Pilaster capital

[chamferman]

Hello Folks

I would like to model this pilaster capital.
I have imported the jpg into sketchup & tried tracing over the top using freehand, but I am not convinced this is the easiest way.

What would be the best way of going about this?

Thanks In Advance

Simon

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[davidheim1]

Dear Simon,
That's quite a challenge. I've thought about trying this myself, but I usually just take a nap until the feeling goes away.
You can download Corinthian column models from the 3D warehouse, but I don't know that any will be exactly what you want. Creating that distinctive spiral shape at the corners will be extremely difficult with basic SketchUp tools; you will probably have to use one of the plug-ins that allows you to draw compound curves. That's the bad news. The good news is that, because the capital is symmetrical, you only have to draw one-half of one side, then copy and execute a flip along command until you have replicated the entire shape.
Good luck, and keep the forum posted on your progress.
Best,
David Heim

[mitcorb]

See this thread from the past:
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=79&t=42479&p=377625&hilit=corinthian#p377504
There may be some insight there. Or it will provide the spark of challenge.

[pilou]

and also QuickLathe!
See the thread for the simple explanation!

[pilou]

For all ellipsoïds and curious curves maybe Draw Metal : Curve Maker can help you!

[Krisidious]

talk about jumping in the deep end... a crash course in brain surgery is in your near future. You're gonna need some plugins. a few of them. I would suggest some Artisan, Curvloft, CurveMaker, Vertex Tools among others.

[Krisidious]

Here's a list of Organic Modeling tuts on Youtube.

[chamferman]

Thank you for all the useful replies & links.
I have been looking at Greek orders of architecture. The capital I have chosen derives from the Corinthian order, which apparently was not used as much as the others. So keeping with history I might have to go with a easier order

Looking around the web I have seen some really good examples, I was wondering if these were
3d scanned?

[TIG]

To roll back a bit...

If you are proposing to use lots of these in your model - like capitals for columns in a classical building - then component instances will reduce the load on the processing... BUT remember that every facet still needs calculating for shadows, what it obscures etc... So over detailing can be a killer !

If they will never be viewed close up. then it might be better to make a less detailed form and apply mapped textured to the facets to give the illusion of a more detailed 3d form...

See this thread
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=79&t=48892&p=439336&hilit=+molding+texture#p439336
It discusses how to make a detailed cornice, using a texture instead of making every 3d facet...