• Use particles to create a realistic fireworks explosion
• Create smoke trails with the smoke simulator
• Use the compositor to make glowing balls of light

Welcome to 2011!

It’s been about 3 weeks since my last post so I hope you were all able to do something productive with the time (playing Black Ops doesn’t count!)

To celebrate the start of the new year I decided that fireworks would be a fitting (and cliche) topic choice.

Finished Result

Further Inspiration

Unsure of what to do next? Here’s some inspiration to get you started on your own firework show:

• Kanye West – All of the Lights (7:43)
• Cool fireworks DOF
• Awesome firework show from Vancouver (HD)

I hope you enjoyed the first tutorial of the year!

Question of the day: What would you like to see from Blender Guru this year? Post your response below.

In this tutorial you will discover:

• The fundamentals of smoke simulation
• The correct materials for realistic fire
• How to create a shockwave

Time to blow stuff up!

You guys have been asking for this for quite sometime now so I decided to finally deliver on that request. Think of it like an early Christmas present (that explodes in your face).

Finished Result

Further Inspiration

Not sure where to take this tutorial? Here’s some more explosive inspiration:

• Tsar Bomba – Animation
• CGSociety FXWars – Nuke Winners
• Interview with Allan McKay, the Explosion Guru

I hope you enjoyed this week’s tutorial. Post any finished works in the comments below!

In this tutorial you will learn:

• How to create fire and smoke using the new smoke simulator
• A simple lighting trick that will vastly improve the look of your fire
• The correct material settings for fire
• How to make your flames emit burning embers
• An easy heat distortion trick that adds nothing to your rendertimes

Previously, creating fire in Blender was a chore. We were forced to use the outdated particle system combined with the clumsy halo renderer. We cringed as we hit F12 and watched the equivalent of a mustard stain materialize on screen.

Those days are over.

The new smoke simulator can not only create realistic smoke, but a gorgeous fire.

I’ve been working extensively with the smoke simulator over the past few months to find out the best method for creating fire. It’s been a long road but I believe I’ve finally got the formula right.

Last week, I launched an Introduction to Smoke Simulation that covered an in-depth approach to realistic smoke physics.

This week it’s all about fire… and it’s completely free.

What you will get from this tutorial is essentially the 3 months worth of experimenting, testing and adjusting, it took me to create the best looking fire possible.

Here’s a sneak peak at what’s inside:

Download FREE copy of your ebook here

During the 27-minute video you will learn:

• The Old System Vs New – What’s changed?
• How the Smoke Simulator works
• How to bake and render realistic smoke
• A behind the scenes look at creating a smoking city

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the last few months, you’ve probably heard about this new feature called the smoke simulator. But what is it? Why is everyone getting so excited over it? This tutorial will answer all your questions from a beginners perspective.

I originally gave this presentation at the 2009 Blender Conference . The presentation included creations from other users, a short demonstration of smoke in action and a slideshow. Since that time there have been massive developements in smoke simulation so consider my video a revised edition.

Do you have any tips or tricks for using the smoke simulator? Share your experiences in the comments below!