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 (35)
3x3
lovely composition x
pops
This has a wonderful haunted feel to it-awesome image
magnus073
Great image Cathy, and you did a great job of drawing from that story to bring this to life
adiemas
Excellent!!
e-brink
This is fantastic, Cathy. 'Hill House' (the b/w original) is one of my favourite movies of all time. But apart from that - even if I had never seen that film before, this image would stand alone as a very accomplished piece of work! Great posing and expression... or is she real? The lighting and atmosphere you've achieved is fabulous too! if you need Dr Peter Venkman round to investigate just shout.... or maybe scream!
novelist
But no one will hear me, "all alone, in the dark." ; )
M2A
I like the feeling and amosphere within. Great.
faroutsider
Somehow haunted places are more sinister than ghosts... The mood is perfect, accentuated by the monochrome. Excellent !
ledwolorz
Fantastic work.
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent work!
farmerC
This is Fantastic work.
adrie
Very beautiful dark scene my friend, wonderful lighting in this....excellent done.
tulipe Online Now!
Excellent work! I don't know that movie but she looks so scared and I can only imagine what's so frightening!
Zazou
WOW ! Perfect mood for this terrific scene !
SSoffia
GREAT IMAGE & FANTASTIC SCENE DEAR CATHY :)
lucindawind
wow excellent work . .I love theat movie also
Miska7
Very nice scene. Great character and lighting. Really nice render.
Grizabella
Excellent work, great mood!
amota99517
The lighting is excellent and really makes this piece. Awesome work my friend.
Jollyself
great drama and in BW, it has some BAM!
tofi
A great ominous and eerie feel about this, the dramatic mood enhanced by the expression is most visually and emotionally satisfying, combined with the mysterious rug in the background--- Excellent creativity!
three_grrr
WHOA!! Cathy!! This is totally awesome! You've outdone yourself with this one. I love the black and white, and I think you've managed to capture the essence of the movie perfectly. I have not seen it (yes, it is true) but now feel I really NEED to see it! Or at least I need to find the book to add to my pile of "gotta read"!
cmcc
nice drama.
Cgaynor
I enjoy the perspective and the ambiguity of the image - of course the black and white gives it a dramatic quaility, like the old film.
giovanino
Beautiful model! Superb render!
carlx
Awesome expression, atmosphere and B&W mood!!!
KarmaSong
Excellent inspiration for this superbly done image! Awesome work here !
stevey3d
Wonderful image and mood Cathy!
wannes
Great posing and expression,very well crafted! Excellent work!!
kasalin
Wonderful lighting and an excellent image, looks very beautiful, dear Cathy ! 5* Hugs Karin :)