• Feature Houdini 20
SideFX has announced its latest software update, Houdini 20. As standard for each release, there are updates across the board that don't get the shine of a visual spotlight, but architectural changes like the introduction of APEX lay the groundwork for what is expected to be future benefits in multiple areas of the product. But more on APEX later, as we first run down some of Houdini 20's exciting new creative tools.
FEATHERS
The first noteworthy item for us to place in the spotlight is the brand new Feather System. It's GPU-accelerated and enables you to create any feather shape, look and complexity that you desire. You may start by simply finding a reference image and trace the shape of the feather to recreate that exact appearance.
Check out page 36 for a walkthrough of the process of creating feathers for an eagle by Andriy Bilichenko. There you can see the level of control at each stage of creation, even down to the sculpting and orientation of individual feathers or groups. Keep in
