While working on something else I accidentally came across a tool that might prove useful for creating custom loading screen graphics (the ones for areas). It is called
Terragen and there is a restricted free version. It uses fractal geometry to create landscape views. For a more detailed description click on the link above which takes you to the download page. Also on the same page are a couple of add-ons for it in the shape of small collections of models of plants which appear to be 3d. I can't tell for certain because I've only just downloaded Terragen and the add-ons and I don't recognise the models format.
TR
