Description
Folks have been requesting an update to “Spirit of the Season” from 2002 for quite a few years now. Given that the last few years I’ve focused on lighted trees and cold outdoor scenes, I felt the time was right to create something warm for the holiday. After all, the best part of a snowy night is looking at it from inside a cozy warm house 🙂
Mario [nonmonthly]
Lovely! Lighted candles give out warmth at this period when the sun is at its lowest. Well done!
Camille [plusmember]
A great holiday feel for all eras. Soft and warm candles with some sharper pine boughs – very Christmas! Wonderful colors, contrasts.
dejerdejer [liferplus]
Gives me some holiday cheer at work. Love it.
david [basicmember]
hate it
William Blew [liferplus]
The Spirit of the Season indeed. I love it!
and, in the spirit of the season; Merry Christmas Ryan, to you and your entire family.
Rodewaryer [basicmember]
There is such an immediate feeling upon seeing and thinking about this image, and it’s not any different than your concept. That secure and comfortable feeling one has in the winter. This is a feel good image to be sure.
Keith-E [nonmonthly]
This one will fight with the Snowy Poinsettias for Xmas day. Even though it’s summer here in Aus, I grew up in a cold climate. Very evocative.
Cheers!
Jason [basicmember]
The 2002 version was a great render, but this one is such a beautiful improvement. The coloring and texture of the candles, the realism of the pine branches and the window pane… everything just feels warm and soft. Absolutely love it.
Patrick [liferplus]
I personally would maybe like some wax drips to break up that gleaming red expanse, but the overall scene is delightful, and the greenery is brilliant!
Joe [lifer]
Very nice! Love the details which is always impressive in your work, though I adore the last few years outdoor Christmas rendors, I love the change of pace (already put it up on my work desktop). One minor critique (mainly just based on my personal preference) is the centerpiece absorbs a bit too much of the entire piece, I wouldn’t mind seeing a bit more of the background (e.g. the window scene looking out doors) just to emphasize the dichotomy between the warm inside vs the cold outside. Not shrunk so much that the focal point shifts off the candle centerpiece but maybe just a bit (10-15% max) to really help set the scene. Still love it overall, and just wanted to say I always look forward to seeing your work.
Jenanne [liferplus]
Wonderful, I love it! It makes me feel all warm and cozy. 🙂 10++!
OpelCarl [nonmonthly]
Thanks a lot for for this excellent Wallpaper, which came just in time…
Stravonski [liferplus]
Very nice looking & love the pine needle details. Maybe change the candles from all red to one red, one blue, & one yellow. That would go with the green tree & give the 4 big colors of Christmas. Just a thought to tinker with.
Susan [nonmonthly]
As I said in the title – LOVELY. Soft lighting and although I don’t know why, it makes me feel quite sentimental
JohnL [lifer]
Really happy with how your render turned out, big upgrade in detail and composition, well done! Another quick render might be a holiday version of sunshinetree:
http://digitalblasphemy.com/preview.shtml?i=sunshinetree1 I like the picklejar version that includes a planet/moon, but the main render would be nice too
Ozaawaagosh [basicmember]
Love the soft glow, Great Job Ryan, Happy Holidays to you and your Family.
Tom F. [donormemberlifer]
The flame of each candle appears blurry, not clear and sharp. Ditto the reflection of the 2 front candles on the 3rd candle. The fuzziness extends over the edge of the candles. Consequently, I give it a 5 out of 10.
Xetal [liferplus]
An improvement on the excellent 2002 version, IMHO
Gene [lifer]
Up until this moment, I was just SURE that I’d have the 2002 predecessor Spirit as my desktop. Well, I still love the old one, but this one is about as close to perfect as you can get revisiting an old classic. I guess I’ll alternate the two. Very well done Ryan. Thank you very much. I hope you and your family enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Dee [basicmember]
Thank you for this one, Ryan! It is so beautiful. The glow from the candles invokes that warm cozy feeling, especially with the snow flakes captured on the outside of the windows. I love how well-defined the individual pine needles are, too. I can almost smell the pine! Terrific job!
CMcK58 [nonmonthly]
Good job Ryan. I Love it.
macolva [liferplus]
Fantastic update! I love it.
Littlemom [liferplus]
This is a great update!!! Love it!!!
Anton [liferplus]
Ryan,
This is especially ironic for me because we have been busy making candles for people who are giving them as presents this year. Love this piece, and happy holidays!
susanunit [basicmember]
The 2002 was in my top three from day one. I’m in love with this update. Thank you