That was all Greek to me, but I'm glad I could help.

That was all Greek to me, but I'm glad I could help.

Really nice image. One thing has me curious, and I'm sorry if this has been mentioned already; I scanned the comments, but there are a lot. On the dual monitor version I downoaded (3840x1080) some of the loose rocks on the ramp-like boulder appear to be floating in mid-air. Was this intentional? There is also one in particular that isn't "floating" but appears to be at an impossible angle. If this doesn't make sense, contact me at gerry_andrews@yahoo.com and I'll highlight the parts I'm talking about with my awesome MS Paint skills.

The 2560 x 1600 JPG is actually 2880 x 1800.

I like ones like this, images with water are always good. Any chance of one with out the dragon?

I admit - this kind of image isn't my usual preference for my desktop background. I typically chose darker images so I can see my icons easier.

But I decided to dl this one and try it on my dual monitor set up.

It made me gasp when I minimised everything and saw it in all its glory.

The layout for a dual monitor puts the grand lady smack in the middle of the rh monitor (the screen that I use the least) and she is truly stunning!

I'll definitely be keeping her around for a while.

Thanks so much for this Ryan, and all your many others. I look forward to cycling through the ones that I've downloaded already.

Cheers



NL.x.

That's the nicest creature feature you've ever done, imho. The dragon is subtle and the color scheme makes it appear more metallic and shiny. If you keep on throwing images like this at us, we're going to end up spoiled for anything less!



As a side note: You do commissions??? I'm likely to spend the next two or three years thinking up something cool enough to commission.

I LOVE this one! Like many, I didn't see the dragon at first, and now wonder how I missed it! When I did first see it, it was the wings that got my attention... it took me a second or two to figure out what they were... the rest of the dragon has such a rock-like texture that she just melts into the rock.

I love the fact you have to look twice; it seems appropriate... there is so much subtle beauty around us that is "hidden in plain sight" so that you have to stop and look twice to see it. I think the ability to see and capture that is what distinguishes a great artist. Your choices and range of subjects, Ryan, suggests you are better than most at seeing much of the subtle and hidden beauty/wonder/intrigue around, with the imagination to go beyond!

The longer it takes to 'take in' everything in a picture, the longer you enjoy that 'new discovery' feeling when you first see a new image. I think the hidden details kind of tease the imagination a bit into wondering what ELSE is there that you can't see at all... maybe that's just me!



I also love the subtle reflected lighting on the rocks on the left, and the contrasting color and texture of the pebbles in the foreground. Like so many of your images, it is the many subtle details that make it a masterpiece, I think.

(And the title is perfect!)

Ryan, I wanted to weigh in with a "keep the gold dragon" vote. I really enjoyed downloading the wallpaper, setting it up, minimizing my windows, and going "Holy crap, there's a dragon in there!"

I really like the subtlety of the dragon in the original version; it adds to the mystery of the scene.

I'm glad to see you updating your wallpapers for the new MacBook Pro Retina Display. I just looked at this one in 2800 x 1800 format and zoomed in on the eggs (my display is the older Mac Pro display) and am very impressed with the level of detail available at the higher resolution. I will be ordering one of these new laptops (hopefully soon!) and am looking forward to putting your updated images on it for the background!

Definitely prefer this version:)

I like the fact that the dragon isn't so easily seen. It makes the piece more enchanting.

that's a shame, especially with as well as the dragon came out if that is the part from the piece.

I didn't read your notes on this one until now... hidden just like the dragon ;) Can you tell us anything about the commissioned piece? If not that's fine, I'm sure we're all curious about all you work.



PS I totally agree with Justin.

I don't think you should attempt to draw more attention to the dragon. I think it being somewhat hidden in the background work's to the image's advantage, and the comments from your users seem to agree. I haven't noticed anyone (myself included) that said they didn't see it at first calling that a negative.



It's not as if the detail isn't there. Once you notice it, it's rather elaborate, and then your eyes are always drawn to it. It's simply hiding in plain sight, which I imagine dragons do every day... and THAT's why we haven't seen a live one yet.

I didn't notice the dragon until I pulled it up full screen, then I wondered how I could have missed it. I think the first version without the zoom is perfect.

Dragons are so cool! I agree with the comments from some others about creating more wallpapers with fantasy creatures. Maybe even a medieval knight fighting one of these bad boys! Great job.

Ryan, I too am a huge fan of fantasy so I love this and would like to see more fantasy wallpapers of gargoyles, wizards, witches, creatures, etc. as part of the subject rotation.

Prefer the gold one.

I hadn't noticed the dragon either. I feel silly.

I love ALL versions of this image! Dragons have always been my fave and this rengition is excellent!

