Two years ago in February I began working on Starlight by doing a spread of the dragon flight and although at first the publishers were pleased with it they felt it was not quite right. The book had then to be put on hold while I finished working on two other books, so when I came back to it in November of this year it looked very different.
So the image above is the first dragon, the image below is the one deemed to fierce and scary, and the final red one, I am told, is just fine. I do feel a little like Goldilocks and the Three Dragons, but sadly, at the end of the day, I have to agree.
If you click on the images you can see much bigger versions. I think the sky needs to be darker and so will work into it a little which will also give it layers of starlight. The two images below are details, of giant dog and flying fish.
6 comments:
Sometimes a scene looses power when you have to redo it often, but in this case I must say that the third attempt is perfect.
I liked the "fierce" Dragon, but the composition of this last painting is so wonderful. there's more space for the eye to wander, and the Dragon has got a very elegant pose. I know exactly how hard it can be to fit a whole dragon into a page without it feeling cramped!
What I wonder is, do you show you sketches to your publisher? Or even just the beginning of a painting? I usually show all my pencils sketches down to the preliminary sketch of a painting so they can tell if there is something to change before I actually paint all the details?
Even so, I often get remarks about changes once the painting is completed... grrr.
So far the worst was the current book, I had to redo two paintings completely but the guy doesn't want to pay me? *sigh*
The red dragon is so very elegant and beautiful. I think my favourite though is the first one :) Everyone will have a different favourite, as we are all individuals. But each painting is exquisite in every detail. You're sooo clever that I believe you could paint a tub of marg and make it look attractive!
I hope the publishers are happy, and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Kim x
Thanks for these. As far as I know Tessa is happy with dragon number three.
Was asked yesterday if I would like to paint a violin for a music festival. Unusual request, not a picture of a violin but on the violin. Very excited about this idea. But now I can't stop thinking of how to paint a tub of marg!
I love your flying fish!x
That's a funny comment, Jackie, but somehow, I believe you're serious :) The violin will be stunning when you've done it.
I hope you are all having a lovely Christmas, and look forward to more of your work in the New Year. Thank you for being such an amazing inspiration
Kim x
hmm I like them all to be honest!
can't wait for it to be finished:)
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