===== From the_dark_allies@hotmail.com: The tree model you used in the background is very good. In fact, one of the best tree_s I_ve seen yet in the current submissions this round. However, they appear to be almost the very same model from one tree to the next, perhaps some more variation next time is needed? The snow drifts I see on the ground again are very nice, though the sky appears to look more like a white sheet when it_s roughly laid down on a bed. The icicles are nicely done and a good touch, but usually from what I have seen, there is more ice attaching them to the surface, and often the icicles become connected to one another when placed that close. I strongly disagree with your statement when you claim: _Any building is basically a box, slap some brick texture and with the small bit of the house we'll be seeing, this make a convincing house._ What this really does, is make your house look just like a box, and nothing like a convincing house. And unfortunately, your image proves exactly this. A good use of displacement mapping, or even bump mapping would of made the user believe he is looking at a complex 3D object, rather than flat textures on flat planes. The window was a nice attempt, however the form you used is often used for objects far away. Up close, it would be beneficial to make the window transparent, and add some scenery behind it, even if it_s just a cat staring out a window. Also, windows often have window sills around them, etc. A light near the inside of the window would highlight the contours and make us believe the inside lighting is really shining out. ===== From pokorny@attglobal.net: One of only two images that attempted icicles. A tough challenge I think! ===== From tom@tomandlu.co.uk: I like the icicles, but many of the other textures could do with work. Umm, why have your trees got leaves? ===== From lrwii@joplin.com: Like the lights in the window.The icicles looks good on the botom half, but lose it where they connect to the roof. ===== From file: Has some potential, but the composition just doesn't grab my attention. The icicles are almost pretty good. It seems that trees usually lose their leaves in the winter time.