This reply is not a response to what is art and what is not, or who's an artist and who isn't.  In my opinion, those topics are so subjective as to render argument on them moot. It simply does not matter....here or anywhere else.

These galleries are not the same as the Metro downtown or the Albright Knox, wherin finished, mounted and saleable pieces are displayed for layman, agent and critic alike. Nor are they like the studios which pump out art 'professionally'  for multitudes of clients. In my opinion, these galleries are simply a showcase for the 'user', be they hobbyist, beginner, veteran or professional to share their 'progress' in this particular art form and with this, or another particular tool. There are plenty of pieces here that would translate easily into the highbrow analog gallery and just as many that would better remain in the sketchbook.

I, myself, am a professional in both art and music, if, by professional one means that I make money at it. I certainly do. Yet most of my work in these galleries are not 'finished' saleable pieces. They are simply illustrations of where I'm at and what I'm working on these days. I think the same is true of many of us. There are far more 'finished' artists here than I am for sure.

I don't comment much in the galleries if ever. That doesn't mean I don't view the works or participate. I simply avoid the commentary bog. I prefer to email a colleague or discuss technique in the forums. And as such, I'd like to take this opportunity to mention what I see going on in the gallery and which particulars float my boat.

I admire the fortitude it takes to work with a tool that is both wondrous and frustrating, quirky and unpredictable...sometimes working, sometimes not. I like it when a tool is bent to the artistic will and I see that a lot in the Vue galleries.

I like the work being done on different ways to do a thing...the emulation of Terragen, the use of Python for skin shaders and such and the marvelous array of new vegetation.  I am not good at Vue atmospheres or plants so I am thrilled when new awesome ones are created by the community.

I too, grow weary of the gratuitous Poser babe that's planted top heavy in the middle of a camera view....but I love it when an unusual lighting is added or an innovative costume that was modelled in Hexagon or an unexpected backdrop.

I am thoroughly enjoying the military and nautical scenes that are currently prevelant.

I love the sci fi/ fantasy scenes...especially the ones based on storyline and literature.

I like the experiments in lighting going on and as a lighting noob, I find viewing them valuable in my own efforts to learn.

I am very fond of the mixture of Vue and 2d...especially Vue and Painter.

I am excited about the tools to model within Vue. Again, different ways of doing things.

I like the works wherein styles of the Old World masters are emulated.

I like the stuff where the composition itself is the main subject....

I could go on but I gotta go to the day job. At any rate, this is all simply my opinion but one which I hope is well taken.

Live long and render...

M