♦ Art Appreciation Monday! ♦

Welcome to the second ever "Art Appreciation Monday", I hope you enjoyed last week's artist Matt Nguyen! I think it's so much fun to find new artists, and friends along the way. 

I am aware...that there is one MAJOR problem with my post's name...it says Monday, and all "Art Appreciation Monday" posts should and MUST be posted on a Monday...alas, even though today is Tuesday, I will post my late Monday post anyway. :) 

Do I have a reason for the late post? Yes, I do...but that story is for a later post.

Now on to the art!

Introducing....*Drum-roll!* sheWolf294 of Deviant Art!!!! :)
I thought we'd start off with the painting that first drew my attentions to sheWolf294!

Although I haven't watched Supernatural yet, (believe me I get plenty of criticism for this...trust me though, there are only SO MANY hours in ONE DAY!) :) I still appreciate artwork from the show and quotes from it!

This is Castiel from Supernatural, in sheWolf294's  masterpiece, Stars

sheWolf294 has a beautiful combination of colours, with all the different hues of pinks and purples.
She also catches the facial expression brilliantly, Castiel looks so hopeless... so disappointed...
 I now want to watch Supernatural more than ever, now that I've seen this picture! :)

I don't know about you, but I'm SO excited to do another interview!

Ariana: What's your name outside Deviant Art?
Stefanie H: My name is Stefanie H.

Ariana: Are you human/boy/girl?
Stefanie H: I’m a girl obviously.

Ariana: What Country/Planet/State are you from?
Stefanie H: I’m from Bavaria, Germany


Ariana: Do you have brothers/sisters/only child?
Stefanie H: Nope, I’m a only child

Ariana: Do you have any pets?
Stefanie H: I used to have pets, but at the moment: nope

Ariana: Birthday?
Stefanie H: 29. April

Before we continue with the Question and Answer with sheWolf294,  I believe we should look at a few examples of her gorgeous artwork! :)

One of my absolute favourites by her, is her painting, Gallifrey

And for those of you who don't know what Gallifrey is, it is the home planet of the Doctor, from Doctor Who. :) I love the mediums used in this picture and how the mountains are twisted and curved in the background....and then there is the city of Gallifrey, so beautiful!

Ariana: What inspires you most to paint/draw?
Stefanie H: Mostly music, but also my environment (like friends, family etc)
oh, and also other artists (no matter if they’re from the past like Van Gogh or present, like many artists on Tumblr/Deviant Art)

Ariana: How do you cope with lack of inspiration?
Stefanie H: Well, I take a break and spend some time with other activities :’D Or waste some time on Tumblr.

(Oh my gosh, I understand completely! It is easy to waste a lot of time on Tumblr!) ;)

Ariana: Do you have a favourite media to paint/draw with?
Stefanie H: Photoshop!

Ariana: Do you have a favourite thing to paint (movies, people, animals) what is your favourite thing to paint/draw?
Stefanie H: Mostly my favorite scenes from movies/series I watch. But I’m open for everything.

Ariana: When did you decide you wanted be an artist?
Stefanie H: I started to be interested in art or generally drawing/painting since I was in kindergarten :D

Ariana: Do you have any interests outside of painting/drawing?
Stefanie H: Er, I’m kinda interested in backing, but not that much, that I would consider it as a life-time job or something.

Ariana: How do you wind down after painting/drawing?
Stefanie H: Just relaxing a bit and doing minor things/ listening to music

Ariana: Do you have a favourite food/drink?
Stefanie H: Well, that’s a hard question…. I can’t decide, there are so many things. I think I’ll go with chocolate cake and cola (:


Ariana: What would your advice to other artists be?
Stefanie H: Hm, I would say, that they should never give up, and keep on drawing/painting. Also keep practicing, even if you might don’t see a change in a short time, you get better with everything you do!

Ariana: What is your favourite Doctor Who villain/and/character?
Stefanie H: My favorite villain is definitely the Master! :D And my other favorite character is the Doctor!

Ariana: What's your favourite line from Sherlock?
Stefanie H: There are quite a lot. But I mostly tend to say “not my division”.

Well, I must say, I don't know what Lestrade would say, but I believe that art is certainly your division! 

Here is some stunning Sherlock related artwork, by sheWolf294!

This masterpiece is called, Deep End

I love Moriarty's face, it has that insane look to it, he is disappointed about killing Sherlock...but he has to.  This stunning picture holds all the beauty and tenseness of how I felt when I first watched the episode, The Great Game! 

