Each month the Renderosity community votes on The Renderosity Artist Of The Month [AOM] ... December's AOM is Howie Farkes!

We congratulate Howie for an outstanding collection of works in the Carrara/RDS Gallery!

So, tell us, who is "HowieFarkes"?

Howie Farkes is my online alter-ego, my real name is Martin Hedenstroem. The name Howie Farkes is a relic of my days as a web developer, he was invented as a dummy user for a long forgotten application many years ago. He had a catchy name so I just started using it whenever and wherever I had to sign-up for sites on the web.

How long have you been rendering/doing computer graphics?

I first started drawing on a computer way back in 1986 on a Commodore 64 with a program called GEOS, a graphical user interface that tried to replicate Macintosh, but on a 64 kilobyte micro computer. A couple of years later we got a MacPlus and I've been creating graphics on Macs ever since. My first introduction to 3D was with Bryce version 1 sometime in 1996. Then in 1997 I purchased Infini-D 3.5 and started my long, but sometimes interrupted, experience with 3D modeling and rendering. For many reasons I was away from the 3D world for a number of years, but discovered that Infini-D had morphed into Carrara and that there were online communities to display your works in 2003.

Do you have traditional art experience?

I studied for my bachelor of Graphic Design at a time when computers were really only just making their way into the profession, in the early 90's, so was exposed to some pretty traditional ways of creating print-ready designs and artistic methods. But really, when computers took over I embraced the change.

What are you currently working on?

I'm trying to create some convincing Australian landscapes. My very earliest works were an attempt at Australian landscape, but I was pretty dissatisfied with the results. So a few years on and I think it's time to revisit the idea.

Autumn Lane

What software/equipment do you use and why?

Obviously Carrara is my main 3D application, but I also use Modo for modeling and UV mapping. Photoshop is also an essential tool, postwork is quite important to getting the right look sometimes. My workstation is currently a MacPro quadcore, as I'm just more familiar with Macs, been using them for more than 20 years now...

What do you think your best piece of work is and why?

Hmm, that's always hard. One of my favourites is "Stoney Creek." I had a strong idea in my head, but the scene came together so quickly and came out just how I wanted it to with very little time spent tweaking it. It was nice to feel completely in control of the process and have nearly everything I tried in that scene work. Others like "Wildflower Meadow" seem to fight you the whole way so it can also be very fulfilling when you finally wrestle it into something you can be proud of.

Stoney Creek

Why do you like to work with 3D software?

Freedom and cleanliness... I'm a naturally pretty untidy person, so being able to keep my entire artist's toolkit inside one electronic box is very appealing. Also, the ability to reach a very wide and diverse audience without leaving home, thanks to sites like Renderosity.

Who/what inspires you?

My earliest Carrara inspirations were some of the great landscapists found here at Renderosity - Patrick_210, MarkBremmer, Cajomi and mmoir, amongst others. The awesome stuff they've been doing since back in version 3 of Carrara (and before) is what got me inspired to really raise my game in 3D.

Wildflower Meadow

How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning?

The community here is always so positive and supportive, which is refreshing. The online galleries allow you to mark your progress as an artist, if you look at my first uploaded images they were pretty simplistic and not really following any sort of theme. I was still finding my way and they were not great images by any stretch of the imagination. I love seeing my progression right there in one place.

Parting Comments / Advice to other Artists?

Use the software that you feel most comfortable using, not the software that others say is the best. Observation of the world is probably the most important skill you can develop. I spend a lot of time just looking at how light plays against trees and grass and such and then think about how to replicate that in 3D later. To re-create something in 3D requires that you know already what it really looks like, and that only comes from extensive observation.

We invite you to have a further look at Howie Farkes' Renderosity Gallery!

Be sure to also visit:

• Renderosity Carrara/RDS Gallery
• Renderosity Carrara/RDS Forum
• Carrara/RDS Products in the MarketPlace
• Renderosity Carrara/RDS FreeStuff

**Have a Carrara/RDS tutorial, or perhaps some Carrara/RDS Tips and Tricks to share? Consider posting to Renderosity's new Video Tutorial Center!**

Artist of the Month is highlighting a talented Renderosity artist that has been nominated by mods and admins, and voted by the community. Recognition is given to this member for their collection of works for that year.

Since we only select one AOM per month, it is not about their works for that particular month. Instead, it is about highlighting a talented artist's works for that year, and they are recognized during that month.

To learn more about Renderosity's Artist Of The Month [AOM] award, and to view our past AOM's, please visit the AOM 2008 page, which can also be found on the sidebar under Highlights.