At the start of my creative journey, I was a traditionally trained artist working with oils, acrylics, watercolor, colored pencils, and, for a short while, markers.
When my children were born, I put those materials away. I’d heard too many stories of mothers rushing to emergency rooms after their children had swallowed paint, turpentine, or linseed oil. No hobby was worth the risk. My priority was raising three little ones safely.
During that period, I discovered computers and Photoshop. The digital canvas was not only more affordable but also free from any of the hazards of traditional media.
Soon afterward, I came across Bryce. Since landscapes had always been my passion, it felt like a gift. Yet there was one drawback: computers at the time simply couldn’t keep pace with my imagination. Some renders took weeks to finish, and I realized I could still paint faster than technology could process.
A few years later, I found Poser. What attracted me was its function as a digital artist’s mannequin. Although limited, it was fascinating. With Poser as a guide, sketching human figures suddenly became easier and far more accurate.
Then came Daz (Digital Art Zone). They began creating realistic characters complete with clothing and hair, transforming the possibilities of digital art. What had once taken weeks in traditional media could now be brought to life in hours, with remarkable precision and none of the mess. Everything remained safely within the computer—no toxic fumes, no sprawling studio space, no special lighting required.
For me, it was Nirvana.
And yet, I sensed the journey was only beginning.