The last picture I'm going to spotlight is not from a tv show or movie...it is called, Sunset

It looks so quiet and peaceful, so gentle and serene...I am so glad that Stefanie could capture this into her artwork and make the spectator feel so much when looking at such a beautiful piece!

While she has so much beautiful artwork, and there were SO many pieces I wanted to share with you! But, I want YOU to go and check out sheWolf294's other pieces! If not on Deviant Art, than try her Tumblr!

Tumblr

Deviant Art

You'll also find that by clicking the names of the art pieces, it will take you directly to the Deviant Art page on which they're posted!

As always I must thank sheWolf294 so much for agreeing to be part of my "Art Appreciation Monday!", even if it is Tuesday! It is so amazing to get to speak to different artists, and see just what each of them do, how they do it and why! ☺

*****All the artwork belongs to sheWolf294. There are links in blue which will direct you to the originals.**********

DO NOT USE ANY OF THE ARTWORK/WRITTEN WORK POSTED HERE WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!!!!! 

If you want to use some of the artist's artwork or written work, contact her through Deviant Art, here.

No excuses Anderson! ;) (Animation also by sheWolf294) 

Thank you!

♦ Art Appreciation Monday! ♦

To get over the Monday blues, I've decided to do an Art Appreciation Monday. On which every Monday (I hope!), I will spotlight an Artist of some sort, whether they are traditional painter/drawer or photoshop artist, or photography,writing, poetry, pottery, crafts or sewing...I'm going to spotlight only the best! :)

Today's artist is Matt Nguyen of Deviant Art!

**Before we start, I ask that you please remember to not, EVER use any of the art from the artists without their consent! If you see something you like- just ask. They will appreciate it!**

I thought we'd start off with a short biography on MattNguyen, so we know and understand the artist a little better! :)

Ariana: What's your name outside Deviant Art? Is Nguyen your surname? If it is how do you say that- it looks really cool.

Matt Nguyen: My name full, official name is "Matthew Đại Dương Nguyen," though I've been going by "Matt" recently.

To explain the name, I'll do it part by part. "Matthew" is because I'm Catholic, and it's highly common to give children saint names. My dad in particular, wanted to have four kids and name them after the four gospels, Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John. He had me and my brother, John.

As for my middle name and last name, those are Vietnamese. In our culture, we usually put the middle name after the last name because it just sounds better that way. My middle name, Đại Dương, translates directly to "big ocean," which also can be seen as the Pacific.

"Nguyen" is a/my surname, yes. It is a very common Vietnamese surname. You can pronounce it "gwin" or "win." The "ng" is a sound most non-native speakers can't pronounce, but you can get close.

Ariana: Are you human/boy/girl?

Matt Nguyen: Well, I'm a male, since most "Matt's" are males.

Ariana: What Country/Planet/State are you from?

Matt Nguyen: I was born in southern United States, but am Vietnamese.

Ariana: Do you have brothers/sisters/only child?

Matt Nguyen: I have one younger brother. He's four years behind me, and though he's stubborn as well as some other things, he is still my brother in the end.

Ariana: Do you have any pets?

Matt Nguyen: No. My parents don't really like them, and I never had the largest interest in them. If I were to get one, though, it'd be a cat.

Ariana: Birthday? 

Matt Nguyen: The fifteenth of May.

Before we continue with the questions, let's see some examples of Matt Nguyen's great work!

My Favourite Matt Nguyen's poem:

*****

Someone Like Me

Sometimes, on a lonely and cold winter night,

I stare up at the radiantly glowing full moon,

And subconsciously, I begin to think to myself:

I wonder if there is a living soul somewhere,

Who is seeing the same beauty that I'm seeing.

Even more so, I long to meet a breathing soul

Who thinks and has the same thoughts as I,

When they see this spherical grandness.

A person like this is out there,

There just has to be, I know it!

It is all about up to whether or not

I will ever meet this amazing person.

Will I meet him or her in my lifetime,

Or will we both be deceased before then?

Is it a male, who will become my best friend,

Or a female, who will become my ultimate lover?

Have I already met this spectacular person,

And have not yet realized?

We will just have to wait and see, won't we?

The time will come when two paths intersect,

Two lives converged, inseparable forever.

But until then, we must be on alert,

Our eyes and hearts opened wide,

For no one knows when this time will be,

Not even the greatest scientist or genius.

