Acrylic Paint Effect in Houdini 20.5
This acrylic paint effect was created in Houdini version 20.5. The new Copernicus context was used to extract the main colors from an initial image, which were then applied in the Flip simulation. Finally, the effect was rendered in Karma.
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Explore the in-depth explanations below to uncover the details of the process or DOWNLOAD THE SCENE and try it yourself.
by Manuela Cárdenas - August 2024
Breakdown
The project begins with a small setup in the new Copernicus context, introduced in Beta in Houdini 20.5.
The goal of this step is to introduce a specific image and generate a new version that highlights and enhances the main colors, adds slight distortion, and generally applies a painterly effect.
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This image is used to define the main colors of the emitter within the flip simulation
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The emitter’s movement is controlled by a curve that can be adjusted to easily create patterns or cover different areas. Additionally, an attribute VOP was used to apply a specific type of noise to the emitter’s density attribute, giving it a more realistic behavior.
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To achieve the acrylic paint effect, the viscosity level was carefully fine-tuned, with numerous tests conducted, including trials with other solvers (like Vellum). A ladder was also used as a collider to highlight the fine details of the final fluid.
The high particle count allowed for very fine detail in the paint, creating small patterns driven by the emitter’s movement. The surface also maintained rich detail while being slightly smoothed for the final look, without losing any mesh precision.
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The image formation is achieved through a post-simulation process in which the desired image is projected onto the collider, transferring the color attribute to the simulation particles. Additionally, the original colors of the effect were blended with the projected image, adding a unique touch.
Finally, material testing and the final render were completed using Karma.
Benefits of using renderfarm
Running this project on a renderfarm instead of a local machine brought several key advantages, not just for the final render but also for Houdini's simulation cache.
The main benefits:
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- Faster Project Development:
The speed of simulation testing was greatly improved, allowing the project to progress significantly faster. Additionally, freeing up the local ressources made multitasking possible, enabling parallel work on different aspects of the effect and increasing overall efficiency.
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- Higher Quality Simulations and Results:
The final simulation output achieved a much higher quality than what would have been possible on the local machine, thanks to the render farm's superior processing power.
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- No Hardware Limitations:
The project was not restricted by the limitations of local hardware. The cost difference between using the renderfarm and upgrading the local machine to achieve similar results is substantial. It's far more convenient to access an optimized setup when needed than to continually upgrade local hardware to meet the demands of specific projects.
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SIM credits: 61.94
This chart presents simulation data collected to objectively compare the performance of both the local machine and the render farm.
The data being compared represent simulation results from the same file and time period.
Render credits: 69.16
The final render comparison is also based on the same file and the same Karma configuration.
It’s important to note that, while this comparison uses the Economy plan, there are other plans that provide access to more machines and more powerful options. These plans would complete the job much faster, offering versatility in terms of render time and allowing the setup to adapt to the specific requirements of each project.
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For this particular effect, achieving the final level of quality on the local computer would have been impossible due to the high particle count in the simulation. The simulation time would have been unmanageable. However, the detail achieved is crucial for visualizing the color patterns in the paint, appreciating the fluid’s behavior, and obtaining a highly detailed final image.
The final simulation reached a maximum particle count of 85,979,167.
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Manuela developed an interest in renderfarms while preparing her second submission to The Rookies Awards. She sought solutions that would allow her to perform more detailed and high-quality Houdini simulations beyond what her local computer could handle.
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GridMarkets became her choice due to the confidence she gained thanks to a thorough understanding of our services and positive feedback from other artists about their experiences.
GridMarkets recognized her talent and was initially interested in featuring her as a Student. However, after seeing the exceptional quality of her work, they extended an invitation for her to participate in a larger collaborative project.
This collaboration was also greatly enriched by the direction and guidance of Adam Ferestad, (Senior Technical Director at GridMarkets), who led the development of the effect. His extensive knowledge of Houdini was crucial not only in achieving the final result but also in providing advice, instruction, and optimization strategies throughout all stages of the project.
Manuela is excited to take on new projects and explore fresh career opportunities. She remains dedicated to honing her skills through personal work and is eager to advance in her professional journey. To connect with her or view her past projects, you can visit her LinkedIn profile.
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Manuela Cárdenas and GridMarkets
Manuela Elena Cárdenas de la Miyar is a Junior FX Artist based in Seville, Spain.
She studied the Master of VFX and Compositing at Animum Creativity Advanced School in 2023, Málaga, Spain. She also has a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Granada, Spain.
Manuela has participated in The Rookies Awards in both 2023 and 2024, earning a place in the Drawn Selection on both occasions. In the most recent edition, she received an Industry Certificate with a Rank A, which assesses her skills as “Exceptional and industry-ready for entry-level roles. Her work demonstrates a high level of proficiency, creativity, and readiness for professional production.”
By: GridMarkets marketing
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