Help modeling a peanut

[Tommy]

I want to model a photorealistic peanut
how would you go about:
1. Modeling the peanut
2. Texturing the peanut
3. Could I use gradients somehow to achieve the peanut look??

[Matt]

The 'Ball' tool would be a good start!

[Lynx3d]

First counter question:
A peanut with shell or one that is ready to get eaten? :D

-edit-
whatever is the answer, i'd say Sub-D modeling anyway ;)

[Tommy]

I appreciate the timely response,

I am looking to model a peanut that is still in the shell
I am going for a peanut with arms and and sort of crazed character for a personal project, I am familiar with the ball tool however I need help with the
hull of the peanut.

[hrgiger]

I would try using a displacement map or depending on how much detail you want, even just a bump map to get the peanut look before trying to model in the peanut texture. If you want to use a displacement map, you'll want to keep your object subpatched so you can increase your subdivision level in layout to get the detail you need. A bump map on the other hand doesn't require much geometry at all but the details won't protrude from the side of the character so when it turns sideways, the detail won't present a bumpy profile.

[riki]

The shape is pretty simple, just getting the surface texture right.

[riki]

Eeeh kind of looks like a peanut, maybe a bit like a turd as well. But anyway.

[richpr]

It usually has a bit of a ridge along the length as well, since it is essentially two halves... and some hair/fibers...

A photorealistic peanut character...? I'd like to see one of those... ;)

[VWTornado]

riki, did you just use the ball tool with a bunch of segments then bevel the segments or what? look pretty good for what im sure was a quick model.

[riki]

yeah it took about 5secs to make. just used a capsule prim with shift and insert bevels, then jitter to break things up a bit.