That's not Smaug!

I saw the gold one first and fell in love. The green version is pretty, but goooollldldldldld!!!!!!!

I didn't see the dragon! I love the dragon! Makes me think of Smaug...



But now that I've seen the dragon, I prefer the gold too ;)

I have to say I prefer the gold, the camoflage (intended or otherwise) works, one would thing a green dragon would prefer a more verdant environment in which to hide a nest.

Saw the pickle jar so I was switching between them, she walked in when the gold one was on the screen and I think it might be her new all time favorite. I said He just made a new green one, she said "eh, he shouldn't have bothered." ah, gotta love her :) So congrats on toppling summerwood. I do have to agree with her about liking the gold one better, finding it is half the fun, then noticing the eggs :)

You could do a dragon series with each in it's "natural" environment. Green in a tree, blue in water or a glacier, white on a snow cap mtn, and a red in a volcano would be pretty sweet.

You struck gold with the first one. Sorry, had to say it.

You struck gold with the first one. Sorry, had to say it.

I LOVE how the dragon blends into the background of this one. It makes the picture seem more real and special. Pickle Jar is a nice option for those who prefer the other way though.

I am one of those who missed the dragon the first time around and needed the second to make me revisit the first. Now that I have revisited the first, I do prefer it, with the dragon blended in with the background.

I have found that the presence of the second version made me like the first more - being able to see the finer details of the dragon in green let me pick them out in gold when I couldn't discern them before.

While I agree it took me a second for my eyes to be drawn to the dragon in the original version, I figured that was the intent. Upon seeing the revised version with the color change, I have to say it takes away quite a bit from the original's feel.



Just my $.02.

Yeah, the original is definitely my preference.

What would be really cool .. is on one side.. show a boat with some looters trying to sneak in ;-)

The first one is certainly the best one, it a joy

I think this version would be great if the dragon had his eye open. Have you ever done any works with a dragon as the central part of the piece?

I love the first one, the picture draws you into the cave and then you see that beautiful dragon. Subtle and wonderful!

Part of what makes it great is the subtlety and discovering something you missed at first glance. Once you see it, you can't help but be incredulous that you missed it at all. The first one for sure.

I like the gold one better - the subtle dragon is far more believable.

The highlight of my day when I downloaded this picture was going "Ok, I see the gold, but no dragon. Ok....OH! I see it now!" Definitely like the 1st version better with the hiding dragon. :) It pops out when you see it.

I love the original one. Now, the dragon stands out too much. And, the eyes with this version make him look dead.

When I saw the picture for the first time, I thought about the shining gold and was surprised when I saw there was a dragon in the center. As if I was a treasure hunter in a trap.



I wonder if I haven't played Skyrim too much :p

I just love this render and everything about it the water, the cave walls the lighting is just perfect definitely one of my favorites

The gold dragon is way more epic looking, the green looks weird.

I have to agree with Jessie. The original version was more fun, and definitely resulted in that "AHA!" moment. :)

For me the Gold dragon makes more sense because reptiles tend to blend in to their surroundings when they are sun bathing.

I still prefer the original!

I much prefer the gold dragon. It's camo, the raiding warrior wouldn't even see it until one eye opened and shot a red light at it.

Many newer smartphones are becoming 1280x720 resolutions. You should consider adding that to the standard resolutions!! One of my fav images here, amazing!

It really is bloody gorgeous. The only concern I have is that the dragon himself gets a little lost in all that yellow. Maybe just a few more hints of shadow to define his shape, or maybe a little more contrast, would get him to pop out of his cave immediately. That's the only nit I see to pick here, and if you don't change it, it's still bloody gorgeous!

I cant wait to see this Dual Screen

This is amazing!

Love this one. Great pic. Thanks!

Amazing!

I love this one, Ryan! And, thanks!

This is gorgeous. The sunlight makes those eggs look like gold!! love the dragon worshipfully staring at them.

This reminds me of the show LOST. Great pic Ryan!!

Love everything about it. would like to see if the sun rays were toned down a bit but I'm not sure if I would truly like it any better or not.

Glad to hear that it is a warm up, maybe next Father's day we can see daddy dragon teaching his 3 baby dragons how to fly! :) (or sooner!)

Happy Father's Day, Ryan! I hope you and your family have a wonderful day.

Superb work Ryan! Smaug from The Hobbitt?

To you too, Ryan! I sense symbolism with your own private life, and that makes me like it all the more.

could you make a version where the light is not so bright?

Stunning. Love it!

Love it, waiting hopefully for tri-screen version.



I actually would call it though Dragon's Treasure though, leave some ambiguity about which is which (Gold vs Eggs).

