Each month the Renderosity community votes on The Renderosity Artist of the Month Junes AOM is Mixed Medium artist, John Quertinmont [qmont]. We congratulate qmont for his outstanding collection of Mixed Medium images.

Who is "qmont"?

My name is John Quertinmont. I have been a member of renderosity since 2002, and I have been fortunate to come to know some very wonderful artists here. I would like to give a great big thanks to all who like what I do enough to vote for me. This is a great honor, and means so much coming from my fellow artists.

I am 47 years old, or young, depending what day it is. I am not so sure there is that much to tell about me, but I'll give it a try. I work for a major retailer, and have done so for the past 22 years. I enjoy golfing, and when I get the time, playing video games. Not the most exciting life style, but it works.

I am married to my wife of 9 years, Vickey. We live in the state of confusion...oops, I mean Florida. I love animals, they are such a special part of your life. I currently have 3 dogs, a cat, a bird, and 2 pet rats (my daughter might fall under that catagory, not sure yet on that one....LOL). Seriously though, I am very blessed to have a wonderful little girl, who is very caring, and very spoiled. Stacy, I love you, you have helped me so much, and have been a wondeful little model when I need you.

I also have a son 19 years of age, that lives with his Mother in another part of the country. Sean loves to draw, and is very talented. I am so glad he discovered his talent early, and son I really hope you do something with it. Well, I guess that is about all there is to say, without really boring you to death.

"Loki"

How long have you been rendering/doing computer graphics?

Since I got my first computer in 1996, I remember playing around with graphic images, and trying to draw with MS Paint and a mouse. I didn't really get serious 'till I discovered Renderosity. I saw the art people were doing, and the programs they were using, and said "Wow! I have to do that."

I got myself a Wacom tablet, a couple of the graphic art programs, and off I went. Computer graphics is such a wonderful journey, the possibilities are endless and that is what amazes me the most. It seems every day you learn something new. I look at the art of XTrinityX, Romanceworks, and J-art, just to name a few, and I say "Darn, how did they do that?" It just keeps you going, it's awsome.

Do you have traditional art experience?

Yes, before discovering the computer, I worked in a couple different mediums, mostly Pastels and Pencil. Portraits was my strong point, and I have done several commision works, mostly for friends and co-workers.

I have no formal schooling in art, I just bought me some books and went at it. I remember the man at the art store where I used to buy my supplies. He was a trained artist, and I would take my drawings in there to show him. I would walk in there so proud of myself after spending all night working on something, and he would so shoot me right out of the water. I wanted to just crawl out of there and hide when Stan got done picking me apart. But I learned so much from him, and I do miss him. I wish he could see what I was doing now...ahh what the heck, he would still pick me apart!

What are you currently working on?

Nothing in particular at the moment. I am toying around with a few ideas that are floating in my head. Hopefully something will come out of it. My big plans down the road, is to do more works with my Dear friend, fallenangel. There are so many ideas that we have, and we just seem to work so well together. I would have to say if I had a dream for the future, it would be to put together a book with her, of art and writings. Maybe we will do it...it is a dream to reach for.

"Dreams of A Child"

What software/equipment do you use and why?

I use a variety of software. Poser, Painter8, Vue, and Photoshop, just to mention a few. I find that each one has something special to offer, and when used together can creat some astounding effects.

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

Always the one I want to do next. It is just so hard for me to be completely happy with anything I do (thanks Stan! LOL).

Why do you like to work with 3D software?

It's easier to fix my mess-ups. Really, again, I just love that endless array of possibilities. With a little time and patience you can bring to life just about any idea that you can think of, plus all the little surprises that can happen along the way.

Who/what inspires you?

Anybody who can do watercolors (LOL)! Wow, there are so many! I guess that is why my art goes in so many directions, because I am inspired by artists like Bob Ross, to Louis Royo. I can't seem to just settle in on one particular artist. I guess if I was pushed to pick one style of art, I would have to say Fantasy art is my favorite. It is so wide open, and does not follow any set of guidelines. Fantasy is where the unreal is real.

"Twilights Childern"

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

In so many ways, this has become my secound home. I have made so many good friends, shared ideas, and have found encouragement. So many times you learn from seeing others art, sitting back and saying "that is so cool, wonder how they did that, got that effect?" So you try it yourself, and in that process you learn something totally different than you started out to do.

Renderosity has given me a place to showcase what I do, and when others enjoy what you do, it gives you that extra kick to want to do more. It has just been a beautiful circle here, and I am honored to be a part of this wondeful community!

Parting Comments / Advice to other Artists?

Just do it...go for it, and most importantly, always have fun! Never take yourself too seriously. Iif art ever ceases to become fun, it is not worth it. Some of the best ideas and works I have done were mistakes; things I did in just playing around, enjoying myself. Also, do not be scared to post your work. A lot may not like it, but like I always have said, if it makes just one person happy, or smile, then it was worth it. Take Care!