Course Overview

Please note: This class is currently being edited into small clips and will replace the raw footage that is currently available for viewing.

Class Description:

This intermediate course demonstrates the creation of art-directable fluid/gel simulations using Houdini's MPM solver. Topics include: initial shape setup, brush collider configuration, viscous fluid simulation techniques, post-simulation UV workflows, and implementation of a stable, dynamically resizing bubble system that prevents intersections. The provided student HIP file will include a complete Karma XPU render setup.

Learning Outcomes:

This course delivers a high-quality, production-ready setup applicable to various scenarios, particularly in cosmetics and food visualization. Students will gain practical knowledge on maintaining client-focused art direction, establishing MPM simulations for viscous fluids, and creating render setups that produce visually striking results suitable for professional portfolios.

Course Materials

    1. Discord

    2. Files

    1. Session Outline

    2. Session Full Raw Video

    3. Submit your work

MPM Gel Smear FX

  • $45.00
  • 2.5 hours of video content
Session 1

Smearing gel with MPM in Houdini

This session will cover the full workflow of viscous fluid smearing simulation using Houdini's MPM solver. Students will learn to create art-directable gel shapes, configure brush colliders, and implement stable bubble systems while avoiding intersections. The course includes UV workflow techniques and a production-ready Karma XPU render setup optimized for cosmetics and food visualization.

  • Introduction
  • Introduction to the MPM Solver
  • Building the Fluid Shape with Copying & Instancing and VDB Tools
  • Procedural Modeling the Collider (brush)
  • MPM Simulation
  • Fluid Meshing
  • Dynamic Bubble System

Instructor

Philipp Welsing

Houdini Artist

Philipp Welsing is a Houdini Artist living and working in Hamburg, Germany. Welsing has used Houdini extensively over the last few years in both private explorations and commercial work. For the last two years, Welsing has been working exclusively in Houdini for modeling, animation, simulation, shading, lighting, and rendering. Viscous fluids have been a constant source of inspiration for Welsing, and he has spent a significant amount of time understanding, art directing, and perfecting them.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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REFUND POLICY:


Live-Session Courses
Students may request a refund up to 1 day before the start of the course. Students may also withdraw from Live-Session Courses at any time and are entitled to a pro-rated refund. The withdrawal date must be 1 day before the next class they intend to drop.

On-Demand Courses
All on-demand courses are non-refundable.

Refund a Class
Please send a request to get a refund via email to [email protected].
Your written request to drop any or all of your classes must include:
  1. Student’s full name
  2. Name of the course(s) being dropped

See you in Class!