The Idea Box Journal

Top 10 Fantasy Book Covers of 2019

Well that’s a nice way to close out the year.

Here’s (most of) the books I’ve had the pleasure of illustrating covers for. Ever since childhood this is what I wanted to do with my life. Here’s to collaborations continuing in the new year and beyond 🥂🌟

One of the wonderful qualities of winter (in parts of the world that undergo a significant change of seasons) is along with the snow and the cold, is the quiet. I painted this moon recently to see how bright color would read on the well-known bright white sphere. Even with the loud phthalo blue and magenta, the familiar round face rests in the dark sky as silently as ever. The moon is essential to our planet for gravitational balance, soothing the tides, keeping days 24 hours, providing navigation for sailors & insects, and likely more than we are fully aware. Whether visible as a nail-clipped crescent, split in half, or full as above, the moon loyally remains the most present, calming companion in our night sky. When given a moment’s thought, she can be a source for appreciating a re-enchantment with our world, just as it is. 

🌟🎄Merry Christmas 🎄🌟

The trickster archetype is one of my favorite motifs to revisit from time to time. This painting wasn’t created for any purpose other than wanting to be reminded not to take life too seriously. The ancient Greeks gave us Hermes, Krishna in India, Kitsune in Japan, and Coyote in Native American stories. They appear to ruffle folk’s feathers, usually with entertaining intentions. Though less funny when your own pants are down around your ankles, or worse. Traditionally comedians, magicians, and artists shake up society’s status quo. Characters like Bug Bunny, Jack Sparrow, and The Joker smile wickedly at civility. Saturday Night Live, The Onion, and The Daily Show continue to keep us honest.

Does this painting capture that relationship? No, it’s more open-ended than narrating a scene. I wanted to conjure the spirit of the sentiment. I added the small planets afterwards digitally to give the figure a sense of manipulative power. In the future I’ll either develop this fellow further or, as is fitting, allow the persona to shapeshift again into a yet another form.

If you’re interested in the subject I highly recommend Trickster Makes This World by Lewis Hyde.

🌟🎄Share your favorite cards & prints 🎁🌟
All available at INPRNT

Featured today on Colossal, dubbed the Tate Modern of the internet. Honored to have my work showcased 😊🌟

New painting: Soothing the Rainbow Beast

🎄✨Prints & cards available✨🎁

For decades after their discovery of the rainbow beast, doors in the rural community would be locked tight each night. It took the compassion of one brave girl to build a friendship with the mystical beings. Adults remain reluctant, but to this day children are seen romping through fields and forests with these magical colorful creatures.

New painting: Hubris
Science and magic collide when confidence overpowers consideration… ✨

The White Rose, book three in Glen Cooks’ series, The Black Company, Spanish edition from Penguin Random House Spain.
Inside a flower the climactic battle wages ⚔️