Very interesting effect, it looks convincing, especially the top part (probably
the angle more then the distance).
I wonder how it would look from up close.

Remco



Xplo Eristotle wrote:
> 
> Here's the larger image I promised, with a couple of tweaks to the function.
> 
> As far as I know, mud like this is usually the result of fine, dusty
> material which either washes over a sandy or rocky layer, or is
> deposited on it by wind and then hydrated. The sun dries the mud
> unevenly, making the top shrink and causing the cracking and
> characteristic upward-curling effect.
> 
> The point is that if I wanted to get really realistic, I'd have the mud
> appear on top of a layer of sand and use radiosity as part of the
> lighting solution; shadows from the mud curls and poor sky exposure
> would (should) ensure that the cracks were dark enough to provide a
> natural contrast.
> 
> I tried that, but it's slow, damn slow. "Waiting for 2006" slow.
> 
> So, instead, I just used a little ambient for color and added a dark
> brown plane for contrast. Unfortunately, the plane ended up clipping
> some of the mudcurls, which is why they have those dark spots in the
> center that look like little round holes. It also looks weird in the few
> spots where there's no mud, but all in all, I'm pleased with the
> outcome. It almost looks like a photo, if you happen to catch a passing
> glimpse of it in the corner of your eye.
> 
> Oh, and to whoever asked before, it turns out that some of the curls
> *do* exhibit overhang.
> 
> The sphere is a foot in diameter. It was provided for scale, and to add
> a little variety.
> 
> Right, I'll shut up now. :)
> 
> -Xplo
> 
>   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>  [Image]

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