A method is provided for displaying selected portions of a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric data set representing a subsurface formation. At least one two-dimensional (2D) canvas is generated. The 2D canvas corresponds to a plane in the 3D data set. The 2D canvas is shown in a first display window. One or more primitives are created on the 2D canvas. A volumetric region of the 3D volumetric data set corresponding to the one or more primitives is identified. The volumetric region is displayed in a 3D scene. The 3D scene is shown in a second display window.