The man upstairs might know, but it would be ruined

If he ever told us before it happened,

As this is a life filled with surprises,

And not a predetermined destiny we are condemned to.

*****

I don't know how Matt Nguyen can capture in words the feelings which you feel when you are alone! He not only captures the feeling of loneliness but the beauty of it... And without any elaboration or special details he captures the mood and the soul of his audience!

Another Favourite of mine, is his recent artwork,

Into The Void

The reason, I love this picture is because I think it could go on for an eternity! The swirling colours, with the dark shades of blue on the left and the warm golden colours on the right leading into the white, it's so beautiful to look at- I think it looks like an entrance to another world... :)

Ariana: What inspires you most to write?

Matt Nguyen: The crazy and imaginative ideas get me going. Once I get one, I feel the rush and need to get it out to the world in hopes that they will feel what I did. So in the end, "all that could be" inspires me to write.

Ariana: How do you cope with lack of inspiration?

Matt Nguyen: Well, I just simply take a break to be honest. Sometimes it ends up being longer than I meant for it to be, but something usually gets me back on my feet, whether it be inspirational music, a show, or nature.

Ariana: Do you have a favorite subject to write about?

Matt Nguyen: I write mostly science fiction, emotional stories, and some poems. My favorite is the creative ones, though.

Ariana: When did you decide you wanted to write/be an artist?

Matt Nguyen: It gradually sort of built, as I've been drawing since I was little. Mostly, it was because I didn't want to sing or dance since I'm shy. As for writing, that came freshman to sophomore year of high school, when I wrote a piece for school and really liked it. Now, I want to be able to do it for a living.

Ariana: What would your advice to other writers/artists be?

Matt Nguyen: I'll steal Nike's slogan for this one. "Just do it." There's no harm in doing so. You miss all the shots you don't take, so take them. There's so much you don't know you can do. Also, get help and assistance from others, and try to learn from the best, not be discouraged by them.

Ariana: Do you have any interests outside of writing/art?

Matt Nguyen: Well, I play games sometimes as well as watch television. In addition, I read and use the computer.

Ariana: How do you wind down after writing/art?

Matt Nguyen: I just go back to doing other hobbies or showing my art to others. Eating or sleeping are classics, too.

Ariana: Do you have a favorite food/drink?

Matt Nguyen: The best food is probably spaghetti or pasta, and the best drink is sweet iced tea. Brownies are also nice for dessert.

Ariana: What is your favorite Doctor Who villain/and/character?

Matt Nguyen: My favorite Doctor is Ten, and then Eleven. My favorite companion is either Rory, Amy, or Clara. My favorite villain is the weeping angels, though the Daleks are a classic, too.

I asked Matt Nguyen to pick a favourite of his work, and he sent back,

The Creation Of The Universe (A Creation Myth)

Our story begins on my home planet. It was once a beautiful place, full of life and wonder, until it was stripped down of its resources by the greedy inhabitants that lived there. I could have stopped them if I wanted to, but that was not my duty. So for several millenniums, I watched my planet slowly being destroyed by my own people. The destruction of my planet only got worse as nations fought each other with advanced technological weapons of mass destruction. Soon, a good percentage of the planet's population was gone.

One nation was so desperate for resources that they developed and released a biochemical gas on the planet, one that would kill everything living, except them. Forgetting to protect themselves, the planet's species went extinct within a couple of days. The only thing, or person rather, that survived was me.

I am an immortal, the only one to have existed, at least in my universe. You'll understand more as this tale continues. Barren and deserted, the planet was definitely post-apocalyptic. Going back to my shed, I could see nothing but a desert like landscape for as far as the eye could see. The sky was blue, and so was I. I knew this would happen one day; I had just hoped it wouldn't come this soon.

.......

*****

If you want the rest of The Creation Of The Universe (A Creation Myth), click on the links provided. I would have included all of it, but I think you should go and check out Matt Nguyen's other artwork and written work as well on Deviant Art yourself, because it is definitely worth every second of it! :) So go finish reading  The Creation Of The Universe (A Creation Myth), right now, because it's awesome! :)

Special thanks to Matt Nguyen for agreeing to be the first artist of Art Appreciation Monday, and for letting me post some of his amazing masterpieces on my blog! :) 

*****All the artwork and written work belongs to Matt Nguyen, there are links in blue which will direct you to the originals.**********

DO NOT USE ANY OF THE ARTWORK/WRITTEN WORK POSTED HERE WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!!!!! 

