The Gnomon Workshop - Introduction to Houdini: Grains

Learn how to create a sinkhole effect in a desert scene with this comprehensive 6-hour Houdini workshop by VFX artist, David Silberbauer. This detailed workshop is intended for beginner Houdini artists, though it is also helpful for intermediate artists looking to refine their workflow.

Over the course of nine chapters, David covers how to manipulate attributes, details HeightField basics and MPM solver basics, explains how to use VDB processes to create sources, and discusses FLIP fluids basics. He also covers HeightField scattering, Meshing fluids, and Houdini’s GPU-accelerated Material Point Method (MPM) solver.

This workshop explores a wide range of areas within Houdini to help artists familiarize themselves with the different aspects and workflows that this powerful software offers. Starting with a basic scene setup and UI, David begins with a discussion of what makes Houdini so unique as a VFX software package. He then walks through examples of preferred professional workflows, while discussing working methodology and concepts that ensure artists of all levels can take advantage of working in “The Houdini Way.”