Crucial threads

A brief return to the classic IFS to 'advertise' the eponymous script. A variant of 'No escape'.

Tip: Functions.asc

Is there a script or fragment thereof that's re-usable elsewhere? If you have such a thing, then it's possible to call it from other scripts by naming and storing in your Functions.asc script file that comes with the program and resides in you scripts folder. Open Functions.asc: you should see:

{**********************************}
{ Functions and procedures for use }
{ by other scripts. }
{**********************************}
procedure CalculateColors;
{ Spreads the color parameters evenly }
begin
for i := 0 to Transforms - 1 do
begin
SetActiveTransform(i);
Transform.Color := i / (Transforms - 1);
end
end;

As an example, copy the following into the file and save.

procedure FineGradient;
For i := 0 to 255 do
Begin
For j := 0 to 2 do
Begin
Flame.Gradient[i][j] := trunc(31+random*191) ;
End
End;

To prove that it works, open the script editor (Ctrl-D) and click on the 'New' icon (top of right-hand panel). Type, or copy and paste, FineGradient and click on the 'Run' icon (green triangle) - your current gradient will be replaced by a 256-band brightly-coloured one.

Troubleshooting: if it doesn't work, check that Functions.asc is selected in Options, Paths, Function library

Ascension

This came as a real surprise: I'd been experimenting with the parameters of my iconic 'No escape', in discussion with Anu, and devised a method of scripting the tight weave (yet to be finalised). Whilst performing the basic moves on xform #2, I stopped part way and began to swap the linear for other variations (a PowerPro script does this at a single hotkey combo). Oscilloscope proved a fruitful exchange. Tweak; select gradient; tweak; render; and finally post-sharpen to bring out the hidden texture, which reminds me of the laminates used on cheap '60s furniture.

Probably won't grab attention (due to its lack of boldness at thumbnail size) like some do, but this is a direction I touched on last year with this abstract style and intend to explore further.

UV dancefloor

Dare you step out onto this projection? Strut by all means, but beware that it doesn't exist outside of your mind!

Strange Möbius

A Möbius strip is a one-sided surface. We're accustomed to seeing them in our 3 dimensions as a long strip, with a single half-twist, joined at the ends. This is the 3-dimensional projection, represented in 2, of such a strip in 8 spatial dimensions :confused:

(Mathematicians: take as many potshots as you will - 'tis a mere flight of fancy!)

Tip: sliding and double-clicking

A good proportion of the fields in Adjust and Editor dialogues support sliding and double-clicking in their title areas to change their values. Double-clicking defaults/toggles*. To use the title field as slider control, click and hold then drag to the right to increase and the left to decrease. Further details:



*if option set in Options, Editor, Double-click on variation (see below)
#sometimes gives Access violation errors - use at own risk!

Beautiful revolution

Enjoy the colours, the movement, the discontinuities. Delicious droste, teaming up with the ever-versatile julian :D

Tip: colour distribution

Depending on how you build your fractal, or where the parameter came from originally, chances are that your chosen gradient isn't fully distributed. Fine if you like what you see, but not the best situation for actually selecting a gradient. To remedy, from the menu Flame, Calculate Colors Values - this gives full colour distribution i.e. transform #1 has value 0, transform n has value 1, with transform i (0 < i < n) having value (i - 1)/(n - 1). Obviously, you can pull the sliders to what values you like, but this gives a standard starting point. For alternative colour distributions, I have a script available here - only any use for 4 or more transforms.

The situation is somewhat complicated if one transform possesses the lion's share of the total weight - the colour value of this transform will dominate, sometimes to the point of turning the whole thing duotone. To introduce more colour, use symmetry .

The sixties

A kind of non-titular fourth member of the 'Le Psychédélisme' series. Very similar in its construction, but with the telltale 'teeth' of the oscilloscope variation and a white background. Just add your favourite Beatles tune :D

Serve chilled

A syllabub with a dark secret, or is it just strawberry coulis? And what are those arctic seals' and cats' faces doing, silently accusing?

Strange times, strange desserts ;)

Sunset, shattered

Appearing almost vorticist in its abstraction, a stained glass style cut to the max with an oscilloscope FX.

An older piece that I wasn't entirely happy with until I re-rendered with a gradient from my Coastal Grandeur gradients.

Brass-rubbing a dream...

...of the Grand Central Interchange.

Getting this effect was all about work in the 'Post-process render' dialogue, optimising brightness, filter radius and gamma (I had used pure black gradient). Perhaps surprisingly, perhaps not, this is actually a good ol' disc-julian. Pure Apophysis, including frame.

Le Psychédélisme #3

The added citrus tang of loonie*: lemon; orange; lime; grapefruit; blood orange...

Third in the mini-series.

#1 here.
#2 here.

*by way of explanation, I fancy that the 'loonie' variation introduces an element resembling the cross-section of a citrus fruit. Those listed represent the colours. Just so you don't think I'm totally loony :D

Discussing possible futures

And now, for 2008, something completely different. A nice pretentious title for an abstraction that defies description. Pure Apophysis, even the 'frame'!

Wishing all the very best for the new year :peace: