In this tutorial, we will explore how to create an abstract, painterly effect applied to a head scan model to produce a ghostly looking portrait. In this tutorial, we will specifically use the standard_surface shader in combination with the range and camera_projection shader to produce this effect. You will need a head model for this tutorial. An example of a free to use head scan model can be found here. You will be required to use your own texture for this tutorial. Further examples using this technique can be found here and here.
A video tutorial can also be found here.
Scene Setup
- Import the head model into the scene.
- Create a cylinder or quad area light and position it above and slightly in front of the head model. Increase the lights exposure to around 4.
- Create a polygon plane and position it in front of the head. We will use this plane to refract the rest of the head using the same texture map.
Create a camera (rename it RenderCam) and position it so that it is pointing at the front of the head.
Head Shader
Head model render (without plane)
Head shader
Plane Shader
Create another standard_surface shader and assign it to the plane. Increase the transmission_weight to around 0.9. Plane refracting head behind it
Plane shader