tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91072919047946256322024-01-29T01:45:11.366-05:00Love in the Time of ChasmosaursA blog about dinosaur art, science, and pop culture.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-74920339904938136652017-12-18T18:09:00.002-05:002017-12-18T18:09:43.869-05:00Love in the Time of Chasmosaurs has moved!<p>We've switched over to a WordPress site! LITC 2.0 can be found at <a href="http://www.chasmosaurs.com">chasmosaurs.com</a>. Please update your RSS feeds accordingly.</p>
<p>This site will stay as-is for the time being. I've been unable to get an importer to work—we have too much content here—so I'll just keep this site alive as an archive.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-18624183702589391472017-12-12T17:02:00.000-05:002017-12-12T17:02:38.912-05:00The Great 2017 Palaeoart Survey: some thoughtsWhat can we learn from the results of <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/the-2017-survey-of-paleoartists-results.html">David's palaeoart survey</a>? Well, from an admittedly quite small sample size of only 350 people, palaeoartists appear to mostly be young, male and not in it for the money. Over half of those surveyed were aged between 18 and 35, 71% identified as male, and only 144 of them identified themselves as professionals, working for clients. Cynics might note few surprises, other than John Conway and Mark Witton being crowned the Kings of Palaeoart (seriously guys, how many people have you been bribing?). All the same, an intriguing picture emerges of the field, and some of the comments provided by the pros really are rather concerning.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTx4PKyp8EAmNK_GWXXj7WbOJ3AulSwdaL4iQyffZ-TnbvFcdNHEoRRukqWyPjoQiu7VDZq2osrQZXyM4PMb8H45h-XhBf26cM6sdMBmgNjuJ62GpJavXx3XtX0khhf_QCu_VHTz6p2Q/s1600/Conway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTx4PKyp8EAmNK_GWXXj7WbOJ3AulSwdaL4iQyffZ-TnbvFcdNHEoRRukqWyPjoQiu7VDZq2osrQZXyM4PMb8H45h-XhBf26cM6sdMBmgNjuJ62GpJavXx3XtX0khhf_QCu_VHTz6p2Q/s320/Conway.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is your god now. From <a href="https://twitter.com/thejohnconway">John Conway's Twitter</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a name='more'></a><br />
Naturally, as well as being a bit of a <i>worstenfeest</i>, there's a huge bias towards Americans of the United States variety, so much so that 'Eurasia' can comfortably be lumped into one bar on a chart, in spite of it encompassing a large majority of the world's population. I expect this is a result of the survey's limited reach (David may have a very handsome beard, but he is only one man), and suspect that large numbers of artists in Eastern Europe, China, India, and various East Asian countries have remained hidden from view. Tellingly, my home country comes (a very distant) second, and the Dutchies only manage four people (come on, Dutchies!). If only we could reach more into East Asia in particular, I think the picture might be quite different.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCMT4_imcRUKEcgE2ApoODxHleePT7bEw6WC6Eb6jiODWVpjy-zoQWU9UL5vr4BkGUh6Q2B3jysNWM4pJR2N3LzavldDWSAopXuHAJLu70eq36aR_v1NKp-Bhik0I1h-IU007Fu_SXF4/s1600/paleoart+charts_1C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="792" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCMT4_imcRUKEcgE2ApoODxHleePT7bEw6WC6Eb6jiODWVpjy-zoQWU9UL5vr4BkGUh6Q2B3jysNWM4pJR2N3LzavldDWSAopXuHAJLu70eq36aR_v1NKp-Bhik0I1h-IU007Fu_SXF4/s400/paleoart+charts_1C.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-5-K51jHQ6k">Eura-SIA! ...SIA! ...SIA! ...SIA!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The huge male-identifying bias is unsurprising, looking at the scene, but a little disappointing. More diversity would be very welcome, particularly for the fresh insight it can bring. Hopefully things will improve in this respect in the coming years, as the science of palaeontology itself becomes increasingly diverse.<br />
<br />
