What's your favourite picture and book?
2015
-
The FREE online edited version of LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
Get your LUXURY MAGAZINE in PRINTED FORM >
| July 2017 |
||
 |
31st SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! "The Huntress" |
|
 |
||
 Meanwhile . . . . No summer expected until September. Summer and Autumn amalgamated. |
||
| |
Glorious
tree colours interwoven with hot sun at its zenith. The garden residents had agreed that today they would do nothing save sunbathe or read. The Elves, Imps and Pixies had already this morning irritated the Cook, the Owl and the Witch. They were presently involved in teasing the cats and the dogs. The noise level had almost lifted the roof. My sister, in the midst of writing letters, lost her temper and stormed into the garden to lay down the law. Sometime later the tranquility of the garden was restored and the Elves, Imps and Pixies vanquished. They disappeared into the wood, where they met their woodland brethren and wreaked havoc there.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
30th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . . back at the magick studio garden . . . |
||
| |
The
grey blue sky was daunting. The Magpie was alone. You could ask him to take tea with you. Least ways, you could try.... T'is a long way to Tipperary, so the old, old song suggests. Put one foot forward, begin to walk. Plod on till the road ends in the place you set your sights upon. You will find along your journey that you'll encounter assorted types, (some characters). There'll be those with whom you click and those with whom you clash. The Elves and Imps and Pixies were adept at changing roles. Days to act as victims, days to act as Kings. It mattered not which roles they played. When all was said and done, they'd always been a great success, albeit slowly to themselves. The Witch would, forever, lend a hand.... Debbie & Peter |
|
| |
||
| |
29th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Catching-up with old friends . . . . (extended). Yes, I am old enough to remember (cough!) . . . . . |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . . back at the magick studio garden . . . . |
||
| |
The
Ghosts and the Spectres were still conversing together at dawn this morning - in the various forms of the English language which changing eras produced. The ghostly Wolves and Wolverines threaded their way through the throng, growling low. T'was their warning to any ghost in their path would suffer the consequences, so.... The night creatures awoke, wandered into the garden to view the scene and decide what to do next. When darkness fell, the Owl winged his way to the countryside, eyes down, probing for the prey he sought this night. The jingle jangle of bells advertised the arrival of the thigh-slapping, yodeling, Volkstanz company, whose performance lasted for two Faerie Land hours. Their dynamic finale was received without applause, for their audience had been rendered well nigh deaf in both ears.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
28th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Catching-up with old friends . . . . in BBC Birmingham foyer. Yes, I am old enough to remember (cough!) . . . . . Watching the very first episode of Dr. Who. In 405 lines, black & white TV. And . . . . I cherish to this very day . . . (sigh) The Four and a half years of freelancing I did (somewhat later in time) at the BBC. (White City, London, early 1980s) |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . . time moves on (inevitably?) back at the magick studio garden . . . . |
||
| |
The
garden was frost bound, the Oak tree dripping. Overhead, the rain clouds accumulated.... Nature's skyscrapers.... The Frog, the Toad, the Water Rat and the Goblin were wending their way through the wood to the field and from thence to the river. The Frog, Toad and Water Rat were quite at home. The Goblin's boots were saturated. His clothes wet through. Determined to withstand this unpleasantness, discomfort, he shivered, sniffed, adjusted his clothing and ploughed on. The Mermaid endeavoured to persevere with her swim in the, more agreeable, wood pond's water. The Witch of the Forest stirred the magick potion in her cauldron. A crow perched upon one shoulder, a raven upon the other. From nowhere in particular, the birds of Rhiannon made their grand entrance. Goody!! Today's song list commenced with the haunting, "Song of the Earth," composed by Gustav Mahler, of Austria.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
27th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Always on the hunt, for inspiration . . . . The Cathedral Church of St. Philip. Colmore Row, Birmingham. Church of England cathedral - seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. Built as a parish church and consecrated in 1715. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . . |
||
| |
Stirrings
and rustlings in the night silent wood heralded pre-dawn. And the awakening of the Fantastical daytime garden residents. They performed their ablutions - (some swam in the garden pond, too, as early morning exercise). Alternatively, they had the choice of the pond in the wood.... This was the 'Mermaid's hour' so-called. T'was the time of the day when she felt most serene and at ease. No tedious Ogre to watch out for and, above all, no Elves, Imps and Pixies to upset the apple cart - and every resident of house and garden withal.... The Cook arrived early for, today, there was to be a large garden party here, hosted by my sister. So plentiful were her requests, nay, demands that, even an experienced Cook had become confused.... Next chapter tomorrow....! Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
26th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Drawing on a train, is, how shall I put it? "Juddery". But I was determined to see, what sort of use I could get from the swerving, juddering, rickety movements of the carriage and how they could be used to create effects? To my surprise, it really quite added useful effects. Whereas I would have had, otherwise, to create effects these effects, such as broken-up perimeter edging were created "naturally' by the movement of the train. One wonders what other varieties of line could be found by placing oneself in what, at first thought, would be considered unfavorable situations that, in fact, produce useful effects? I shall give it more thought in due course! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, other disruptive events were happening, back at the magick garden . . . . |
||
| |
Corsican
bandits had invaded the garden, to join all those Ghosts already resident. The ghost pirates and highwayman kept a hand on their knives or swords. "Are these Corsican bandits Friends? Foes? Secret Agents? Spies? The Elves crowded near to absorb into their memory banks every detail of these ghost's dress and the weaponry on their hips. The Flower Faeries settled on the branches of the Aspen, where the yellow turning red leaves part-obscured them. A wren perched beside them. They listened to the guttural exchanges between the men, in a tongue only decipherable by the multi-linguist Wizard. Parlate corsu? Debbie & Peter |
|
|
|
||
| |
25th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Setting up the equipment, ready to draw . . . . . . |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, back at the magick studio garden, the heat of the day had caused "issues" . . . . |
||
| |
The
fire was extinguished with water and mounds of soil, brought in by the Fire and Rescue Service. Today, it is the turn of the RSPCA.... The garden residents are undertaking a training in the widening of perception.... Information overload?! 'Tis unlikely that the Ogre, or Elves attend. Their perception of the world is 'the truth.' Full stop.... The Witch will instruct, the Wizard expand and those who complete the course, receive a diploma. The Queen of Faerie Land has sent her Lord Chamberlain and Secretary to pitch in, play the game, add an elegant BA Hons. to his name. The Unicorn had no time for such skills, for already he knew, or, at least was aware of, countless scenarios which the average human being - ignored. The Goblin and Gnome looked at things from below, the Flower Faeries, on the other hand, had a full scope of vistas from above, below, sideways. The Owl saw the world from above and so on and on, and so forth.... Amen. The Witch will sort it.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
24th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
Wailing
Wanda had been muzzled, so to speak.... and, escorted politely through the garden gate to the road. Her wings had been clipped to prevent her from escaping the exile island to which she'd been banished. A message had been relayed, via bush telegraph, to every niche and corner of the Kingdom of Faerie Land. "By hook or by crook, let not the Wailing Wanda through Faerie Land Customs. Watch her." The news has lately come to my ears that "The Lady has been permitted an extended parole...." Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
23rd EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Stafford) Exterior of St Mary's Church. Early 13th century, with 14th century transepts and 15th century clerestories and crossing tower. Recorded in The Doomsday Book. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
Wailing
Wanda, the dreary Faerie, was wringing her hands and "doing her stuff." She had served as an alarm call this morning early and disturbed the garden creatures. The Elves, the Imps and Pixies, were being calmed by the Witch. The Flower Faeries worked off their jumpiness by zipping through the trees. The Toad, the Frog and Water Rat dived into the garden pond and raced each other rapid, fast, fast through the bitter morning water. The Mole, the Stoat and Weasel, and an hedgehog passing through, were contemplating throwing - anything and everything - at the offending Faerie. The Ogre made his entrance when the scene was revved full throttle. He liked it not and roared full volume, stamped his feet and shook, (with a vengeance), the trunk of the Oak. The Oak shed truckloads of its leaves upon the sleeping Ogre, who, spluttered in his sleep. Giving an enormous sneeze awoke him and - and? - the tranquillity of the garden went slurp down the plug hole.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
22nd SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
Catapulted
out of a profoundly restful sleep, the Goblin sprung to his feet and headed towards the garden pond. There he splashed icy water over face and head, patted them dry and charged around the garden like shot from a rifle. The Gremlin, sleepy-headed, lifted has head from the pillow and yawned a huge yawn. Throwing back the bedclothes, he sat, contemplating his navel till he felt energised. A thundering upon his front door, snapped him to his feet. He opened his front door to his breathless, red-faced, friend, invited him inside and sat him down. A cup of mint tea and a puff of cheroot and they were ready to face the day and commence their daily preambulations. The garden was silent, the temperature? Phew! Was this spring, summer, autumn, winter or just the Arctic? The Ogre joined them, sniffling and snorting, having found no clean handkerchiefs with which to wipe his nose. The Witch summoned the Ogre to carry her cauldron to a well-protected spot and, with her artistic skill, built a masterpiece fire, lit it. The sounds of crackling and the smoke attracted the Elves, Imps and Pixies, who, abluted themselves quickly and huddled close as they could. The Ogre filled the cauldron with water and today's potions, and waited upon the arrival of the Flower Faeries bearing food and beverages. The Unicorn landed, the Dragon glided on to the fields. His hugeness made fitting on to the lawn a near-impossibility…. The Frog, Toad and Water Rat ambled through to the wood, where they enjoyed a dip in the pond with the Mermaid. Their friendly Witch of the wood saw them, invited them to join her and, rubbed them down smartly before pouring mugs of sweet berry juice. The morning was in motion, the cuckoo sang and the birds of Rhiannon flew in to lend their voices to the refrain.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
21st EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Stafford) Exterior of St Chad's Church. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
Bastille
day. The French Revolution. Heroism, cowardice, duty and treason. Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities, Les Miserables. Strange though it be, the resident garden creatures were in the mood to revolt.... The Queen of the Faeries and the Queen of the woodlands each desired to issue an edict which replaced the current free movement with passports and visas. Outmoded, unacceptable. The Wizard's opinion was a copy of their's. He strode hither and thither, deep in thought - considering - what spell and which spell would be the bestest, the most efficacious. Pondering the next step to take, one foot went into a hidden rabbit hole. He fell upon his face, squashed his nose and muddied his clothes, his person, his hair. Bringing up the rear, the embarrassment ruined his well/developed ego.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
20th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
The
garden had returned to its usual routines, though the Ghosts and the Spectres were on the qui vive. Too many antipathetic ghosts, whose behaviours were.... yuck?! The Witch, the Wizard, the Dragon and the Unicorn were far from home, winging their way t'wards lands remote. The Flower Faeries were packing their bags, prior to flying to distant islands in the sun. The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies, too, had decided to remain here, at home, 'cos holidaying abroad meant a great deal of preparation. The Weasel, the Stoat, the Mole, the Goblin, the Gremlin were readying themselves for a walking holiday. The Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat were still planning a break across the hill in a deserted, no man's land.... My sister had already set the backup of almost everyone in the house.... My own holiday I shall bring forward - if I can. Buona fortuna!! Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
19th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
The
ghosts of Corsican bandits had vanished into thin air....leaving the resident Ghosts and Spectres to get their breath back, breathe deep and breathe easy. The Goblin and the Gnome moseyed round and about, stopping to exchange pleasantries with fellows in arms and those they held at arm's length. The Witch had, once again, annexed the wine cellar. She had with her, the Flower Faeries, for she wanted to learn their unique magick spells, (those they'd divulge?!) The Ogre had been unable to sleep trundling semi-comatose from his dwelling place to his daybed underneath the Oak. The Mermaid was entertaining the Frog, Toad and Water Rat, the conversation turning to life in the wood versus life in the garden. The sun beat down fiercely, the heat climbed, climbed higher. The garden water taps gushed cold water, the sprinklers played. The squeal of brakes in the stable yard heralded the arrival of my sister in her Aston Martin, and the prospect of a fortnight of family disagreements.... Cave canem!! Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
18th TALES FROM THE WOOD The Unicorn had disappeared for respite elsewhere on the globe. The Dragon wasn't welcome, so lumbering had he become. |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
When he visited, the garden was full of Dragons, with scarce room for the others.... The Elves, Imps and Pixies had set in motion their summer routine now, which included waking us all très early by whatever means they chose. The Cook, they had decided, must be kept in good temper. Otherwise they found themselves barred from the larder, kitchen and pantry. Their good behaviour fell short of not raiding the larder or pantry. Occasionally, they even left the kitchen untouched?! Today, their preoccupation was to nettle the garden residents by use of their pea shooters and the playing of loud music. They succeeded.... The birds of Rhiannon flew in later than is their wont and took great pains to drown out the Elves non-musical cacophony. The crows, too, had settled in the Oak and, the Owl was become exceedingly agitated. Unable to rest, he emerged from his "home" and swooped down to where the Elves, Imps and Pixies stood. Each one of these 'despots' received a sharp peck on the nose.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
17th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
A
shoal of diminutive multi-coloured dragons, zeroed in on the garden afore the sun had arisen. They plummeted earthwards, to crash land inelegantly upon the dewy lawn.... The Elves grouched. The Pixies and Imps, scowled. The Witch shook her broomstick violently, and began pelting them with pebbles. The itsy bitsy dragons charged around the garden, jumped into the Witch's cauldron, were scalded, hollered. The Ogre kicked as many, as many as poss, hurled Ogre-ish insults, stormed back to his home. The Goblin and the Goblin remained cool and collected, the Toad, the Weasel and the Stoat, leapt down abandoned rabbit holes, nestling a feared 'gainst the earthen walls, shaken and shaking.... The dragons, having sussed that no fun could be got here, took off en masse, storming thisaway, thataway, Then poof!! Magick - The sky was empty... They were gone.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
16th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
T'was
a whispery, starlight backdrop that met my bleary-eyed squint through the bedroom window pane to the magickal kingdom wherein I dwelt. No comprehensible language or tongue was audible. The complementary passages were, earth, wind and fire.... Earth being dug and then moulded into statuettes depicting nature's fauna and flora and mythical creatures. The wind blew a variety of nature's gifts into modern art shapes and patterns upon the lawn. Dawn broke upon the Elysian landscape which we call home.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
15th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, out in our magick studio garden . . . . |
||
| |
The
Ogre was beaming from ear to ear. He was off for a holiday in sunnier climes.... Where precisely that was, no other resident could ascertain. The Witch was to accompany him for part of the journey. At the base of the hill range, a magickal mountain pony would take over.... The Ogre struggled to climb the steep, rocky hillside, slithering and sliding and losing his footing. Nearing the summit, he was pleasantly surprised to find, as he negotiated a pile of rocks, that, a friend from his childhood was resting behind it and munching an energy restoring snack. They conversed for some while in their guttural tones, then pursued their way upwards to the summit and sleep.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
14th "TIME TRAVEL" "A Cantile For Leibowitz" New Limited Edition Print release. Newly de-archived this week. Only available by direct e-mail request. Go HERE to order > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
| |
The
Elves had purloined a can of fly spray, with which they were playing silly bs.... Spraying first, each other and then, for good measure, any other resident of our enchanted garden who passed by too close.... When the fly spray can was empty, the Elves rushed round to the kitchen, hammered on the door, til the Cook let them in. Her angry voice resounded like the thunder of drums. Surely, even the Elves would scarper as soon as they could?! They stayed. The Unicorn was brushed, groomed and presently, the Flower Faeries were dusting its body with satin grey sparkles. As a variation upon the usual choice of colours for mane and tail, the Witch had conjured a tiny spell, which meant that, with each change of the Unicorn's mood, the indigo violet dye would fade into Lamp Black.... The Witch was most satisfied, and the Unicorn, too, ceased to graze. Instead, standing in the garden pond, admiring his beauty.... The Ghosts and Spectres, the ghostly Wolves and Werewolves, the Goblin and Gremlin played a game of Hide, Seek and Hunt, as the sun crept over the window sills . The clean as crystal windows were open to the mellow summer air.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
13th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, The Flower Faeries had issued a host of invitations, to those Faeries considered to be worthy of such an honour. |
||
| |
The
Witch had been roped in to supervise the food, devise a suitable menu and buy the ingredients. The Ogre, t'was expected, would conclude that a substantial portion of the food would be his.... without asking. The Goblin and the Gremlin had asked of the Flower Faeries to prepare a picnic repast of tip top quality. They had packed their rucksacks with the items required to keep them dry, warm and energy-full for as long as it took to hike across the hills, the dust dry plain beyond, to the desert of Mythalasia. The Elves, Imps and Pixies, the Dragon and Unicorn were to travel back in time to the Dark Age. They had known those times, for sure, in a very different guise. Fantasy creatures, certainly, nevertheless, more beginning of time, more reptilian than of now. They pre-dated the Ghosts, the Spectres, the ghostly Wolves and Werewolves. However. The Wizard, the Witch, the Queen of Faerie Land and the Queen of the wood, were older than old. Stretching back to an era afore time was born.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, outside th studio, in the magick garden . . . . . |
||
| |
The
rain pelted down upon an already saturated lawn. The grey clouds skudded across stormy skies. A wild wind blew, there was thunder on the right. Sheet lightning flared, illuminating the landscape. Each and every garden shelter was chockablock with occupants, shaking and shivering with cold and anxiety. There were the exceptions.... The Elves, Imps and Pixies were inclined to perform war dances. Shout, yell and shriek as they tore through the garden. Nevertheless.... They were not captivated by the prospect of being struck down with an illness, which might impede their ability to play mischief, despoil and vandalize. The Witch had demanded entry into the house. T'was admitted. She was presently endeavouring to position her mini cauldron over the lighted fire in the Library fireplace. The Goblin and the Gremlin had stormed the greenhouse, had locked the door. The Toad, Stoat and Water Rat were hell bent upon gate crashing the kitchen, the pantry. Even the wine cellar?! The house was warm, the attic quiet. Going down the stairs, I encountered the Fly, the Mouse, the Spider, a glow worm and a myriad of scurrying, unwelcome, ants. With fortitude, I ignored them, pursuing my way to the bottom of the stairway and in to breakfast. Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
11th "NEW SPECIALSED PROJECT" Drawings to be created in these personal collector's hardbacks. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, outside th studio, in the magick garden . . . . . |
||
| |
A
grass snake slithered through the grass at the rate of knots. In its wake came a squirrel, chattering dementedly.... From the Oak, the Owl eyed the scene with a keenness tinged with fatigue and the Flower Faeries darted and weaved overhead, oh so curious they were.... The grass snake outsmarted the squirrel, the chitter chatter ceased. The garden was shush.... At this point, the Imps and the Pixies came on board, hopping and skipping, hollering, too. The racket was dire?! From the kitchen, the Cook issued forth, armed with her rolling pin, and a jug of hot water. She waddled quick as you please, t'wards the offending creatures, and showered the lot with the hot, (not scalding), water. The racket increased, as the Cook exited the garden. Such was the anxiety felt by the other garden creatures, that, when the Witch and the Wizard magicked out of nowhere, they cast such a spell that turned the Imps and Pixies to corn flowers and daisies.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
10th "TALES FROM THE WOOD" New painting (detail) for upcoming faerytale book. Progressing - bit, by, bit ! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . . . |
||
| |
A
gentle breeze whispered through the half opened window, carrying with it particles of garden debris, miniature featherlings, and a tree leaf or two. Golden sunbeams illuminated the clouds of dust particles, which settled upon floor, furniture and rugs. The Elves, Imps and Pixies were playing Elfin bagpipes, the jarring dissonance was beyond the acceptable. The Goblin and the Gremlin betook themselves to the wood, through it to the fields. The Mole, the Weasel and Stoat climbed through the garden gate and along the country road to the village. Posthaste, the Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat took the path to the wood pond and dived down real deep.... The Cook, sympathetic, stuffed her ears with cotton wool, the Witch fetched her ear muffs. The Ghosts, the Spectres, the ghostly Wolves and Werewolves howled soundlessly, crying into the mounting wind. The Owl, the birds of Rhiannon and, paradoxically, the Crows, perched as high as possible, at the tip top of the Oak. The cacophony continued, continued, continued 'til the heavens opened and the rain fell in sheets and the lightening flashed seeming with evil intent.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
9th 0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO Blog by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner > Enjoy his full blog @ http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm |
|
| |
Long time away forced me to return
to .... KULT! In the midst of my master's research, I came across Arcane magazine (# 4), from March 1996 (e-mail me if you want a screenshot) which featured an article about the KULT card game, both out of print for decades. It is rated 7 (the maximum note is 10) by the magazine. This CCG is characterized by its most attractive words: "Gruesome", "macabre artwork", "skulls", "tarot", "death" and many others, whose obscurity repels the weak and attracts the most curious. Featured are the playing card box with Peter Andrew Jones' legendary DEATH ANGEL, and in a small pile of cards, the top one also passed through his hands. |
|
 |
||
| |
It's not Nescafe, but "one thing leads to another": surely KULT fans would love this game, and the card lovers would go deeper if they knew what the RPG could offer them. Make your hole in the membrane that the gods have enveloped us in and read the matter in its entirety. Then tear it a little harder and open your mind to something never imagined. And give yourself up to the sublime by having contact with the art of Peter Andrew Jones in its entirety. |
