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I thought this might make an interesting topic for discussion. There are usually many ways to do things in Xara software and i'm sure this is no exception. I have used a utility called LSVG that creates vector fractals to create the basic line but it's getting from there to the brilliant glowing flash that takes a bit of effort. I often layer blue and white lines and use the glow shadow So how would others go about this task?
Sometimes to achieve lighting effects I consider both sides of the equation, light and shadow. When creating maps, once I create a given floorplan, I place a shape over the entire thing that represents shadow cover, using a light gray color then apply a stain-glass transparency that darkens the area as if under shadow. At places I want light to show through such as sunlight through an open window, direct sunlight or other light sources such as torches and electrical lighting. I cut-out shapes in the form of circles, arcs of light exposure, and directional light, essentially subtracting areas of the placed shadow layer indicating light is hitting this surface.
The first map image below shows an example of directional light exposing an area under shadow, noting the shadow is a layer of stain-glass transparency applied to a light gray color, with the light cast from the window cut-out in the direction of the light subtracting a portion of the tranparent shadow layer.
The second image emulates an area under the light of night conditions, as if under the light of the moon. Actually a couple layers of stain-glass transparency blue color was used. I say a couple layers, as even with the light exposed area is still under a layer of stain-glass transparency (lighter shade of blue) - the entire map is still covered with its non-subtracted, shadow layer.
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Oops, "lightning"
;))
Ah, I missed that. OK, then lightning, I've done that too in maps, or at least arcs of electricity.
I draw an appropriately wide line (4 - 8 pixels wide on a letter size area) in an appropriate color - white, blue, purple (whatever fits). Although like Angelize suggests I also apply a glow shadow in the same or slightly lighter color than the line itself. I often convert the line to shape, then apply both an edge feather and a slight transparency to the line shape. I often end the arc with an explosion of electricity wider than the line shape of the arc.
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Just look at photographs of lightning and learn from what you see.
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/photos.htm
Just my opinion, but don't try to intellectualise ways of "generating" a "lightning-type" effect. Use your eyes. Just draw what you see.
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PS. the background and foreground as as important as anything else to getting it right
Well I've taken one of LSVG's presets, used it as my shape (it was one of the most "lightning" like shapes I could find in the presets) and then applied the same drawing technique as above, but to my eye, although not terrible, the result is far from natural and smacks of "generated". Lightning is random by nature and using a fractal generator is by definition not:
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It can be close, but it's not a cigar moment. This is one of the reasons why I shy away from plug-ins and their "this was created by a plugin" look.
Big Frank I think that is a tree branch maybe just a few tweaks and lightning but I see a tree branch.
Yeah, that was my point. You need the randomness of a lightning streak in order for it to look like, well, a lightning streak. You could use something like this lightning generator as a starting point, but I'd have to see a better result from a fractal generator to be convinced.
@angelize this should be right up your street : Blender Lightning Generator
the video a quarter of the way down is fun
Frank I really like your hand drawn lightning. I'll have a look at the blender link when I get a chance. I'm also interested in what methods others use to achieve a realistic look as if the lightning has been captured mid flash.
Well sadly, as usual, there's precious little involvement from the "community". This is a like what you get at most churches, a hard-core of activists and a great mulching, blobby crowd of passivity. It's an interesting topic but most people just can't be arsed to get involved. You're competing with Reality TV, Facebarf and Twitoff, after all (no, I don't "do" any of those).
Tell ya what Frank, despite your railing about a lack of response, castigating those of us not participating in this thread (uh, maybe I'm actually not interested in the subject rather than spending my time as you indicate), you participate in the latest Xara Done layout thread and I'll do so in this thread. Sound like a deal?
Here's my effort, Frances.
Completely vector, of course.
That is one helluva flash of lightning, Rik! The wrath of God....
Hope, one day,to reach that level!
As always, the wrong people get defensive and get the wrong end of the stick. You, sir, are part of that hard core who participate. I'm talking about the hundreds who could but don't. But, as somebody once said to me, you can't push a rope.Quote:
Originally Posted by mwenz
Love it Rik, goes especially with the detail of the town - nice one :thxQuote:
Originally Posted by Rik
I find that the majority of forum sites in existence (that I visit), the majority of members are "lurkers" - they read threads and posts, and gain benefit from doing, but never ever post their own responses. I am a regular at the Cartographers' Guide, for example, there's like 30,000 members, yet only about 100 people ever post anything. ENWorld, another forum site I visit is very active with several hundred people actively posting threads, yet they have over 100,000 members. So, by the math, its hardly unexpected that Talkgraphics that have fewer members than either of those sites, yet has its smaller corps of active participants. It's the nature of online participation - most people don't participate. Most people aren't like you or me. In any forum I am a member, I am always an active participant.
That's great to hear, and read.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamerprinter
So, I'm looking forward to seeing what your lightning post! ;)
Already made one, third post in this thread.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rik
OK. My bad. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamerprinter
I didn't quite see that as lightning!
That is a brilliant effort Rik. I love it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rik
Thanks, Larry.Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard509
I thought you would have had a go at this.
I might have if I wasn't tied up trying to figure something else out. Been trying for weeks and so far not much closer.
Rik, that's a great image very realistic. care to share your methods?