Fata Morgana

James Gurney recently devoted a blog entry to the illusuion known as Fata Morgana http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2010/01/superior-mirage.html

This reminded me of something I once heard about mythical mushroom-shaped islands. The thought inspired an idea for a scene whereby one such island has broken at the stem, as it were, and toppled, with the ruins of an ancient city discernible on the now-sloping upper face. My first experiment with the idea in photoshop resulted in the attached image, not a great success (environments aren't within my comfort zone) but maybe I will return to the idea later on.

I'm snowed under figuratively and literally. There is a snowman in the garden who somewhat resembles Winston Churchill.

I'm presently doing some traditional paintings of imagery for Christmas card, having secured representation by Image By Design Licensing. I've already done a sample nativity with shepherds, http://dashinvaine.deviantart.com/art/Nativity-Scene-146660137 (digitally). Some wise men on camels should be arriving soon (bearing some singularly inappropriate presents for a baby, which Mary and Joseph will probably be putting on ebay).

For something completely different, I've also worked on illustrating some horror comics including paid and grace-and-favour jobs. I've also done some concept art lately including character design.