Free 3D modelling/landscape software - create amazing art

TheAlex

Vue and Bryce are mostly known for their ability to create photo-realistic landscapes but can be used to do pretty much anything.

In Bryce you can create a pretty scene with a water slab and a mountain/tree/pyramid in your first two minutes and will probably be impressed with the result. I know I was!

I've just had an e-mail from the e-on software mailing list and they're offering Vue 7 Pioneer for free download:
http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/vue/vue_7_pioneer/

It's easy-ish to pick up using tutorials that can be found on the net, and quite powerful (among other things, it was used for scenes in the recent film, Australia). To get it you just need to sign up to their website (I've been a member for two years and just receive a weekly newsletter). Free models and content for Vue are available from the website.

Bryce 5.5 is also free (the most recent paid for version is 6). I prefer this to Vue, although I haven't used the newest version of Vue yet.
http://download!!!!et.com/Bryce/3000-6677_4-10696716.html?!!!!!mncol

The user interface is a bit weird to use at first, once you've got past that water and mountain, but it's easy to quickly throw something together once you get used to it (I did this on an old version, without knowing the software much): http://www.holeinmyhead.co.uk/art/desertvalley.html)

If you're a genius you'll be able to create images like this guy:
http://www.infinitee-designs.com/Andy-Simmons.htm
http://www.renderosity.com/homepage.php?page=3&userid=3282

The makers of Bryce also offer DAZ Studio for free (this can be used to model anything, including people that can be easily imported into your Bryce or Vue scenes):
http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/studio?_m=d

Although I've installed DAZ Studio I haven't used it yet, but the blurb reads "...a free, feature rich animation tool that enables users of any skill level to easily create stunning digital imagery..."

There are support communities full of other people/artists who use the above software, including Renderosity which I've already linked to.

I hope some people give this a bash if they haven't before. It's worth a play and worth the effort if you want to get better...

Post your results! (if that's allowed on here?)