|
|
||
| |
8th "THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE - stage 3" First pass, blocking-in. Oil paint only. Initial thumbnail characterisation sketch of main character shown also. More walks around the magick studio garden needed . . . . . |
|
 |
||
And, we couldn't help but notice, the Dragon was suffering from a snuffling cold and sore throat. Impossible to blow smoke, let alone breathe fire.... |
||
| |
The
doctor who attended these mythical creatures was presently present in this dewy, chilly garden, applying soothing medicinal cream. And . . . endeavouring to feed him a nasty tasting medicine. The Witch stood beside the doctor watching closely his methods of working. For the doctor t'was become increasingly difficult to cover the vast area for which he was responsible. Help and assistance would never come amiss! The Flower Faeries did their bit - mainly back up. However, their skills were more the making of fruit teas, coffees and scrummy food for unwell creatures. The Ogre was grouchy this morning, having slept ill and now. discovered that, the centre of attention t'was the Dragon, not himself.... The Unicorn, too, was not his usual self. His front right fetlock had been injured during his last-night's visit to debris-strewn Space. He resented the prospect of having to rest, to remain as still and quiet as he was able. The Elves were their usual, self-seeking selves, the Imps and Pixies a trifle more sensitive to others! The Goblin and Gremlin were gone to market, the Mole, the Weasel and Stoat were visiting friends. As the day progressed, the Witch impulsively invited all and sundry to partake of the lavish tea that she had prepared for friends and family. Thus . . . the residents of the garden wended their way home in luxuriant mood... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
7th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, The Wizard swept into the garden, aboard his moth eaten Magick carpet. |
||
| |
As
he came into land, he put his foot through a hole and, with a crack his ankle snapped and was broke. Oh, blast, damn and blast! He swore blue murder and screeched, collapsed in a heap yelling for the Witch to come to his aid immediately.... The Witch responded at a run, bathed his ankle, bound it, and called the Elfin doctor to visit, pronto.... The doctor was engaged with a patient. His arrival was delayed. The Wizard tore his hair, ranted and raved, caused the other residents of the garden to plug their ears and shove off quick.... At that, the Witch cuffed his ears, both ears smartly, bringing a soothing tranquility once more to the garden.... Wow!! Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
6th UNIQUE BOOK Special one-off book for private collector. So, busy, busy, busy in the studio, this weekend. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, The Cats were asleep under the open breakfast room window. In the shade? |
||
| |
Then
I saw it. A mouse hole. T'would be brand new, Oh, Lordy, Lordy.... The front door banged, and scores of footsteps shuffled across the carpets in the hallway. Silence. From under the door the Spider punched the clock, the Fly droned his irksome music, a bumble bee, the chorus. The rhythm liked I not. With reluctance I pushed the chair back, left the work assigned by my agent, went downstairs to the Library..... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
5th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, |
||
|
The
nonpareil Elf was a warrior, an explorer, a painter, a mountain climber and an author of Fantasy galaxy, note.... His age was indeterminate, his health and stamina exceptional. And his physical strength? I had watched him lift awe inspiring weights and throw boulders at least 2 times his size, believe me! The garden Elves could blow peas long distances from their pea shoots, fire rifles and pistols and fence with Elfen swords. The Stoat, Weasel and Mole, the Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat preferred cricket bats, Hockey sticks and Lacrosse sticks, too?! The Ghosts and ghostly Wolves and Werewolves made do with a scare or a fright. The Flower Faeries were loving and giving and the Ogre cornered the market in grouchiness and bad temper. The Unicorn chose to fly away from discord and the the Dragon breathed fire and blew clouds of grey smoke in the eyes of his foes. The Wizard and the Witch cast spells to metamorphose those who upset or distressed them from creature to a sculpture of brick, marble or stone. My inclination was to imitate the Cook and soak the culprit in dirty water.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
4th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, The Unicorn was chatting with a visiting grasshopper . . . . . |
||
| |
The
tongue they spoke dated from dem days of yore, of such a squint to see over the horizon long, long, long, long time ago. The Dragon flew over, skimming the tree tops. A late-to-go home bat dipped in and out of the grass. The Elves sat close to an Ogre-constructed fire, stretching hands and feet to the blaze and sliding closer and closer. The Ogre, himself, was traipsing through the fields, head bowed, hair unkempt, arms held rigid by his sides. As he swung along, his rigidity modulated. His head lifted, his whole face smiled, as he drank in the country landscape and breathed the fresh country air. The Elves, Imps and Pixies had naught to do - again?! So, they played cards, shook tambourines and plink plonked on their venerable, portable clavichord.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
3rd SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . out in the magick studio garden a different game is being played . . . . . |
||
| |
The
Elfin Champion of Hand to Hand Combat, Fencing and Dueling, Archery and Boxing, had been extended an invitation to demonstrate his prowess and oversee a Workshop for Elfs aged between 9 and 12 Elfin years. The Workshop was 'a buzz with activity when, the Ogre stuck his nose in where there it was not wanted. He most certainly caused an exodus of youthful participants, the Elfin Champion the "cameraman," the co-ordinating officer and - on and on and on..... The Witch had been given a more powerful Magick broom. It's opening number was to be, "sweep the cobwebs from the Ogre's minimalist brain, and charge it with common sense." The spell required a second casting and a third. Upon the fourth time of casting, the Ogre's brain cleared and he strode, actually strode, to his home in the wood.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
2nd "RETURN TO THE STUDIO" It's oh so nice to go trav'ling But it's so much nicer, yes it's so much nicer, to come home . . . . (especially to countryside like this). |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . now we're back at the studio I see, nothing much has changed . . . . |
||
| |
The
Ogre had scratched his hands on a thorn bush and demanded that the Witch disinfect the wounds, stick plasters over them and provide him with gloves. The Witch did assist him. However. The gloves, she said, were for him to provide. She was neither his personal nurse, nor his personal servant.... When his hands felt better, the Ogre stomped off to his private breakfast parlour beneath the Oak tree. Presently, the Wizard breezed into the garden, aboard a curiously designed flying machine which resembled a cross between a classic motorcar, an engine, a motorbike and a WW1 BE2 aircraft.... He landed beside the grazing Unicorn, who, taken unawares, shied, and, traversing the garden at a gallop, soared over the garden gate and into the sky. The Flower Faeries, having assembled the materials with which to beautify him, were left wondering whether he'd return this day. The Cook had invited the Elves, Imps and Pixies to breakfast in the kitchen. T'was an especial treat to celebrate the ancient Elf Elder's 1000th birthday. The mice came, too, as did the Spider, the Weasel, the Sloth and the Stoat. The Witch had declined to attend. The Elves would have been altogether too much of a good thing, after the Ogre's rudeness.... Midway through the morning, the hint of hoof beats was sensed by these magickal Fantasy creatures. Presently, the Queen of Faerie Land became visible riding bare back upon a winged Palomino steed and, t'was of necessity expected that every garden resident assemble on the lawn to line the path the Queen would walk along and show their respect.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
1st "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" - Birmingham (+ history lesson ) Farewell Brum. Time to pack-up the sketchbook and rucksack. 'till next trip. :) and . . . . a history lesson for those who may be interested > 'Birmingham is named after the Ingas of Birm' Historians say an Anglo-Saxon tribe called the Beormingas (meaning ‘Beorma’s people') settled in the area in the 6th or early 7th century. Beorma was a Saxon leader, inga is a Saxon word for "a group of people" and ham means village so Birmingham thus translates as "home of the people of Beorma." |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . back at the studio . . . . |
||
| |
The
garden was, momentarily, a stopping place for an archetypical kestrel passing through. The Crow escaped to the garden next door, lest the kestrel be hungry and chance upon him to form a part of its menu. The Flower Faeries, it ignored, the Elves it could deal with, the Imps and the Pixies were beyond its ken. Whilst the kestrel cleansed itself, had a sleep and a drink, the residents of the garden agreed to form a defence force, armour plating (?) A barrier against the prospect of becoming a delectable feast. It t'was substantiated when, the kestrel woke hungry. Scanning the immediate environs with his 20/20 vision, he picked out the meal of his choice - the Weasel, and the Stoat. The barrier held and the kestrel had perforce to do else and vamoose.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| June | ||
| |
30th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Exterior of St Martins Church, Final shot - at The Bull Ring (around the back, up from the market - Upper Mall West). Open to visitors: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30, Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00. Love the colours and textures :) |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . back at the studio . . . . |
||
| |
To
the Stoat, the Weasel and the aristocratic Mole, the random equation was this: Elves, two Imps and two Pixies equalled OK ness in the garden. If the numbers increased, trouble ensued and the garden became a battleground of Elves against almost everyone. The Witch, they looked upon as a sort of god mother, the Ogre an oversized pain in the rear. The Flower Faeries were simpatici. However.... the rest of the crew were fundamentally forgettable and she, the Cook, was not too familiar with the threesome, the Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat. T'was no hardship to be friendly until they committed a sin. Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
29th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Exterior of St Martins Church, Upper Mall West, at The Bull Ring (around the back, further up from the market). Open to visitors: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30, Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00. Just as spooky! :) |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . back at the studio . . . |
||
| |
A
Red Kite was circling high above the house. The sight was atypical, "something else...." Ignoring the interloper, the birds of Rhiannon had settled every which way, hijacked the garden.... The Owl had been permitted a smidgeon of space on the branch beside his hole in the tree home. There t'was a snowball's chance in hell for the murder of crows.... The Elves, Imps and Pixies were smote by envy at what they considered, the expropriation of "their" territorial possession?! The envy they felt fired the starting pistol to fast track determination to create merry havoc in the house, the garden, and the stable/garage. Descending first upon the stables with garage attached, they wreaked the destruction that only they could dream up. The Witch was stumped, the Wizard crumpled and the Flower Faeries hit a trail o'er field, river and faraway hills. The Cook shook her fists, swore blue murder and threw hot water and soap suds at the arrogant Elves.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
29th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Exterior of St Martins Church, at The Bull Ring (around the back, up from the market). Open to visitors: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30, Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00. Spooky! :) |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . back at the studio . . . . |
||
| |
The
veil had lifted upon the garden train station, the muddy earth road leading nowhere, and the helicopter pad. The Elves, Imps and Pixies, carrying their cabin baggage on their heads, had formed a queue(?) at Customs to retrieve their luggage. T'was imperative that the helicopter pilots be wary. The Unicorn breezed in at non-negotiable times and the magickal Dragon had no need to wear a watch.... The Helicopter took off safely, the Unicorn docked precisely and the Dragon, too, his grandiose wing span painting platinum toned silhouettes upon the grass with a backdrop of platinum and electric marble blue shadow.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
28th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) HMS DAY-OFF! :) And . . . still continuing a research trip around the canals. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . back at the studio, "issues" unfold, as usual . . . . |
||
| |
The
Elves, Imps and Pixies were jealous of the attention the Unicorn luxuriated in. They toiled and strove to wheedle themselves, by hook, line and sinker, into a copycat situation.... The Witch's temper was simmering, beginning to boil. Her Witch's hat was askew, her false teeth rattling. The Wizard positioned himself out of harm's way, behind a topiary bush sculpted into the shape of a ship. He kept mum, on tender hooks, lest the Witch bite his head off...? The Faeries of the Woodland sallied forth to the fields, where they met with their brethren, the Faeries of Agriculture. Together they spread magick poison to kill off the rapeseed, a plant which was surplus to requirements - pestilential. The field mice, the snails, the slugs, ants, beetles, the insects. The birds and the bees, the grasshoppers, dragonflies, were warned to stay clear 'til, the poison was drank. Of no further danger. The Faeries of the hills were wary spectators, watching through Faerie binoculars the unfolding of the drama, their expectations tending t'wards a negative ending. The Cook marched out of the kitchen door, closed it firmly and glared at the protagonists. She stamped her clogged feet, waved her rolling pin and, issued a warning at the top of her voice. The Imps and the Pixies hunkered down, heads upon knees, arms over their ears. The Elves ignored her and madly danced the dance of an Elfin pea shooter . Thunderous footsteps.... A ginormous foot, humongous legs. The body and arms, neck and head were too far above eye level to ascertain that aspect of the being. The skies erased. The plunge into darkness, heralded a stampede for whichever of the garden exits was closest. The Giant's next step took him through one field and the next. Sooner than soon, he was at John o' Groats.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
27th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Continuing the research trip around the canals. History everywhere, viewed from the narrow boat. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . back at the studio, the usual kerfuffle ensues . . . . . |
||
| |
The
Imps had unlocked the stable/garage doors and were busy, busy, busy breaking into my car. In the stables adjacent, my usually even-tempered "ride," sleep disturbed, chaffed the cobbled floor agitatedly and whinnied. The Goblin and the Gremlin, still abed in an empty feeding box, turned over, covered their ears and endeavoured to ignore the break in. A Faerie visitor from the hills flew past the stable door. Built like Faerie weightlifter, she was dressed in mountaineering costume. Her hair was close-cropped, her face and neck tanned, her hands rough, her nails were broken and her eyes perpetually 'asquint. When the Flower Faeries flew in with the Weasel and Stoat, they heard the commotion in the stable yard and curious, took a detour to find out whyever? The Witch bagged her garden "workspace," and lighted a fire. But.... Before commencing the casting of the spells requested for today, she, too, stomped into the stable yard, promptly summed up the situation and, peremptorily took charge. When the Pixies and Elves had achieved their objective, they found a horse, (and others), prepared to learn them a lesson. With the aid of the Witch, the Ghosts, the ghostly Wolves and Wolverines, my equine friend succeeded in arresting the pig headedness of these irksome persons. As the Cuckoo clock in the hall struck the hour of breakfast, they crept back to the garden, red faced, sore in spirit, embarrassed.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
26th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Always fancied illustrating a book about the UK's industrial past. Took a research trip around the canals. Fascinating history lesson via voice-over on the narrow boat. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . While I am away back at the magick studio garden . . . |
||
|
Over
the course of yesterday, the work schedule I set myself began to drag. The rain held off, the wind had soft-peddled, and the spells cast yesterday by the Wizard and the Witch, had infused the house, garden and wood in a magickal mood. The Cook was in the kitchen early this morning, jam to be made, marmalade and loaves of bread. We'd been impelled to find a suitable hiding place to place these items elseways, the Elves, Imps and Pixies would devour the whole shebang.... And - leave the kitchen, scullery and parlour in a "must clean," state?! The Head Gardener and his assistants were returned to the garden to restore it to rights and assess what they needs must. A trifle later, the Dragon and the Unicorn arrived and the Flower Faeries began the daily task of washing down the Unicorn, combing, brushing and tinting his hair, and threading his mane and tail and threading precious jewels through mane and tail. When all was complete, the Flower Faeries were startled to find that, an unknown Faerie was perched on a rock near the pond. Greeting her shyly, they learned that her name was Lynwen, and, she came from Bala Lake, Wales, residing in the wild grasses which grew far enough away to obviate flooding. She was cherry nosed, all sparkle and freckles, and full of happy smiles - the Flower Faeries were hopeful of persuading her to stay.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
25th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
|
The
Weasel and Stoat and the "The Third Man," the Mole, were hanging about awaiting the Mermaid. She had travelled to the hills to visit a lake, wherein lived a cousin. Fathoms deep.... She swathed herself profusely with warm, waterproof cream for fresh water Mermaids. The Stoat began fidgeting, the Weasel began yawning and the Mole buried his nose in the grass, closed his eyes and slept. The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies decided to take advantage of the empty wood pond. They collected pocketfuls of pebbles and sticks, and chanting, "Ready, Steady, Go," commenced a game of "Skimming pebbles through water." The Flower Faeries fed and groomed the Unicorn early, before taking turns to experiment with Steam Punk make up and hair styles. The Witch, interested, opened her spell book, and set about researching a potion to add to the potion already percolating in her cauldron. And its fragrance was of coconut, sweet smelling spice and fine spun jasmine. The birds of Rhiannon sang, the Owl, lulled to sleep and the Ogre ate his breakfast in reposeful calm.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
24th "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
| |
The
adventurous Dragon was once more on his way to, planets as yet unknown, stars scarcely visible. The Unicorn had teamed up with him, flying into a canter, a gallop, wings spread wide, polished hooves emitting sparks. He was forced to slow his pace to keep the dragon company. T'was slow progress at times for an energetic creature such as he.... They rested on Venus, they feasted on Mars, assuming a steadier pace as they reached debris laden, spacecraft-cluttered, waveless, windless Space. The garden residents, meanwhile, had sustained a shock to their systems, with an invasion of a multitudinous throng of seagulls?! Far distant from from the sea, though close to a river, a seagulls were strangers to the countryside hereabout. The birds of Rhiannon were the next visitors to appear. The possibility of obtaining a free branch was unachievable. The Witch came, spells cast, was free to intervene and, with a complicated ports de bras, a flick of her wrist, magicked the garden empty of all but the birds of Rhiannon and garden residents and me.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
23rd SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
| |
Our
resident Dragon was entertaining his extended family, whose ages traversed the whole spectrum of the epochs, from five hundred years ago to the present day. The elders took life easy, the youngsters indefatigable. The garden was packed to the gills, like sardines. The residuum of the garden residents had been asked to find somewhere else to potter, to socialise, or not.... As the case may be. The Witch had rejected this invitation. Too many potions to prepare for the spells t'was obligatory to cast today. The Ogre had tried to follow his daily routine, to no avail. Nix, no dice, no go, a firmissimo veto. The Flower Faeries, the Owl, the Crow and the Weasel were sitting upon a branch of the venerable Oak. The Stoat and the Mole were at the pond in the wood, gossiping with the fresh water Mermaid, the Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat. The Elves, Imps and Pixies were streaking through the countryside, their version of taking part in a Fantasy Land F1 Grand Prix. The birds of Rhiannon settled at the tip top of the Oak, singing the famous chorus in Verdi's opera, "Nabucco." The house staff, the kitchen staff, the garden staff and the cleaners had laid aside their utensils and listened enthralled, as did the Dragons, and everybody else. Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
22nd SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
| |
A
magickal scenario, such as Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Dream," was acted out in realtá this shadowy, moonlit morn. In a starry woodland copse, where no sunbeams were permitted, dwelled a Dragon without spirit, forwardlookingness, or hope. He was prostrated on the boggy earth on an early, wet, summer's day, waiting for inspiration, the dragon form, you understand? A transparent rustle, a translucent swish, a (slight) disturbance in the tree and, the Dragon felt a Faerie hand pinch his nostrils, and then a cast a spell sensation of being surrounded by a treasure trove of good fortune without end.... With a thump of his tail and a Dragon smile on his face, he lifted his armour-plated head and, beheld a golden-haired, regal lady, clothed in the ancient garb of Egypt. The Faerie stood, arms wide, fingers extended. Her spell was permeating the air the sky, and Mother Earth. The meaning of this benefice remained obscure for many days until the Dragon recommenced adventuring around those Universes, both material and immaterial.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
21st SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
| |
The
silhouette of a Faerie emerged, from the impasto designed bark of a woodland Oak. As she fluttered her wings and straightened her gown, the captivating figure of a Faerie Land aristocrat unfolded, came to life - magick!! The Faerie was apparelled in an ankle-length robe, of slithers of bark, new leaves and mid-summer sunbeams. Her nose was Roman, her lips thin and unsmiling, her expression was one of imperious punctiliousness. The Flower Faeries smiled sweetly and perched dutifully near, the Elves, Imps and Pixies sidled close, bowed and went into the house. The Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat fetched the Wizard and the Witch to talk platitudes, drop compliments and distract the aristocratic Faerie from careful note-taking observations. The Ghosts and ghostly Wolves and Wolverines glided round and about, waiting for the Ogre to spoil the scenario and rewrite the plot. The Queen of Faerie Land and the Queen of the Woodlands, messaged by telepathy, arrived with scarcely a wait and, greeting her warmly, drew her away and hustled her away to an empty castle in the lands beyond infinity.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
20th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
| |
The
Elves, Imps and Pixies seemed, momentarily, to be living a charmed life, a life of fortune and plenty. The Goblin and the Gremlin sat down on the lawn to partake of a frugal breakfast picnic. They were puzzled by how this could be possible, the Elves were exemplary spend thrifts. They visited the Witch to ask for a reason, the reason which formed the foundation of the question. She was unsure, but argued that the Elves, Imps and Pixies had a secret treasure trove which they safeguarded rigorously. Only they and the Ghosts were privy to this hideaway. No whisper, no private conversation was heard to the contrary. The Unicorn came and went, the Dragon slept and the Ogre had not observed hordes of gold pieces and coins when he tripped over the artificial cave in the garden. The Flower Faeries perched upon it, Royalty treated it as a throne and, the Owl occasionally slept on the roof, should the birds of Rhiannon not be singing atop it.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
19th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
| |
The
