Department of Kinetic Imaging · VCU

3D Computer Art

KINE 384-901 Spring 2026 Tu & Th  4:00 – 6:50 pm Franklin Terrace 307 ShanMu Sun  ·  sunw2@vcu.edu Office hours by appointment

Info

Description

A comprehensive introduction to the use of the computer for modeling, rendering, and animating three-dimensional objects and environments.

Students learn the basic principles, aesthetic, and concepts of 3D computer art and animation using Blender as a means of self-expression and conceptual experimentation.

2 lecture + 4 studio hours. 4 credits.

Learning Outcomes

Students explore the aesthetic of 3D objects, space, and motion; creative applications of 3D technology; and engage in critical discussions on 3D art works.

Assessment
Participation / Research10%
Assignments / Exercises20%
Project I — Building Your Monument15%
Project II — World Building25%
Final — 3D not 3D30%

Schedule

Week 1Jan 13 / 15
What is 3D Computer Art?
Intro to Blender — interface, primitive shapes, boolean, polygon components, render.
Assignment: Make an avatar with primitive shapes.
Week 2Jan 20 / 22
UV + Shading / Library Tour
UV unwrapping, texture painting.
Avatar assignment due before next class.
Week 3Jan 27 / 29
Sculpting + Lighting
Sculpting in Blender — Fish assignment.
Lighting + Render — Lighting Challenge.
Week 4Feb 3 / 5
Modifier + Edit Mode
Project I introduced — Building Your Monument.
Week 5Feb 10 / 12
AR Tools / Work Day
Kivicube, Blippar; Project I work session.
Week 6Feb 17 / 19
Project I Critique due
Work day + Mixed & Immersive Reality Studies minor info share.
In-class critiques.
Week 7Feb 24 / 26
World Building + Project II Intro
Narrative, camera work, animating shapes — keyframe, hierarchy, graph editor.
Week 8Mar 3 / 5
World Building — Artist Talks
Guest artist talk on Zoom (Mar 3) + in-person artist talk (Mar 5).
Week 9Mar 10 / 12
Spring Break
No class.
Week 10–11Mar 17–26
World Building Work Days
Production work sessions for Project II.
Week 12Mar 31 / Apr 2
Project II Critique due
In-class critiques + intro to Blender × Unity.
Week 13Apr 7 / 9
Unity XR + Final Project
Final project description introduced — 3D not 3D.
Final project proposal presentations & individual/group meetings.
Week 14–15Apr 14–23
Final Work Days
Open studio work sessions.
Week 16Apr 28 / 30
Final Project Due due
In-class final critiques.

Resources

Blender
AR Tools
  • Kivicube Browser-based AR platform. Upload FBX to view your monument in the real world.
  • Blippar Alternative AR publishing platform.
  • Sketchfab Upload and share 3D models with interactive web viewer.
Reading & References
Course Materials
Project I — Building Your Monument
Project II — World Building
  • Collaborate in teams to build a shared 3D world — each person adds models weekly. Final output: a 30-second animated film showcasing your world's story and landscape.
  • Art References
  • aaajiao — Deep Simulator
  • Jakob Kudsk Steensen — Aquaphobia
  • Ziyang Wu — Pasig River 2030
  • Lernert & Sander — Das Haus
  • DROP CITY — Vimeo
  • Tutorials
  • First Steps in Blender Animation – A Comprehensive Tutorial (YouTube)
  • Mixamo Blender add-on — Adobe Substance 3D
  • Animate Cameras like a Pro (Blender Tutorial, YouTube)
  • Blender Camera Follow Path Tutorial (YouTube)
  • How to Add Sky in Blender (YouTube)
  • How to Create Procedural Buildings | Blender Geometry Nodes (YouTube)
  • Graswald — Free Plant Library for Blender
  • LinkedIn Learning — Blender chapters
Final — 3D, not 3D
  • Create a work that questions what 3D can be. Why does it need to be 3D? Choose: Medium is the Message (use 3D's qualities as content) or Medium is Hybrid (subvert the 3D aesthetic entirely).
  • Format: animation (min. 1 min.), XR/VR, 3D print installation, projection, interactive, AR sculpture, video essay, or other. Solo or group.
  • Art References
  • Ziyang Wu — ziyangwu.com
  • Vimeo — 346958033
  • Wendi Yan — World-05: Walnut Palaces
  • Hito Steyerl — This is the Future (LUX)
  • Hito Steyerl — Power Plants (Serpentine)
  • New Museum

Student Work