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.  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) 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." ÂÂ
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 (34)
Nicky_Nilyak
Amazing! I love the Christmas tree! Ceep up the great work!
schonee
Super winter scene!
blankfrancine
Beautiful Winter/Holiday scene!
BenBischop
Excellent Job...!!!!
ledwolorz
Beautiful winter scene,Wonderful work.
amota99517
This is such a gorgeous piece!!!!
Jollyself Online Now!
very lovely...the light on the snow is great and I love the palette
stevey3d
Superb image Cathy! Excellent atmo and composition!
faroutsider
Fabulous winter scene! Great atmospherics and lighting - makes me want to wrap up warm and head off on my skis, but it's 30C (86F) outside at 10:30 am....
wannes
Beautiful scene!! Lighting and shadow are superb! Excellent work!
Juliette.Gribnau
adorable
huismus
Beautiful, well done!
NekhbetSun
One of your best, Cathy, imo....I love this....great title, subject and mood B*B and Happy Yule !!!! Hugs ~
Vanadis11
Wonderful image with a really great atmosphere! Excellent job!
magnus073
Wow Cathy, this one is so beautifully done and has such a powerful feel to it.
cmcc
very moving.
Miska7
Very nice winter image! Great lighting and post work. Well done.
Realm_Of_Illusion
It's a really nice scene and I like the lights on the tree :) Simple and beautiful composition.
e-brink
I know I've left here, Cathy - and left art too, but it's not that bad. Seriously though. Super work in Vue, with a really great atmosphere. Even in death a tree, like a memory, would make all the difference this time of year. Very touching.
novelist
I certainly hope you have not left art, e-brink. The world would be an emptier place without it. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. And that includes everyone who comments here. It's a busy time of year and it shows the dedication we all have to the community and to art. In fact, I'm revising this image as I write. I've decided to add global illumination on this image as it shows up the plants a bit better. I'll be replacing this image later today with the new one.
tofi
A most beautiful and enticing scene indeed, my Friend! The mood and atmosphere are enticing and gripping; in spite of the cold snow that lies on the ground; I'd love to stand right in the midst of that untouched and unmarked crystal clean snow, and lavish in all it's beauty that surrounds.... wonderful artwork!
JaneEden
This is amazing a truly beautiful scene of virgin snowfall, I could say even a magical sight. hugs Jane xx
ragouc
Very good POV and render. Nice landscape.
Zazou
Splendid winter scene ! I can feel the cold icy wind !! Excellent !
magichild2
Love the winter scene and the lights on the little tree
SSoffia
BEAUTIFUL WORK & SCENE :)
clam73
excellent mood and winter scene......great the atmosphere setting....congrat my friend!
skynyrd57
Nice job!
LBJ2
Stunning work, Cathy. Fantastic render and scenario. Very beautiful.
lucindawind
fantastic!! I love the Celtic cross ..