900 Million Years Later

The large and vibrant celestial playground that is outer space itself. A seamless area where time itself seems to slow within its overlaying grasp. A vast sea of stars, galaxies and planets among countless other phenomenon that lurk out through its endless plains. Whether you are viewing this mysterious land through a telescope in your home or out in a field somewhere, or if you are one of the few lucky enough to experience the sensation being cradled gently in its forever calming current, there is so very much to experience here and enjoy from whatever spectrum one wishes to imagine. Its plains have always been a source of wonder and inspiration for us all, as countless mysteries float about what is beyond our galaxy and even beyond what may lay ahead of other galaxies and nebulae. Its hard to believe that half a century ago many believed that the very concept of space travel and research was a heavy impossibility and that it could only exist in the minds of those who dreamed it would happen. Who knew that we would not only be able to then traverse the stars, but we would see so much more that would show us that there is so much more out there in this universe than one would believe. A plethora of worlds beyond our own are visible now even to this day, further showing us that there is more to this universe than we could ever comprehend. 900 Million Years Later, created by *MaG1Xx, presents us with another personalized immortalization of the world beyond our own as well as the many other celestial objects that hang upon its ceiling.

There are so many things in this piece that just simply work within themselves that they simply call out to me. I have to commend the artist on their use of texturing on the planet faces as well as the faint lighting on their surfaces. In space art, its more common to see planets that appear devoid of life or are just simply abandoned. To see a planet with visible habitation as well as a rather sleeked look to it to show the presence of water is definitely a very stylish and welcomed touch to it. Another thing I love is the vibrant nebula in the background that perfectly shapes the environment of the image itself. Its various colors really brighten up the darker background in space and give the picture a nice dose of artistic personality.

Of course an excellent compositional element on display in this piece has to be the lighting. I have to say that it really appears like natural lighting emanating from a nearby star or sun, illuminating the four planets within its light. The brightness of the stars has a nice balance in the piece without appearing overbearing in certain areas and add a nice little calm lighting to the composition carrying the familiar feeling of calm within the piece perfectly. All of these elements really show off how well the artist's attention to detail can truly carry forth and display the inner depths of their artistic personality and form.

There are however a few minor grips with this piece that I feel I have to write about as well. The direct lighting on the planets side feels a bit to strong in some places and seems to have an overexposure effect on the surface. It would be wise to tune that down on the side as it appears to look as if its partially erased. Also try and drop some of the brightness and contrast a bit to make the piece's lighting appear that much more vibrantly in the image. While I do love its current style, a bit of darkening can do wonders for the overall tone of the piece and make it a more dynamic image while at the same time keeping its subtle and calm tones to it. Just keep experimenting with this piece and I'm sure you'll find a way to make it go from good to great.

The universe will never cease to impress us with what it is and the many things we do not know about it. We may never be completely aware of what's out there but we can always continue to dream about what is and marvel at what we know. 900 Million Years Later is a perfect example of why we should continue to look up at the stars and be inspired by all it has to offer. Good work *MaG1Xx!! <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/c/c…" width="20" height="20" alt="" title="Clap"/>