Squash and Stretch Video for GUI

The video for using the Squash and Stretch Ball  GUI
can be found at the following link on vimeo.com

https://vimeo.com/user16943767

Squash and Stretch MEL GUI

Here is a short MEL script to create an automated Squash and Stretch Ball in Maya.

A video will accompany this on Vimeo.
The script is intended for non commercial use only!
Load the following text into the Script Editor in maya and execute it
Use the Squash and Bend attributes in the Channel Box to make it work.
(MMB right to left)
Enjoy !!

// Created by Tony Smith for student training and non commercial use only 

// Please credit me if used any training context or use 09-03-2013 Tony Smith

//_______________________________________________________________

if (`window -exists ballcreate`)

deleteUI ballcreate;

window -title "ballcreate"

-widthHeight  220 310

-maximizeButton  off

ballcreate;

rowColumnLayout -nc 8 keyableRCL;

button -label "ball" -w 75-c "BallcreateGroup()";

showWindow ballcreate;

global proc BallcreateGroup() 

{

sphere -n ball -p 0 1 0 -ax 0 1 0 -ssw 0 -esw 360 -r 1 -d 3 -ut 0 -tol 0.01 -s 8 -nsp 8 -ch 1;

circle -n ball_ctrl -c 0 0 0 -nr 0 1 0 -sw 360 -r 1 -d 3 -ut 0 -tol 0.01 -s 8 -ch 1;

addAttr -ln "Squash"  -at double  |ball_ctrl;

setAttr -e-keyable true |ball_ctrl.Squash;

addAttr -ln "bend"  -at double  |ball_ctrl;

setAttr -e-keyable true |ball_ctrl.bend;

select -r ball ;

nonLinear -type squash  -lowBound 0 -highBound 1 -startSmoothness 0 -endSmoothness 0 -maxExpandPos 0.5 -expand .5 -factor 0;

setAttr "squash1Handle.translateY" 0;

setAttr "squash1Handle.scaleZ" 2;setAttr "squash1Handle.translateY" 0;

setAttr "squash1Handle.scaleX" 2;

setAttr "squash1Handle.scaleY" 2;

setAttr "squash1Handle.scaleZ" 2;

setAttr "squash1.factor" 0;

select -r ball ;setAttr "squash1.factor" 0;

nonLinear -type bend  -lowBound 0 -highBound 1 -curvature 0;

setAttr "bend1Handle.rotateY" 90;

setAttr "bend1Handle.scaleX" 5;

setAttr "bend1Handle.scaleY" 5;

setAttr "bend1Handle.scaleZ" 5;

select -r squash1Handle bend1Handle ball;

select -tgl ball_ctrl ;

parent;

select -r ball_ctrl ;

connectAttr -force ball_ctrl.Squash squash1.factor;

connectAttr -force ball_ctrl.bend bend1.curvature;

select -cl  ;

select -r squash1Handle bend1Handle ball ;

createDisplayLayer -name "DONOTTOUCH" -number 1 -nr;

select -cl  ;

select -r squash1Handle bend1Handle ;

setAttr "bend1Handle.visibility" 0;

setAttr "squash1Handle.visibility" 0;

select -cl  ;

};

Realism or Abstraction ?

Where does realism end and abstraction begin? Here the images above are painted from life on a beach at Southport as the sun is setting. This is done in watercolour and the light was changing constantly. The second images are entirely playful where there was no object of interest only exporation of materials.

Leaf & Fossil Series

This is a scan from an old series of paintings I
did some time ago all about impressions from
what remains. It was a period of experimentation
on small canvas's with acrylic, glue and gold paint.
Imprints of real plants pressings and linocut
20cm x 26cm framed in blue painted frame

Reclining Pose

I always look for a strong form within my life drawing
Here the hands lead along the arm to the hair which
contrasts against the line and form of the back. I like
reclining foreshortening  poses as they offer a challenge
as well as a a more interesting composition.

Coldest Dive ( so far )

Dived at Rastatt  - Plittersdorf today in the bright sunshine
However the outside temp was - 8 degrees and the water
ranged between 4 and 2.7 degrees. So you might ask ..!

Why do you do it ?...

Well it puts you in a different place ...once under any other
concerns with life just disappear...there is a connection with
2 of the primary elements, water and air, which puts you in a
special state of mind a sort of calm peaceful  place ..try it out..!

Remarkable Woman

Gabrielle Giffords.

I have followed her progress since she was
caught in a shooting in Tucson in January of 2011

Her speech and plea for Gun Reform in the US
Congress on Wednesday was a remarkable and
timely statement.

A remarkable woman who,s grace and presence will
hopefully shift opinion toward the introduction of
strict licenses for gun ownership and a comprehensive
ban on the casual and irresponsible sale of firearms in the US.

Shame the NRA had to follow her..

source 
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/guns/video-gabrielle-giffords-gives-emotional-speech-urging-stricter-gun-laws