Where Does the Diaper Go?

This book, still in sketch form, follows the musings of Daddy changing Baby: all the ways they fail to get that darned diaper on right... and what sort of strange creatures would think that's the height of fashion.

sketch and digital typography

Moon Folly

This scece depicts the opening action in Anne Hill's song "Moon Folly," A beguiling and mythical fairy tale of personal realization.

"I will go up the mountain after the moon.
She's caught in a dead fir tree..."

In a fresh but ancient folkloric tale, the singer steals the moon as Prometheus steals fire, as Persephone steals the secrets of rebirth. She consumes the moon, transforming herself and its power, enabling others to do the same.

Watercolor on Strathmore paper ~ 17x11 inches

Vision of Caer Aislign

Castle of Dreams, Citadel of Aspirations; Caer Aislign appears in many forms, as fluid as the thoughts that shape it.

This view is looking north, toward mountains which are themselves but metaphors.

Captured in a moment of flux, the castle stretches like a napping cat, rearing its turrets and crenelations.

Those who dwell wihin may not notice a thing.

Watercolor on Strathmore paper ~ 12x17 inches

Potions for sale

I don't think any of these bottles contains lemonade. But I'm not actually sure.

This is one of my coloring book pages fleshed out with black and white scratchline rendering.

Virtual pen using Photoshop and Wacom tablet

Where Does the Diaper Go?

This book, still in sketch form, follows the musings of Daddy changing Baby: all the ways they fail to get that darned diaper on right... and what sort of strange creatures would think that's the height of fashion.

sketch and digital typography

Good Morning

Twittering butterflies and fluttering birds; tree spirits and assorted funnly little creatures putter about their daily business amongst the wavering branches of the Quercus helixis.

watercolor on Arches paper, ~ 12x16 inches

Midgard Serpent

I wanted to convey the dramatic burst of speed as the serpent erupts from the waves and lashes about, quickly spotting the hapless ship that has disturbed its oceanic rest. It's never supposed to let go of its tail, so it's a little perturbed.

Watercolor on Strathmore paper, ~ 7x10 inches

Castle Sketch

This was a relatively quick drawing to design the skyscraper castle of Charsil in Wurlinstine. Notable features include the towers of the sun and moon, the three arches of the Grand Salon, the Senechall's residence in the left foreground, and the sturdy Knight's Tower.

Rapidograph pen on tracing paper ~ 5x11 inches

Races of Arvaal

Helpful for those new to the world of Arvaal, a quick overview: a Bruson guard of the Kannakoi, a Spirit mouth of the Orii, a wandering Arbiter of the Mischra, an Aelif courtier of the Selegim, and a Gurrk matron with her modest harem.

Watercolor on Strathmore paper ~ 10x8 inches

Map of Arvaal

This suspiciously familiar-looking globe is the world of Arvaal, seat of high adventure and epic legend.

Arvaal is the astronomically unlikely moon of the gas giant the locals refer to by various mythological names, such as "Selcareh's Shield." Arvaal orbits and rotates in such a way that one side always faces the sun. Its extremely long day and night cycle comes from passing behind its gas giant planet. Thus, the sun is perpetually overhead in the central Impireal tropics, and always lower in any of the surrounding, colder lands. The "horizon" lands border on ice fields of eternal darkness, the abode of eldritch horrors and restless shades.

Created in Adobe Photoshop

Alaric Genser, Character Design

For following the long and lonely road - and the wanderer archetype - Alaric needed some equipment and clothing to make him A) Mysterious, and B) Adaptable.

His stiff hood and various trailing lengths of fabric billow in the breeze. Buckles and leather straps within the lining of his robe can support his pack, so the whole encumberment can easily be flung aside when ambush threatens. Multiple clothing layers allow a selection of outfits, including a heavier armor set for planned battle.

pencil and ink

Caldedonian Boar

From the Fantasy Beasts Coloring Book (WoollyBlossom, 2010)

Snort!

(...mumble...)

Snort!!

"Quiet, blast you!"

SNORRT!!

"Fer Laird's sake, wommin! Ah'm tryin' ta sleep!"

"Pah! That weren't me, ye old faker!... why do I smell bacon?

Drawn digitally in Adobe Photoshop

Mushroom Gnome

From the Elemental Spirits Coloring Book (WoollyBlossom, 2010)

Lurking amid the fungi, their silky fillaments woven into clothing, their sprouting seed umbrellas make a useful hat.