Elves were playing football, the Imps were playing bowls. The Flower Faeries were brushing and grooming a disinterested Unicorn. In the distance could be seen the Pixies "doing" gym. The Dragon was conversing with the Wizard and the Witch, who had concocted a brew. From the cauldron rose the perfume of mimosa and roses, geranium and hyacinth and sandalwood too. The which drifted and wafted through garden, through the house, lifting the spirits of all those already busy and those still asleep. The mice in the attic sniff snuffled about. If listened intently, (being awake), I could hear the flurry and scurrying of these unwanted guests. The dogs were, without doubt, below stairs, in the warm kitchen. The cats were most probably in the Library, lying before the unlighted fire. I'd been shocked awake by the commotion of Imps charging up the stairway. Unable to rest, I had bathed and dressed, and now ready to meet the inevitable rigours of the day.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
18th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
| |
In
the silence of early morning, a Faerie settled 'neath the Oak. A beauty beyond telling, a contemporary Helen of Troy.... As the dawn broke, the garden creatures awoke, stretched and blinked, "Good morrow t'ye all?!" And the Faerie sat 'awatching, sizing up Act 1, Scene 1. When her presence was finally noticed, the creatures gasped and stopped mid-sentence in their daily routines. The stranger Faerie smiled, her magnetic eyes half-closed. And if one looked beyond and beneath that smile? The answer, dear friends, you'll have tomorrow.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
17th 0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO Blog by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner > Enjoy his full blog @ http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm |
|
|
Alan
Dean Foster. American writer of fantasy and science fiction. His name does not sound so familiar in the genre of Science Fiction novels, and is best known for his screenplays. Born on November 18, 1946, he graduated in political science and an MFA from the University of California and currently resides in Prescott, Arizona, with his wife. One of his best-known fantasy works is the Spellsinger series, in which a young musician is summoned to a world populated by talking creatures, where his music allows him to do real magic, whose effects depend on the lyrics of the songs he performs (whose results are unpredictable). He was also the ghostwriter for the original novelization of Star Wars, which had been credited only to George Lucas. Foster was later announced as the author of the novelization of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, plus others from the Star Wars franchise. |
|
 |
||
|
He was awarded the Grand Master award from the International Association of Media Tie-In in 2008. |
|
 |
||
|
Many of Foster's works have a strong ecological element to them, often with an environmental touch. Their villains witness defeat because of their lack of respect for other exotic species or for seemingly innocuous parts of their surroundings. This can be seen in such works as Midworld, a story about a planet that is essentially a large rain forest. In these and other books, Foster usually devotes a large part of his story to descriptions of alien environments, of strange worlds, and the coexistence of their flora and fauna. The cover art and back cover (depending on the particular edition) which were created by Peter Andrew Jones references these very aspects. |
|
 |
||
|
Mr Jones, creator of hundreds of book cover art paintings for science fiction and fantasy and role play games books, was certainly the best choice for Midworld. His technique of uniting ecology with futurism (neoecology?) can be seen in the recurrent fauna of hybrid animals attached to the flora - more similar to what we still have on Earth - both found in books by other great writers such as Charles G. Finney , Fredric Brown, Larry Niven, and which I hope to review in future posts. |
|
|
||
|
In Midworld, Peter Andrew Jones also innovates by not using the well-known reptilian beings present in many books by Larry Niven or Steve Jackson, but a baboon lion next to a hunter, in the middle of a very "green" environment. The landscape while providing the comfort of nature also serves to highlight the combatants who face a, classic, monster with tentacles. It marvelously combines both action and harmony. Other creations of these interesting hybrids can also be seen in stories by Pierre Boulle and Brian Davis - just to name a few to review. | |
|
||
| Therefore, creative science
fiction goes far beyond spaceships and laser weapons. And that Mr Jones
gets a lot, and always has! |
||
|
||
|
17th "THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO" Finally, the sun is upon the studio! The Stretton Hills. In all their glory. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick studio garden . . . |
||
|
The
answer to the question of the Elves, Pixies and Imps is still blowing in the gusting wind ripping through the garden. The Flower Faeries clung fiercely to a trusty rock or stone. The damp and chill crept inexorably through their diminutive frames. The Ogre felt hard done by. He'd been flooded out of house and home, and worse, his sacred breakfast parlour beneath the aged Oak. The Elves and Pixies were in the mood for tricks, (no treats). High jinks and their own idea of fun, of playing games. They'd been unable to decide upon the course most agreeable to all.... The Stoat, the Weasel and the Mole, between them, turned on the water to powerful. One and all, they held the hose, directed it at the "little people." These artful nuisances found, themselves swept away, finally coming to rest at the wooden garden fence.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
16th "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
The
Flower Faeries were ecstatic, for an appointment had been made with, the tip top Faerie designer of stylish wardrobes. The Witch and the Wizard were perfecting the architecture of a brand new fashion house to be built by the premier Elfin construction company.... The Unicorn, this morning, was to receive the usual grooming, and dusted in bronze glitter with turquoise-studded mane and tail. The Weasel, Stoat and Mole had washed their faces and combed their fur, the Toad, the Frog and Water Rat were swimming, hell for leather, round the pond. A Hedgehog had joined the company, a slow-moving, calm-tempered soul. A most welcome addition to the residents and the garden. The Elves, Imps and Pixies were strumming their mandolins and guitars. Their sense of rhythm and of volume continued along the road of - disastrous.... The Ogre had just surfaced, temper comme çi, comme ça. Arriverderci tranquilità should anything occur to upset the apple cart.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
15th "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
It
has come to our ears by bush telegraph that, the imperious Faerie, from touchdown, had created holy hell. 'Streuth.... Cane in hand, she rampaged, hither and yon, flicking viciously any plant, flower, creature which impeded her progress.... Her expression supercilious, lips curled, forehead creased, nostrils flared, hair tangled. The sight boded ill.T'was nastiness personified. The few hardy creatures which dwelled in the lands, burrowed deep underground, issuing forth only when the Faerie was elsewhere occupied. The Faerie declared herself Empress of these lands. Castles were built and verdant common land was fenced to create vast estates , privately owned. The Empress felt desirous of possessing a collection of jewelery designed for a personal collection, to include tiaras and belts, rings and necklaces, chokers and ear rings, broaches, so on and so forth. The designers were top of the tree skilled. The work would take days and weeks, months to deliver. So - to keep herself from thinking, fretting and worrying, the Empress Faerie ordered wardrobes of clothes. Last, but not least, she employed staff: Housekeepers, Cooks, Maids in Waiting, gardeners, Men at Arms, Bodyguards, Butlers and housemaids, cleaners, serving staff , a Private Secretary - ooh la la.... the list covered reams and reams of papyrus!! Over the course of that notable Faerie Land year, the Lands were attacked by pirates, robbers and wreckers. The Empress's armies fought and won the early battles. However - battle by battle the pirates learned their winning tactics and, adopted wily, underhand tactics of their own. The grand finale must arrive at some point, meanwhile, Faerie Empress, Beware..... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
14th "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
With
the vanquishing of Celestri the garden rested in serene equanimity, celestial beatitude.... The creatures of the night crept silently to and fro, anxious to obviate disturbing their friends. In the wood, the covens of Witches forgathered. A fanfare of bugles heralded the arrival of, the Faeries of the wood and their Tsarina - Queen?! The Unicorn, creature of myth, creature of legend, galloping flash lighteningly 'cross the glittering skies. The Dragon flew with him when realisable. Their portraits were translucent paintings imprinted indelibly, rainbow-tinted silent movies in 4-d .... The Queens of the Cloud Lands, each cloud formation represented, drove chariots drawn by magickal elementals through Universes ad infinitum.... Through worlds without end they journeyed, through adventures, through play, through endeavour, through sweat, toil, travail.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
13th "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
| Even
the Witch and the Wizard, too, had been taken in by the indubitably, unfaerie Faerie.... She had not stopped there for, though transformed by the Witch, by magick into pebble-like construct, she would astound the garden residents by the powers she possessed. In the still of the night, sotto voce, unnoticed, the Faerie, Celestri, was transformed once more into her imperious self. Her anger and desire for vengeance were uncontainable. She knew of no spells to cast upon these odious garden creatures that could succeed in soothing her wounded pride. When daybreak broke, she quit the garden, voyaging far away to an island where she'd be alone, uninterrupted to research the contemporary spells in her up-to-date spell book.... Debbie & Peter |
||
|
||
|
12th "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
By
sundown the veil of concealment had fallen and, the news of the day had spread like wildfire. The saturnine faced engine had, seemingly, lost his mechanical reason and, instead of coming into land, for onward progression by rail, had continued to pelt through the air without stopping. Thus, no passenger could alight and none could board. At the end of the day the Station Master buried in bad tempered words.... The Witch could do aught, the Wizard was attending the Congress of Wizards, taking place on the Isle of Annwn. The Flower Faeries were miniature spitfires, however, they were tiny and not possessed of the means to act. Result: the Dragon mustered his extended family and hatched a plan for immediate use. They formed themselves into an attack formation, and launched themselves into the windy ether. Traveling like greased lightening, they caught up with the train, surrounded it, halted it and grasped the carriages 'twixt their sharp- pointed teeth. More slowly, they reversed and flew homeward, where the engine was chastised and banned from the garden. It's replacement took no time at all to arrive and time will tell, also, its modus operandi.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
11th "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
The
Owl yawned, shook his feathers and in sailor's gait mode, waddled along the branch to his hole in the tree. He had had an exhausting night's work seeking prey a good supper and early morning snack. Sleep was all he needed now and, the warmth of his home. From the hole in the tree issued a squawk and a cloud of Owl feathers. A family of crows had usurped his snug home and, by the sounds of it, the Owl was determined to fight back?! The garden residents, curious, crowded round the Oak, the Elves climbing up to the Owl's hole, the Flower Faeries hovering a way's away from it. Was there anything left of the crows, one wondered? Sometime later, still no sign.... Oh dear, gee wiz, oh deary, deary me.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
10th "TALES FROM THE WOOD" Working "En Plein Air" in the garden Yesterday. Nature intervened . . . . . . ! New painting for upcoming faerytale book. Plus leaves and twig ! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
Lingering
hues of pink, gold and violet. Dawn had broken, spreading its paintily aura over The Land of Myths, Fantasy and Legend.... As though a curtain had been unclosed, from out of the clouds, the Unicorn's mesmeric outline could be distinguished. The Dragon was far afield, atop the highest of high hills, with views which extended to the borders of magick. The Witch poked her long nose into her book of moth eaten spells. Where was that one, single worthwhile choice? She came upon the evidence that a page had been ripped out. Nifty fingers had discovered it's whereabouts and had stripped out this little gem of a spell. The Witch was incandescent. Those opprobrious Elves.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
9th "TALES FROM THE WOOD" Working "En Plein Air" in the garden Sometimes . . . . . . natures intervenes . . . . . . ! New painting for upcoming faerytale book. Plus leaves and twig ! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
The
Spider and the Mouse were aloft in the attic, playing dominoes with a set of tiny, specially adapted domino pieces. The Fly was too impatient to stay put for 1 second. The wainscoting had been replaced, however, holes had already been gnawed in the new wood. This morning the Elves had taken buses to the market, the Witch having hired them and the Wizard paid.... The Imps and the Pixies had refused to participate, preferring to hit the high life, play Bowls or some such. The Cook was ecstatic. Her kitchen was safe. Safe for several hours or so, that is..... The Flower Faeries having groomed the Unicorn, were now threading his mane and tail with magickal, colourful, Harlequin ribbons. A faint sound of a musical instrument being played, blew in the wind through the breakfast room window. A parade, an itinerant, a Fantasy character? Che sera, che sera, sera.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
8th "NEWSWEEK" Extract from this month's newsletter. "Snap Deals" for June on classic pieces - good for 30 days only. Get them before they're gone . . . . . http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Others had other activity of more interest . . . . |
||
| |
A
Sword Fish aeroplane buzzed overhead. Catkins shivered in the early morning mist. The Wizard was alone, his forgetful friend 'a snoring, released from the anguish of having to learn to be Wizard-like....?! The Goblin and the Gremlin were shadow boxing for fun. The Elves, Imps and Pixies were practicing pea-shooting. The aerial panorama was replete with peas, a veritable picture of Contemporary Art. The Dragon was conversing with a Unicorn in his element, undergoing a brushing down and grooming by the Flower Faeries, who, were threading his mane with dried flowers, crystals of violet and his tail with streamers of gold. The Witch stirred her cauldron, muttering magick spells beneath her breath and, from the cauldron there issued misty moist telepathic messages for passage around the Globe. The Toad, the Weasel and the Water Rat were testing the water of the garden pond. The late Spring sun gradually flowered into warmth and the day was delightfully all that one could ask.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
7th "TALES FROM THE WOOD" More manuscript letters from upcoming Faery Tales book. |
|
 |
||
And, got a bot distracted, while drawing them, by events outside the studio . . . |
||
| |
A
crack, a split, and the bark of the Oak was splintered, torn asunder from its right royal trunk. The translucent outline of an imperiously elegant Faerie emerged through the fractured, impasto-textured bark of the tree.... As she fluttered her wings and straightened her gown, the Faerie Land aristocrat became animate, came to life - magick!! The Faerie was apparelled in an ankle-length robe, composed of slithers of bark, new leaves and dazzlingly yellow gold mid-summer sunbeams. Her nose was Roman, her lips thin, unsmiling. Her expression was one of imperious punctiliousness. The Flower Faeries smiled sweetly and perched dutifully near, the Elves, Imps and Pixies sidled close, bowed and shot into the house. The Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat buzzed off to the Witch who could dish out compliments, talk platitudes and obstruct any attempt at instantaneous, high handed - and outside interference.... The Ghosts, ghostly Wolves and Wolverines glided round and round and about, waiting for the Ogre to spoil the scenario and rewrite the plot. The Queen of Faerie Land and the Queen of the Woodlands, messaged in panic by means of telepathy, arrived with scarcely a hold up and, greeting her warmly, drew her away, hustling her quick to an empty castle in the lands beyond world's end.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
6th "TALES FROM THE WOOD" Started designing manuscript letters for our upcoming Faery Tales book. |
|
 |
||
It meant researching past influences, but it proved a bit more difficult than I'd envisaged. . . |
||
| |
Going
up to the attic yesterday evening, I encountered the Elves sitting in the stairs. They were reading my boyhood copies of the Look and Learn magazine, Eagle, Swift and Robin and Caspar the Ghost comics. They have very evidently purloined them from the glass-fronted cupboard, where I kept them in pristine condition, to be kept safely, securely, for memory's sake. They would pay no attention to my losing my temper so, I went downstairs to fetch the Cook. She abandoned her tasks, assumed a determined expression and, with difficulty, took the staircase to the attic one stair at a time. Pause.... And, from above her voice ricocheted from wall to wall, to the kitchens in the cellar and, reached me as I waited. When next we met, I knew that the problem had been solved successfully to my complete satisfaction.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
5th "STUDIO VISITOR" He's back! Scrounging again, from the daily wildlife food table. Modifications obviously still needed so small birds benefit! |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
The
Dragon had a first cousin, twice removed, a resident of the Yellowstone National Park. Invited, by telepathic messaging, to stay in the garden, he arrived in a swirl of silver grey wings and a thrashing of his diamond studded, thunderingly heavy tail.... The view from above had demonstrated to him that, there was no possibility of landing herein. He skirted the garden, the wood and hedgerow, and came down to earth in a field left fallow. The Ogre, perchance, was hiking this morning, accompanied by the Weasel, the Stoat and the Water Rat. Taken aback, they skeddadled - achoo - and fast-walked towards the tarmacked country road and, standing fair square in the road, commenced thumbing a lift. Successfully hailing an open-roofed Cadillac car, they piled in, the car accelerated and, raced hell for leather to the next township, the driver's destination.... Hooray!! Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
4th "THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE - stage 2" Underpainting. Oil paint underpainting ready for laying-in of main elements. Initial thumbnail characterisation sketch of main character shown also. Many a walk around the magick studio garden will be needed . . . . . |
|
 |
||
And . . . There is always much inspiration to be had for such a scene, when . . . |
||
| |
.
. . . for a break in my work schedule, I took a stroll in the garden, the Ghosts bade me a whispered "How goes it today," and coasted blithely through the breakfast room window and from there....??? From the breakfast room door to the Oak, the Ogre was not discernible. No groundsheet, no picnic. What was the reason? Where was the Witch? A shout from the wood announced the approach of the Elves, the Imps and the Imps and - the Witch carrying her spell book and wand. Tail end Charlie, the Ogre, weighed down by the Witch's cauldron. The Flower Faeries were late this morning, their tardiness explained by the indisposition of the Unicorn, though his malady would require several weeks of nursing. 'Twas not until eventide that the Dragon landed and, when the night creatures took centre stage, the garden was jam packed.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
4th "A WALK AROUND THE TOWN" After a intense day of work, decided to take a walk around town. Sheela Na Gig, a quasi-erotic stone carving on the local church. Situated on the north face of the building over an old Norman doorway it may be from a 12th century chapel that stood on the site - pre-Norman. So much history in such a small town . . . . . |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick garden . . . . |
||
| |
What
on earth? An invasion, of ancient and olden day characters, stretching back through time. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, ladies, gentlemen, slaves and servants, scholars, illiterates, common folk, adventurers, stay-at-homers, strangers.... The resident Ghosts and Spectres, taken aback, drifted - outcasts - t'wards the woods. The ghostly Werewolves and Wolverines, fangs bared, howled. Elves, Imps and Pixies pressed ever-closer, curiosity winning over any stray feeling of scaredness or fear. The Goblin and Gremlin ambled into the fray, waving lavender-scented kerchiefs, as one had done of yore. The Witch had summoned the Unicorn, the Flower Faeries and the Owl, and, throwing duties, schedules, guilt to the wind, vanished.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
3rd "TIME TRAVEL" "The Magician out of Manchuria" New Limited Edition Print release. Newly de-archived this week. Only available by direct e-mail request. Go HERE to order > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick garden, unruly behavior seems to be occurring . . . . |
||
| |
The
Dragon was overbearing, arrogant this morning. The Witch had, by magick, transformed his colouring and he 'twas presently a rainbow of hues. The Ghosts and Spectres, the ghostly Wolves and Wolverines moved in silence beside him, awaiting a timely moment to bring him to heel, show him who was boss.... The Witch watched from afar, the Wizard from his magick carpet. The Elves, Imps and Pixies from the tennis courts and the Ogre slept on. The Witch contemplated the Dragon, summoned the Unicorn and explained succinctly what she wished him to do. The Unicorn munched thoughtfully upon the moist, dew-covered grass of the lawn. The Dragon walked the cat walk, up and down the garden, breathing small strokes of fire and gusts of smoke. As he passed the Unicorn, he passed too close to home and, knocked the astonished equine to one side. The Unicorn responded. Responded in kind. The Dragon would lament the punishment and behave for a smidgeon of time... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| |
2nd "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Out in the magick garden . . . |
||
| |
The
dandy had usurped the Witch's position as the person of the utmost influence, eminence.... Nobody knew from whence he had come, how long he would stay, or where he presently resided. He partied every night - somewhere.... picnicked, rode, hunted, punted and kayaked. The Elves, Imps and Pixies found themselves in a de facto pickle. What to do next? What path to take to reinstate and consolidate their no 1 status in the garden - and environments beyond? Well.... The Ogre surfaced tardily from his house in the wood and eyes crossed, pulling his hair, he stumbled across the lawn, passed the Oak and bedded down upon the tennis court?! The dandy, tennis racket, towel, in a designer haversack, arrived to play a knock about with him, himself and him. Thwarted.... Angrily, he smashed the tennis racket on the unforgiving hardness of the garden tennis court, turned and kicked the Ogre, oohps, Egan, ouch. The Ogre, sharp awakened, hit the roof and that was that. The dandy exited the garden with quite extraordinary speed.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
1st "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. This to be added shortly. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Outside the magick studio . . . . |
||
|
The
fish in the pond were jumping, a rare event, which, lured curious spectators to stand and stare. From the stable yard came the sound of hooves upon cobbles, the barking of dogs, the revving of an engine. My sister, as per usual, had slammed on the brakes, bringing her Aston Martin to an ill-considered, inappropriate, stop. My horse, on its way to his morning canter, galloped, 'cross the wide open spaces of field and moorland, meadow and marshland, pictorial landscape, shied, and, braking free from his leading rein, bolted. He would return in good time, when he had worked off his angst.... The Elves, Imps and Pixies were busy climbing the Oak tree, swinging from branch to branch, racing along them?! The Owl, unamused, was unable to rest and, needs must, retired into his hole in the Oak, to bed down and sleep. The Witch had, early this morning, flown westward to spend a day at the golden sandy beach, accompanied by the Flower Faeries, the Unicorn, Weasel, Stoat and Mole. To each had been lent by the Witch, a newly polished broom with a thickly cushioned saddle cloth upon which to ride. In their absence, the Lord Edric and his lady, the Faerie, Godda, laid claim to the garden. They, and their retinue spread blankets over the lawn and picnicked to the sound of harpsichord music.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
| May | ||
| |
31st "THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc http://pajart.net Launching soon - details in next newsletter. First offerings > Unique Artist-signed, mint condition, original publisher's / printer's proofs. 1970s onwards. single sheets. Can be dedicated to order. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . Outside the magick studio . . . . |
||
| |
The
Toad and the Frog and the Water Rat were "Leap Frogging" over low obstacles in the garden. The Flower Faeries flew beside alongside, and (seized by) temptation, alighted upon their backs, riding bareback, so to speak, lacking only a Faerie rope lasso. The Witch was in the mood to play a rôle in their (play). So.... A spell she conjured and magickal magick there appeared, a lasso per Faerie, and a (cowgirl hat) - naturally! Faerie-sized cowgirl boots, a non-bullet bearing pistol each. The Elves, Imps and Pixies rummaged through their collection of Medieval weaponry. From the bottom of the heap, came long bows and blunt swords. T'was a vibrant, "over the moon," display!! Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