This is awesome. Should have rated it higher. Didn't notice the eggs until the 4th time I looked at it since I was looking at the dragon. :)

I was so happy about the sea and cave that I downloaded it off of that. It wasn't until I was full screen that I noticed the excellently done dragon.



5 stars!

At long last, our brave digital artist captures the elusive dragon... a long awaited feat by his most loyal of followers.



Well done, Ryan.

LOVE this. Stunning. The realism of the dragon is amazing. I love the "father's day" theme. Great to see a fantasy piece from you again.

Love the wallpaper Ryan, really stunning.

I love how your wallpapers have incorperated different elements recently. It's nice to have a change from the planet wallpapers that you have stuck to in the past. Great work!

Just love it!

Was glad to see a new option this morning, have never commented before, but I like your warmer nature scenery. Next I would love to use one with a brighter look. Maybe a beach scene, an Irish hillside at dawn, or mountain morning. My all time fave is also your most popular.

If this is a warm-up, then let me say "Holy Crap!" I do agree with Jerad that you need more renders with wolves, but I am biased...

Textures: A

Lighting: A

Theme: A

Layout: A

Execution: A

Awesomeness: A+



I'm a fan of this one.

I really like dragon-themed stuff :)



can you make his/her eye a bit different, though? it looks too round to be realistic, even if the eyelid is closed. if it's open, there's no shine to it at all. Unless I'm staring at the top of its head and the round thing is just a mark? Not quite clear to me, for some reason. I don't know if anyone else sees the confusion. *shrug*



LOVE the theme, though... dragons need to be more frequent in your designs :)

I love this Ryan! Nice job on the sunlight as well as the water, and the cave walls look marvelous. Only thing I might criticize is the scales of the dragon, and how they could stand to be less spotted.



Seeing this reminds me of something. I remember you asking your subscribers when you got back from your vacation what they wanted to see next. Someone mentioned a Lord of the Rings themed desktop, and you said you were already working on one. When can we expect to see it?

Forget the gold, I wanna meet the dragon! Oh wait....Dragons aren't real, are they?! But...it loosk so....real.....

This picture is amazing. I love love love it! Great work. *Patiently waits for tri-screen* :D

I really your latest render. Looks like a place I would like to visit. Thanks for your work. Keep it coming.

I literally gasped at my desk at work when I saw this. Incredible work!

Ryan, this is so great! I love it--as a fan of your work, and also a big fantasy fan. I've looked at your earlier dragons and other fantasy images, and I was hoping you'd get back to doing them (I should have spoken up). Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the abstracts, nature scenes, planetscapes, and other things you do, but please do some more fantasy and sci-fi!

Dear Ryan,



Please stop making such awesome single-screen only images. My monitors are getting jealous of one another and are developing serious relationship problems. I'm spending most of my time counseling them these days. Please post multiscreens before things get out of control on my desk.



Thanks,

Another Ryan

posting this here to see if anyone else had this problem--if you aren't a little BELOW the link you get the 2880 file!!! can you move the link down a little???

(like I said it could just be a little ole lady problem)

the picture is great!!!

This is my favorite thing you have done in like forever!

This is fabulous. Completely love it!

Love it! Can't wait for the dual screen versions!

Very well done. It really makes me believe this is the home for the dragon. Good stuff! :)



Suggestion for the future: you should do another wolf wallpaper - perhaps a wolf den? NightChildren is awesome, but I've been craving some more wolves! :P



Maybe you could tie dragons and wolves together and rock a Game of Thrones type theme?

I love when you do fantasy pieces, Dragons are one of my favorite fantasy subjects... Love this - cant wait for the multi screens to come out!

I have to say this is the best wallpaper that you have made I have a new go to wallpaper. This is one that I will need framed. The Kalessi would be proud!!!

Love this one!

Really love this one well done Ryan

and thanks for the retina size wallpapers. more reason to get one of the new macbooks. =D

Truly amazing and love the detailed dragon, especially how subtly it fits in with everything else.

The colors, sharpness, lighting, and translucent water makes this one of the best of 2012 by far!

Amazing work!

I love how the cave looks perfect as a home for this dragon in that the walls of the cave look enough like the dragon's body that you can easily see it blending into the scenery until its prey is far too close to run. Well done!

I almost expect to see a hobbitt lurking in a corner.

Hey Ryan,



This is an awesome piece, both in theme and in execution. Though I see where you are going with the beautiful sunlight shining through, I think it is a little too bright. That being said, I CAN'T WAIT to see the multiscreen renders of this amazing piece.



You continuously outdo yourself, sir.

Another great job!

I really like this one a lot, as I do most all of your work, looks fantastic.

Love it, from one father to another, Happy Father's Day