I've started sharing some of the illustrations, which will be on exhibit from the middle of July until the end of August. I've been working on these since last year, when Wonderlab first approached me. I've learned a lot about my process as an illustrator in how these have evolved. So, here are the first three in the series.
First, a trip to Cretaceous China to visit a thirsty Beipiaosaurus. There's a Psittacosaurus in there, too.
I couldn't resist the bizarre Epidexipteryx, and included a golden orb weaver, which are known from its Jurassic habitat. I shared it on Facebook this week, and found that I'd inadvertently made a very caption-able illustration, which I'll take as a form of cosmic justice for the many times I've poked fun at illustrations on this blog.
Last (for now), Anchiornis. It was kind of awesome to work with an animal for which we have a decent idea of its coloration in life.
I've got more in the works, a good mix of animals that have been important in our understanding of feather and bird origins.
Incredible! You do great artwork, Dave. Keep up the good work! BTW. I created a new Blogger Blog you're more than welcome to add onto your list of blog links whenever you like.
ReplyDelete"Welcome to The DinoHarpist, a blog that debunks creationist dinosaur idiocy while updating on my efforts to raise money towards buying a harp."
The DinoHarpist
Oh, forgot to tell you - you can delete the Stupid Dinosaur Lies Blog (aka gilliganandme.blogspot.com) link on the Mesozoic blogosphere. It's not there anymore.
DeleteThanks! Done and done.
DeleteFantastic stuff, David. I so wish I could have attended both your exhibition and science-art night.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more!
Fabulous work! Keep us posted, David.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteLooks inspired by Charles Harper, which is a compliment.
If you're flattening out the figures in a graphic way, I'd expect the landscapes there in to be flattened out in a similar way. Right now, there seems to be a gap between the perspective environments and the graphic characters.
"There's a Psittacosaurus in there, too."
ReplyDeleteWasn't Psittacosaurus bipedal (as opposed to quadrupedal)? Otherwise, I like it.
"and found that I'd inadvertently made a very caption-able illustration,"
Would you share those captions w/us please? BTW, I really the eye of your Epidexipteryx & the spider's a nice touch.
"Last (for now), Anchiornis. It was kind of awesome to work with an animal for which we have a decent idea of its coloration in life."
I especially like that it's using it's sickle claw, partly b/c lesser artists tend to forget that it has sickle claws, but also b/c it reminds me of "modern secretary birds" (See "DROMAEOSAURIDAE": http://www.geol.umd.edu/~tholtz/G104/lectures/104eumani.html ).
Huh. I had no idea about that Senter paper that found it to be an obligate biped - I still understood it to be facultative quadruped. Think I'll be revising that bit.
ReplyDeleteAwesome -- I love these!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I love your blog, though I hardly make any comments to make my presence felt. That said, I bought a book called "Our Garden Birds" by the british illustrator Matt Sewell. Despite your styles and themes differs, the very science and enthusiasm that go into your illustrations are a match. I love these pieces, and I hope you will consider to publish a lovely illustrated book about feathery dinosaurs.
ReplyDeleteWell, I arrest myself a bit, as you both do work with dinosaurs in your respective ways.
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