I finally got over my depression with Vue Pro not working on my machine and am back to creating in 4.2 (which works like a dream). Input would be appreciated on my 'last chance pond'. mokba

I like the way the foreground and background materials blend nicely. Are you using a displacement mapping technique for that? The pond itself looks a little like a mudbath, but I assume a last chance pond would...8^) Good WIP! MN

Maybe an opening in the cliff , to show that this desert is immense ? maybe some bleached bones to encourage travellers to taste that water ? an indicator reading 'next pond 540 miles...' (with a vulture on top of course ...)? maybe the clouds are facultative ? Depends on what you want to do ... cheers Paul

Thanks for the comments. My biggest compaint was that there was no feeling of depth. The opening in the cliff would easily let me show a deeper composition. I did not use any displacement mapping but manipulated the material mix percentages until it came out right. I also did a huge amount of detail work with the effects brush using mostly cracks and grit. I have never tried to manipulate a terrain to that dgree with the brush but have been pleased with the results. mokba