30th "THE HISTORY SHOP" http://pajart.net/gifts.htm Opening soon. Unique Artist-signed, mint condition, original publisher's / printer's proofs. 1970s onwards. Can be dedicated to order. |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile . . . |
||
|
A
damp, dewy ground fog lay just above the lawn, twisting and curling, as stirred by the wind. The feeling seeping through one was, "Somewhere there be, malevolent creatures come to haunt this convivial garden...." One such creature of which I knew nothing, was a Calygreyhound?! Surprising, the Ogre eventually "hit town." Placing himself upon the groundsheet beneath the Oak, he seized knife, spoon and fork and Set about the consuming of his delectable breakfast. The Unicorn appeared, as did the Dragon, the Flower Faeries, the Goblin, the Gremlin, the Frog, Toad and Water Rat, the Weasel, Stoat and Mole, and, at the end of the queue, a Fantastical six legged goat?! I remained in the garden till the dawn broke over the hills, then re-entered the house and, seated in the Library, perused a tome about magick, mixing potions and casting negative and positive spells. Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
29th "THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE?" Close-up. Initial thumbnail sketch to expore characterisation of main character who will inhabit an as yet unrevealed scene, waiting to reveal itself to me at such time as the mystical magic of creativity uncovers its existence. Many a walk around the magick studio garden will be needed . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
Gaia
had woven a faint outline over the garden, of a veiled Elysian other world that, though hidden from our eyes, existed around us. A betwixt and between, to us, alien world.... This unrevealed country waited serenely to reveal itself at such time as we understood its mystical magic. The Elves, Imps and Pixies preferred a whiz bang existence, a 'don't stop until you've upset as many creatures as you can - now routine. Then, on to the next thing, immédiatement. Ne restez pas lá. Faire quelche chose.... The Flower Faeries were perched on flower petal seats, threading Faerie rainbow coloured beads to enhance their captivating Faerie-made furbelows and accessories. The Unicorn appeared above them, his great wings spread wide. Alighting upon the lawn, he dropped his head and commenced to chomp grass. The Flower Faeries let him be for some little time, then approached him, armed with the early morning grooming tools. For today they had chosen Champagne Pink for his body. For his mane and and tail, Chinese silver and Chinese violet. The grooming complete, they recommenced their beading, the Witch standing beside them too, from time to time, suggested style, design, bead shape and colour of the thread. The Goblin and the Gremlin built a fire for themselves and, set themselves the task of beating Fantasy Land silver, tin and copper into delectable jewellery. Loathe to re enter the house, nevertheless, I did and sat down to write screeds upon the scenes I had seen in the magic garden.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
28th "THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE?" I hesitated for awhile about this. What happens, if someone asks you to do a commissioned painting, and . . . You realise, that the subject matter and whole concept, touches the very base of your root influences, and a major work of art from history? You remember, being just 10 years old sitting in front of that huge painting at London's Tate Gallery on a Sunday morning and pondering > "will I ever be able to paint something that amazing, when I grow up?' A career happens, you get thrown into whatever you do. But, always, always, lurking at the back of your mind is . . . . THAT painting . . . . by THAT artist. Hmmnnn . . . . I've given myself a whole year to do this painting. But - how do you create something that is . . . . well, on the one hand, rooted in this OTHER image and yet, has to be MINE not HIS as a creation? And what if I screw-up, can't do it?! And, what if I CAN?! It begins (a veritable storm of creative challenge) . . . . . . To celebrate this project's beginning, the weather too is stormy outside! |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
The
storms had set in once again, once again. Hail stones as big as pebbles, a downpour to knock you over, easy as pie.... The residents of the garden knew not quite what to do, where to hide. The Ogre's home in the wood was flooded, however, the Mole, Weasel and Stoat found and rock formation which would protect them and shelter them, sort of OK, so to speak?! The Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat, were not quite so anti, these antediluvian weather conditions. They turned their faces to the heavens, stuck out their tongues and, thoroughly enjoyed being soaked right through to their bones.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
27th "EARLY MORNING JUST BEYOND THE STUDIO" The Gaer Stone (or, fortress stone). The view across the Stretton Gap. |
|
 |
||
This morning, the sun finally shone, though the garden was strangely quiet . . . . |
||
|
when
I went out to bid good morning to the garden residents and the Witch.... A faint mist drifted lightly over flower beds and lawn, weaving intricate designs, rising and falling. The Witch, at her cauldron, was conversing with the Wizard 'bout this and that and t'other, 'bout nothing at all?! The Goblin and the Gremlin were swimming in the pond and I could hear the dulcet voice of the Mermaid as she sat beside "her" pond within the wood. The Owl was droopy eyed, the crows had not yet arrived and, the birds of Rhiannon were with the goddess/Faerie Queen somewhere far distant, in a magickal, mystical land. The Elves, Imps and Pixies were playing Pixie bowls on the tennis court and the Ghosts and ghostly Werewolves padded silently about the lawn. The ghostly Werewolves were absent, as were the Mole, Weasel and Stoat, the Frog, Toad and Water Rat, the forgetful Wizard and ?? The appearance of the Cook to fetch me had an additional effect. With a suddenness unexpected, the garden burst its seams with the inpouring of tiny Faeries, fantastical creatures, the Unicorn, the garden Dragon and a visiting Brownie, the Elder Elf and his, now-constantly present, nurse.... Debbie & Peter |
|
|
||
|
26th "BIR MING GUM" - It's "Bostin"! (acknowledgment to my Brummie fans) Memories . . . . Saw this while walking past BBC Birmingham at the mailbox today. But - it's a loooooong time (back) since I shared a studio with these guys (at BBC white city in London) - how I miss those 3am deadlines (not)! Four and a half years freelancing for the BBC back in the mid-80s. I helped to save the Earth from the Tripods and attacked a Dalek (it annoyed me) and I bet you never knew . . . they were made of cardboard! (I won't tell you how I know that, I might get arrested). |
|
 |
||
Back then . . . I'd have been happy if . . . mist had blotted-out my 3.00am deadlines and weekends battling my way through . . . well, someone had to help the 2 Ronnies fly on a magic carpet? And, who else would you trust to have them walk up the yellow brick road? Definitely, there were times I wish the mist had descended and engulfed me, Others too, are sometimes . . . . actually engulfed by mist it seems . . . . |
||
|
The
mist had (descended), the landscape blotted out though the trees in the wood were opaque watercolour prints. Rising early this morning, I showered, dressed and shaved, went downstairs to the breakfast room. Leaving the French doors open, I wandered out into the garden. The lawn was damp with dew, the earth decidedly muddy. In the pond, the Elves were momentarily abluting, splashing water at each other and upsetting the fish. The Ogre slept, the Witch read her spell book, and the Goblin and Gremlin were trimming their beards. Hardly visible though they were, one sensed the presence of the Ghosts and Spectres, the ghostly Wolves and Wolverines. The Wizard, riding bareback upon the magickal Unicorn, guided the creature into land beneath the Oak tree. I mosied through the garden, entered the wood and withdrew! The leaves were drip dripping so copiously that I should soon have found myself as wet as the Elves. The Ogre surfaced eventually and, collated by the Witch, carried her cauldron to the kitchen garden where she had only just lit the fire, momentarily scarce burning. When the Mole, Stoat and Weasel, the Frog, Toad and Water Rat had entered Act 1, scene 2, I reentered the house to commence the many varied articles demanded by my agent.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
25th "EARLY MORNING JUST BEYOND THE STUDIO" Dramatic. Excellent start to a research trip jaunt. A sharp, almost caustic assault on the eyes. |
|
 |
||
Caustic soda scrub a dub. Repeat …. or, crystal soda? |
||
|
The
latter, the Witch decided. She was certainly perspiring. The cooling liquid dribbled down her chin. She dabbed her temple with a an embroidered kerchief, and fanned herself, rearranged her gown. Comfortable? Guess? She yearned for a deck chair in the Ice House, t'would assuage her nervous system and the distressing breathlessness. Dragon fans resembling windmills, purred lightheartedly, zestfully on and on and on, cooling the sleeping Dragon, the Ogre, the Wizard and the Wizard's forgetful friend.... The Flower Faeries wove baskets in the shade, into which they would arrange sunbeams, sweet scented flower petals, rainbow-coloured day-dreams and sycamore whirls. Scented sachets for drawers and to place beneath a bodice. The Witch's cauldron exuded luxuriant odours, enhanced an hundredfold when she sprinkled herbs and flowers, both fresh and dried, upon the surface of this magickal brew. The Gremlin, the Goblin and the Mole, the Stoat and the Weasel breathed (deep), filling their lungs, through and through and the Elves, Imps and Pixies played Hayden's Water music and the (soft music) of Ireland.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
24th "REFERENCE GATHERING" Interesting cobweb structure. Definitely worth considering as inclusion in a painting. Maybe, a Faery, trapped in it . . . . . . . ? Maybe it's be an image of calamity? |
|
 |
||
Often, one observation, merged with another, gives rise to an idea for a painting! |
||
|
Calamity
Jane was paying us a visit, which threatened to be a lengthy, La La Land - like dream.... She never stopped moving, adjusting her cowgirl outfit and twirling her pistols. From time to time she fired one or t'other. When the Witch gave her what for, she paid not the least heed, and, by dusk, the garden residents felt that they were walking on thin ice.... The Wizard was traveling, with forgetful friend in tow and the Dragon and the Unicorn were streaming 'cross the skies, 30,000 feet above. Consulting her spell book, the Witch was delighted to discover the oh! Gosh answer. She assembled the ingredients, tossed them into her cauldron, and gently brought the sweet and sour potion to the boil, then simmered it for one Fantasy world hour. The words of the spell were liltingly musical, easily rememberable. The Witch threw herself heart and soul into bringing to a close, Calamity Jane's interminable presence. Elle a réussi! Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
23rd "BACK TO WORK DAY" Inspirational cloud formations. And, my work is really just play (you probably guessed that by now . . . .) |
|
 |
||
And outside the studio, others are also learning to play . . . . |
||
| |
The
Elves, Imps and Pixies were learning to play, the Chicago and the Mississippi Delta Blues. The Imps and Pixies seemed to revel in the rhythms, the Elves much preferred the faster pace of Hillbilly music. The Weasel, Stoat and Mole were their most severe critics, commenting upon every one of their renditions. The Flower Faeries favoured Edith Piaf or the 1930's crooners, the Ogre was tone deaf and the Frog, Toad and Water Rat reveled in listening to rousing sea shanties and songs of the water.... The Witch and the Wizard liked jazz, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, anything non-rhythmic! And, the Ghosts listened constantly to the composers of their day. I, myself, listened to to more or less anything, depending upon the particular mood that I am in.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
22nd VERY EARLY MORNING (DAY OFF-ish) Chilly first thing, but had to stop to catch these. More carvings at Shrewsbury railway station. I wish I could find out more about them Anybody know? |
|
 |
||
Chilly back at the studio too, apparently . . . |
||
| |
Not
a soul in the garden caught a cold. A chill, yes, athlete's foot, yes. A snuggle, cough, sneeze .... neit! The ground was boggy, the Oak dripped, the grass was perilously slippery and the path a skating rink. The residents treasured the eerie light, the mythical, magickal aura, the quality of foreverness, beginningless, endless.... They donned antislip shoe soles, gloves, or, if they could , sou'westers, raincoats, galoshes and goggles. When I went out to greet them, the weather was amiable, all-encompassing good natured, serene.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
21st "HEROIC BOOK PRINTING COMPLETE" Heroes & Villains book finally printed. (and website updated now!) A stormy week, of high energy . . . . . . |
|
 |
||
Sometimes I think, one's own energy, begets external energy? |
||
| |
The
storms had set in once again, once again. Hail stones as big as pebbles, a downpour to knock you over, easy as pie.... The residents of the garden knew not quite what to do, where to hide. The Ogre's home in the wood was flooded, however, the Mole, Weasel and Stoat found and rock formation which would protect them and shelter them, sort of OK, so to speak?! The Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat, were not quite so anti, these antediluvian weather conditions. They turned their faces to the waterlogged clouds, stuck out their tongues and, thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being soaked right through to their skin, right through to their bones.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
20th "HEROIC PRINTING COMPLETE" (almost!) More Heroes & Villains book pages printed. (and update the website!) |
|
 |
||
And so, |
||
| |
The
garden had been vacated by the varied visitors who had come and gone. Who had nevertheless, left behind an unexpungnable imprint of their brief presence, The garden residents met together to discuss and, if possible, introduce, a garden visa, (my suggestion), setting out clearly, the length of time t'was permissible that they stay.... The Elves, Imps and Pixies were most satisfied, as were the threesomes of Mole, Weasel, Stoat, the Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat. The Ogre would never have understood anything, anyway, and the Flower Faeries usually escaped to anywhere, elsewhere when the atmosphere in the garden became too much to cope with. The Witch was of the opinion that her presence was indispensable. No thought ever entered her head that said otherwise. Both she and the Wizard did travel the globe occasionally and certainly visited those favourite places close to home. The Wizard's forgetful friend must have an eye kept upon his wellbeing and the Witches' coven met together each Fantasy world week . Attending these meetings was sacrosanct unless, an irrefutably justifiable and relevant excuse could be provided. The Goblin and the Gremlin went their own way, did their own thing, stuff the others.... And the Mermaid lived a solitary life in the pond in the wood.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
19th "HEROIC PRINTING COMPLETE" (almost!) More Heroes & Villains book pages printed. 1st, 2nd & 3rd sections complete. Fold-out gatefolds still to do. May have to skip breakfast . . . (and update the website!) |
|
 |
||
Not the only one to miss breakfast! |
||
| |
My
runaway steed had returned post haste, having missed his breakfast, and thus, his stamina had dissipated in short order. Jealous, the Unicorn shook his head and whinnied, changed his mind about feed and, gathering pace, leapt over the garden fence and careered 'cross the fields at the rate of knots.... The Witch was left open mouthed, bowled over, at the speed of events.... The Elves, Imps and Pixies, had watched from afar. Now they got cracking and piled into their automobiles. Both feet upon the accelerator, they shot under the fence, hit the country road without stopping, turned right and raced?! The Flower Faeries darted in the wake of the Pixies's vehicle, a weird looking racing car, to keep an eye on proceedings. The Mole, Stoat and Weasel ate, their breakfast meal hidden behind the Oak, and the Ogre demolished a huge, huge repast - more plentiful than his usual, and fell asleep, allegro vivace.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
18th "MORE HEROIC PRINTING" More Heroes & Villains book pages being printed. 1st section of three-section book almost complete. So, a walk 'round the garden, while the glue dries . . . (and then update the website!) |
|
 |
||
Very important to pay close attention, lack of focus can lead to print errors. Nothing more inclined to make me shriek than printing back-to-back upside down! What's that? Shrieking from outside! |
||
|
"The
eagle has landed," the Gremlin shrieked. "His wings have a spread from the Oak to the house." The Goblin looked around to see for himself and perceived that, the eagle's shadow cast blotted out the green colour of the lawn. This king of birds balanced precariously atop the Oak, before ruffling his feathers and once more taking off. The crows had kept their distance whilst he was present. When the coast was clear, they descended en masse, disturbing the Owl with their crow call cacophony. The Witch watched the proceedings, her brain calculating the end result should the crows not be silenced - pronto. The magick potion in her cauldron could cope with one more spell, so, she uttered the appropriate words and the crows were rendered mute. The Owl got his sleep, the Ogre, too. The Flower Faeries groomed the Unicorn and the Elves, Imps and Pixies romped through the garden and adjacent wood, hopping, skipping, jumping through the fields to the hills.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
17th "HEROIC PRINTING" Heroes & Villains book (vol1) being printed. A walk around the garden will have to wait, even though the weather is balmy, enticing! |
|
 |
||
The scene in the garden was charmingly picturesque. Carnival day had dawned. The weather was balmy . . . . |
||
|
The
Fantasy creatures were holed up, so to speak, laying out the outfits they had chosen for to celebrate in style.... The Ogre had been taken aside by the Witch, who was rummaging through his bedroom "wardrobe on the floor," to find something elegant - and clean, to wear. The Flower Faeries had spent 4 Faerie months and one half, drawing sketches of the gowns they had designed, to be finished by the Faerie dress designer's sewing elite. The Ball would commence as the sun sank over the yard arm, and late arriving guests turned away. The atmosphere in the garden was electric with the undercurrents of excitement. T'was enough to create a backdrop of magickal sheet lightening, which enhanced the rays of the moonshine and the Fantasy Land stars.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
16th 0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO Blog by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner > Enjoy his full blog @ http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm Floppy disk replacement is certainly a weakness of this game. Because of a single line of dialogue, at a certain point, you should change the floppy disk to read it and then resume the previous game. Unfortunately, the annoying limit of 6 items of inventory, flat writing and arcade sequences also hamper their gameplay. The game is a combo of adventure and action. You, with your weapon - the blaster - go wherever you want, talk to other characters, and dig sites with an "action button" and an easy-to-use menu system. Another innovative point is the anticipation that the game has managed to do in gameplay. You can kill anyone at any time for any reason, and Game Over will happen if you are arrested by the police, a very similar element found in hit games like Fallout and GTA. Speaking of this last game, in Omnicron Cospiracy there are also prostitutes and you can interact with them, in a much softer way, as in Leisure Suit Larry. Zygyzy's commentary posted on February 15, 2008 in a forum about this game tells everything about Peter Andrew Jones, an artist who has always been able to attract audiences through art, and art to the final product: "I remember buying this game because of the final art of packaging." |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
15th 0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO Blog by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner > Enjoy his full blog @ http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm Omnicron Conspiracy is an old science fiction game released for MS-DOS (but was also released for Amiga), developed by First Star Software in 1989 from an original idea by Jim Nangano and Jesse Taylor. Played in single player mode (from a side perspective), the game was a nice, though strange, typical science fiction adventure. A mix of Star Trek and cyberpunk. In it you are a Star Police member assigned to investigate the disappearance of an official colleague, as well as an intrigue with drug cartels, intergalactic terrorism, and conspiracies involving gigantic corporations. |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
14th "WORKSHOP WEEKEND" (book completed) http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm Done. All aspects completed in the production process. Printing, cutting, sewing, binding, pressing, signing, numbering. |
|
 |
||
And so, a Sunday break beckons, and as if by coincidence . . . |
||
| |
The
veil of concealment lifted this morning, to reveal the garden railway station, whereat platform no 3, a train had arrived. The 20 carriages and caboose were drawn by a Saturnine-faced engine, which boded ill for the office-bound or holiday-bound passengers.... The Weasel, the Stoat, the Toad and the Goblin, the Gremlin boarded the train and sat near the exit doors. The doors slammed, a whistle blew, a green flag was waved and, clouds of smoke rose from the blisteringly hot cab. The train chugged into action, slowly gathering speed, before taking off so as to negotiate the garden gates and fences. It behove every vehicle to do this, t'was the law and sensible! As the train lifted skyward, the Dragon flew in and a contretemps was only averted by the skin of the teeth - 'Streuth?! Cover your eyes, shake your arms and legs, breathe deep.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
13th "WORKSHOP WEEKEND" (book completion) http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm Done - original drawing now inserted. Just need to wraparound the cover to complete the process. |
|
 |
||
Then . . . time to party? |
||
| |
The
Queen of the woodlands was holding a garden party, to which had been invited the Fantasy celebrities, or, "names." The dress was formal, ball gowns for the ladies, black tie and tails for the gentlemen. The style choice of the garden Fantasy creatures was oops a daisy novel. The afternoon was flawless, the surroundings irreproachable. The food had been prepared in the royal kitchens by nonpareil Master chefs. The Queen was graciously hospitable, the guests eager to be pleased, the background music soothed feelings of anxiety. The whole experience perfetto. Even tide, Owl time, onset of tiredness. One by one the celebrities called for their landaus, coaches, carriages, or saddle horses. Full stop.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
12th "WORKSHOP WEEKEND APPROACHES" (book finishing) http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm Almost done - bookplate now inserted. Ready for the very last parts of the process. |
|
 |
||
And, luckily, we've had no interruptions today, others are busy with their own intentions . . . . |
||
| |
The
garden residents were partaking of Faerie cappuccino, a gift from the Flower Faeries to those creatures who could drink it. The Elves, Imps and Pixies had reason to celebrate. They were preparing to journey forth to that fantastical land called Iceland. The Flower Faeries they expected to sort, choose and pack, that apparel they were taking to that cool, crispy clime. They were to travel in a magickal aeroplane built for speed and comfort. No passports were required and no luggage restrictions applied. The aeroplane would stretch or contract with the passengers therein. The Witch, the Wizard, his forgetful friend and the Ogre, discussed 'mongst each other all the things they would do, would achieve.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
11th "WORKSHOP WEEK (continues)" (book finishing) http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm Cover now printed, ready for folding and final presentation. |
|
 |
||
"Presentation" being the culmination of effort. Meanwhile, out int he magic studio garden . . . . |
||
| |
The
Queen of the Wood and the Queen of the Witches had joined forces to put paid to the antipathetic behaviour of the Elves - and their cohorts. The Witch and the Wizard, not keen on "that lot," were nevertheless inclined to support residents of the garden 'gainst imperious outsiders - whatever their standing. And the same applied to their friends, acquaintances and neighbours. However.... no steps could be taken without severe repercussions?... Unbeknownst to us all, which boded ill, the Empress of the Isles of Hades, (renamed by Her Royal Highness), was flying thisa way by chariot. She'd be here in the garden as soon as soon could be. Alas, alack, ah me, la la.... We of the garden, the house and the wood, met and conferred as to what should be done. The Ogre fell asleep, as did the Owl and the Mermaid was not able to remain out of water for too long. The conference continued until the sun without heat, set amidst pink clouds, in the purple, yellow, orange sky.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
10th MORNING DAY OFF (ish) Love these (gargoyles?) at Shrewsbury railway station. Never tire of looking at them. Maybe I should incorporate them into a painting in some way? |
|
 |
||
And, thinking of incorporation and invitations. . . |
||
|
By
