Thanks for the info- it helps get me in the right direction. I'll check it out. Paul

I'm not sure what direction or type of help you are seeking- you didn't mention what type of art you like to do, or perhaps look at on Renderosity. Digital "art" can run from actual drawing (Paintshop, Corel Paint) to 3D characters (Poser) to terrain and world creation (Bryce, Vue d'Esprit, Terragen, Mojoworld). Other folks like fractal art (Apophysis, Ultra Fractal). Some create art using combinations of photos/ drawing/ painting/ effects in programs like Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photo Shop. Or Photography. Anything in particular you are interested in?

I have used IE until a few weeks ago- got Firefox 1.0. I don't think I'll be going back. Also using Thunderbird for mail, and I'm very pleased with it as well.

Thank you, and I second that to everyone as well. Paul

My son, who is 19, was a popular "artist" in high school. That is, he did trendy graphiti and cartoons and such, and showed talent in it. All his friends told him how good he was- how talented. Too bad none of those kids were real artists. Now he's in junior college art, and he doesn't like it. He is totally out of his element, and doesn't get any "glowing" feedback to make him feel good. So now I'm trying to talk him out of quiting, but it's tough. All those positive comments were reinforcing his belief that he was already good. Now reality is leaving a bitter taste. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be would like to send it to him. Thanks Paul

This topic seems to be disussed here quite often. I have a question: are the seemingly negative or discouraging comments coming from professional or trained artists attempting to mentor and critique others for improvement, or remarks made in artistic ignorance (I made such a remark recently, because I completely missed the point of the artist)? Before people get bent out of shape, perhaps they should consider the source? I have realized I need to develope my "artistic eye" a little more. That was a free lesson in itself from Renderosity- and I'm glad I got it.

It is a store front- the blurred windows were to reflect ambient light across the street, without having to have a complete street front of buildings. The door in the middle is a wood texture, so I wouldn't expect too much reflection. I hate to seem dumb, but this is my first complex Vue scene.

Are you saying that, on a good day, you give everyone an "excellent"? Perhaps you're just being more honest. Your mood certainly will affect how you perceive a lot of things. Even if someone has "ratings" turned on, I sometimes don't- what I see as excellent is someone elses good or great. If someone takes the time to comment on a picure, it means they at least took the time to look at it closely and thought it over enough to have an opinion, rather than just ignoring it. I'm not sure I understand why there are ratings- this site has so much stuff posted from beginners to serious artists- how can you grade them all by a single "yardstick"?

Thank you- I see how it works now.

Question: what good is a nudity tag if the content is erotic and the entire scene, or specific body parts, are in the thumbnail? Since the tag is supposed to "warn", it's too late if the objectionable (not sure if that can apply to artistic content) is readily diplayed in the gallery thumbmails? I respect Renderosity for trying hard to have policies that allow many different viewpoints to access and enjoy the site, and I don't want to appear to be taking cheap shots from the backseat on this issue. All nudity is not the same, and is not always for "arts" sake.

I've tried it mostly on animations, but I'm more interested in large pic renders now. Thanks for the info about dual processors- been thinking about going that way; jsut trying to cut down the infernal render time.

Thank you all for giving me some needed information- I know, it's like any of the other programs- just keep at it, and study tutorials. Anyway, I find it a little difficult for my current needs, since I have been working on a '50s based image, and was trying to find "street clothes" for that era for the Poser people. Everything seems to be geared toward fantasy and sex.(?) Paul

A small, free program I am using for 3D text is "Breeze Designer". It will export in DXF among others.

Thanks all- you've answered my question quite nicely. I keep forgetting about the Mac side of this stuff(being a pc user). Also, I had not thought it through on the terrain editing aspect- that may be what the artist was referring to. I do like Vue better, but there are a couple of handy things I like Bryce for- ya know, just habits that you develope with a particular program. The vegetation in Vue definitely blows Bryce away.