Sketchbook: The Castle of Fenris-Lune
Charcoal pencils on paper
Most artists, after a period of experimentation and discovery, settle on one medium, or a family of media, in which they feel most comfortable, but they never stop appreciating or toying with other media. I'm a control freak, so it's only natural I feel drawn to pencil illustrations. But sometimes the control offered by pencils can feel stifling. Like formal wear, I can make it look great but every now and then I want to rip it off and change into something casual.
As charcoals go, this is still pretty controlled, but for me, this sort of drawing feels very loose and freeing. I've discarded or hidden away most of my high school work, but I'm still fond of this piece. The castle comes straight out of my childhood mind (I had a bit of a Mordor fixation for many years - can you tell?), and a vile demi-goddess roams its halls, using mystic mirrors to enter the minds of hapless mortals.
You're getting kind of a short Sketchbook entry today, because I'm on my way to Minnesota for the Carleton College Reunion. My work will be on display Friday and Saturday at the Alumni Art Show.
Click image for larger view.