If you want to use some of the artist's artwork or written work, contact him through Deviant Art, here.

Thank you!

Book Review: Fifty Shades Into Darkness

Book Review: Fifty Shades Into Darkness

So over the past few years I've had the horrible realization that growing up and becoming an adult isn't worth it... sure you get a car and a job and you get to be included in grown-up conversations...but allow me to say how tedious it truly is. The thing I've learned about maturing is this...you finally understand what all those "Inside Jokes" are or the "You'll understand when you're older" means. 

Unfortunately...this means that I've finally gotten to the age where I "do" understand....sadly. 

Therefore, I decided to read my first ever "adult content novel", whilst keeping my dignity preserved. 

*Warning Contains Adult Content!* (And Spoilers)

"The good are never easy

The easy never good

And love it never happens like you think it really should

Deception and perfection are wonderful traits

One will breed love

The other hate"*

If you weren't a million shades of red by the end of this-you must either be used to this sort of material or are extremely good at masking embarrassment. I've read fan-fiction that was better than this! But what can I say, this was originally a fan-fiction... which was a mash-up of Twilight and Star Trek, so I can't judge the quality of the writing, nor the actual plot of the book with this knowledge in mind.

Khan Noonien Singh is a lonely being, who is conveniently rich because of the mass marketing of his "Super-blood". Mass millionaire and several mistresses later, he meets the lovely but rather shy Marla McGivers who is a clumsy brunette (the reason for her hair colour change is purely for...reasons unexplained...) who is sent to interview the fantastically wealthy (yes, don't forget he is wealthy because that is repeated over and over...) Khan, because her friend, Karol Marcus (the 'C' in Karol was changed to a 'K' for... well...more unexplained reasons...), is dealing with the Kamaraazite flu and can't interview Khan. 

Marla stumbles (yes, really) into Khan's office, which is upholstered in leather. Khan has a thing about leather coats as well as leather chairs and couches... he owns several leather companies...also in his office there is  a gigantic window that covers the whole wall...because we all know that Khan needs to have a giant window with no privacy whatsoever. (It must remind him of that well spent time on the Enterprise.)

The interview between Marla and Khan is the best part of the book, here is a section of it:

Excerpt of Into Darkness:

I was blushing under his smoldering gaze, "Well Mr Singh...how do you feel being head of a lifesaving cooperation."

He lent back in his chair and said sardonically, "Well, frankly the nation needs to be careful that I don't develop AIDS, if not...well...things will be quite bad, won't they."

"Unfortunately, sir, with your blood and its ability to regenerate there is no way for you to acquire AIDS..." I replied.

"Well... lucky me." He said coolly, making me feel slightly uncomfortable but I continue, "You're very young to be so successful."

"Simple... I don't age." He replied amused.

"Oh..." the breath is strangled in my throat, I feel as though he has knocked me down with his intense look, "how did you convince so many people that you were a friend even after you destroyed a huge section of San Francisco?"

"It's all in knowing the right people and having good oration skills. When they discovered that my blood was- special...they gave me a small fine to pay, meaningless now that I am so wealthy and have my own corporation. What I'm trying to say is this: believing a lie is a million times easier than trying to believe the truth." 

I haven't really been able to absorb everything he is saying, but I'm glad I've been recording this interview...because I'm going to listen to it over and over. A large beam of light shines into my eyes and briefly makes a purple line across Khan's throat. 

"Where did that light come from?" I ask.

"I don't know, you tell me...I've transferred to six different offices in the last two years and I still can't get rid of these damn light flares." Khan says irritated.

I'm worried that I've made him angry somehow, so I ask the next question on my list, "Are you...alien?" Crap. Why did I ask that, Karol would've worded this better.

"Do you think that I would be like you simple human beings, I...........am......Khan....." he pauses dramatically before continuing, "I am....." he pauses again, "better."

"At what?"

"Everything....." His nose flared seductively, filling me with lust, like a caveman lusting for fire.

♦

 You now have an insight of how truly intelligent, bright, funny and beautiful Marla is.

 Alas, the author portrays her in a way that makes her less appealing than a four hundred year old root-beer lollipop on the floor of a doctor's office. 

Not to mention the author's overuse of the word, "Crap" in this novel is very annoying.

 Enough of the bad stuff, what about the good parts? 

After the interview, Khan finds her again. Creepily stalking her to where she works, where he suggests that some pictures should go with her news article, which she agrees to wholeheartedly.