Demographics aside, there's a notable disparity between people who are aware of plagiarism (a huge majority) and those who are aware of having been plagiarised (a minority). This probably reflects the fact that it's largely only a few 'big names', the minority of people who become published pros, whose work is being plagiarised heavily. Still, plagiarism is clearly still a huge issue, and artists naturally don't look too kindly on it, with some 80% viewing it as 'ethically questionable'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc-AYN4HaG4HUM21xr5CSjQhppW1CIjzYGIyBWTYiibSTKMRsiyhMWbupG7FtVeF6bcL0T8qR35uVTqcCr0wEhU0xwdi_T_KN1IzTojmodvbRGMmVxOnY_TOxY_yp9uzs5wbeumxcGCk/s1600/paleoart+charts_8C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXc-AYN4HaG4HUM21xr5CSjQhppW1CIjzYGIyBWTYiibSTKMRsiyhMWbupG7FtVeF6bcL0T8qR35uVTqcCr0wEhU0xwdi_T_KN1IzTojmodvbRGMmVxOnY_TOxY_yp9uzs5wbeumxcGCk/s640/paleoart+charts_8C.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Plagiarism in palaeoart will be very familiar to people who read this blog (<a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/terribe-lizards-bestiary.html">ahem</a>), but hobbyists and non-artists will find a few worrisome insights into what clients want on the professional side. Almost half of professional artists surveyed had been asked to produce work that they knew was inaccurate, although out of those, most were at least able to reach a compromise. One anonymous palaeoartist reported issues with predatory agencies screwing artists out of fees and compromising the integrity of a project; I'm sure they're not alone. There's also the pernicious influence of <i>that </i>movie franchise, which we all enjoy (secretly or otherwise), but the popularity of which is strangling more original work on the commercial side of palaeoart. One correspondent says,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Another note, from film/video theme park world is that clients just want more </i>Jurassic Park<i>. The </i>Jurassic World<i> movie has emboldened the money men that accuracy really does not affect the bottom line and taking a chance is too risky. If it ain't broke don't fix it."</i></blockquote>
This is one reason why it's frustrating that the JP/W is franchise is not gunning for more up-to-date dinosaurs; if it did, and still made the money that it did (and it <i>definitely would</i>), it would convince the Marketing Twonks that more accurate palaeoart is worth investing in. Strict accuracy wouldn't even be necessary, simply going beyond the 1980s level of the first movie. But I digress. I'm sure they all explained it in some half-hearted fashion in-universe, anyway, so that's OK.<br />
<br />
On a more positive note, at least palaeoart appears to be on the up, even if it isn't paying especially well for most people. (David did tell me about one joker who reported improbably huge earnings, and was thus excluded from the results. It was probably John Sibbick, who I hear is finally being paid for all the times he was ripped off, and now lives in Osborne House and drives a Ferrari with the number plate 'SI88 ICK'.*) Commissions are mostly on the up, or staying about the same. No doubt this reflects the palaeontological boom we're living through. On the other hand, around half of palaeoartists aren't sure if palaeoart has a "sustainable and prosperous future" as an independent enterprise. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i-Bni4pBSAOgnMuy84VCvxKUW87AvnGy-tpDBqHuGBLketFgItjTN9jFZUJVA5m5C75W6HhTuCwDL3i7EOOWtYBUy8rsLIORhG-Fe7eRPKv0iPJZwAPjAh9sWIxi3pXFhfkHgG-Nbzk/s1600/paleoart+charts_6C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="793" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i-Bni4pBSAOgnMuy84VCvxKUW87AvnGy-tpDBqHuGBLketFgItjTN9jFZUJVA5m5C75W6HhTuCwDL3i7EOOWtYBUy8rsLIORhG-Fe7eRPKv0iPJZwAPjAh9sWIxi3pXFhfkHgG-Nbzk/s400/paleoart+charts_6C.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raking it in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clearly, we all need to encourage original work and creative independence among our palaeoartists. The greater demand there is for quality work, the more the Evil Capitalists™ will pay attention. There are a number of wonderful quotes in the survey results from palaeoartists as to why palaeoart is a worthwhile enterprise, and I will reproduce one of them here:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Paleoart is the face of earth history. The public's understanding of earth history, and science in general is central to their ability to make informed decisions about everyday things, from voting, to what products they consume, to how big they think life's problems are. Good paleoart can be an emotional hook and relatable entry point for the public into the world of observational natural sciences and science generally. Paleoart is also important because it helps scientists get funding for future work as it makes their work more accessible to people both within and outside their field."</i></blockquote>
