New Tutorial! Shaderlight – From SketchUp Model to Finished Render

Nice introduction tutorial by Kate Marshall of the Shaderlight team.This tutorial shows you how to get from SketchUp model to finished render in five easy steps using the new Shaderlight for SketchUp Beta plug-in.  With no complicated settings to master, any SketchUp user can achieve great results with a minimum amount of fuss.

Draftsight - Free 2D CAD Software

Draftsight 2D cad looks interesting. You can read, write and share DWG files. Looks very easy to use and its free. You don't loose anything in translation and it preserves the fonts and viewports(I've been told), which some freebies don't do.Worth checking out. Will be useful for students too, looking for a free alternative to other CAD programs.

Bunkspeed SHOT 3D – Photorealistic Rendering Simplified

Spotted this today. Seems interesting. Part of their press release..
"Bunkspeed SHOTTM incorporates mental images’ innovative iray® technology to provide an interactive, 3D rendering solution that brings the power of the GPU to creative professionals everywhere, enabling rapid and fluid feedback. Bunkspeed SHOTTM provides stunning, photorealistic accuracy, and empowers users to intuitively create the highest quality image output without the steep learning curves required of other rendering products" CARLSBAD, CA – June 23, 2010
Currently priced at $995...

Google SketchUp 3D Basecamp 2010

Although we new about it a few days ago, we thought we should wait until Google officially announced it, but it seems it is public knowledge now. It will be held in Boulder Colorado and there are only a few places being offered (some 200 or so) so only a lucky few will be able to go. It seems to be invitation only so you'll have to keep your fingers crossed!

New Tutorial - Modeling in SketchUp to Match a 2D Image by David Macdonald

This is the second in a series three tutorials by David Macdonald concerning the exporting of SketchUp models to other applications as 2D graphics.Each tutorial is complete in itself in as much as you can stop at the end of any of them having acquired a new technique that is complete in itself, without being obliged to finish the series.Click on the image to see the full tutorial.

New Tutorial - Using HDRI in V-Ray for SketchUp

Fascinating informative tutorial on HDRI in V-Ray by our friend and regular contributor Nomerdona. HDRI stands for High Dynamic Range Imaging. It is a technique that allows a larger span or range of luminance between the light and dark areas of an image.Click on the image to see the full tutorial.....

V-Ray for SketchUp Version 1.48.83 Now Available

Our friend Kim over at ASGVIS has announced the release of a new improved build for V-Ray for SketchUp.It addresses some of the minor glitches and issues associated with the previous version. Find out more by clicking on the image below...

Our friends at Pushpullbar back up and running..

Good work, that was quick...pushpullbar

Pushpullbar site down again...

Just come to our attention that the Pushpullbar site is down again with server/hosting problem. Some of our links to them may not be working now, but hopefully they will be able to sort their issues out soon and without any loss of information. Fingers crossed!
Latest report " 5GB out of 7GB of data missing during server transfer. Not impressed downtownhost.com !"
First report " Our hosting company downtownhost.com is trying to sort things out. It seems very broken ..."

Creating a Sketchup Model Using Photo Match

Here is an option for constructing your drawing by importing the photograph directly into SketchUp using the “Photo Match” tool. Jim Leggitt gives us another great simple tutorial using SketchUp's Photo Match Tool.

Tips and Tricks Section...new content

Create Stunning 3D Text Free with SketchUp by Joshua Johnson... A great little tutorial on how to  create awesome 3D text with Google SketchUp and Photoshop.

A bit more news on IES

IES has a special offer on Its VE-Toolkits: $400 Per Seat see here.

Google SketchUp and IES Partner to Facilitate Sustainable Low-Energy Building Design

It says.. "BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A unique new partnership between building performance analysis specialists Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), and developers of the fast and intuitive 3D modeling tool Google SketchUp, was announced today. Solidifying the existing relationship between the two companies, which has been built over the last two years, this official partnership will support both parties’ drive to facilitate and encourage wide-spread, low-energy sustainable building design and to provide the worldwide audience with important tools that support this movement"..... Interesting little development, see here...