Fan Art

I was asked on the Riyria Facebook page if there was any fan art for the series. I only knew of the one, but then I looked and found three. The color one was done by my daughter, not sure if that is technically still fan art, I suppose it is, and I like it so I'm calling it fair. Notice how it is in the shape of a sword that is broken. Clever girl. (To see more of my daughter's art.)

If I've learned something from this picture it's that line-work is like a fine Pinot Noir, it's subtle, it's full of life and energy, it hides and suggests, and too much of it gives you a headache...well, when you're the one making the picture anyway. The image, though, is finally done and I'm quite pleased with it. It's from the first pages of Michael J. Sullivan's "Riyria Revelations" when our heros, Hadrian Blackwater and Royce Melborn, master thieves, are held up by a group of...thieves. No more spoilers than that for anyone who hasn't read it, which is unfortunately a large number. If you haven't, read it! By the way, I have promised myself no more trees for a while...however I do have quite the habit of breaking promises and self-torture...

Any comments and criticisms are, of course, welcome.

Pen and ink on Bristol Board


Jesse Bechtold did these other two. One of which I already posted, but am reposting here because I can. (To see more of Jesse's work.)



This illustration is inspired by a small event in a book called "The Crown Conspiracy", part of a book series called "The Riyria Revelations" by Michael J. Sullivan. If you haven't heard of it it's about two thieves in a medieval style world accidentally getting caught up in a bid to create a new world empire. It's good fun, so I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a good adventure to read. Anyway, this started as a doodle to try to nail one of the main characters, Hadrian Blackwater, but I was having a lot of fun with the barmaid so I just kept going. What can I say, I have a thing for busty, size twelve barmaids...just ask my fiance'. More illustrations from this book to come and any comments welcome!

Pen and Ink on Paper


Thanks to both for illuminating my world.