Hiboux: One of my four rescued friends
"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other.
If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. Â What one fears one destroys."
--Chief Dan George (1899 - 1981)
The avatar I use is a photo of a kitten who adopted me last fall. She came to my door one night, hungry and cold and in need of shelter. I had already adopted a rescued dog and 2 fostered cats (I have a friend who works in animal rescue), but another friend told me that being chosen by a cat was a special thing, so, here she is in her new home. I called her Hiboux (French for owl for those who don't already know), since she reminded me of a snowy owl tapping on my door.
Sorry I need a new digital camera. The one used for this photo was one of the first ones ever made that utilizes a floppy disc. I am attached to it, but thought it was more important to show off my kitty here since this is merely my "home" page and not a display of my digital art. I'll update it as soon as I can.
I live in the US Midwest, have a degree in landscape design, compete nationally (only in the US so far)Â in dancesport, and choreographed contemporary dance for over a decade. I've been writing since childhood--mainly for my own amusement. A few of my poems have been published in obscure places and I used to write many interviews which were published online for years. None of my novels have met the public eye yet and that's OK because for me "the joy is in the journey." Â
I'm hooked on creating digital art. I stumbled upon it when I worked online for 11 years as a content editor and became intrigued watching the medium grow. 3D art feels like a good niche for me combining movement, landscape, my love of nature, history, art, technology, myth and storytelling . . .  I love to experiment with software and hope to continue to grow as an artist. I'm in awe of many of the beautiful works shared on this site. I've also begun a blog here called "A Novelist's Adventures in Digital Art" where I list useful sites and tools I find along the way:
My Blog
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I consider myself a beginner at digital art. We all have to start somewhere. I try to encourage other creatives on all skill levels as often as I have time. I learn a lot from the artists I favorite here and even from private emails with tips if you feel so inclined. I dont allow ratings in my gallery anymore, because I don't believe in "grading" art--it doesn't fit into my personal philosophy. That said, I do often admire many of the talented professional artists and am happy when they are showcased on the art charts here and feel the rating system--though it has flaws--is important to honor excellence.  I do appreciate any comments and appreciate constructive criticism and suggestions.
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"Every artist was first an amateur."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
 Thank you for visiting my gallery!
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Comments (38)
Juliette.Gribnau
superb creation, wonderful mood, and technically almost perfect F
bogart137
I love this; don´t know what to tell you in order to improve it. Some people take years to achieve such a well made and thought-provoking image. With every new sight a new story comes from it. There´s also that "painting" look that makes it so unique and evocative. I truely congratulate you for this.
FrenchKiss
Very nice render and an excellent first image!
stevey3d
Wonderful image! Superb composition!
kobaltkween
i love it too. it think it's excellent. the only weak point it might have is the texture of the leaves of the large plant to the left. you could do some color adjustments if you wanted it to be photoreal, but i think that would be a mistake, actually. very simple, very evocative.
dvab
Bravo!
twistedpixel
I wish my first attempt looked like this, I didn't even save it! This looks so perfect!
NekhbetSun
This sooo reminds me of a Lovecraft tale Dagon....don't know if you're familiar with Lovecraft, or the story, but it certainly embodies the beginning of that fantastic tale OK, I'm rambling :o) ....really really good work here Cathy !!!! H u g s
e-brink
I love the way you have used the refraction of the oar in the water as a major part of the composition. That part is excellent and makes it for me - taking it to depths indicative of the title you chose! Great first go with Vue. Lovely peaceful atmosphere and in a way, more symbolic of a peaceful moment and it's potential undercurrents than just a straight illustration of one.
Zazou
WOW ! For a first attempt, this is a master piece ! Excellent !
Realm_Of_Illusion
Simple and very nice :)
Trouble
A great composition, very simplistic but evoking!
sapa
man once you get a grasp of what your doing you'll be unstoppable 1st attempt or 4000th excellent!!!
Janiss
Really splendid!
Miska7
Nice scene. Great first picture in Vue! Very well done.
Jollyself
WOW Cathy... you did a fantastic job with your first ! Love the peacefulness in this and your choice of water color. Your pieces are gonna ROCK once you get good with it if THIS one is any indication :
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KarmaSong Online Now!
Very atmospheric scene, where the modest number of elements conveys an impression of peace and serenity. Excellent Vue work!
gillbrooks
Sometimes, simple scenes can be most striking and this is no exception. Absolutlely stunning first render !!!
LBJ2
Great VUE work there, Nov. Fantastic realism, and a great composition.+5
SSoffia
GORGEOUS SCENE & WORK :)
ledwolorz
Fantastic composition and wonderful work.
three_grrr
Oh my goodness! This is exquisite! I think you've been practicing behind our backs, grins!! I think it's perfect just how it is, it has that "painterly" feel to it, and anything more would spoil the feel, the mood.
kitzie21
This is wonderful for a first. I personally don't see anything to be improved upon here. I like the composition and mood you have achieved. It's a very soothing yet evocative piece. Great job!
magnus073
VERY realistic looking scene and wonderfully done. I think you have outdone yourself for a first attempt in Vue
magichild2
In two words...phenomenal work
clam73
lovely done for your first in vue.....excellent!
watifeye
Love this! Excellent first Vue image, a very peaceful scene. No stopping you now Cathy. Very well done!
blankfrancine
Wonderful render...the water looks fantastic. Bravo!
Cosme..D..Churruca
exquisite!
Cgaynor
Magnificant!!!