The Pioneer (CLOSED) (CLOSED)

The initial wanderers who ventured into the unknown to own their winter fantasy.

My image goes beyond the bright lights and the modern day, commercialized Christmas'. It goes back to the fore-fathers. Those that sort out tranquil solitary of the magical, white, un-inhabited, rugged, winter wonderlands, far from the madding crowds.
They trekked through vast uncharted territories, against all odds, to find, settle and develop, tracks of land, off the beaten tracks, to call home. To raise their families away from the influence of mass ideology and crocked leaders. 
Their Christmas spirit would be drawn from the beauty of the land, the call of the wild, the mesmerizing flicker of the camp fire and the reflection and glow of the dancing aurora lights.
Pay homage to the pioneers who discovered your winter bliss. Your Winter Wonderland.
Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024 to all.

It has been years since I tackled an image that seemed so straight forward but posed so many problems. I rendered over 30 hours on the initial 3 ill attempts trying to produce what I had in mind. It seemed simple and straight forward but wow, did it try my patience.

I'm so glad I found this site again. I can't believe I miss placed the link and forgot the name. There are so many able artists and content creators here. 2024, here we come. 

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Nicely setup winter theme.
It's never straight forward seting up a scene. 
Some things work, others don't. 

I like the position of the lights, they draw you into the centre. It's a tad bit brighter on the left so your attention goes to the left where the man and dog are. 

The darkness around the edges give a nice atmosphere and ads to the dark winter night.  Nice setup of the camping gear around the camp when you have a look around.

Nice work, well done and welcome back.
Best of luck with your entry