Posted on February 7, 2012

It has been a very difficult past week for me and my family but having all of these great pictures of my Dad really helps.

A lot of people thought (and still think) that I was crazy to move my family from sunny San Diego back to farm country. It seemed like an easy decision at the time because I was infected by the joy my parents shared at the arrival of my son Ian.

As I wrote on this page back in 09/2004: “Those of you who live in the Midwest may think that I have gone crazy. We are giving up the best weather in the country and moving back to blizzards, ice storms, and sub-zero temps (and the opposite extremes of heat and humidity). It does feel a little crazy, but Jessie and I have decided that it is more important that Ian grow up with an extended family who loves him.“

I’ve been looking over the photos of my Dad and two boys over the past 7 years and I still think we did the right thing in moving back to Illinois. I am happy that I got to reconnect with my Dad but I don’t know if that makes his passing easier or harder. All I know is that I will miss him dearly and I am glad he was a big part of my life these past 8 years.

Be on the lookout for a possible “sunset” version of “The Floating Garden” in the days ahead. I am really looking forward to making new artwork.

Posted on February 4, 2012

I haven’t had a lot of time for making artwork this past week. I had a few moments alone yesterday however and I used them to put together a multiscreen version of “The Floating Garden”. Members can download it here.

A free version for Facebook Timelines is available for all to use here.

I still consider this scene to be a work-in-progress so don’t be surprised if another version or two supersede this one. I have already posted one Pickle Jar version from early on.

The whole creative process was horribly interrupted.

I also wanted to mention that the fine folks at Disruptive Publishers have released a new dynamic PS3 theme based on my “Hidden Forces” wallpaper. Here is the rest of their collection.

Their work keeps getting better and better!

 

Posted on January 31, 2012

I would just like to say thanks to everyone for the kind words posted here and on my Facebook account regarding the recent sudden loss of my father. I am still reeling from all of this but it helps that my four brothers and my sister are all together now sharing stories and laughing/crying through our memories.

The hardest part of all of this, for me, is thinking about what my two boys are going to miss out on. I feel like I am greiving for the three us. Seven years ago my wife and I made the decision to move our family from sunny San Diego back to my hometown in Illinois so my kids could grow up with two grandparents around. Rather than rue the past however, I will try to be thankful for the few years we did have together.

One thing that I always knew about my Dad was that he loved to make things, whether it be music, painting, or Christmas presents for his grandkids. He loved telling stories.

I would like to think that his creative spirit will live on in my work. I am looking forward to sharing some of his paintings with you in the weeks ahead.

I’ve added “The Floating Garden” to the Members Gallery today. I’ve been working on this project for the past week or so and the render finally finished yesterday. Now I haven’t decided if I am truly finished with it or not, but I thought it looked nice enough to post as is. I am not sure when I will be able to pick up work on it again.

I had thought to dedicate this to my father, but decided against it. I will create something more fitting in the future. Thanks again to everyone for the condolenses and prayers. They have helped more than you can possibly know.

Posted on January 29, 2012

I just learned this morning that my father, Thurman Bliss, had an accident at his house last night and is gone. He was 66 years old. I am thankful that my last words to him (a few days ago over the phone) was “I Love You Dad”.

My Dad was a farmer, a musician, an artist, and a great friend to his grown children. I know he was extremely proud of DB and the fact that so many people around the world enjoy my work.

I know he wouldn’t have wanted anyone to be sad at his untimely passing, but then he doesn’t get to make that call.

 

 

Posted on January 25, 2012

I’ve added “The Unveiling” to the Members Gallery this morning. This is a sequel of sorts to Enshrouded which I have put together to test out Vue d’Esprit 10’s “Advanced Cloud Modulation” techniques.

Basically it allows me to contour the cloud layer to the curve of the terrain, so they appear to drape naturally over the landscape. It’s a tricky procedure which I hope will be made simpler in future versions of Vue (so I don’t have to edit height maps in Photoshop hopefully). To be honest I’m not even sure the effect is all that noticable in this render.

It is a powerful tool however, and one which I hope will bear more fruit in the future.

Your thoughts?