Grandfather Mushroom he may be, or perhaps he's as young as his laughter.

Drawn digitally in Adobe Photoshop

Sky Castle

From the Elemental Spirits Coloring Book (WoollyBlossom, 2010)

Bricks of cloud and mortar of rain. Shingles of snowflake, curtains of fog. Hailstones form the gravel path. Thunderous crashing gates lead to spiraling hurricaine stairways, and gentle zephyr lounges piled with... feather beds.

Drawn digitally in Adobe Photoshop

Rite of Passage

From the Kid Witch Coloring Book (Dancing Cauldron, 2007)

It was the third day.

The night chill, the isolation, the stony ground had been tolerable, then unbearable. The hunger kept at bay by berries, nuts, wild eggs and even fat grubs - those were a lucky find. He'd hardly ever gotten any at home. His brothers always gobbled them fast. But one look at that fallen tree and he knew he could handle himself out here. He remembered his lessons, his skills, his strengths. Awakened his confidence.

Kindled his power.

He is ready to return.

Pen on paper ~ 8.5x11

Four Elementals

From the Elemental Spirits Coloring Book (WoollyBlossom, 2010)

The Lord of the East sighed. "And what, pray, would you have us consider, old friend?"

"Consider?" growled the Marshal, "ACT! We strike NOW, while the iron is hot!"

A gentle chuckling from the Western Marquis. "At ease, my brother... they will expect this. Much better to confuse them, to wear tham down."

"Their supplies will dwindle," considered the Great king. "Their patience will falter. Bank your wrath, good Marshal... but keep it fed. When the time comes, I will supply you with all that you need."

Drawn digitally in Adobe Photoshop

Dust Bunny Trainer

From the Home and Garden Fairies Coloring Book (Dancing Cauldron, 2007)

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

May I direct your attention please to the center ring, there to witness the ASTOUNDING FEATS of COMMAND and UNRIVALLED BRAVERY of our own, the most illustrious Paulo Piccino, renowned and singular trainer of those MOST FEROCIOUS CREATURES... those TERRORS OF THE NIGHT... those LURKERS BENEATH the BED...

DUST BUNNIES!

Pen on paper ~ 8.5x11

Water Spirit

From the Elemental Spirits Coloring Book (WoollyBlossom, 2010)

Shimmering in ripples of silver light, in waves of green algea and lotus blossoms, darting beneath the lilly pads -

The fins of a fish? The curling frond of a water plant? The reflection of a butterfly's rainbowed wing?

I doubt what I saw... if I saw anything. Hypnotized by the glittering sunlight, eased by the cool breeze, lulled by the fresh scent. I suppose I need a nap.

Drawn digitally in Adobe Photoshop

Bellerophon's Petting Zoo

From the Fantasy Beasts Coloring Book (WoollyBlossom, 2010)

Place two coins in slot as shown. Hold hand carefully beneath spout. Twist dial one complete turn clockwise. When feeding, hold hand out flat.

Drawn digitally in Adobe Photoshop

Kitchen Gremlin

From the Home and Garden Fairies Coloring Book (Dancing Cauldron, 2007)

Salt in sugar and butter in wine! Vinegar milk tastes mighty fine! Rancid bacon, rotten eggs, something swimming in your dregs. Held a feast and called the neighbors. Didn't thank me for my labors. Won't for me my portion set? Soon they'll see just what they'll get!

Pen on paper ~ 8.5x11

Circle Dance

From the Kid Witch Coloring Book (Dancing Cauldron, 2007)

Air, fire, water, earth. Transformation and rebirth. As I will it, be it done; good to all and harm to none.

Just a little gathering in the back yard. Wear your casual ritual robes.

Pen on paper ~ 8.5x11

Grandmother Turtle

From the Goddess Coloring Book (Dancing Cauldron, 2007)

Rowing gently through the sea, at the interface of sky and water. She bears the land, the rocks, the soil, the trees and rivers; all the earth-dwellers ride her shoulders. Turtle Island... Was she always called this? It does not matter. Now they have called her this, she has always existsed.

Pen on paper ~ 8.5x11

Garden Picnic

From the Home and Garden Fairies Coloring Book (Dancing Cauldron, 2007)

Rainwater tea, blueberries, blackberries. Grass seeds and marigold peatals. A single huge strawberry where you'd expect a turkey. No mashed potatoes here, but the woodlouse wants some moldy cucumber, please.

Pen on paper ~ 8.5x11