After the photo-shoot, they (Khan and Marla) go out for coffee. Then there is a very pointless scene where a cyclist(?) almost runs over Marla when she trips into the road(?) but not to worry because... Khan gets out a gun and shoots the man off the cycle(?) and is able to catch Marla before she falls...to a death which would have ended this novel and trilogy faster...an ending much less painful for the reader. 

You may have noticed --> (?) these things...

1.  A CYCLIST...that is the vaguest line ever. A motorcyclist or a cyclist...both go under the name cyclist. 

2.  "Trips into the road" Marla sounds like a walking, talking klutz! How did she live as long as she has?!

3. I think Khan overreacted a bit there... (*evil chuckle, but that adds to his mystery...eh?)

Moving along...they spend some time together, sharing pointless, meaningless dialogue which amounts to nothing...Marla goes to Khan's house which is made entirely out of glass with leather couches and dishes (dishes?!)...and engage in... what can I say...the writer... seems to have a deep knowledge of how aliens go about their intimate relationships...

Example:

He lifted the stun gun to my stomach and stunned me, one, two, three times in a row... I felt none of it, my heart was racing all the more, he then took my face between his hands and began to squeeze...

Obviously, there is no need to elaborate on why I found this part stupid. 

Have I mentioned the dialogue was dry and stale, not to mention poor- all our character seems to think about is Khan, and it gets boring...385 pages later and we still can't stop lusting over Khan's hair. (Well...what happens when he goes BALD someday?...*Pauses dramatically*...or his hair might go rather...Grey...) I realise this is a book for an audience who is perhaps bored with their own love life, or simply haven't had a love life yet...but honestly, don't take dating advice from this book. It is in many, many ways like Twilight, at the end of the book we don't really know any of the characters...what was the attraction between Rotel and Eggwart? (Bella and Edward) I don't know what it was beyond a physical desire...same with Khan and McGivers...there is just nothing there beyond...lusty desire. (* I do not have a problem with lusty desire...the book just needs some good dialogue to liven things up a bit.*)

Here is just one example of the bad dialogue from the book, because whenever Khan's lines weren't recycled they were really stupid. 

Example from the book:

He stared at me like I was a medium rare steak on a grill, steamy, mouthwatering, covered with eleven herbs and spices...I don't really know what kind of spice he saw on me, because I really am a simple, ordinary person. 

"What?" I asked.

"Why don't you McGiver me some lovin'?!" He whispered

"Give me a reason..." I said blushing

"23-17-46-11" he smiled, then added, "15-42-67-84-99-22-12-18-....."

So while I'll try to forget this book as quickly as I can...in the meantime...I hope you enjoyed this review...join me next time with another, book, movie, or something that is in need of a real honest review. 

What to eat and drink with this novel: Sugar Plum Tea (that stuff is, in my opinion,...icky...but that could be because that box of tea has been in our freezer for...how ever many years it has been in there), and probably the tea and the book will put you off so much you possibly won't have any desire for anything to eat.

What to wear while reading this novel: Nothing too hot, you'll be blushing enough that a homeless man could warm his hands off your cheeks in mid-December.

Where to read this novel: The bathroom. 

What is the sequel to this novel?: Wrath of Khan, only I won't be joining you. Although I hear, Marla really Steels the show in that one. 

Please know this review is meant as a comedy and not actually in any way related to- "Fifty Shades of Grey", for the following reasons: I do not read books like that. I do not write about books like that, (except to make fun of them). I do not want to read a book like that when there are so many other good books in the world to read. Allow me to elaborate, "Fifty Shades of Grey", might be your opinion of a good book, but it  is not mine.  So, this review is not meant to offend the author, or any of the fans of this series. And of course, I do not mean to break any copyrights...so...don't sue me, I just write cheap reviews. :)

*From Marina and the Diamonds song Homewrecker 

The Staff and the Sword: Books #1 and #2

How does one begin to describe a truly fantastic series?

DISCLAIMER THE FOLLOWING CONTENT MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS....

A Cast of Stones, 

our story opens up in the village of Callowford, with Errol Stone, the village outcast, the village sot, beaten by the village priest Antil...Errol, is sent by a churchman, to deliver two letters to the hermit priest Pater Marten who lives alone except for a reader by the name of Luis. Errol is offered a half crown for delivering the letters to Pater Marten, and is to receive another half crown when he returns with the proof that he has indeed delivered the letters to Pater Marten. On his way there, a mysterious cloaked figure appears to be following him and it isn't long before the assassin takes a shot at Errol, unfortunately causing Errol to jump into the pool, destroying the two letters which were meant for Marten and Luis.

