview of image 'clouds1.jpg'

Preview of image 'clouds2.jpg'

Gena Obukhov wrote:
>I always wanted to have full control on cloud shape.
>So I came up with this very simple technique. It was
>built from simple mesh element (see the second image)
>and is very similar to 'stacked planes' technique.
>Rendering time 3 seconds and it looks the same way in
>any resolution. The source is in p.b.s.-f.
>It's waiting for somebody who can make macro from it :)
>That mesh element could be placed on different curves
>(splines) to make plump cloud(s) :)
>
>Gena.
>


Simple as it may be, I rather like it. Perhaps you should write a tutorial
on how peons like us newbies can make it.

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ScottishPig wrote:

> Simple as it may be, I rather like it. Perhaps you should write a tutorial
> on how peons like us newbies can make it.

There is nothing special just check the source. It's really very simple
code :) But despite its simplicity I believe that that technique can be
used for very complicated clouds. I'll try to prove that whenever
I have time :)

More likely you have to increase max_trace_level for very
complicated cloud(s). Also if you place several mesh
elements in the same plane (e.g. x-y) and if they overlap make
sure that you have a small gap between those elements (e.g.
z*0.00001)

I created this cloud manually. Just scaling rotating and translating
the basis mesh element. For simple clouds that's OK. But I think
that more complicated plumpish clouds should be created by
macros. I just don't know any appropriate algorithm for that :(

Using several mesh elements with slightly different hues you
can get good looking colorful cloud(s).

One of the advantages of this technique - clouds look the same
way in any resolution. Another advantage - mesh nature of
the cloud. As a result you can fill by such clouds the whole sky
without any impact on memory.

Gena.

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