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 (28)
magnus073
Cathy I'm sorry you are having so many problems during the ice storm and just hope you can stay safe and warm. This is a lovely image you created that really fits the title so well and inspires hope
mgtcs
Fantastic work my friend, gorgeous scene, congratulations!
M2A
The paysage on back is very beautiful, i like the lady with the shadows on her. Good work.
wannes
In all things it is better to hope than to despair... Great concept, very well executed!
Half-Baked
Beautiful work!
Cimaira
Wonderful image, great lighting.
SIGMAWORLD
Very nice work!
tulipe
Beautiful image! the lighting is excellent.
blankfrancine
This is a lovely creation,Cathy.The lighting is really effective. The background is very atmospheric and convincing.Did you add the birds using Artmagic?
novelist
To answer blankfrancine: the 3d doves are by Noggins, they were posed and rendered into the scene using Daz.
psyoshida
Gorgeous lighting and romantic composition. It has great depth and mystery. Absolutely stunning!
Miska7
Very nice scene. Great pose, lighting and sky! Really nice work.
Blush
Awesome It would look good on a book cover Hugs Susan~
e-brink
A picture of great contrasts... I think someone is pining for Spring. An excellent picture.
magichild2
Excellent scene...love how you did the lattice frame outside. Beautiful
Zazou
Wonderful scene and details ! Excellent artwork !
NoelCan
Terrific render.. Good light.. Excellent work..
Jedi_Padawan
Hope is the last thing that dies.....and I hope that she won't give up the hope. Your artwork really has a message, Cathy! Take care, ~Sassy~
Jollyself Online Now!
very pretty...I like the palette
three_grrr
Gorgeous Cathy! The background is fantastic, so fitting to the scene. I love that we are standing inside, looking out through the window, seeing her dreaming, hoping her dreams become reality. It's such a gorgeous way to frame this magical scene.
amota99517
Beautiful work! I wish you luck with the Internet connection.
tennesseecowgirl
Lovely work and it certainly fits the title... Hope your weather has gotten a bit better since this.
lucindawind
beautiful work !!
faroutsider
A very beautiful image, kicked up a notch by the imaginative framing.
popeslattz
Really nice image. reminds me of Maxfield Parish's work. You might want to watch the placement of the birds, though. Some of them appear to be stuck to the framework.
stevey3d
Beautiful image Cathy! Excellent!
Cgaynor
You do well with levels - excellent work!
myrrhluz
Beautiful image! It reminds me of a lovely stained glass window I saw in Amsterdam. I love the colors, lighting and shadows! Excellent composition and atmosphere!