I'm currently debating whether or not to keep the pentagram or swap it out for a different "painting". Also, I'm trying to decide if I need some more ritual tools on the altar.

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome. :-)

JL

I love stuff like this! I don't know if it's my computer, but it seems dark and I can't see the table (or alter) that everything is sitting on. I do think you could stand to have some mor tools on the alter. That grey thing is a dagger or....? It's hard to tell. Maybe put it at a different angle? Also, is this and evil alter? If so you could flip the pentagram upside down so the point is at the bottom. That would also lead the viewers' eyes down into the picture. You could also maybe put some texture on the skull so it isn't so smooth. I also can't tell what is holding the skull up. Just my opinion, but I would make the wall visible. Maybe some dried blood splatters on it. Just my opinions. It's a great idea and a really good start. Can't wait to see the finished product. :)

Thanks for the ideas Damia! It's not really an evil alter per se, just a bit on the darker side of the practice. Although I like the idea of flipping the pentagram. I may play around with some of the colors and textures a bit more. I'm reading a book on texturing that mentions trying to paint a still life with all black or all white ojects. So, I'm trying to see if it would work. :-) And thanks for the info about how it looks on your monitor. It made me notice that on my monitor here at the office the altar looks a lot more blue than at home. JL

i think the hovering candlestick holders are really funky... they are supposed to look like they are floating right... ;] John

Floating candl....? whoops! :-) JL

I think you should scrap the "painting" idea and boolean the pentagram into the wall...maybe it's just me, but i think it'd be pretty cool...Just my two cents, it's your image, i merely offer my humble suggestions. As for ritual tools, also, your image, but i think as long as you don't get so much stuff you can't really tell what it is it's okay. It is a little dark, but as per usual, i can see most of it just fun...WITH glare on the screen..i don't know, maybe y'all just have bad eyes or something...

Hmmm, thanks Slakker. All suggestions welcome. :-) Actually the pentagram on the wall idea isn't too far off from an idea I had for the wall. I've never been able to get the look I was after with that painting. JL

are you going to release those candle holders as a freebie? i really like the look of them! sort of 3D Quake 3 logos but bent. great! John

Unfortunately, the candle holders aren't mine. They are really a piece of the staff replicated to tie the image together. The staff is made with DAZ Productions' Staff Pack, which is just a bunch of mix 'n' match staff parts. JL

hmmm.... damned lack of money and general stingyness John

TOP TWELVE TIPS FOR A SAFE AND HAPPY SAMHAIN 12 Never play strip poker with a Tarot deck. 11 Never invoke anything bigger than your head. 10 Due to the imminent risk of fire, please refrain from smoking while stamping out crop circles. 9 If the invoking ritual goes wrong, stay away from the High Priest. Enraged demons always go for the pompous first. 8 Never screw anything whose genetic structure you are not absolutely comfortable with. 7 Never admit to having screwed anything whose genetic structure you were not absolutely comfortable with. 6 Contrary to historical belief, drugs and invocations do not mix. When the shit goes down, it is vitally necessary to be able to discern between the monstrosity to banish and the monstrosity that will fade away on its own after a few hours, some B-complex, and a good nap. 5 Blood tests and liability release forms are now required for all sacrificial victims prior to participating in ritual. The effects of HIV+ offerings on the average malefic deity have never been able to be recounted by anyone living, or even intact. 4 Taking bits of the ritual sacrifice home for the dog is generally considered to be bad form. 3 Citronella candles may not be used in rituals. I cannot stress this enough. Also, pastel-colored candles in shapes of cute animals are a veritable welcome mat to the Powers of Darkness. 2 When a religious artifact begins emitting light, CLOSE YOUR EYES. Thousands of cultists could be saved every year if they'd just remember this simple safety tip. And the number one tip for a safe and happy Samhain is 1 When mutilating cattle, try to avoid the ones with testicles. 93 BB and all that...