Errol had little idea, that when accepting to deliver these letters, he sealed his fate forevermore. 

Errol, is cast into adventure with the hermit priest Pater Marten, the reader Luis, the warrior Cruk, and the perfect hero Liam. 

But there is one thing which Marten, Luis and Cruk did not expect, that all the times they are attacked in A Cast of Stones, it is always Errol that the bandits and assassins target. Which is explained later, so we think that he is an omne...but was that really the simple truth or was Patrick W. Carr hiding something from us...

Here is a small hint: yes.yes.yes.yes.Yes.

The Hero's Lot, not The Hero's Lost- (as I almost mistakenly gushed it, in front of the author..), within the first few chapters, Errol gets put under another compulsion, in which he has to go and kill Sarin Valon, (yes, the compulsion is administered by the Grand Judica, the church itself....)

So....why is the church so desperate to send the only omne to his death by sending him to kill a man who could see their every move in the last book?!

*Coughs*

Traitors in the church.

*Coughs* 

Once more do we depart on a deliciously colorful and thrilling adventure, with returning characters, Namaan Ru, Rohka, Conger and Rale, whom were all delightful in the last book...(I thought Namaan Ru was really cool, despite the fact he held Errol against his will and made him cast lots for a profit... he was still good...in a way...) Pater Marten, Luis and Cruk have to leave Erinon though, because alas, the fact they drew lots questioning the future king- to put it plain, the church wasn't really thrilled with that.

So they set off in different directions, but in the end, they are destined to fight together, fight to escape.

Now, if you were waiting for Errol Stone to do something stupid...I'll tell you now...uh...I don't know that guy when he is in the tavern, and the woman is singing,( no spoilers... I'm just saying) I don't know him at this part of the book...because here he was incredibly stupid.

In The Hero's Lot, we get to meet Namaan Ru's uncle which is utterly fascinating, and the betrothal dance is really interesting too. Not to mention the blood rose which is very endearing and poetic...

And the ending, (no pun intended viewing a few circumstances which occur at the end), the ending is to die for. Adora and Rohka are two fantastic heroines, and while many people would think Adora would always be simpering and in the way, she is surprisingly useful and isn't annoying at all. The ending scene with Adora and Rhoka wearing the silk dresses posing as merchandise...Patrick W. Carr is BRILLIANT!

Getting back...

  The Hero's Lot, is just brilliant all the way around. 

The Hero's Lot,  has more religious overtones than the first, but beyond that I cannot say it was better or worse than A Cast of Stones, because both books are equally entertaining, and you won't get bored reading either of them so...I would say both of them are exactly the same as far as being brilliantly beautiful works of art, and of course, a good solid addition as ever to the growing fantasy shelf.

An interesting fact for you:

I had little idea, but suddenly whilst reading The Hero's Lot, I became aware of Patrick W. Carr's ferrals.... like I was actually seeing them for the first time...

Ferrals are frightening monsters which have jagged teeth and beast-like faces who bay and howl...and travel in packs...

Feral
Adjective

1. (esp. of an animal) In a wild state, esp. after escape from captivity or domestication: "a feral cat".
2. Resembling a wild animal.

That was clever... very clever. And the poison which is used on Errol in The Hero's Lot, is called Styrich and gives the same effects as Strychnine poisoning, and Papaverine is used to slow the poisoning, an interesting fact about Papaverine is the fact it is an opium alkaloid antispasmodic drug, used primarily in the treatment of visceral spasm, vasospasm (especially those involving the heart and brain.) Now I can't tell whether Errol comes out of that one alive or not...big spoilers like that aren't my area...besides that, I can say nothing more without giving too many spoilers away, as it is the author probably won't be pleased with how many spoilers I've revealed, and he probably won't let me read another one before the release date- ever again. Even if it is to recommend it to all my friends... (I hope that isn't so though.)

For a fast paced novel which appeals to the quick-set time we now live in, this is an admirable novel which if the time is taken to read it slowly, this novel becomes very enlightening in meaning. I was caught off guard when I examined each book closer...and I think anyone who reads any of Patrick W. Carr's novels slowly, and appreciatively, they'll see all the hidden surprises which hide inside the plots. Undoubtedly, The Staff and the Sword series is very good for any fantasy lover, or anyone who simply wants a good read. :)

Now, go read these books! :)

And do you want to know why you should go and read these books?!

