Well, I've lurked for a couple of weeks, started (slowly) reading the backlog of posts, installed knee-deep cushions on the floor to stop my jaw hitting the ground after veiwing some of the artwork posted, sprayed coffee out of my nose with amusment at some of the chit-chat, and so help me, even posted a couple of my own pics.
Maybe it's about time I introduced myself. Oh, and cleaned the laptop screen free of coffee-snot.
I am Terry Greeks, though I go under my age-old BBS moniker of GrouchoCaesaer. I am a Kiwi - A New Zealander, not the flightless bird - who has just come back home after spending the better part of a decade living and working in Perth, Western Australia.
I've been fooling around with CGI software since the mid-Eighties, starting with my various Amiga computers and software ranging from the very basic Sculpt-3D, through to Imagine 4.0. I then graduated to the PC version of Imagine, taking a detour through 3D Studio 2 and 3 (Remember DOS? No? Be VERY thankful!) before aqcuiring a battered copy of 3D Studio MAX 2.5... and even better, Poser 3 from a 3D World Magazine coverdisc. I now run 3D Max 3.1 (old, but not too punishing on my PC hardware) and Poser Pro Pack. I do have Poser 5, but figure I'll wait until I upgrade my PC before exploring it.
What I haven't had until a short while ago is any chance to use this software. Work and other commitments took all of my free time. So when the opportunity to return home, unwind, and take a serious break came, I took it.
Now, I'm re-learning all the things I need to know to enjoy this hobby, I have finally got acces to the Internet - even better, broadband next week - and I have the time to create.
So here I am. Loud-mouthed, opinionated, scatalogical and intelligent. Just not too smart, is all.
(Intelligent is knowing that an electric cattle fence runs about 20,000 volts but bugger all amps. Smart is having the brains not to take a whizz on one at three in the morning while half-pissed at New Year's on your uncle's farm...)
By the way, I tend to think of myself as a writer, and apparently love the sound of my own typing... But if you've read this far without falling asleep, chances are you already figured this out.
Artistic influences are Gil Elvgren, Art Frahm, Peter Driben, Alberto Vargas, George Petty, Ronnie Embelton, Otis Sweat, Jack Davis, Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzwood, Frank Miller, J-AD Ingres, F Boucher and anyone else who liked to paint um... voluptuously-sized women back then...
Anyway, like I said, I've lurked enough - time to make some noise. So hello there. Hope to chew the fat with you all some time.
GrouchoC.