Off to a good start I'd say. Two things that standout that detract from realism: it's too tidy, nature is messy with different textures and plants have a large variety of sizes. The tiny beach is not a bad thing but it's perfectly even, and would instead vary from curve to curve as the water as cut the bank and deposited sand in other places. The 2nd thing is there is no middle distance foregound move into a mountainous background way to fast. Look at the Hudson River School paintings, they were masters of this.... ON the plus side it's a very good compostion and arrangement of objects, POV is interesting and gives as much depth as possible. You're going to be great with this program! Looking for your next post fer'sur.

Excellent first. The crit I would offer is to pay more attention to scale. The animals versus the vegetation for example, veges too small. You have tried a hard scene with a river for your first and that is to your credit.

Very good for a first! The gazelles are wonderfully posed. I think if the background mountains were increased in size that the scale would seem more natural. The only thing I see that looks unnatural is the branches on the trees. With Pro you should be able to bend them to a more natural state. Outstanding first work!

wow, excellent done .. gorgeous composition you present here the background is very good indeed

XLT 1st work! I agree that the scaling is off and I would try and make the water a bit more realisiic. That said the posing is superb. Look forward to your future works :)

Thanks for the excellent and valuable feedback everyone! I am learning a lot from it. dlk30341, if you see this (or anyone) could you expand on your comment about the water? What is it that is unrealistic about the water? Thanks!

Exellent first post, Jim...a lot better than my first one! The thing that strikes me is the scales...with the gazelles that large, the landscape and other elements should be larger...or the gazelles should be smaller. I think the comment about the water is that it seems too clear for such a dusty landscape. Maybe experiment with different water materials.

Excellent starter image. I love the soft colors and the peaceful atmosphere.

Wow, a first?! Just to have the stream running through is a great achievment! I know...I use vue and that is hard to do! Really nice first vue! :)

And you haven't done anymore?????This is fantastic! An excellent study on nature, it looks like one of those nature dioramas you see in museums! I certainly hope you do more of these!

Thanks Digimon. I've been busy writing an eBook on basics of visual communication for 3D/2D artists. Finding that Vue 5i makes a great tool for creating book illutrations too! Will get back to more full scenes pretty soon.