The ASGVIS: ICE Render-Off Contest

To go along with their new release of V-Ray for SketchUp, ASGVIS is sponsoring an ice rendering contest.

Render ice using either V-Ray for Rhino or V-Ray for SketchUp. Be creative with the type of ice you choose to include in your scene (icicles, snowflakes, glaciers, ice sculptures, ice rink, etc.). Ice does not have to be the main focus of the render, however it must be a prominent element in the scene. Judging will be based on technical merit, artistic interpretation, and photorealism.

The winning entry will receive an Apple iPod touch (Digital player, Flash 32 GB, AAC, MP3). Runners up will each receive Sony NC60 Noise Canceling Headphones.

Deadline is March 10th.

Offical rules: The ASGVIS: ICE Render-Off Contest

Video: Drawing Jefferson's Bookstand

On the Fine Woodworking blog "Design. Click Build." Dave Richards posted another great SketchUp work-flow video showing his approach to using SketchUp for woodworking.

In the 35 minute video, Dave's mastery of SketchUp is clear as he models Thomas Jefferson's Bookstand from start to finish.

Jefferson's Bookstand - Another Workflow Example - Fine Woodworking

Plugin - RepeatCopy

RepeatCopy is a new commercial SketchUp plugin by Chris Fullmer which:

Quickly adds copies of selected components by pointing and clicking in the model.

This script allows you to quickly add copies of components to your model by just clicking where the copy should be added. Its a great way to quickly add component copies to a model.

RepeatCopy is available here: RepeatCopy

Made With SketchUp: Pixar Video

Here's a cool video made in SketchUp and SU Podium.



Read about the process

LightUp 1.8 Released

There is a new version of LightUp available (v1.8) that introduces the first in a series of GPU-based features.

Specifically, once the render is complete you can adjust Exposure, Contrast, Saturation and Temperature all inside SketchUp during realtime navigation. It works really well for tweaking images without having to redo the rendering.

Also realtime Bloom can be adjusted to control the softness of the image.

Website: http://www.light-up.co.uk

The State of SketchUp Plugins

SketchUp guide Jody is asking - unofficially - for your thoughts on the current state of SketchUp plugins. Should Google be creating, or adopting, the most useful plugins?

Please take a minute to give your thoughts.

Render Plus Systems - IRender nXt Rendering Contest

IRender nXt Rendering Contest

Open to All! - you do not need to own IRender nXt, we will provide a free copy during the contest.

This years contest is designed to highlight the features of our new Version 3.0 of IRender nXt. In particular:

1. The new Materials libraries of over 6,000 materials for you to use.
2. The low res Arroway texture library of 100 textures
3. The new library of 49 RpTreeMaker Plants
4. RpTreeMaker to create your own plants
5. ArchVision RPC Objects

Each entry will make use of at least 4 of these features.

Visit Render Plus for a list of prizes and rules:
IRender_nXt_Rendering_Contest - Render Plus Systems