© All the characters and plot-lines/summery of A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot, belong to Patrick W. Carr, and Bethany House, none of it belongs to me.


© Batman cartoon by How it Should Have Ended, I do not own this piece of artwork.

© Batman belongs to DC comics, and does not belong to me either. (Sadly.)

Artist in progress....

'Hummer' 

I drew this hummingbird for one of my wonderful older sisters back in 2011. It was one of those cold and dreary days when you wish with all your heart it was spring, you either want it to be so cold it will snow or you want the cold to go away. I sometimes wonder why I didn't print out a reference picture for my sister's drawing, but for some reason my reference photo for this drawing was a little cartoon hummingbird, which wasn't of the greatest quality, so if I am a little bit proud of this hummingbird it is possibly because I chose one of the worst reference pictures ever for a 'realistic' drawing.

'Hummer' close up.

I'm not going to say this was one of the best pictures I've ever done, it isn't. But I believe that by posting even the mediocre artwork and my beginning pieces, it shows that I get better with each piece I do. Nobody is born with the ability to draw perfectly, I believe the beginners artwork is more beautiful than the masters perfect magnum opus, because sometimes more love and dedication was put into that lopsided face, or that hummingbird which was drawn on a cold winter's day when there wasn't a flower in sight! Captured in those pictures is some of the greatest feelings which not many people see or feel once they have become masters of drawing and painting.

'Joey from War Horse'

“Can you imagine flying over a war, and you know you can never look down, you have to look forward or you’ll never get home… I ask you, what could be braver than that?”

One of my favourite movies is War Horse, therefore, for a long time I spent my days drawing horses.

The reason for posting this particular picture is, if you look at the picture you'll shudder and say- "Wow, that is not very good at all, the picture is crooked, Joey's neck looks funny, check out his leg...etc." 

I realise I've set myself up for such comments, but you should know, I drew this particular picture without a reference photo, with a terrible No. 2 pencil and I'd probably only had about three hours of sleep.

I'll give you a brief picture, the day was exceedingly hot (too hot for May), I was bored out of my wits, my legs were sticking to the metal folding chair I was sitting on and my brain had all but failed me for any good story ideas, so trapped among clumps of stuff we were selling at our yard sale. I began to draw random objects, a cookie jar, a shoe (yes, I was seriously that bored) and finally I began to draw Joey, and I was very happy to see how it turned out.

'Joey from War Horse'

I know.... I drew this before I watched the film, so I didn't know he had a stripe down his nose!

This picture was a 'Thank You' card for my grandmother and grandfather for giving me a book 'The Big Book of Realistic Drawing Secrets' by Carrie Stuart Park and Rick Parks. Obviously, the book helped me immensely. For this version of Joey, I had an excellent reference photo. I'd probably still be erasing little bits and shading in different areas now if the picture wasn't at my grandparent's house! 

Paintings!

 'Jewel & Jingles'

My first attempt at painting a horse was a work of my sister's miniature horse and my own.

Jingles (my miniature horse) left (tan), and Jewel (my sister's miniature horse) right (brown and white), were painted for a 'Get Feeling Better' card. I must admit this picture is a bit of a stretch for the imagination, I've never seen Jewel and Jingles so loving to each other. :) Since this was my first painted picture of a live horse, it was quite good. My second attempt at painting a horse was a bit better...

'Cookies and Crème'

'Cookies and Crème' was a painting I did last year for an art show! Alas, 2013 has not had any painted masterpieces yet, but already I have something in mind for this years art show.

This painting as you can see, I was a lot better with seeing the colours and where they needed to go. Many of my inspirations come from Illustrator Wesley Dennis- www.wesleydennis.com.

The amazing thing about art is the fact, you don't do it to show it off or compare it to others...(well, we do show it off somewhat...) but many of us draw or paint to have fun, relax and get away from the hectic real life sometimes. Whether you draw Japanese artwork, comics, paintings, realistic drawings, or maybe you just draw little stickmen, drawing is something not everyone has the opportunity to do, and yet by embracing the simple charcoal pencils, and blank pieces of paper, we can connect with people we've never met before, and we connect with our inner-self. 