And let us not forget the very eloquent and succinct person who, when asked why they thought palaeoart was 'a worthwhile and valuable pursuit', responded: "duh".<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*This is definitely not true.</span>Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-32552220676763942452017-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:002017-12-11T09:11:17.333-05:00The 2017 Survey of Paleoartists: Results<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLR4vNK54alAhWsgSbPzBjs9lOhDhuSstShITwVA6HnjAxcWo6PxFoEnDazVtHKuIT-EscBokCrTOhfrZJxkisEHUcSvHr6YRWHg2Olo4xpHxnZHjq2YsfokNHK1cVXZkS9zBuSCjAF_0/s1600/read+the+paleoart+survey.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLR4vNK54alAhWsgSbPzBjs9lOhDhuSstShITwVA6HnjAxcWo6PxFoEnDazVtHKuIT-EscBokCrTOhfrZJxkisEHUcSvHr6YRWHg2Olo4xpHxnZHjq2YsfokNHK1cVXZkS9zBuSCjAF_0/s1600/read+the+paleoart+survey.png" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption>Promotional graphic for the results to the 2017 Survey of Paleoartists. Illustration by Natee Puttapipat. Please feel free to download and distribute!</figcaption>
<p>Back in March, I launched the 2017 Survey of Paleoartists, which took answers over the course of the month. It was largely developed with help from Matt Celeskey, Bob Nicholls, and Mark Witton, as well as input from Emily Willoughby, Brian Engh, and Glendon Mellow. Today I'm excited to share the report of our findings, <a href="http://bit.ly/PaleoartSurvey17">available here</a>. If you would like to share the report, please use the shortlink <b>bit.ly/PaleoartSurvey17</b>, as this will help me get a rough idea of how many people are accessing it.</p>
<p>At that link, you'll find two versions of the report, an interactive PDF with navigational hyperlinks that weighs 5.48 MB and a smaller version that's half the size, with no interactive elements.</p>
<p>I'll keep this post a brief announcement of the release of the report. Marc Vincent will soon be publishing a post here offering his analysis, and I'm sure other bloggers will, as well. If you would like to write about the survey and want to include figures from the report, please write me at davieorr(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll get you a link to web-ready versions.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who took the survey! I look forward to the discussions surrounding the findings.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-60248825601501237172017-11-30T07:50:00.000-05:002017-12-01T08:05:07.764-05:00This Mesozoic Month: November 2017<h1>In the News</h1>
<p>
The month kicked off with Brussatte et al's response to the Ornithoscelida paper from this spring. What this team has found? Basically, we don't know what dinosaur phylogeny in the broadest scale looks like. It's equally plausible that any of our current models are correct. At the base of the tree, we're dealing with a bunch of similar, hard-to-distinguish Triassic critters, and we need more of them to resolve the issue of what the tree looks like up in the limbs and branches. Read more <a href="https://www.livescience.com/60837-dinosaur-family-tree-challenged.html">at Live Science</a>.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB8gmAyYR7OvR3gHClM9GgVryqU3hyphenhyphenhW46NqUo36Dt3G45QcJs_uOKTk7anbW6PH_s-r8cGewJDlRsd7vnxWL-DMF0i2U_QQKNRyCjxvmdsXTtU-MHEUH0bAgeg6-BR34Rz1gLRu2Gbbn/s1600/anchiornis-gelertner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB8gmAyYR7OvR3gHClM9GgVryqU3hyphenhyphenhW46NqUo36Dt3G45QcJs_uOKTk7anbW6PH_s-r8cGewJDlRsd7vnxWL-DMF0i2U_QQKNRyCjxvmdsXTtU-MHEUH0bAgeg6-BR34Rz1gLRu2Gbbn/s1600/anchiornis-gelertner.jpeg" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption>The newest look of <i>Anchiornis</i>, illustrated by Rebecca Gelernter and distributed with press materials by the University of Bristol.</figcaption>
<i>Anchiornis</i> has been revised yet again, this time with details of its totally weird feathers. It sported totally weird V-shaped plumaceous feathers and its totally weird wing surfaces were made of multiple rows of feathers whose barbs were not tightly zipped together the way those of modern birds are. Read more from <a href="https://www.inverse.com/article/38829-dinosaur-anchiornis-fuzzy-fluffy-dinosaur">the Inverse</a>, <a href="https://phys.org/news/2017-11-feathered-dinosaurs-fluffier-thought.html">Phys Org</a>, and <a href="https://www.livescience.com/61049-jurassic-dinosaurs-had-fluffy-feathers.html">Live Science</a>.
