Vue d'Esprit. (Art Studio).

For most digital artists, re-creating natural scenery is a difficult and time-consuming process. That's because nature itself is complex, and a realistic virtual representation must reflect the same level of detail. Some artists--professional and amateur alike--have approached this task by using e-on software's Vue d'Esprit program, which includes a proprietary SolidGrowth vegetation system based on complex random-growth technology that gives each plant a unique appearance. Most of the imagery created with Vue d'Esprit contains nature-oriented, outdoor settings, though a number of artists use the software for generating detailed indoor or surreal scenes.

Many Vue d'Esprit users share their artwork with e-on, which features some of the most impressive pieces on its Internet gallery (www.e-onsoftware.com/Gallery). "Each artist has a unique style," says Nicholas Phelps, president of e-on software. "For instance, Pascal Marie works with panoramic formats and creates realistic natural scenery, while Hossan Hassam uses colorful, tormented Van Gogh-like skies." A selection of work from the gallery artists is featured on these pages.

Top left "Fortuneteller," by Gail Kapusnick, a hobbyist, who used Vue d'Esprit 4 to capture the mystery of a clairvoyant's inner sanctum.

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Middle left "Still Life," by Eric ...