the drawing in of the sun and the switch on of lights, the Faerie had been invited to every party in the garden diary. She simpered, expressed her pleasure, seemingly overwhelmed, embarrassed. The garden residents thought only of the cudos they'd enjoy(?) Ah, ha.... The sun glittered like gold as it set, sinking into the twilight zone, afore rising elsewhere. The nocturnal creatures made their entrance, and? Full stop. They met the true nature of the Faerie - and, quite literally, felt the sensation, the feel of, egg on their faces! She was dancing upon the water of the pond, uttering expletives and screeching with laughter. The spells she cast were negativity personified. The night creatures covered their ears and buried their heads in the grass. An atmosphere of chaos and disquietude filled the air and, the fantasy creatures rushed back to their "homes." The Witch was summoned by telepathy, rushed back upon her broom and, forthwith, commenced perusing her ancientist spell book. Magari, she would uncover one to overcome "that" Faerie's undesirability?! Some time, much later , she struck lucky, followed instructions, and the undesirable one turned to rhinestones, copper nuggets and pieces of eight.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
9th 0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO Blog by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner > Enjoy his full blog @ http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm "If he were only a "good" or "creative" artist, Peter Andrew Jones would not have represented the works of this great master of science fiction. Alfred Elton van Vogt was a great Canadian science fiction writer. Born in Winnipeg on April 26, 1912, he is considered part of the triad of the best science fiction writers of this period, alongside Robert A. Heinlein and Isaac Asimov. He was one of the famous Sci-Fi writers of the 1940s, considered the Golden Age. Like most writers, he began his career little by little with small works published in magazines, but began to devote himself to science fiction. In 1941 he left his job at the Canadian Department of Defense and began to devote himself to writing full time. He produced a large number of short stories and in the 1950s much of its production was grouped into fixups (novels created from various short stories of fiction that may or may not have been initially related or published). In fact, this term was invented by van Vogt and began to be used in the vocabulary of science fiction. |
|
 |
||
| |
In 1944 he moved to Hollywood, California, and his writing also changed because of the events of the time. After World War II he was deeply shaken by the revelation of post-2nd WW totalitarian states. Van Vogt's dreams were one of the main sources of ideas for his works. During his life as a writer he could wake up every 90 minutes to record what he had dreamed. At the end of his life he already showed signs that he was no longer following the evolution of science fiction, writing only one book, dying in Hollywood on January 26, 2000 due to Alzheimer's disease. A double-handed honor of beautiful coherent artwork with a cover that, together with the text, takes the reader from this world to much wider universes." |
|
|
||
| |
8th "WORKSHOP WEEK (ahead)" (book finishing) http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm Affixing endpaper. Bet you never knew I did comics (once upon a time)? 1973! St. Martins School of Art. Created with fellow students, and sold at > Dark They Were, And Golden Eyed" bookshop in Soho. |
|
 |
||
One of my earliest works, exposed! No longer concealed. |
||
| |
By
sundown the veil of concealment had fallen and, the news of the day had spread like wildfire. The saturnine faced engine had, seemingly, lost his mechanical reason and, instead of coming into land, for onward progression by rail, had continued to pelt through the air without stopping. Thus, no passenger could alight and none could board. At the end of the day the Station Master buried in bad tempered words.... The Witch could do aught, the Wizard was attending the Congress of Wizards, taking place on the Isle of Annwn. The Flower Faeries were miniature spitfires, however, they were tiny and not possessed of the means to act. Result: the Dragon mustered his extended family and together they hatched out a plan for immediate effect, for immediate accomplishment. They formed themselves into the pattern of an attack formation, and launched themselves into the windy ether. Traveling like greased lightening, they caught up with the train, surrounded it, halted it and grasped the carriages 'twixt their sharp pointed teeth. Casually, they reversed and directed their compasses to point homeward. The engine was chastised and banned from the garden. Its replacement took no time at all to arrive and its future modus operandi will reveal its attitude.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
7th "WORKSHOP WEEKEND" (tea break!) http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm OK, OK, tea break it is, I get the hint. Just don't blame me, if the Squirrel gets there first. |
|
 |
||
So, OK, enough already, about practical studio matters (at least for the moment) and there are momentary distractions in the garden, to assist the event . . . |
||
|
The
Flower Faeries were grooming the Unicorn - especial.... For, he was to travel 'cross the Channel to visit a Unicorn princess?! They had plumbed their creative imaginations for a distinctive look/character. Ça c'est drôle.... A vain attempt.... (especially since Unicorns don't have fingers?) So, this episode fini, t'was their skillful fingers which achieved what their brains could not!! The Unicorn was incandescent, indeed, phosphorescent, his hair painted with "Faerie lights," the colours of magickal, precious and semi-precious jewels. Mane and tail interwoven with emeralds and tourmalines. His hooves were burnished with champagne and moonbeams and upon his forehead - perfection! - the Flower Faeries had glued, a minuscule starlet tinted with azure blue and rainbow violet.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
6th "WORKSHOP WEEKEND" (Book creation) http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm 50% there. Gluing, of the end boards = always easy. Gluing of the spine however, is always (always) especially tricky. Because . . it is a handmade item, so > measuring things precisely mathematically = 0 (just doesn't work) measuring by physically manipulating the spine until centred = works. Takes longer to position and glue the spine than the rest of the book! |
|
 |
||
So, it always needs, close focus, concentration, and one certainly does not want distractions, or the whole work up to that point can be ruined in a few moments. Which is why the studio/workshop is out of bounds to others, it avoids . . . . . |
||
|
The
Empress of The Isles of Hades had returned. She had domiciled herself in our original State Dining Room, empty for eons and necessitous of, contemporary paintwork, furniture, carpets and curtains. The lady lived unusually quietly, unobtrusively, reading and jotting down copious notes. T'was likely a royal decree outlining the choices she had compiled as Empress designate of these Isles of Hades of the rules, regulations, and the laws of her lands.... Unbeknownst to her, there existed a court, an International Court of supreme judgement and power. The judges who sat and debated round the clock were, the elite of an already elite group of minds. The Witch and the Wizard, the Unicorn, too, paid an expeditious visit to their Chambers on a formation of Lenticular clouds. The judges returned with them, traveling fleetly. They arrived in a nanosecond, strode purposely through the garden and, approached the Empress Faerie in thunderous silence. The impact of their stares, the sensation of being punched, must surely have caused the imperious one to rethink her decisions. It did not?! The wind gusted to tsunami level, the lightening blinded the judges, the thunder exploded, the rain hyperbolied to hail. The lawn became a lake, the garden emptied save by the Ghosts, the ghostly Wolves and Wolverines, the Owl and the Flower Faeries, under wraps!! Such was the intensity, the force of the storm that the Empress Witch was swept through the garden and the wood to the overflowing pond , wherein she was drowned. No magick, no tricks could outwit that story's ending.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
5th "WORKSHOP WEEKEND" (continues) A morning walk, before extensive creativity erupts! |
|
 |
||
But beware . . . . , as you never quite know what will happen when you return to the studio and the magic garden . . . . ! |
||
|
The
Pixies felt pixilated, the Imps felt downsized. And all for the sake of the Elves self-aggrandising egos.... The self-denigrating section of these multi-faceted characters, mooched around the garden, shoulders hunched, noses pointed south as they stared at the grass. The Flower Faeries flew above them whispering kind words and blowing sweet nothings to be heard solely through their ears. The Unicorn stood quietly awaiting his grooming. Today, he had been promised Emerald, Rhine stone and Diamond mane and tail decorations and a delicate violet, body wash to provide a background to this "Bella figura." The Dragon breathed scorn upon the Unicorn's choices and demanded a skin cloak of tangerine sparkles. The Flower Faeries obliged and the Witch approved. The Wizard cast a spell especially designed to provide a lasting memory in the diverse minds of the garden's Fantastical Fantasy creatures.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
4th "WORKSHOP WEEKEND (back to work)" The creative binge continues; making books. It is important to seal the inside of the spine area. This gives added strength and security to the bend of the book. http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm |
|
 |
||
Up to out necks in workload, but, we have help coming again! Well, maybe . . . . ! |
||
|
The
river in full spate, after a night of high wind, donner und blizen!! The Toad, the Water Rat, a vole and the Frog, hopped and skipped and á la Fantasy creature mode, performed Austrian dances, slapping their thighs and heels all the while clasping the straps of their imaginary lederhosen with imaginary thumbs?! The Witch banged her cauldron, the Flower Faeries sang, as did the birds of Rhiannon, the crows, the Imps and the Pixies. The Ogre drummed his feet, the Owl locked his Tree house door and the Magician played his violin and the Elves rattled their tambourines. The Imps and the Pixies, morning exercises in mind, practised summersaults, cartwheels, back flips and, as their grand finale, performed whizz bang gymnastics and a Wheel barrow race?! The audience clapped and hooted, shouted encouragement, Olé! The crescendo? A crimson curtain of velvet drew together, swish, swirl. And, the Wizard's forgetful friend hit the high note, with a roll of his Spanish castanets?!.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
3rd "WORKSHOP WEEKEND" (momentarily interrupted) He's back . . . . We give-in. We accept. He is now a permanent resident. So . . . we need to be sure, what Squirrels eat! |
|
 |
||
Nuts, seeds, grains and fruit, more workload - no squabbling please! |
||
|
The
Queen of the Witches and the Queen of the Wood were at each other's throat, as the saying doth go. They had both declared vehemently that their roles were culturally diverse, though mutually complementary. This hypothesis has proved absolutely counter factual, unquestionably incorrect.... The Unicorn had this minute touched down upon the lawn, his mane and tail matted, his coat covered with mud. The Flower Faeries were mystified, dumbstruck. Whizzing through Space doesn't cannot produce that result.... Out came extra utensils, extra articles to wash, brush, groom him to perfection. Both the Queen of the Witches and the Queen of the Wood watched them throughout, back to back. The Elves, Imps and Pixies they failed to note, were creeping ever closer. To do what? The they huddled until a scrum, soon formulated a plan, and, returned to their "quarters" to collect their peashooters, their mandolins, their out of tune violins and their guitars, banjos, drums and spoons. Surrounding the royal personages, they let rip with a vengeance, and this brought to an end the regal dispute. Unintended bi-product.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
2nd "WORKSHOP WEEKEND CONTINUES" A weekend creative binge, still making books. I LOVE making books! http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm |
|
 |
||
Up to out necks in workload, but, we have help! Well, maybe . . . . ! |
||
|
If
the Flower Faeries omitted one task from their routine, they tied a knot in their ringlets and wrapped the knot in a Faerie kerchief. The youngest of the garden Faeries, immersed in having fun, forgot and forgot - and put aside duties as boring.... She and the Dragon, the Unicorn and ? were playing static catch me if you can in the airless confines of Black Space, anti-gravitational, resistant to movement - who knows. A creature drifted by them, weirdly weird in form. It resembled long ago ancestors of the magick snail, with potato and cray fish eye stalks, and sharp claws. They followed the creature 'cross Black Space and White Space, 'til drawn into a Black Hole and from thence to our Fantasy garden.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
1st "WORKSHOP WEEKEND" A weekend making books. I never tire of maing books! http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_books.htm |
|
 |
||
Up to our necks in workload, but, we have help! Well, maybe . . . . ! |
||
|
Bless their
cotton socks, the Elves had sorted out how to jimmy open the new locks on the doors, thus by passing the need to steal a key and a copy? The Weasel and Stoat and the Water Rat kept a weather eye open on their nefarious deeds. However. T'was near impossible to check even their most hurtful tricks and nasty comments. The Witch and the Wizard, too, had tried by magick spells to block them. For a wee while they desisted. Then, back they came for more. The Flower Faeries had learned to settle elsewhere within the garden on the days when it was obvious that they were up to no good. The Ogre paid too little attention to know when they had plotted some caper to bamboozle him with. He was easy prey and consequently, he was ever short tempered and more often than not, the flashpoint was reached quickly and it boiled over - cave canem. And then? Woe betide the other residents in this Fantasy garden. Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| April | ||
| |
30th "LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE" Spring issue LIVE - NOW! http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net |
|
 |
||
| |
||
| |
29th "A NEW CHALLENGE" New commission started. The Queen of The Wood. Initialisation concept (thumbnail sketch). |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
28th "SPRING ISSUE" Grrrrrrrr ! http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
27th "! ! !" He's back. What part of "it is for feeding the birds" does he not get? |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
26th "SPRING ISSUE" Expaaaaaaandiiiiiing ! http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net |
|
 |
||
|
|
||
|
25th "THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO" The constant contrast of . . . . The Stretton Hills. Visual magic. |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
24th "SPRING ISSUE" With a slightly wider genre streeeeeeeetch ! http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net |
|
 |
||
|
|
||
|
23rd "STUDIO VISITOR" A new visitor to the daily wildlife food table. Modifications needed (to attract small birds back). |
|
 |
||
|
|
||
|
22nd "SPRING ISSUE" Out now. http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net |
|
 |
||
|
|
||
| |
21st "THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO" Snow!. On the Stretton Hills. Spring ? |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
20th "AN AFTERNOON WALK WITH THE PAINTBOX" Something a bit different this issue http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_stretton.htm http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_wildscapes.htm http://www.peterandrewjones.net/shop_inventory_books.htm |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
19th "A MORNING WALK WITH THE PAINTBOX" Something a bit different this issue http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_stretton.htm http://www.peterandrewjones.net/shop_inventory_books.htm |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
18th "NEARLY THAT TIME AGAIN" Something a bit different this issue http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net Time to get the spring edition of the quarterly magazine together . . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
17th "NEARLY THAT TIME AGAIN" http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_myths-rhiannon.htm Time to get the quarterly magazine together . . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
16th "MEGA DRAWINGS NEWS" http://www.peterandrewjones.net/drawings-5.htm Scanning for this month's newsletter ended (at least for this issue) . . . . . More next time. April's newsletter coming shortly. Sign-up here > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
15th "MEGA DRAWINGS NEWS" http://www.peterandrewjones.net/drawings-4.htm Scanning continues . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
14th "MEGA DRAWINGS NEWS" http://www.peterandrewjones.net/drawings-3.htm Scanning continues . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
13th "MEGA DRAWINGS NEWS" http://www.peterandrewjones.net/drawings-2.htm Scanning continues . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
12th "MEGA DRAWINGS NEWS" http://www.peterandrewjones.net/drawings.htm Still . . . . working on scanning . . . . . of selection of drawings for upcoming newsletter. |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
11th THE STUDIO GUARDIANS Spring awakens them - their task? To defend the studio & The Magic Garden against harsh winds . . . . And welcome the sun! |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
10th THE VIEW AROUND THE STUDIO On the way to Shrewsbury |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
9th "(MORE) BLOOD MONEY" 0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO Blog continuation from by Pedro Panhoca, Brazil. Enjoy his full blog @ http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_solarwind.htm Blood Money has an interesting
fact: later it´d inspire the development of Lemmings, another classic
game of the last century.Cover art and art of some products
were created by Peter Andrew Jones. The same art used on it may be seen
in the cover art of the book called Protector (1973) by Larry Niven,
who we´ll review after some months, and Solar Wind, which we have
previously reviewed.I leave here one of the most
remarkable artworks of Peter Andrew Jones to receive its’ deserved
compliments, just as the Blood Money game did. A happy union between a
wonderful cover art and a fun game that never fails to be good for a
nostalgia. |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
8th "BLOOD MONEY" 0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO Blog by Pedro Panhoca, Brazil. Enjoy his full blog @ http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_solarwind.htm Blood
Money is a shoot´em up game developed by DMA Design. It was released by
Psygnosis in 1989 for Amiga, Atari and MS-DOS, and in 1990 for the
Commodore 64. The game was commercially successful getting some good
feedback as “the second best Amiga game”, “the best 80's Amiga Game”,
“the second best shoot 'em up game of 1990”, “brilliant graphics”,
“[one of] the most challenging and technically perform shoot' em ups”,
“attractive”, “best designed and most fluidly animated”, “absolutely
Impressive”, “[belonging] in a class of its own”, “excellent
[soundtrack]” and sold more than 40,000 copies.The
game has four different phases – all of them too long - in which
players have to attack the enemies and defeat the "big bosses",
strongly inspired by the famous Heli (1987). The game happens both
vertically and vertically, and some dead enemies give to the player the
"bloody money", that have to be spent on items found in equipment
stores throughout the game, like guns that shoot diagonally, fire
lasers, bombs, get shields, or extra lives. The player is Spondulix,
who longs to go to an "Alien Safari". The four missions correspond to
the safaris, the Gibba, Grone, Shreek and Snuff planets and all cost
between 100 and 400 credits. In Gibba, for example, the player pilots a
helicopter. Each of the planets has its own enemies and landscape. |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
8th "MEGA DRAWINGS NEWS" BIG . . . . selection of drawings in upcoming newsletter. Now being put together . . . + big website upload coming too. Mega! |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
7th "FAREWELL NANTWICH" (En Plein Air Trip concludes) The River Weaver in Nantwich, also known as the Welsh Row Bridge and formerly the Welsh Bridge. Originally crossed by ford, near possibly the site of a Norman castle with evidence of a Roman trackway running nearby, the first references to a bridge is in 1398 and known as the Wich Bridge (or Wiche / Wych) being a timber structure on which stood St Ann's Chapel and a priest would have said prayers for the safety of travelers on payment of a fee. (Wikipedia - edited) |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
6th "ALWAYS CARRY A SKETCHBOOK!" Always, always, always (that means always) carry a sketchbook. |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
5th "MERMAID & DRAGON?" Or maybe, a Wyvern? St Mary's Church - Nantwich Misericord. Quote > A misericord (sometimes named mercy seat) when the seat is folded up, acts as a shelf to support a person in a partially standing position during long periods of prayer. (extract - Wikipedia) |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
4th "A MAGIC DOOR" St Mary's Church - Nantwich Seen on a day research trip. |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
3rd "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" Again, the plaque says it all . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
2nd "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" The plaque says it all . . . . . Nothing is permanent, except change. |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
1st "AND DO YOU KNOW . . . . ?" Well, I don't know . . . . . ? St Mary's Church in the market town of Nantwich, Cheshire, England features intricately carved wooden canopies over the choir stalls with 20 misericords at the back of the stalls. But - what, exactly, does this one refer to . . . . . ? |
|
 |
||
|
||
| March | ||
|
31st "SPRING IS COMING" Signs of spring whilst on a drawing trip to Nantwich. St. Mary's Church, just off the main square. So, spring is definitely coming . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
|
30th "WEBBY WEDNESDAY!" Core Website update > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/iacg.htm |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
29th "1644" (discovered on painting expedition to Nantwich) Plaque found on town square bench . . . . . . . Always fascinated to discover . . . . how much of one's own country's history one is ignorant of ! |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
28th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" Interesting painting(?) at St Mary's Church in Nantwich . . . . . . . Unable, so far, to determine origins or find any information on same. |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
27th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" Historic dignitaries at St Mary's Church in Nantwich . . . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
26th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" Yet more intriguing sculpture at St Mary's Church in Nantwich . . . . . . . |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
25th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" Dragons, Wyverns or . . . . . ? St Mary's Church is the market town of Nantwich, Cheshire, England features intricately carved wooden canopies over the choirstalls with 20 misericords at the back of the stalls. |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
24th "SPACE IN SPACE" Recent scanned painting uploaded to web archive > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa106.htm |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
23rd "CONVERGENCE" Recent scanned painting uploaded to web archive > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa148.htm |
|
 |
||
|
||
| |
22nd "EXPERIMENT" ! It's just an experiment.. Maybe we'll explain it, at some point.. We're just digging into ideas for the future . . . . . |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, as we concentrate on creative digging others are contemplating different digging, outside in the magic studio garden . . . . |
||
| |
The
Faeries of the Herb garden were hoeing, digging, planting, fresh herbs for the Cook, the Witch, the Flower Faeries and themselves. "And what about the Faeries of the bushes, the woodlands, and the forest?" "Tough," was the They reply. "They are full well capable of the planting of their own." Within our own Fantastical world, "Beware the Ogre" had been printed upon transparent billboards, dotted about the garden and the closest bit of woodland.... These were of crown importance as, the Ogre had popped a knee and was more than ever wont to lose his temper, and take tumble upon tumble, sempre più frequentamente!! The Witch and the Wizard - and his most forgetful friend, were the only ones resistant to, an aggravated assault?! The Elves, the Imps and Pixies had done their darnedest to beat him at his "game" but, had suffered in the process and had retired, knocked off balance, cockeyed.... Peter & Debbie |
|
| |
||
|
21st "NEWSWEEK" This month's newsletter. "Snap Deals" for March on classic pieces - good for 30 days only. Get them before they're gone . . . . . http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, as we concentrate on scanning a warning has been issued to ensure we can, outside in the magic studio garden . . . . |
||
|
The atmosphere in the garden had settled down - at least, mellowed. The Witch had visibly unbent, a smile illumined her craggy features. The Elves, Imps and Pixies were splish splashing one another, as they raced up, down the garden steam. The Flower Faeries were listening to a story which explained the history of Fantasy beings, read by an ancient crone, a tiny, withered person, who, must once have been beautiful.... The spring sun rose ever higher in the translucent blue sky, while the Unicorn and Dragon soared overhead, then beat a retreat to the hills. At the appearance of the Cook, who bore left over food for the compost heap. She sang out a "Good morning," and threw the scraps upon the compost heap, and waddled indoors to prepare the breakfast. The Gremlin and the Goblin, wearing old-fashioned swim ware, dived into the pond and commenced their 50 widths of breast stroke and crawl for the day. Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
