Creating Visual Effects in Maya

Chapter 1

Adding Foliage, Fire, and Smoke with Paint Effects

Paint Effects is a unique visual effects system within Maya that produces myriad geometry with the stroke of a brush. Although the geometry is based on primitive tubes, simple meshes, or sprites, its complex growth can emulate a wide range of natural objects, including a variety of plant life, animal fur and feathers, fire, electrical arcs and sparks, base elements such as metal and water, and artistic materials that include pencil, pastel, and oil.

You can apply Paint Effects to an empty Maya scene, onto a 2D canvas, or onto a specific surface. With preparation, you can render Paint ...