Re the validity of modified (or unmodified) materials, it's whatever best represents the ideas you're dealing with IMO. If a raw render doesn't do what you want it to but offers a good base to work on, that's fine by me - I'll often tweak in Photoshop.

When I paint it involves a whole range of processes, starting with an un-primed canvas on a wooden stretcher. I'll prime it, then do an underpainting, like a monochromatic drawing or tonal sketch in paint on top of which I'll build progressive layers until I reach a satisfactory end result. There have been times when my underpainting has a power all it's own that satisfies the purpose of illustrating the idea I have in my head and it goes no further.

3d renders are no different for me.

A post-worked photo of a celebrity doesn't personally make me any more or less interested in them.

bb, maybe I'd be interested in seeing a photo (post-worked or otherwise) of you rather than Katy Perry;)

 

PoserPro2014(Sr4), Win7 x64, display units set to inches.

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