|
20th "NEWSWEEK" This month's newsletter. Your entry-level opportunity to hug an Alien. "Snap Deals" for March - good for 30 days only. http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, as we concentrate on scanning a warning has been issued to ensure we can, outside in the magic studio garden . . . . |
||
|
The
Witch had issued a warning: if you create bother or pandemonium within the garden .... beware. She had discussed with the Wizard what repercussions there'd be. Banishment and exile were the punishments decided upon. Tonight, their decision would be explained in terms understandable, and . . . . the addition added to those few laws on the etiquette acceptable within the garden. The Unicorn, the Gremlin, the Goblin, the Flower Faeries, the wood Faeries and the Dragon had nothing to fear. The Elves, Imps and Pixies, however, might consider seriously, minding their p's and q's.... The Queen of the Faeries, the Queen of the wood, their Lords Lieutenants of the Fantasy Kingdoms and the Officers of Law, were to be briefed and consulted as to how best to talk to the residents without causing a riot.... Wow!! Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
19th "NEWSWEEK" This month's newsletter. Get a new bodysuit and a decent ray gun. "Snap Deals" for March - good for 30 days only. http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm |
|
 |
||
Meanwhile, as we try to concentrate on scanning it was getting uncomfortably noisy outside in the magic studio garden . . . . |
||
| |
The
Ogre (increased) the decibels of his basso profondo voice. It echoed throughout the garden and for far beyond. The Unicorn whinnied and pawed the wet earth, the Elves, Imps and Pixies put their fingers in their ears. The Gremlin and the Goblin, well stocked and prepared, pulled ear plugs from their pockets and shoved them deeper than deep.... The Witch, casting spells, cauldron spewing magick, drew her Witch's hat down more firmly to drown out the noise.?! The Ogre paused for a brief moment, gasping for breath, and the Witch and the Wizard each grasped a wand. In stertorous tones, they chanted an ancient Pagan spell and the Ogre voice became muted, scarce discernible to the garden's Fantasy creatures.... Peter & Debbie |
|
|
||
| |
18th "NEWSDAY" This month's newsletter. "Snap Deals" for March - good for 30 days only. http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm |
|
 |
||
|
||
| 17th "THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO" Early morning walk. The Stretton Hills. Spring pastures! |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, back at the magic studio garden . . . . |
||
| A
Goblin hobo stepped through the garden gate. He was dressed in rags and torn boots, his hair was filthy and knotted. The residents of garden stopped and stared. Together they watched him approach, in silence or shuffling their damp feet uncomfortably.... The Witch disappeared - she felt t'would be a judicious move, cos smelly vagrants clothed in tatters were scarcely her favourite cup of tea!? The Wizard directed his magic carpet to remain hovering above the trees. The Unicorn cantered across the garden, through the wood to the fields beyond. The Flower Faeries fluttered through the breakfast room's open window, whereupon they settled upon the polished table, laid to perfection for the breakfast meal. The Gremlin and the Goblin banged on the kitchen door. Finding themselves ignored, they crawled post haste to the garden shed and, without hesitation, locked themselves in. The Dragon materialised overhead breathing fire, sharp claws extended. He hovered, wings spread fully, surrounded by clouds of white/grey smoke. The hobo Gremlin cried, "Gidday to you, friends. Canst thou assist me to wash, lend me a change of clothes and give me somefink to eat?" The Flower Faeries, unable to brush and groom the Unicorn, instead went to his aid, wearing nosepegs and protective gloves. He was fed by the Witch, hosed down by the Goblin and, this accomplished, was permitted to sleep in the glass house, upon dry straw and an old blanket.... Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
| 16th "THE COOL WAR" Recent upload > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa243.htm |
||
 |
||
|
||
| 15th "SUN SOARERS" Recent upload > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa149.htm |
||
 |
||
|
||
| 14th "WINTER (ISSUE) PASSING . . . " Utterly, completely, totally, absolutely mega-last chance . . . . . . . . . to get your copy! |
||
 |
||
| |
||
| 13th "RED SKY MORNING" They say > "Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning" - but it was in fact a beautiful day, yesterday, first real spring-like day. |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, it was looking colourful outside in the magic studio garden . . . . |
||
| The
Head Gardener was going full throttle, his orders flying in all directions. His under gardener assistants could scarce remember one from t'other.... The Elves were hid within the glass house, being personae non gratae, underlined, with him?! The Wizard, aboard his magic carpet, hovered invisibly overhead. The Unicorn and "the garden" Dragon were out of sight beyond the wood. The Witch had, likewise, shrouded herself in a cloak of unseeability. The Flower Faeries flew through the wood, returning via mid-morning tea with their friends the wood Faeries. The Head Gardener had, by then, concluded his rants. A heavy mist had descended, out of which in menacing fashion, the ghostly Wolves and Wolverines approached, jaws a lather. Surrounding the Head Gardener, they moved closer 'til, sudden aware, the Head Gardener turned on his heels and strode into the kitchen garden.... Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
| 12th "SOLAR SUNDAY" http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_solarwind-2.htm SOLAR WIND Volume 2. Now totally, completely, fully, up and running. |
||
 |
||
|
||
| 11th "SOMETHING DIFFERENT DAY 2" http://churchstretton.info A painting in response to a morning walk. It's that time of year again! |
||
 |
||
|
||
| 10th "SOMETHING DIFFERENT DAY" http://churchstretton.info Constructing a local website (just for fun). If you are local, and have something you want listed, get in touch! |
||
 |
||
|
||
| 9th "DAY OFF DAY" One of several sculpted faces on Shrewsbury rail station. I can find no information about same anywhere. If anyone knows, please get in touch. |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Back at the magic studio garden . . . . |
||
| The
Mole, the Toad and the Water Rat were en route to the Annual Art Fair, where hung paintings by the varied and various garden creatures, themselves from both Fantasy and Science Fiction.... The way to this Exhibition was bumper to bumper with Exhibitors and visitors. The Witch had invited a number of friends, the Flower Faeries were guests of the Queen of the Faeries. The Unicorn bore the elder Elf on his sturdy back and the "lesser" Elves - and Imps and Pixies strode briskly at the Unicorn's side. The evening light glowed bewitchingly, the breeze stirred the grass, the bushes and the leaves upon the trees. The Queen of the wood and the Queen of the Witches arrived no end later. Few creatures saw them. T'was time to go home.... Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
| 8th "PREP DAY for H&V 2" "THE CURSE OF NAAR" Final completed scanning - - for insertion into HEROES & VILLAINS volume 2. Design & editorial now in final stages . . . . . |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the scanning room . . . . |
||
| The
premier exhibit was an enormous canvas, the image depicted was a fantastical abstract. The visitors descended like foxes upon sheep. Knee deep they, every on, sought to view that most "premier" of paintings. At the end of the day the staff were exhausted, the visitors departed well satisfied and happy.... The Toad, the Mole and the Water Rat went to tea with the Witch, the Stoat, the Weasel and the Ogre. The Flower Faeries, the wood Faeries, the Ghosts and Spectres, let the wintery breeze waft them where 'er it t'would carry them. The Unicorn flew westward t'ward the setting sun and the Wizard soared high and headed to the hills, the plains beyond, to the sea.... Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
7th "THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO TODAY" Sunrise wanes, becomes the day. Soon, there will be flecks of white upon Hazler Hill. Not snow; Sheep! |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the studio . . . . |
||
| The
wood was awash with windswept rain. The trees bent asunder, their weaker branches torn from hold. Ianira and Hecate, hid, holding their breath, in the far reaches of a hole sunk fathomless in the lawn. The Witch was in the stables, wrapped close in heavy cloak, lying upon straw, fresh laid yesterday. The horses were restive, edgy, unsleeping. The Elves, Imps and Pixies sat wide-eyed and silent. In the wood, the Witches were huddled together, clothed in Witch-style raincoats, sou'westers and shoes of water reeds and water lilies. The Flower Faeries had vanished. None knew, nor cared where they were hid. The Toad, Mole and Water Rat had taken residence in the greenhouse and the Ogre lay drenched to the skin, in his bed beyond the wood. Jeepers, creepers, ah me ! Egad.... Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
| 6th "THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO THIS MORNING" To say the weather is "changeable" would be an understatement! But light floods-in from the south. So, spring is coming . . . . . |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the studio . . . . |
||
| The
Elves had gone a hiking, the Imps were fishing. The Pixies were still abed, a long sleep was required!! The Ogre had fled the garden. His temper had overreached itself and his fellow residents had down on him like a ton of bricks.... The Flower Faeries were soothing a nervous, high-strung Unicorn, who had encountered a sworn enemy late last night, whilst traversing the outer reaches of space at a gallop. The Witch had concocted a drinkable by Unicorns beverage. This would be offered when the time was right!! The Dragon swept through the low- hanging clouds above, descended, came into land and toppled over. It became apparent that something had gone yaw ways, catawampus with his left leg and foot. The Witch called a doctor by telepathy. He arrived quickly, diagnosed a fractured, bound the leg and foot and announced that the Dragon must do nothing 'cept rest.... There would, for sometime, be scarce room for the others?! Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
| 5th "LONE WOLF - THE CURSE OF NAAR" From the UK edition. Final stage of scanning - ready for upload. |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the scanning room . . . . |
||
|
||
|
||
| 4th "OUTSIDE THE STUDIO" Very cold, very crispy, very white! Ostara struggling still . . . . . |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the scanning room . . . . |
||
|
||
|
||
| 3rd "A CURSED SCAN" Again, just joking. This is stage two of scanning "The Curse of Naar". |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the scanning room . . . . |
||
|
||
|
||
| 2nd "OSTARA STILL STRUGGLING" The view from the studio. Just when Spring is beckoning, Winter still bares its teeth! |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the scanning room . . . . |
||
|
||
|
||
| 1st "A CURSED SCAN" No, just joking. This is stage one of scanning "The Curse of Naar". The UK edition. |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the scanning room . . . . |
||
| The
arrival of my sister in her Aston Martin, caused discretion in the ranks of Elves, Imps, and Pixies. The majority wanted to mar the look of it, began scratching the paintwork, and muddying the Windows, the Elf, Imp, and Pixie "Elders" demanded they stop.... The Witch was summoned forthwith, to eradicate the damage by magic. The appropriate spell was cast, and, the Elders' sense of fair play was restored. The Owl slept, the Gnome lit his pipe, the Flower Faeries carried on with grooming the Unicorn. From over the stile, the Goblin loomed, chased by a much-enraged Ogre?! Good gracious me....! Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
| February | ||
| 28th "OSTARA APPROACHES" Very, very, very etc etc last chance to get your Legendary Art Magazine for this quarter. |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the editorial room . . . . |
||
| Every
one of the strange beasts which had visited the garden was present this morning for a sort of "get together." As the morning progressed, tempers frayed and tore, and at midday precisely, the fights commenced.... No one of the beasts sustained calamitous injury. Nevertheless, the grass was torn from the earth, flowers uprooted, bushes shorn of their leaves. The dogs had gone out for their morning exercise, the cats were searching for a morsel other than mice. The fight threw both dogs and cats into a stew and the racket was atrocious. The Cook issued forth from the kitchen in high dudgeon, wielding her rolling pin and shaking her fist. Such was the sound of her voice on the wind that, the fighting stopped and the creatures vanished - into thin air?! Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
| 27th "OSTARA ON THE HORIZON" Depending on your location/Hemisphere the Spring Equinox (Ostara) can be March 20th/21st/22nd 1 March 2017 is the first day of the meteorological spring 20 March 2017 is the first day of the astronomical spring. So . . . . Very last chance to get your Legendary Art Magazine for this quarter. Spring/Ostara beckoning . . . . . |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the editorial room . . . . |
||
| The
Willow tree Faerie and the Faerie of Fruit trees were off on a jaunt in Faerie hot air balloon. The Ogre had tried to reach up and grab it, however, a gust of wind whisked it beyond and well above his hammy hand. The Witch told him off, denied him his repast, lest he behave like a gentleman and not like a thug?! He was suitably chastised and sat down with a thump, asked most courteously for his groundsheet, rugs and repast. The Flower Faeries rallied round to assist with preparations. The Unicorn waited and waited and awaited, his brushing down and grooming, until he decided to fly away to a land where he was never forgot.... Peter & Debbie |
||
|
||
| 26th "UPLOAD SUNDAY" "The Faerie Queen" The Painting here > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa548.htm The Book here > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_myths-faeries.htm From an area not that far from the studio . . . . . . |
||
 |
||
Meanwhile, Outside the editorial room . . . . |
||
| The
Unicorn had foregone a night galloping through space, instead, headed to Pluto at an easy pace. The Owl had made a promise to himself that, he'd let the good times roll and take a joy ride to the moon upon the back of the Unicorn.... Perhaps to celebrate the Summer Solstice when, the days were light like candy floss and the nights were After Eights!! The Ogre dreamed of "other" places where the dew lay on the grass and, the Faeries treated him like gold dust and, he'd been (allotted) a personal manservant.... In times not yet arrived, these things would come about. In this Fantasy Kingdom, the mysteries of Magick worked untold wonders, brought untold treats to every creature, whether naughty, nasty, good, bad or both!! Peter & Debbie |
||
| |
||
| 25th "UPLOAD DAY" "The Reluctant Wyvern" The Painting here > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa546.htm The Book here > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_myths-faeries.htm From an area not that far from the studio . . . . . . |
||
Meanwhile,
Outside the editorial room . . . .
| A
Bingo Gala was underway in these twilight hours of a warming spring day. The Owl was calling the numbers in his inimitable fashion. Some comprehended his accent, sustained the rhythm he set. Others were left far behind, having understood - zilch.... The Flower Faeries ignored the Gala's supposed attraction. The Toad, Stoat and Water Rat were guests of the Mermaid. The Elves, Imps and Pixies had tooken most of the seats and the Ogre was too massive to take a seat at all?! Twilight drifted into darkness. Candles were lit and, the Witch and the Wizard offered Faerie wine and snacks. The repast completed, the Fantasy night creatures wandered in to the whispering, mystical, magickal garden.... Peter & Debbie |
24th"FRETFUL FRIDAY"WINTER (petering out . . .)Last copies getting
shipped out now . . . . . .get
your
Legendary Art Magazine for this quarter.Spring issue bubbling
under
and beckoning . . . . .
Meanwhile,
Outside the editorial room . . . .
| The Wizard's magick carpet had
been stolen, somehow? He was fearsomely angered, but the carpet would not mind. Familiarity with its routes had bred boredom, disillusion. An unknown destination was the carpet's wish. The Unicorn and the Dragon blew in on the wind, the Unicorn to be "re-styled," the Dragon to be hosed down. The Flower Faeries had decided upon the look they were after. Every fixin was in its place. There was more in their stock room. The Ogre clocked in a smidgeon earlier than was usual. Today, however, the Witch had organised his bedding, his breakfast, and hot drink. The Gremlin had departed upon a voyage to the Land of Crux Millennium. The Goblin was sailing to the Isles of Times Past. The Elves, Imps and Pixies were assembled in the kitchen garden, undergoing a lesson in Elfin Tai Chi, to be followed by a yoyo competition.... Peter & Debbie |
23rd"THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY""WINTER CLOSING . . .
."Very last chance to get
your
Legendary Art Magazine for this quarter.Spring issuebubbling under
and beckoning . . . . .
Meanwhile,
Outside the editorial room . . . .
The garden had been chopped up,
ploughed and furrowed bythe acrobatic gymnastics of Hells
Angels aboard their muscular
motorbikes....The Ogre, the Flower Faeries, the
Goblin and the Gremlin,were sat on the lower branches of
the Oak tree - the audience?!The Ogre was uncomfortable.Fiddle-de-dee....Too tall to dodge the higher
branches,too heavy, too clumsy, to avoid discomfort, minor accidents,scratches or bruises.The Witch stood serene, stirring
her cauldron,every so often, sniggering, every
so often cackling.Magick spells swirled on the
breeze.The magick potion frothed.The Unicorn dropped anchor and,beside the garden gate,the Elves, Imps and Pixies assembled for an expedition to the
market -carrying knapsacks and thumb
sticks.The Dragon was seen, skirting the
garden.Too cumbersome, too gigantic, to
cause aught but bother. Morning flowed into afternoon,
afternoon into evening.Night fell andthe Fantasy night creatures
lollygagged into the garden....Peter & Debbie22nd"NEARLY END OF WINTER
. . . ."Last chance to get your
Legendary Art Magazine for tis quarter.Spring issue on the design
drawing board right now . . . . .
Meanwhile,
Outside the editorial room . . . .
An old-fashioned Gremlin dressed
in leatherentered the garden, sporting plus
fours and gaiters.The Witch was impressed, the
Flower Faeries, too.The Elves, Imps and Pixies ignored
him for they were with it?!The Gremlin, whose close friend
the old-fashioned gentleman was, greeted him warmly and they sat
down to talk.The Ogre chose this moment to
trundle grouchily to his resting place,paying no attention to anything or
anybody else.Breathing a sigh, his face
darkened in anger.The groundsheet and blankets had
not yet been arranged, neither had his breakfast been
prepared.He threw himself Dow on the sodden
grass,kicked his shoes off and threw
them anywhere.They hit the Gremlins four square
in the face.They leapt to their feet and
without more to do,hailed the newly arrived Dragon
and demanded he give them what for.The Dragon breathed fire, lashed
the Ogre with his tail and,that was the end of the Ogre's
daily sleep under the Oak....Peter & Debbie21st"TERRIFFIC TUESDAY""COOLING
OFF
. . . ."Last chance to get your
Legendary Art Magazine for this quarter.Spaceshps, Monsters,
Wtches, Gremlins, Godesses and . . . . .How DO we do it ? ! ?
Meanwhile,
Outside the editorial room . . . .
Will o the Wisp was studying a map
of the world - a world of humans and that of
myths.The Witch came to join him and
opened her manual on the world of magick and
fantastical creatures.Both deeply absorbed, neither saw
nor heard, the approach of a swashbuckling
Musketeer of times past.He arrived with a swirl of his
recherché cloak,sword in hand, plumbed hat upon
head and,gauntlets of leather protecting
transparent hands.The Flower Faeries disbanded,
discomposed and confused.The Elves, Imps and Pixies stood
transfixed,rooted to the spot.The Ogre emerged from the dark,
gloomy wood.Noticing nothing, he crossed the
grass and blundered straight into the Musketeer.The Wizard, upon his magick carpet,coasted down and landed,just in time to prevent a sword
fight....Peter & Debbie20th"MOODLIN' MONDAY"
(It's Bostin)Trip (3 days off!) to
Birmingham.Just down the hill, from
the Bull Ring, Birmingham, England is this
Statue of Horatio Nelson by Richard Westmacott, RA (1775–1856).Love the
composition!
Meanwhile,
Back at the studio . . . .
An Ogre Spectacular?!A modernistic, cutting edge,
Fashion Show and Art Exhibition....The Flower Faeries, the Wood
Faeries, the Faerie designer of high-end
clothes and the Witch,had spent hours and days
arranging the 2-day extravaganza in
minute detail.The Ogre, bless his cotton socks, couldn't get his head around the
news
and, denied access to his bed space
underneath the Oak, stomped
wrathfully through the wood, hitting trees to left and right....So overwrought was he that, the
path along which he cleaved was marked
by extra-heavy footprints, carved deep into the earth....Peter & Debbie19th"SLOWDOWN SUNDAY"Trip (3 days off!) to
Birmingham.Went to see the
Staffordshire Hoard & The PreRapaelites collection.And . . . this
sculpture in the
central fountain to the Square is by Artist
Dhruva Mistry titled "The River".
Meanwhile
Back at the studio . . . .
The Elves were off to visit
Krakow, magickal city - and -with a Dragon, or dragons resident!!The garden Dragon had been there to holiday with an Uncle, an Aunt, 6 cousins and a
step-sister....He recommended the city, the surrounding landscapes he
sighed over.He described the ghosts, the breathing gargoyles and the simmering atmosphere.He warned of the olden times
ghosts who did not like Fantasy
creatures....The Witch had, earlier, ridden
otherwhere,upon the back of a saddleless,
reinless, Unicorn.The Wizard swept into the garden,
swore, and without a clue as to which
direction the Unicorn had taken, he commanded of the carpet - "Go
thata way."The Flower Faeries floated upon
the air currents, flitted round the garden and,
without more ado, flew through the low clouds to
take the sun and settle to rest....Peter & Debbie18th"SELECTIVE SATURDAY
(News)"Further books newshttp://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htmThis month's newsletter.
Meanwhile,
Outside the newsroom . . . .
The Faerie of Wisteria was filing her nails,pomading her hair with a light film of gold powder.Her costume of violet petals, pink spiderwebs of gossamer, slippers of thin tree bark, a Faerie cap of snowdrops,left the Flower Faeries envious, or the equivalent thereof....The Elves clustered round, the Pixies pressed forward, the Imps squeezed themselves into the crowd of curious garden
dwellers and craned their necks to obtain a
clearer view.The Ogre stopped short of his bed
beneath the Oak."Where ist the Witch, my day bed
and my breakfast?"The Witch had received an urgent summons from a witch's
covenresident in the Land of Magickal
Gobstoppers.She had seized her broomstick, her hat and magick wand and had flown by the speed of light to
their aid.The Ogre, he was told, must (put up with) Faerie grub.His drink would be orange tea, not sweet pear wine....The Unicorn whinnied, snorted, implying that he felt left out.The Flower Faeries had forgot to groom him this morning?!Peter & Debbie17th"NEWSDAY"Further books newshttp://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htmThis month's newsletter.
Meanwhile,
Outside the newsroom . . . .
The Mermaid was bathingin the frigid water of the
woodland pond.The fish swam at the nethermost
depth of the pond.Purblindly, the Mole, Toad and the Water Rat dived in - to win a bet?!By a hairbreadth, the Mermaid avoided being drowneded?!The Witch was washing her laundry in one of her divers cauldrons.The Wizard had added his dirty clothes to the pile.The Witch stirred the magick soap and glared.It passed all common sense to leave to others chores you could do for yourself.The Flower Faeries were grooming -
and brushing down the Unicorn.Today, the embellishments would
include pink, white and red ribbons, with silver glitter in mane and
tail....The Ogre had decided that he, too,
required "up grading," andbadgered the Flower Faeries to
design and throw together a suitable
outfit to wear.One that would not kablooey and wrinkle as he slept on the
grass?!The Elves, Imps and Pixies lay sprawled upon the lawn.Woken early by the Owl whoop whooping,they had postponed until laterthe tricks and ballyhoo they had formulated.The ghostly Werewolves and
Wolverines, Ghosts and Spectres sashayed
through the garden on their way to the hills.The garden routine continued till the Elves let rip with their maelstrom of
naughtinesses....Peter & Debbie16th"NEWSDAY"http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htmThis month's newsletter.Books news
Meanwhile,
Outside the newsroom . . . .
Clever Clarissa, the prodigal
Faerie, of braininess supreme and an extravagantly wide range of
Honours results, was due to fly off to the Fantasy
Land University.Which subjects she'd study, being proficient in so many, wasfor the garden residents to take
bets on and Clarissa to chose....The Witch scoffed and sniffed.Of what use was education?She had lived through untold
centuries and still and all, was learning
something new each hour, everyday....?!The Ogre had been "excluded"when he was only 6 years old, and had put book learning and life learning out of his mind.The Elves, Imps and Pixies didn't give a stuff and,the Unicorn, the Weasel, the Toad and the Water Rat.... and the rest,were busy enough co-habiting to ride herd upon?!Peter & Debbie15th"NEWSDAY"http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htmThis month's newsletter.Last chance for this
quarter's Magazine Issueand . . .Books news
Meanwhile,
Outside the newsroom . . . .
