A method for creating composite images of multiple objects using standard commodity graphics cards is provided that eliminates the need for expensive specialty graphics hardware for generating real-time renderings of the composite images. After the desired composite image and the objects contained in the composite image are identified, a volume rendered image of a first object is obtained. In addition, at least a first geometric representation and a second geometric representation of a second object based upon a desired composite image of the first and second objects are generated. These geometric representations are preferably polygonal representations. The volume rendered image and the geometric representations are used to create a plurality of composite image components. Each composite image component contains at least one of the volume rendered image, the first geometric representation and the second geometric representation. The composite image components are blended to create the desired composite image.