Exercises in realistic motion using weight, balance, and force.

This series of animations explores capturing the subtle intricacies of body movements when performing an action, which contribute to conveying a realistic and natural portrayal of different physical activities. Consideration of the principles of animation were important to add character to the animations while maintaining physical realism.

These cycles focus on the natural movement of the centre of gravity as the weight moves between which foot is at the front. Use of anticipation, drag secondary actions and some exaggeration gives the movements a more organic and dynamic feel.

A key consideration for the skip cycle as a more complex follow-up for the walk cycle were how the centre of gravity is affected by the back foot as it stays behind the body when it quickly lifts into the air.

For these 3 cycles, there is a progression of speed and force created not just by the faster timing, but also by more emphasised actions and reactions between the lower and upper body of the model.

This animation shows a weight being lifted from a high location, to showcase how to body needs to stretch to reach the weight, then completely change posture to squat down to be able to thrust the centre of gravity backwards to bear the weight and keep balance.

As the body transitions between stretching upwards to squatting to bear the weight, there is a large bend in the spine as the upper body is pulled forward by the weight.

In the squat position, the hips need to rotate a lot more than in a regular walk to bring the leg back, due to the hips being thrust so far behind the rest of the body.