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening, and Good Night! ☼

A Duck in a Cup

Fluffy Ducky in a Cuppy

Since it is almost Easter and to celebrate the first day of spring, I decided to post an Easter-y picture, which I drew for a wonderful friend of mine, to thank her for all she does in my life. And what better way to thank her, than by doing one of the things I do best! Drawing a picture for her! 

I gave the cup and saucer a bit of an Alice in Wonderland feel to it. I know that any little ducklings would not care what company they were in (even if that company is the March Hare and the Mad Hatter) as long as there was a slice of lemon cake, (or any cake at all for this matter...) would join the fun in a heartbeat. 

The Duckling, turned out better than I imagined! On many occasions I've attempted to draw a duck, or duckling, but for some reason, they have never worked for me, until now. When modeling the 'Fluffy Ducky in a Cuppy' after my own pet duck, (Tilly) I found having a reference made it a lot easier. 

The next piece of artwork, is an invitation I made to invite my friend over before she left with her orchestra to go to China, where the orchestra is going to preform. I'm very chipper my friend got such a wonderful opportunity to go someplace new and exciting! 

'Lemur' Invite you to a Party! (No Colour)

Obviously, there is a difference between this 'Invitation' and my 'Thank You' Picture above.

One, was visibly larger, possibly because it was. The 'Fluffy Ducky in a Cuppy'  was drawn on a sheet of white medium weight paper. Whereas, ~ 'Lemur' Invite you to a Party! ~ was a cut piece of paper, so it would fit in a envelope.  Alas, even with that careful planning, the card still came out too big for the envelope.

'Lemur' Invite you to a Party! (Colour)

As you can probably see, the Lemur now has a different appearance, a few lines which didn't stand out before now stand out magnificently. The Lemur, is not eating yellow snow, so put that thought out of your mind completely! 

The Lemur, is snacking on banana ice cream. The reason for the banana, ("Always take a banana to a party, bananas are good." ~The Doctor) since, my friend and I are Doctor Who fans, I figured she'd enjoy the connection. As well as the quote included on the inside of the card. 

As always, on my cartoons, I used my pens, Manga Pens- expensive they may be, but absolutely brilliant when it comes to cartooning. On colourization, I used colour pencils, nothing too special.

Sometimes I use paints, or digital painting, but it depends on what I decide will look best.

For now, I shall bid you all farewell, and begin work on my next masterpiece. :)

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening, and Good Night! ☼

The inventor of clockwork birds...and all that is Peculiar!

Stefan Bachmann- Style Chibi

So, one day whilst I was exceedingly bored, I began to doodle little Chibi people.

Chibi drawings are a very popular and has become a rather large fad, and I can see why, they make everyone and everything adorable!

*The actual term used for this style is referred to as SD which means Super Deformed, it is a specific style in which Japanese characters are drawn in an exaggerated way, stumpy limbs, sometimes no noses, round faces, often making a chibi person look young and childlike. This style forms an integral part of what Japanese and American anime fans refer to as Chibi.

My doodles, soon became people I knew well, like actors, and fictional book characters. It was only when I was attempting (without succeeding) to draw my orchestra members Chibi style, that I became aware of the fact one of my friends looked familiar...but not like someone I knew very well....

I couldn't put my finger on it, but the Chibi looked really, really familiar!

Then I saw a book on my shelf, titled "The Peculiar" I realized quite suddenly my little Chibi looked like none other than Stefan Bachmann!

Instantly I knew I had to draw a better Chibi of him! I put my orchestra picture aside, and set to work.

When I finished I was SO Happy! I was so awestruck with the sheer adorableness of the picture, for the rest of the evening I was filled with great ego.

The original picture before I added colour to it.

Before I go, I will say I did ask Stefan Bachmann's permission before I posted this on here. 

(Thank you Stefan!)

Stefan Bachmann is an excellent writer and has a wonderful personality, and if you haven't read his book you absolutely need to go and get a copy of The Peculiar now, because it is an excellent book! 

His sense of humour in The Peculiar is triumphant, with a strange new twist on fantasy, not to mention the amazing inventions, and you'll certainly be clutching the edge of your seat as you are transported into his brilliant masterpiece!

Stefan Bachmann also has a blog, which you may visit here: http://scathingjellyfish.blogspot.com/

You can also 'Like' The Peculiar's fan-made Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Peculiar/520857864609706?group_id=0

We all now await the next book by Stefan Bachmann, The Whatnot which is coming out later this year! Yay!! :)

 Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening, and Good Night! ☼

*Thank you Wikipedia!