Our Artist of the Month for July 2026 is PaulaL, who normally goes by just Paula.  She was chosen by the community because of her fine fantasy artwork featuring myths, magic and the supernatural. 

She was born in England, about 1960, which she said, “officially makes me an antique!” She remained in her hometown for the first twenty odd years of life until marrying. She and her husband then traveled all over the country meeting the demands of her husband’s job.

“Eventually, we moved to the next town over from where I was born, and we have been settled here ever since,” she said.

Paula was kind enough to spend some time answering a few questions to give us a little more insight into her artistic life.

Q&A with PaulaL

What was your first interest in computers and what did you like doing with them?

My first ever computer was a commodore 64. It was basic, but I loved the games, then I graduated with two more different Amiga consoles. They had simple programming and the games were better graphics-wise, but they were very clunky compared to what we use today, but I still miss them.

How long have you been creating art of any kind and when did you move into computer graphic arts?

I started about twenty years ago with Bryce first, followed by Poser about a year after starting, I found VUE, so I dropped Bryce and then ten years ago dropped Poser and got into Daz Studio. I`ve always loved art, but could never draw to save my life, even after practicing for many years, discovering I could do it on a computer just blew me away! It still does.

What was the process moving from getting a first feel for the tools and software for design to creating images you were pleased with, and wanted to share with others?

Those early days were so frustrating. I had so many ideas in my head, but no idea what I was doing. I very much had the attitude of pressing buttons just to see what happened.  Then I calmed down and started reading everything I could. I actually found the first ever image I did with Poser. Maybe one day I`ll recreate it just to see how much I have learned. Of course, DS has so many tools to make the process easier. I can spend hours trying to figure something out, only to find a script that would have saved me pulling my hair out.

How would you describe your style? Would you say you have a common theme throughout your work?

I don`t know if I have a particular style, I go through phases. I will want to do nothing but sci-fi, then I get the urge for horror. Sometimes I get fixated on a particular color. I do try to put little critters in a lot of images. Sometimes they are obvious, other times you would have to look hard to find them. I also like to mix things up a bit. Maybe a space ship interior needs a mouse hiding in there, or a llama could put in an appearance where you least expect it.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Oooh, thats a complicated one. I have always had a very imaginative mind, and inspiration is found all over the place, but getting it out of my head and onto the screen, that can sometimes be a bit of a problem.

What is or are your favorite programs to use now and why?

I`m a Daz user through and through, now. I still go into VUE sometimes and see what I can come up with. I also use Flowscape, which can be fun once you grasp the basics. I stopped using Photoshop when it went subscription only, so I started using GIMP and Affinity. I’m still very much learning those though.

How has your work changed over time? Where do you think it’s headed?

I definitely try to put more detail into what I do. The first couple of years were very basic. I knew nothing about postwork, nothing about cameras or render settings, so I think things have evolved over the years, and hopefully they will continue to do so.

What are your favorite subjects? What do you really get immersed in? You're such an important part of the Fantasy section, why did you become so interested in images of fantasy?

I honestly have no idea about favorite subjects. It tends to change like the weather. Something might start off as a fantasy piece but end up totally different by the time I`ve got it on the screen. It depends what mood I`m in or what music I am listening to at the time

With the arrival of AI in digital art, what are your thoughts on its use?

Personally, I think it is up to the individual. I don’t use it myself, but I won`t criticize those that do.

Have you had any kind of life experience that drives your focus in your artwork?

Well, it was nursing a terminally ill relative that got me into it in the first place. Whenever I felt sad, I would fire up the computer and lose myself for a couple of hours, but I think it’s every day experiences that drive my focus now.

Is or are there other artists that influence you, or do you have a mentor that has helped at any point?

 All artists influence a little bit. I don’t think you can even look through the gallery here without being influenced a little bit by the talented community we have. As far as a mentor, there have been two or three people who have helped me with their considerable knowledge, and I will be forever grateful for that.

What ideas do you have for future projects?

 I do a lot of promo work, so I intend to carry on with that for now. I enjoy the challenges it throws at me, never a dull moment and all that, but I`m open to new things. My daughter made a book with some of my older images in it for my birthday one year, so I`m thinking about going through twenty years of images and putting more in a bigger book, maybe add little stories to go with them. 

What tips do you have for those who are just getting started in 3D artwork?

 Never be afraid to ask questions. That’s probably the best advice I can give. Don’t be worried if other people will like your work. If you like it, that is all that matters. And finally, be prepared to spend a lot of money…am I allowed to say that? LOL!