It’s funny what computer graphics does for me. I have noticed that it is a mental outlet so I can utilize both the artistic and technical aspects in some way. It certainly is a great deal of work however, and since I’m not in “the business” I’ve found my pursuits in the subject amorphous and without any true goals. Additionally, in taking up other things that are both artistic and technical full-time I find my mental need of the CG subject somewhat diminished.

What has of late come to the fore was a need for frivolous activities – games and the like – that are amusing but have no real application beyond enjoyment. To that end, I’ve got back in to playing Dungeons & Dragons, and have found it to be a great experience and much more fun that it was when I played so many years ago. Maybe it’s the new rules or how I have approached playing the game this time, but the game has become a strange focus of mine for some reason.

I see the need to state these things because looking at my site I see the last post was 3 months ago, and even those were just mentioning podcasts I was a part of. Be well aware though that my love of computer graphics is no less than before.

If you’re interested, the dragon illustration is by an exceptional artist by the name of Kekai Kotaki. I gather it was commissioned by Wizards Of The Coast since it graces the cover of Dungeon Magazine #168 and is astounding in the simplicity of the brush strokes and the fantastic contrast which really makes the dragon truly terrifying.

1. JR Gauthier Says:
   January 3rd, 2010 at 10:16 pm

   Just so you know. Maybe you don’t have “true goals” in doing CG stuff, but I have a look at your web site from time to time and all the tutorials you’ve posted so far about Houdini interested me alot. I’ve also listened to all the podcats you’ve talked about. However, I will most likely never play D&D even thought you’ve talked about it Anyways, your posts about Houdini have been very appreciated, please get your motivation back!

   cheers!

   ps: If you need “goals”, I’m working on personal projects(short film project) using/learning Houdini but sometimes I get stucked on technical problem, I would definetly need help from time to time…if you are interested.

2. Eugene Says:
   January 11th, 2010 at 10:19 pm

   Hi JR! Thanks for the for the vote of confidence! I’m glad you’ve found the tutorials interesting, especially since I was sure anyone watched them .

   P.S. Your site has some great work, so I just subscribed to your feed so i can be sure to see more!