"Y'all must know that I am here -forever and ay," drawled the eastern cottontail, a mere commoner among the Fantasy creatures in the garden and worse, he was real?!The Witch spun her magick wand, chanted a spell and, topple up
tail,the cottontail vanished, tore-appear momentarily, mystifyingly mystical....The Unicorn and garden residents welcomed him kindheartedly, cordially.The Ogre warned him: "Steer clear of the dogs, the cats and Elves, Imps and Pixies. Emphasis on Elves!"Peter & Debbie14th"TERRIFIC TUESDAY (on
Monday)"Even we have a day off
(well, kind of).A day in Shrewsbury.Well, it was Valentine's
Day after all.OK, well thruth is, it
became Valentine's week.So we got a bit behind
with blogging.:)
Meanwhile,
away from the battlements,
and back at the studio . . . .
The Elves, Imps and Pixies - or those so inclined - were being put through their paces
by an instructor of body building.The instructor was a tartar, push, push, push, push.Even the Elves found themselves wilting under the hammer.The Unicorn watched as he munched upon the grass.The Flower Faeries watched and waited for the "end of
innings" bell.It was indubitable, obvious, that their ministrations would be
called for!!The Witch assembled an après class
snack, the emphasis she placed, fair and square on drinks....The instructor was, at long last, winding down to relaxation.Collapsing in a heap, the participants closed their eyes.A hush descended, soft snores were heard - then,"Drinks and a snack are ready for everyone of you, should you
wish."Bouncing to their feet, the Elves, the Imps and Pixies,with one accord fell over
themselves to be first in the queue....Peter & Debbie13th"MOODLING MONDAY"Sometimes, if drawing gets
demanding, coffee is needed.But I didn't think I
looked _that_ stressed?!(my thanks to Alex at Mr.
Buns the Baker in Church Stretton for the Coffee).:)
And,
Back at the frozen studio . . . .
Astronomical had been the tempest which had raged yesternight.The windows of the house rattled
and moaned.The doors blew shut or blew open in concert with the currents of
wind.The fires ceased to smoulder, the mice stayed firmly within the
relative safety of their mouse holes in the
wainscots.No matter how long the cat lay determined to catch his lunch,he was thwarted and his temper
smoking, he scratched both dogs and bit the
Cook?!The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies
had taken residence in the Library.Even without the wood fire blazing,the room was warmly hot....The Cook had promised to feed the assembled company at mid-morning break, lunch, tea
and supper.The Witch and the Wizard were sheltered in the wine cellar.They tasted not a drop from the
bottles of wine in the racks.The Flower Faerie wines, sans rien
doute, surpassed them in quality....Peter & Debbie12th"SNOWY SUNDAY"The view (of the
surrounding countryside) from the studio. . . . .Just appreciating the day
. . .
And,
Outside the frozen studio . . . .
The sun was shining.You could almost pretend that,a smidgeon of heat was permeating
the garden....The Ogre and the Gremlin, the Goblin and the Dragon werereclining before a wood fire, built and lit by the Wizard.He and the Witch had flown south
for the day, to spend time with the Witches of the City of London.They were journeying by magick
carpet to attract attention, turn heads.To awe those workers who, did little other than commute....The Flower Faeries were brushing
down the Unicorn.They had much to accomplish, for they wished to achieve theselfsame portrait of perfection that they had seen yesterday.They had been resting on a cloud betwixt the grey cold below and the azure blue of the sky up above.As they sat in silence, a Unicorn appeared,of variegated blue, brown coat, deep blue mane and tail.Its mane and tail had been
embroidered with Opals and Sapphires.The Unicorn stood patiently for, give or take, one half hour,after which he became fretful, made it plain he must go....End of Faerie tale.Peter & Debbie 11th"SNOWY SATURDAY"The view (of the
surrounding countryside) from the studio. . . . .Just appreciating the day
. . . 
And,
Outside the frozen studio . . . .
The Ghosts were converging upon
the house.Its history drew them from every
century in time.The ghostly Wolves and Wolverinesintermingled with them, assessing which were "acceptable,"
and which had been hunters.The Elves, Imps and Pixies were
bathing in the garden pond, splishing and
splashing and shivering with icy cold.The Flower Faeries were sitting way up high in the Oak tree.Below them, the Owl was locked in his house, where no sound penetrated.The Owl could sleep deep and long.Recuperate from the long hours he had spent hunting for prey.The Witch was in the house
cellars, spell book in hand,a wood burning stove lit, hot toddy by her side.The Wizard was seeing his
forgetful friend home, before joining the Witch in the
garden or, more likely, the greenhouse.The Goblin and the Gremlin were paying a visit to the Faerie
seamstress,who was sewing a entire new winter
wardrobe for each?!The Ogre had stomped off into the
far beyond, in search of a warm, dry hidey
hole in which to sleep.The Unicorn journeyed with him, flying above and beside him, on his way to the hill top kingdom
of Tumbling Rock.The Cook ventured out to see the
Head Gardener.Finding him in conversation with a 17th century nobleman, she returned to the kitchen and
read a book....Peter & Debbie10th"UPLOAD! "Website catalogue update >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa243.htm
And so,
Back at his studio . . . .
An army of Trolls was on the
warpath,infuriated by the antics and sharp
tricks of the Elves.The Pixes and Imps were put upable
with....The Gremlin and the Goblin were
reluctant to involve themselves in disputes
concerning inter-gardencreature relationships.Momentarily, they were
experiencing a rough patch with the Ogre and the Witch was in
a tricky mood, having been, she believed, ignored
by "her" Queen of the Witches.The Flower Faeries wore bespoke
Faerie Riding gear,hair swept into buns, held in
place by light hairnets.The wore chic riding gloves,and.... very glamorous hard hats.The miniature Faerie horses were
ready and waiting,chomping upon their bits, and, irked by their, so to say,
imprisonment.They rode whistle down the wind
carefree, trot, canter, gallop,returning to the garden whenthe skies were gone dark....Peter & Debbie8th0 BLOG DO
ESTUDIOBlog by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner
>Enjoy his full
blog @http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htmTive a honra
em ser o primeiro brasileiro a pisar nessa região. Pelo menos foi o que
disseram alguns habitantes das cidadezinhas onde passei. E que
experiência!Percebi que comprei tanta coisa na viagem, mas ainda assim senti que nada que adquiri representaria por completa a minha experiência. Um ano e meio depois da minha primeira vez em solo inglês, trago a vocês mais do que fotos: pinturas que representam com intensa emoção e realismo o melhor do Sul de Shropshire.
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_shropshire.htmCom esta
obra-prima de Peter Andrew Jones (o qual também conheci pessoalmente,
como em postagem anterior do blog), pude recordar minhas melhores
lembranças dos locais que visitei, e também ficar mais curioso para me
aventurar nos que não tive tempo para ir.PAINTINGS OF
SOUTH SHROPSHIRE é encantador e íntimo a quem o lê. Depois de uma bela
contemplação da capa com uma bela paisagem montanhosa, um mapa feito à
mão como se o próprio Pete tivesse desenhado na hora e me dado antes de
seguir viagem por terras “nunca d´antes exploradas”. Natureza
morta, paraísos praticamente inexplorados, fauna e flora dignas do mais
perfeito portfólio de fotógrafos profissionais.O destaque
são os pássaros multicoloridos, aqueles que acreditamos só existirem em
regiões como Amazônia ou Pantanal mato-grossense. Os cenários
escolhidos são os melhores, percorrendo por todas as estações do ano.
Se a indústria dos games soubesse deles, hoje jovens poderiam jogar
seus RPGs em cenários como “A Winter´s Walk”, “The Devil´s Chair” ou
“Oh, Bluebell Woods in Spring”.É assim que
podemos diferenciar artistas que são bons só num tipo de arte e outros,
como Pete, que são versáteis e talentosos naquilo que desejam ser. O céu é seu
limite, embora até isso ele goste de superar.
EnglishI had the
honor to be the first Brazilian to tread in this region. At least it
was what some of the townsfolk said from the cities I´ve passed. And
what an experience!I had I
bought so many momentos on the trip, but I still felt that nothing I
have acquired would represent completely my experience. One year and a
half after my first time on English soil, I bring to you more than
photos: paintings that represent with intense emotion and realism the
best of South Shropshire.With this
masterpiece by Peter Andrew Jones (also known by me personally, as I´ve
written in previous blog post), I was able to recall my best memories
of sites I´ve visited, and also get more curious to venture to the ones
I did not have time to visit.PAINTINGS OF
SOUTH SHROPSHIRE is charming and intimate to those who read it. After a
beautiful contemplation of its cover art with a beautiful mountainous
landscape, a handmade map as if Pete was drawn himself at that moment
and had given me before continuing my journey to lands "never before
explored". Still life, practically unexplored paradises, fauna and
flora worthy from the most perfect portfolio of professional
photographers.The highlight
sare the multicolored birds, which we believe to have only in the
Brazilian Amazônia or Mato-Grosso Pantanal . The chosen scenarios are
the best, going through all the year´s seasons. If a gaming industry
got know about them, today, youngsters would play their RPGs in
scenarios like "A Winter's Walk", "The Devil's Chair," or "Oh, The
Bluebell Woods of Spring."This is the
way how we can differentiate between artists who are good at only one
type of art and others (like Pete) who are versatile and talented at
what they want to be.The sky is
his limit, and he likes to exceed it.And so,
Back at his studio . . . .
The peerless Phoenix, absent from the garden for
multifold centuries, brought his weighty body to land, settled and glared every which way,with venomous eyes.The Elves, Imps and Pixies
stampeded, breaking down the door to the
kitchen.The Ogre galumphed through the
wood to the fields.The Flower Faeries shook their
wings and flew in panic to the kitchen
garden.The Witch and the Wizard, his forgetful friend and the
ghosts, were caught behind the Phoenix,helpless to move, up the creek without a paddle.... so to speak, n' est-ce pas? Vous êtes d'accord?The Phoenix appropriated the
garden for the morning, then grew increasingly weary and
jaded.There were few creatures to lord
over and scarce room to turn round.As the afternoon progressed,he took a nap.Upon waking, he shook his
feathers, spread his wings,taking off with the power of a
tremendous roll of thunder....The creatures of the garden
finally ceased the be scared.Peter & Debbie7th"UPLOAD! "Website catalogue update >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa149.htm
Meanwhile,
Around the studio . . . .
sane....Peter & Debbie6th"UPLOAD! "Website catalogue update >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa134.htm
Meanwhile,
Around the studio . . . .
The "pudding" Elf was round, a
dumpling....His trousers were brown, his shirt
of green, held up by elastic braces.He wore woolen socks and heavy
brogues, sported a white beard and long
white hair.It was his wont to travel the
globe, carrying a rucksack and a walking
stick.Today, he hit the garden, flopped,
and,begged for a drink and food....The Witch obliged, while the Faeries sponged his
aching head and sweaty brows.The Elves were disinclined to
offer any kind of help or succor.The Imps and Pixies out of eye
shot.The Unicorn had just time to show
him sleeping quarters in the stables.The"pudding" Elf slept deep and
long, for tomorrow he'd shower beneath
the garden tap, say farewell and be gone....Peter & Debbie5th"SLOW-DOWN SUNDAY"The view (of the
surrounding countryside) . . . . .Just appreciating the day
. . . .
Meanwhile,
Around the studio . . . .
The Ogre tread warily, peering shortsightedly ahead through the heavy morning mist, one step at a time, slip he could not.The Witch had arrived at her
dwelling exceeding early this winter morn.He'd been woken much too early."Why?" he had asked.The Witch had ignored him.Splashed his face with cold water.Left him to dress while she cooked
him breakfast.In the garden, the Elves,the Imps and the Pixies had built a tall bonfire and left it to burn.The Queen of the Faeries,the Flower Faeries and other
garden residentswatched the blaze with trepidation.Would it set the Oak ablaze orrun rife through the garden?The Weasel, the Stoat and the
Water Rat,the Ghosts and ghostly Wolves and
Wolverines searched high and low for the
garden hose.Where was it?In the end t'was a rainstorm that
did the trick and,emptied the garden forthwith....Peter & Debbie4th"SUMPTUOUS SATURDAY"The view (of the
surrounding countryside) on a day trip from the studio . . . . .Sunlight!
Meanwhile,
somebody else has been on a trip . . . .
Willoughby, the whiskery Elf, was just returned from an
expedition to Antarctica,with old friends whom he trusted
implicitly, no fear of coming a cropper....The other garden creatures were
gathered around, listening enraptured to the
adventure story he told.When the stories were exhausted, and Willoughby had gone to rest,the Elves, Imps and Pixies began
to pester the Witch.She must, she must really "go to
town" and magic up,a garden covered in thick snow,
ice, difficult rock climbs - and else....The Witch told them, "Get ye gone.
No resident would tolerate such a
situation in this garden, or, for that matter, the environs."Rebuffed and "insulted," the
Elves, Imps and Pixies,spent the rest of the morning
creating havoc in the house....Peter & Debbie3rd"UPLOAD! "Website catalogue update >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa115.htm
Meanwhile,
outside the studio . . . .
The lizard from Little Puddle by
the Sea, was guest of the Weasel, the Toad and the Water Rat.An hospitable trio, they were,and they are, and kept him amused and diverted whilst he was with
them....And, rested, of course!!The Flower Faeries greeted him, tickled his head, and related
anecdotes of life in the garden - and tittle
tattled about?Zippo....A thunderous sound of footsteps, a greeting that echoedthrough the garden, the kitchen, the house and the tennis courts.The Ogre coasted to a standstill, shook the Oak and sat down.The Cuckoo took exception, as did
the Owl.Each dive bombed the Ogre.Commenced disciplinary action....Peter & Debbie2nd"TIME TRAVEL . . . . . . . "New Limited Edition Print release.Only available by direct e-mail
request.Go HERE to order >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
Meanwhile,
through the night
outside the studio . . . .
Over the moon and riding shooting
stars,wandering through space with a
Fantasy alien as their non-Earthling guide.The Unicorn galloped by, chasing a
star. Miles below in the garden, the night creatures creptabout their business.The Owl hooted from afar, and the the Mole, the Toad and Water Rat played poker by the light through the dining
room window.The Flower Faeries were abed, the
Ogre, too.The Witch and the Wizard sat cosy
in the kitchen,drinking the Cook's especial,Blackberry wine.Peter & Debbie1st"WINDY WEDNESDAY"The view from the studio
today . . . . .Monochrome!
Meanwhile,
through the mist
outside the studio . . . .
The Elves had set up a Fantasy
Fairground, with the assistance of the Goblin,
the Gremlin, the Imps and Pixies.The Ogre was disgruntled. He felt left out, for no rides had been built for a body of his
size.He clomped round the Fairground, prodding the woodwork, poking his nose into the various
tents and canvas-made stalls.The Unicorn was to demonstrate the
flight, as a magical horse of distinction
and multifarious skills.The Goblin and Gremlin were to
manage the stall which offered a coconut shy and
apple bobbing in buckets.Each stall would award prizes
handmade by the Flower Faeries.The birds of Rhiannon practiced, the Cuckoo called from the Oak.The crows cawed and in the field just beyond the garden where,the egg and spoon race, the sack race and the "which creature can move most
slowly," race were to take place.The Witch would tell fortunes, the Wizard assumed the role of
steward and the Queen of the Faeries, in
full regal regalia, opened the proceedings and fired a
shot at the "shoot the duck" stall for
she was a ladywho undertook her duties with
scrupulous care....Peter & Debbie31st"TIME TRAVEL . . . . . . . "New Limited Edition Print release.Only available by direct e-mail
request.Go HERE to order >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
Meanwhile,
inside the studio . . . .
The cloakroom off the hallway wasup to the gunwales withElfin winter coaties, boots , scarves, gloves and hats.The Flower Faeries were conversing
with the Wizardabout magical mysteries and fields
of bluebells.The Unicorn alighted to take on
board the Stoat and the Weasel, and the Water Rat,
bound for the heat of the Southern
Hemisphere.The forgetful Wizard was some
place or other,playing the fiddle with friends
or, leastways, acquaintances.The garden was still, the Oak
minus the birds of Rhiannon.The Owl was asleep.With unprecedented suddenness,the crows flew in, commenced
cawing and screaming.Nonetheless.Even listening real close, their
language eluded me.The Witch and the Flower Faeries
were sitting in silence, their conversation having arrived
at full stop.The Dragon dove down, landed
beside the pond and,with a resounding kersplash of histail on water,caused a mini-tidal wave of
knockout proportions....Peter & Debbie30th"UPLOAD! "Website catalogue update >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa017.htm
Meanwhile,
outside the studio . . . .
The Witch's magic potion was
sugared and spiced.Fit for magical consumption in the
Fantasy Land Kingdom....The Queen of the Faeries and the
Queen of the Witches weremulling over which fashion house
to endorse.Voilà, c'est ça!!T'was the House of Handmade
Miracles and its dresses were to covert.A service was offered to style a
wardrobe for you and you only?!The Flower Faeries approached.(They were curiosity personified).Their delicate attire, their
beauty and magnetism so animated the Queens’, thatboth sent telepathic messages to the House of Handmade Miracles
- "We command you to send a tip top
designer to see us. Now.Waste no time at all"....Peter & Debbie29th"UPLOAD! "Website catalogue update >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa048.htm
Meanwhile,
outside the studio . . . .
The High Priestess of Fantasy Landwas approaching the garden in
stately fashion.Her retinue was lengthy long.She rode upon a silver mare.Her dress was wondrous,of purple and gold,studded with diamonds, rubies, turquoise and pearls.The Flower Faeries perched
open-mouthed upon the soft white flowers of
late winter/spring.The Elves and Imps and Pixies, too,could scarce hide their envy,
stared red-faced.The Witch and the Wizard, the Goblin and Gremlin applauded.Cheered discreetly and sighed long
and deep.The Ogre was wakened, advised to move lest he liein the way of the retinue.He hemmed and hawed,stomped further away tothe tennis courts wherehe collapsed on damp ground.On the morrow he would, most
assuredly,succumb to gout or a nasty cold.Doubtless the Witch would dose him
with a magical potion andall would be wellindeed to goodness....Peter & Debbie28th"TIME TRAVEL . . . . . . . "New Limited Edition Print release.Only available by direct e-mail
request.Go HERE to order >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
Meanwhile,
outside the studio . . . .
The ghostly Werewolves and
Wolverines were displaying a new behaviour,that of contrary
contrariousness....Eyes blazing, teeth glinting, they hurtled back and forth through the garden, discombobulating the Ghosts and the magical bats.These bats, although black, had flaxen flecks on one wing and the other was with tow coloured streaks.In the darkness, their eyes pierced the outlines of
obstacles as they skimmed low through the
garden t'wards the church in the village and the once-famous tavern, "The Hut in the Wood."The Nightingale sang, the cicadas cicadillo-ed andWild Edric galloped over the hills
to Rhiannon's Faerie Castle....Peter & Debbie27th"UPLOAD! "Website catalogue update >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa042.htm
Meanwhile,
outside the studio . . . .
Teasel the Weasel was wending his
waydown paths strewn with leaves, twigs and fallen branches andcoated in mud.He turned a corner and jumped in
peppy surprise for,who should he see but a friend of
his youth?!They laughed and teased one
another,faces wreathed in smiles, 'til t'was time to part company, the Weasel going north and his friend traveling south.The Witch in those parts had been
privy to the encounter and conjured a
magic carpet to accommodate creatures of weasel
like proportions.She directed the carpet to wait 'til the Weasel had exited the
wood, then toland at his feet or wrap itself around its new owner.The carpet took off, accelerated away and ran smack
into the Weasel as he traversed a bubbling,
laughing water stream....Peter & Debbie26th"TIME TRAVEL . . . . . . . "New Limited Edition Print release.Only available by direct e-mail
request.Go HERE to order >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
Meanwhile,
outside the studio . . . .
The Mermaid had designed a most
delightful shell mosaic, which circled the pond in the wood
and the pond in the garden.The Elves watched from afar, the
Imps and Pixies quite near, as the workmanship unfolded - an
artist was born?!The Flower Faeries oohed and aahed,the Witch rolled up her sleeves,in preparation for spell making and competing with the Mermaid for achieving the greater artistic
merit - by magic....The Water Rat, the Weasel, the
Mole and the Dragon pronounced
themselves the judges, who'd cast their vote as to which
design deserved the Fantasy Land "Oscar"
nomination.The Wizard, when told, refused to
acquiesce.He was adamant that he only could
judge without prejudice?!So rigid was he in this
vainglorious mode, that no other garden resident did
more than shrug or pout....Peter & Debbie25th"UPLOAD! "Website catalogue update >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa041.htm
Meanwhile,
outside the studio . . . .
The Goblin and the Gremlinwere scraping twigs together.Why?In order to light a fire for warmth and snugness.The Witch had already prepared her
fire and lit it.The cauldron frothed and bubbled,steam rising in translucent clouds.The Wizard was elsewhere occupied,his friend was abed with a chill.The Elves, Imps and Pixies were in the Withdrawing room with
the cats,hogging the fierce blazing fire.The Flower Faeries had been
invited by the Cook to castFaerie spells through the house, which she trusted wouldmagic the atmosphere so as to allow benevolence and
good cheer....The thump, thump, thump of the
Dragon's tail,banging on the heavy front door,interrupted the proceedings, as
did the dogs, who,barked and whined and sniffle
snuffled.The magic was lost in the noise....Peter & Debbie24th"TIME TRAVEL . . . . . . . "New Limited Edition Print release.Only available by direct e-mail
request.Go HERE to order >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
Meanwhile,
back at the studio . . . .
