Drifting Snow

This one starts by generating an array of 50 snowflake objects. As each one disappears from the screen (meaning it is past the bottom edge of the screen a distance greater than half its height), its space in the array is given to a new, randomly generated snowflake. Each snowflake has its own fall speed, based on size, for a parallax effect, and its own spin speed. I managed to get each snowflake to spin independently by translating the origin to its center and rotating the origin before drawing it, them immediately undoing the rotation and translation before the next snowflake was drawn. The illusion of three-dimensional movement is created by making each snowflake’s height change along with a sine function.

8 thoughts on “Drifting Snow

  1. The three dimensional effect of the falling snowflakes is an incredible effect. The fact that you were able to technically and artistically pull it off is really impressive. The thing I enjoy the most about this sketch is that each flake is different, and they are hand-drawn beautifully, great job.

  2. I have to say that these mesmerize every time I look at them. The mixture of different transformations really gives the scene a realistic look. By having the image appear to flip it appears to slow the appearance of rotation makng the flakes look more naturally flowing. If you didn’t say you made them yourself I would have assumed they were coppied by some genius offline. So that little fact makes the sketch more unique and a pure delight (Especially in the Winter).

  3. This project is my favorite overall, ultimately for how difficult it is to have the flakes to perform 3D motion. It is very realistic considering that all flakes seem to have different distance from the view. Incredible master piece!

  4. The three dimensional effect in this piece is amazing. This piece looks as though it could have been professionally done for some kind of christmas advertisement.

  5. excellent use of available tools to create a new effect, the level of detail is incredible, especially with the movement and shape of the flakes. nice work!

  6. This is a very impressive and well executed program. The 3D effect makes it one of the best snow simulations that I have seen, and this program is worthy of whatever praise you receive for it.

  7. Perfection describes the way the snowflakes tumble and fall. Not to be taken the wrong way but this could be a very good e-greeting card. Maybe the background for a 2D winter animation.

  8. This one is really impressive. Having the smaller snowflakes move slower than the larger ones was brilliant and really gives the effect some depth. Great job!

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