Ezra the Snoobling was come to the
garden,fully prepared in advance by bush
telegraph to expect trouble from the Elves.They knew full well that they
could do what they liked.The Snooblings did battle in
numbers, notwhen there was only one....The Dragon, the Unicorn, the Witch
and the Wizard,were aware of this possibility and
prepared to step in.T'was a great misfortune that the forgetful Wizard wandered in,more than ever clumsy, more ever cloddish.He tottered and weaved, tripped up and stumbled.The Witch and the Wizard needs must intercede.They each took an arm to support
him,walked him to a bench,whilst the Elves, Imps and Pixies surrounded the Snoobling, closing in on him with intent.The Dragon and the Unicorn flew
in bang on time,to form a body guard to protect the non-bellicose Snoobling and see off the Elves,(and their kin)....Peter & Debbie23rd"I CAN ONLY GUESS"I would love to know (maybe) . . .
what went on(or still does?)behind this side door at -The Church
of St Mary - Stafford.Seen on a day research trip.
Meanwhile,
back at the studio . . . .
A ruby throated Hummingbird was
skittering throughthe late winter/early spring
flowers in the garden flower beds.The Flower Faeries, perched upon a Rowan bush watched,
amused by the antics of this tiniest of birds.The Elves, Imps and Pixies began playing their banjos and
mandolins andthe birds of Rhiannon chirruped
the chorus.The Witch approached cautiously, unsure of the behaviour of these
playful individuals.When the Wizard joined her, without his forgetful friend, they moved away, out of earshot,so as to brew potions and cast
spells.The Ogre, sensing a downfall of
icy rain or snow, set his stall up, so to say, in
the depths of the wood.The tree Faeries and the nearest
wood witch made him comfy as comfy and,gave him a breakfast fit for a
king....Peter & Debbie22nd"TIME TRAVEL . . . . . . . "http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htmNew Limited Edition Print release.Only available by direct e-mail
request.Go HERE to order >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
The Fantasy garden was up for
grabs?...Each and every one of the
residents had had their fill.The dogs on the rampage, the Elves on the warpath,the Cook issuing threats and the Head Gardener threatening bye
bye.The Flower Faeries spent the day bemoaning the lack of Faerie
tales, Faerie talk and the dire
atmosphere in the garden and the wood.The Witch and the Wizard, the Unicorn and Dragon argued about what could be done and when.The Wizard's forgetful friend was stirring the cauldron contents
and watching the spells lift and
scatter to the four corners of the Earth.The very last spell bumped into
the Witch's wand, bounced upwards, scuffed the nose
of the Wizard's friend,who sneezed, causing the spell to
become stuck in a particularly thorny bush....Peter & Debbie21st"EVER WATCHFUL"He stands guard, over The Church
of St Mary - Stafford.Seen on a day trip to investigate
monsters . . . . . .
We almost got lost,
walking around.
Back at the studio,
someone else was lost, utterly.
The bald-headed Eagle was utterly
lost.Tossed upon stormy seas, t'was miles out of his way home.The Witch and the Wizard settled
him on a branch of the venerable Oak, soothed fevered brow, while the Cuckoo called sweetly.The forgetful Wizard approached, with his eyes down, his brow
furrowed.Without paying attention, he climbed the Oak to the Eagle's
branch,slid along it, knocked the Eagle
and,both fell off their perches and the Wizard woke the household,
so loud did he screech....Peter & Debbie 20th"TIME TRAVEL . . . . . . . "http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htmNew Limited Edition Print release.Only available by direct e-mail
request.Go HERE to order >http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
The Dragon drove throughthe sky in his Palomino drawn
chariot,belching fire and smoke.A horse whip cracked sharply.On the horizon appeared a Fantasy
Land Dodo,stumbling lamely through low cloudsT'would be hours afore he'd reach
either the garden or wood.The Elves marched through the
garden, beating drums and playing mini
bagpipes....The Pixies and Imps formed a Guard
of Honour, rigidly upright, saluting their
kin.The Witch was in the kitchen
garden, pulling winter vegetables.These had been intended for the
house.The Cook would be livid....The Ogre reclined lazily by the
pond,propping his eyes open for as long
as he could.He staggered to his feet, his
knees buckled. Splat!!Covered with mud, he made his way
to "his" bed under the Oak....Peter & Debbie20th"ROUGH & RAW"Sometimes it starts with just a
thumbnal scribble.This was a gut-response to a blog
by Debbie.As with all we do, it'll evolve
over the days to come . . . . . . .
Meanwhile . . .
The moon and the stars shine bright in the skies above the studio.
And acres of Space stretch from there to Eternity . . . . .
In the garden, the creatures of
the night were abroad,the Owl hunting prey, the Witch in
the parlour.The Wizard had bade his magical
carpet take off and fly directly North, to the
frigid wastes of the Arctic Circle.The Unicorn was bedded down in the
garage cum stables,exhausted by countless hours of
traversing the countless far flung Universes.The Elves, Imps and Pixies were
asleep, phew! And,the fresh water Mermaid was
resting her head on her arms, as she lay half in and half out of
the pond in the wood.The birds of Rhiannon were once
more with their Princess.Their charismatic, bewitching
songs echoed soft on the wind....Peter & Debbie19th"DRAGONS ALL AROUND"There are Dragons everywhere.You just have to look.This one, in town center, Stafford.Spotted while on a day trip. . . .
. .
The mighty Oak tree was
experiencing a welcome reprieve.The winds had died down, although
the damage was extensive....The Head Gardener wrung his hands,
pulled his hair and,his underlings felt the sharp end
of his tongue - unfair?!The Elves, Imps and Pixies woke
early and rushed, through the wood, round the garden
and dived into the freezingly chill pond.The fish were incommoded, the
water splashed everywhere, turning the hardened mud surround
into a bog.These enthusiastic tearaways then
entered into the wood, dived into the wood pond,upset the Mermaid, tore the rushes
and, by now, thoroughly cold,hit the Witch with demands that she build a huger fire and
make,some exotic, but warming, Elfin
beverage....Peter & Debbie18th"TALES FROM THE WOOD"New project.Advancing slowly.Early stages.
Sometimes it is light(hearted).
Sometimes quite dark.
And so . . . . .
A ghostly Wolf and Wolverine were
baying full force at the Wizard, who, had
inadvertently kicked one and tripped over the
other.The night had been spent storming across the muddy plains, becomingbogged down in wet earth or
slithering dangerously through wet grass.The sound of Lord Edric's hunting
horn could be heard in the distance, piercingly
demanding, commanding, arrogant....The Witch had the Ogre in thrall
momentarily,carrying her cauldron, her spell
book and bits and bobs - sundries, merely....The Flower Faeries perched upon
rocks amongst the winter flowers in the
rockery.The Goblin and the Gremlin ambled
lamely through the tall, wet grass of the
lawn and,the Weasel, Stoat and Water Rat
headed wood - ward to pay their respects to the
clear water Mermaid.The Wizard's forgetful friendcradled his pet poodle
affectionately.It mewed like a cat, scratched the
forgetful Wizard's arms, bit the hand that he lifted to
soothe it?!Peter & Debbie17th"TALES FROM THE WOOD"Her ear rings tinkled,her long flowing yellow-green hair
was ruffled and puffled by the wind in the
trees.
In the garden, the Flower Faeries,
the Witch and the Wizard werewarming themselves round the fire beneath the Witch's polished
cauldron.Hot peppermint tea, jasmine tea and herbal coffee steamed warmingly nearby, each in its own special Faerie
receptacle.The Ogre appeared, shuffle,
shuffle, stomp.Headed for the double groundsheet
and pile of woollen blankets
underneath the venerable Oak.The birds of Rhiannon visited
rarely,preferring calm and tranquil
weather, with temperatures to match....The Owl followed his daily routine
with scarce an alteration, andthe Cook kept a hawkish eye out for the Elves, Imps and Pixies.Peter & Debbie16th"MAGICAL MONDAY""THE MAGIC GOES AWAY"Detail posted here >https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013438955512by Zeynep
Bayraktar >Full version below >
The magic goes away
and so . . .
The Bingo festivities had been
erased from the Fantasy calendar, wrapped
in brown paper, tied with pink ribbon and
"finished" off with blue and white polka dot
bows. Natty!!The Ogre had retained a certain
something of his New Year training in "the
mainstream" style grooming.His spirits were high, a grin
lifted his cheeks. Hmmm?!Which of the numerous garden
creatures would put the cat amongst the
pigeons?Peter & Debbie15th"SNOWY SUNDAY"Snow still lingering
around the studio.But the inhabitants are
relaxed about it!
But the pond hasn't frozen over just yet
and so . . .
The Water Rat had plunged into the
briny depths of a salt water pond in the land
of Salt.He surfaced real quick 'cos hecould not breathe through his nose
and, his fur tingled and itched and his
tail felt real heavy?!The Toad, the Mole and a friend,
the Sloth,sat on the bank and roared with
laughter.They had organised a lift on the
back of the Unicorn,who'd return later to collect them.The Witch had offered to place at
their disposal, her broomstick.Too uncomfortable to ride upon,was their verdict - ayay!!The birds of Rhiannon were
meditating peacefully.The Owl slept in his residence, a
spacious hole in the Oak.Sitting along branches "next
storey down,"the Elves, Imps and Pixies were
blowing peas through their peashooters at
whosoever walked by .The Ogre had been fed and watered
with an "energy" menu devised by the Witch to keep him
awake until midnight.Bye bye et heureuse nouvelle
année!!Peter & Debbie14th"MOON PHASE SATURDAY"The view from the studio
last night . . . . .Illuminating
- impressive - inspirational - attracting . . . . .
And thus . . .
The Orc and a Troll were
newcomers, in-comers, who'd lived over the
hills and desperately wanted, to meet "other creatures."Chi sa perché?The dogs were out, shivering,
whining, complaining.The cats stayed indoors, near the
blazing sitting room fire.The Ghosts, feeling nothing,
floated on by, drifting in the wind, melting into
the fog.The Unicorn came, and went, early
this morning,driven by a hankering for more
temperate climes elsewhere.The Flower Faeries were preparing
for a long winter's break.They were dressed for the long
haul, wings strengthened by magic....The Ogre had been forced to change
his habits and schedule,to find sleeping quarters
comfortably dry.He relied still upon the Witch to provide fodder and drink,gladly done posolutely,though the Elves were jealous, absolutely dead cert?!When the time was right, they built a pathway of hot coals,invited the Ogre to follow them
along it and, wham! they tripped him.He burnt his nose....Peter & Debbie13th"SNOWY FRIDAY"http://www.peterandrewjones.net/studio.htmThe view from the studio today.
Meanwhile . . .
The toad stool was here, regular
as clockwork.T'would be joined by others,
considerably smaller.The Flower Faeries perched on the
"superior" mushroom,combing their locks and applying
Faerie make-up.The Unicorn was somewhere, who
knows where?with the Dragon.He would return, che ne so quando,lively and skittish and tuned up
for a brush down and groom.The Elves were revving their
engines full tilt,preparing for the Elfin, joyous,
New Year....The Witch had prepared a special
New Year spell.T'would enable her to prepare
food, cook it and have it served by
magic?!She'd bathe, dress and adorn
herself without a snippet of worry!The Gremlin and the Goblin were
entertaining the Ogre.They would request the assistance
of the Wizard to conjure up a festive look for
them three....The Owl would be hunting, the
Ghosts about the lawn and,the ghostly Werewolves and
Wolverines?They'd be off scaring country folk
returning from carousing.Bring them to their senses, so to
speak!!Peter & Debbie12th"LEGENDARY ART
MAGAZINE" WINTER ISSUE -
OUT NOW!http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.netCRUX MILLENNIUM excerptIt's DARKBut not TOO scary . . . . . . .
!
Meanwhile . . .
"Astute though you be," the Walrus
said,"You be miles from the ocean,
untold miles from the sea....""Why be you 'ere?" retorted the
Sea Turtle morosely."Only I make mistakes and, look at
me now. Imprisoned amongst Fantasy
creatures and prevented from going home by dint of the fact that I must be
kept wet at all times?!"The Flower Faeries groomed the
Unicorn,brushed him down, made him shine.Set his mane and tail with
Moonstones, amethysts and gold dust.The Elves were on the hillsides
celebrating the Fantasy Folk Celtic New Year.Quite when that actually took
place, none of 'em could care less....Peter & Debbie11th"LEGENDARY ART
MAGAZINE" WINTER ISSUE -
OUT NOW!http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.netIt's "Decidedly Different".Would you expect otherwise?Join in. Get involved
!
Meanwhile . . .
The Toad and the Frog and, the
Water Rat,had removed to a home on the banks
of the nearest-most river.They visited the garden oft times
each week, occasionally every day, weather
permitting....The Gremlin and the Goblin were
apt to decry what they deemed "trespassing"
upon land not their own.The Witch and the Flower Faeries
remained touchingly welcoming and, the Ogre cared less....?!In time the Owl would perceive the
difference between, the garden as t'was and the garden
as 'tis.Perched high in the upper reaches
of the Oak,he was too tired in the morning to
"drop by" his fellow residents and,too preoccupied during the night
hours to note changes.The Unicorn and the Dragon kept an
eye upon the trio.There's one or two - more! - odd
folk a wandering the Kingdom of Faeries and surrounding territory.Peter & Debbie10th"LEGENDARY ART
MAGAZINE" WINTER ISSUE -
OUT NOW!http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.netBeat the Blues . . . .How ?Make your own personalised colours
!
Meanwhile . . .
The ghost was masked.He wore a cape, andcarried a pistol....(The bullets exploded, or,shot wide!)This ghost was one of severalghostly highwaymen,who came and went from garden to
countryside.He had introduced himself as"The Washington Mosquito,"charming in manner,hard as nails in character.He lived nowhere, yet everywhere,
and,whenever he rode in, on an 18-
hand stallion.The Flower Faeries assumed a
"ladylike" demeanour.The Witch kept a stock of
excellent gin,a saddle cup of which he partook
of,with cold meats and salad....The dragon knew - how?!when the highwayman was due,got together with the Unicorn, each playing the part of
Innkeeper/host, soin awe of him were they....Peter & Debbie9th"LEGENDARY ART
MAGAZINE" WINTER ISSUE -
OUT NOW!http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.netWhere else can you fine Aliens
mixing with Witches & Faeries . . . . . ?
Meanwhile . . .
The garden was devoid of every
fantasy creature.Nor were the Birds of Rhiannon
expected....The Witch, much discomfited by the
tempest and tornado, had been robbed of her hidey-hole,the now smashed to splinters,
greenhouse.The stables/garage had survived,
as had the house, (and its roof!)The Unicorn was safe and sound,
the Flower Faeries deep asleep, zonked out.The Ogre slipped and slithered
across the quagmire lawn to the pond, his feet sank in the mud, his
knees knuckled, and,his face hit the water....The pond was half-emptied?!Alas, poor fish....Peter & Debbie8th"LEGENDARY ART
MAGAZINE" WINTER ISSUE -
OUT NOW!http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.netIt's "Fantastic" what you find in
Legendary Art Magazine . . . . . .Just right, to celebrate, the
fantasy new Year . . .
Meanwhile . . .
Fantasy Land Bingo! tables had
been set up on the lawn.The Elves, Imps and Pixies were
seated in eager anticipation.They stretched their fingers,
rubbed their hands and,tested the multi-coloured crayons
provided by "the garden
Establishment...."The Ogre was willing his giant
Spinning Top to build up speed, upon speed, and win the Spinning
Top Championship of the Fantasy New Year.Olé!!Peter & Debbie7th"LEGENDARY ART
MAGAZINE" WINTER ISSUE -
OUT NOW!http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.netIt's "Fantastic" what you find in
Legendary Art Magazine . . . . . . There was a blot on the
landscape,
a burr in the cushion.The heavy horses plodded on,
pulling a plough,drawing deep furrows through the
earth, dark, fertile, moist....The air was bone chilling, the sky
a dull grey,a magical mistiness hovered just
above the lawn.The Ogre flip-floppeddisappointedly across the fields,swigging cold, cold mineral water
from a malformed plastic bottle.The Flower Faeries flew East,
West, North, South,over hill, over dale, over ocean,
sea and river.The Witch, upon her broom, swooped and soared, dived low and,
splash.Straight down into the briney
depths of apre-historic saline wood pond?!A pre-historic Gorgon fished her
out and carried her to their Witch's
den.Dried and showered, warmly clothed,her magic broomstick whisked her
home....It's "Fantastic" what you find in
Legendary Art Magazine . . . . . . 
Meanwhile . . .
The Faerie of the saddened treewas distrait, low-spirited.Her beloved tree friend had been
half cut down and shorn of its leaves....Such was her mourning,she failed to notice, thatlittle by little her hands werebecoming leaf-like, her feet
twig-like,her hair dripped with catkins....The tree knew what happens to
Faeries who mourn -they become their particular
flower, tree, or fantasy creature with four
legs?!The warm summer day drew to a
close.A half cut down tree and a
new-planted sapling,had separated to allow the sapling
to grow within coo-ee distance of one
another....Peter & Debbie6th"COOL STUDIO"The view from the studio this
morning.As the day grows longer, the
atmosphere remains grey.Fog and mist do abound.Temperature is "undecided" as yet.
Meanwhile . . . .
An army of Trolls was on the
warpath,infuriated by the antics and sharp
tricks of the Elves.The Pixies and Imps were put
upable with....The Gremlin and the Goblin were
reluctant to involve themselves in disputes concerning
inter-garden creature relationships.Momentarily, they were
experiencing a rough patch with the Ogre and the Witch was in
a tricky mood, having been, she believed, ignored
by "her" Queen of the Witches.The Flower Faeries wore bespoke
Faerie Riding gear,hair swept into buns, held in
place by light hairnets.The wore chic riding gloves,and.... very glamorous hard hats.The miniature Faerie horses were
ready and waiting,chomping upon their bits, and,
irked by their, so to say, imprisonment.They rode whistle down the wind
carefree, trot, canter, gallop,returning to the garden whenthe skies were gone dark....Peter & Debbie5th"TALES FROM THE WOOD"Slightly digital (and as yet
incomplete).A merge of organic and digital.An idea suggested by DebbieAccepted - always experimenting.Never give up questioning!
Meanwhile
Others face questions also . . .
The Witch was being interviewed by
the The Chronicle of Witches.She allowed the questions to weave
round the block.Circle and bounce low, never to
reach the tops of hills, let alone the clouds or the
stars....The Ogre endeavoured to bounce a
muchly bigger ball - senz' avere successo, ansi, fu un
catastrofe?!He took a branch, (only small), and bat the ball with fiercesome
force.It sailed over trees and across
fields and pastures.That was the end of his
super-sized ball....?The Elves and the Pixies - the
Impish Imps, too,were bent upon celebrating the
Fantasy New Year for as long, as long as forever
endureth....Peter & Debbie4th"TALES FROM THE WOOD"A new piece started.As usual, (well, currently anyway)
I have no idea what it will be.And no, not because of flowing
studio homemade wine.Honestly!
However
Things had been happening (hic!)
Amongst Magic Garden inhabitants. . . .
The butcher, the baker and the
candlestick maker were trundling homewards, after a
so-so kind of a day.They had visited the house to
offer the Cook a hand in bottling and corking her,
delicious homemade wine.The Ogre wanted at least 4
glasses, and counting, and the Elves, Imps and Pixies
were hollering for more, more, and more....The Gremlin and the Goblin had
been, somehow, caught up in the furore of what
else could go wrong....?!The Unicorn and the Witch, the Flower Faeries and the fresh
water Mermaid, had awoken to the, very busy, busy
sounds of a garden full of "active,"
residents, today either addition of the
Dragon and a vole...Peter & Debbie3rd"SPRINGTIME IN WINTER?"Amazingly, despite the winter
period, spring light and colours abound!Whilst there are traditional cold
days, the weather remains often warm.
Perhaps,
this warmer winter temperature
is what provides more comfort
when watching fireworks?
The firework display of yesterday
midnight, was spectacular....Showers of colours rained down
upon the earth.Twas like a rainbow out of kilter,
a rainbow gone mad?!The Unicorn had kept well distant
from the bangs and whizzes and pops.The Witch had taken off on her
broomstick to the Land of the bongo drums.The Wizard stayed put, with his
forgetful friend, whose health had deteriorated
during the winter months - and, whose left over intelligence
froze with the temperaturesThe Flower Faeries flew daily
"marathons" to maintain flexibility and
exercise their wings, lest they ice up, seize up and
cease to function....Peter & Debbie2nd"FAREWELL, GREEN DRAGON"As we said farewell to Hereford
after our Christmas break, our last walk around the area took us past
the site of St Ethelbert's Well.Offa, the King of Mercia, demanded
the head of the Christian King Ethelbert of East Anglia (circa
794AD) while he was making advances to marry Offa's daughter. He was
murdered and his body hidden and it is said the spring ten arose when
the body of the saint was rested here on its way to the Cathedral to be
interred and that the spring cured ulcers and sores after his body was
dug up and the well then formed . . . . . . allegedly
So,
we must now return
to the magic studio garden
because we have heard there's trouble there . . . .
Her smoldering blue eyes lit up
your day.Her long auburn curls glinted in
the early morning sun.Her dress was alabaster, light
blue and brown.She sat on a log sipping Faerie
champagne, whilst one of the Flower Faeries
manicured her nails with nimble fingered skill.The Witch had decided to draw in
her horns. Recommence "put aside" after
plundering her savings.The Ogre was back to his familiar
routine. However . . . .His comfort depended upon thick
ground sheet blankets and, on top, a heavy, water proof, duck
down duvet.The Elves batted about, moved from
house to garden, wood to tennis court and
eventually took the path through the fields to the far
distance hills.The sun shone unceasingly from
first light to sundown.The daily life of the garden had
returned little changed in routine.Peter & Debbie1st"WE HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT
CHRISTMAS!"All the very best to you from
Peter & Debbie for 2017