</p>
<p>
New research describes the post-apocalyptic world of the early Paleogene. Read more <a href="https://gizmodo.com/dinosaur-killing-asteroid-basically-brought-a-nuclear-w-1820048402">at Gizmodo</a>.
</p>
<p>
Also looking at that post-Mesozoic world, a new paper demonstrates a shift from nocturnal to diurnal lifestyles among Post-K/Pg mammals. Read more <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/1117/061117-Mammals-switched-to-daytime-activity-after-dinosaur-extinction">from UCL</a>.
</p>
<p>
Can we infer body mass from ichnological traces? New research using sauropod tracks from Copper Ridge aims to do just that. <a href="https://www.earthmagazine.org/article/can-fossil-footprints-reveal-weight-dinosaur">Read more from David Moscato, writing for Earth Magazine</a>.
</p>
<p>
Do you lek it like that? Seems some Jurassic theropods did. Read more from <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/laelaps/how-dinosaurs-strutted-their-stuff/">Brian Switek at Laelaps</a>.</p>
<h1>Around the Dinoblogosphere</h1>
<p>
Andy Farke speaks out for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument <a href="http://vertpaleo.org/Society-News/Blog/Old-Bones-SVP-s-Blog/November-2017/Whose-fossils.aspx">at the SVP blog</a>.</p>
<p>
Hopefully, you've had a chance to read Asher's <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2017/11/paleoart-addendum-interview-with-mark.html">insightful interview with Mark Witton</a> from a couple days ago. Be sure to also read <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/11/paleoart-and-dinosaur-art-2/544505/">his recent piece for the Atlantic</a>, which used the publication of <i>Dinosaur Art II</i> and Taschen's <i>Paleoart </i>to examine the history, present, and future of paleoart.
</p>
<p>
Which taxa were crowned the top ten open access fossils of 2017? Let's just say the fish lobby really stepped up. <a href="http://blogs.plos.org/paleocomm/2017/11/27/top-10-open-access-fossil-taxa-of-2017/">Read the list at PLoS</a>.
</p>
<p>
At the Celestial Troodon blog, Midiaou Diallo <a href="http://celestialtroodon.blogspot.com/2017/11/lifestyle-of-masked-robber.html">shares his thoughts</a> about the recent <i>Sinosauropteryx</i> paper.
</p>
<p>
Venturing out of the Mesozoic, Zach Miller has <a href="http://waxing-paleontological.blogspot.com/2017/11/an-aelurodon-of-my-own.html">a wonderful post on borophagine dogs</a>, specifically <i>Aelurodon</i>, as he was able to procure a nice cast of the holotype fossil in the SVP silent auction this year.</p>
<p>
Victoria Arbour traveled to spain for the Dinosaurios 2.0 conference, and writes about her experiences <a href="https://pseudoplocephalus.com/2017/11/18/dinosaurios-2-0/#more-2727">at Pseudoplocephalus</a>.
</p>
<p>
Writing for the Guardian, Brian Switek muses about a world <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/10/dinosaurs-unlucky-humans-different-evolutionary-route">in which the KT event didn't happen</a>.</p>
<p>
Liz Martin-Silverstone <a href="https://gimpasaura.wordpress.com/2017/11/19/thats-a-wrap-150-things-about-canadian-palaeo-part-19-the-end/">wraps up her series of 150 cool facts about Canadian palaeontology</a> at Musings of a Clumsy Palaeontologist.
</p>
<p>
Are you aware of the "birds are not dinosaurs" crowd, but perhaps not completely clear on their arguments? Well, <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/the-birds-are-not-dinosaurs-movement/">Darren Naish has written a post at TetZoo</a> that will be a huge help to you. One thing I didn't realize about the BANDits is that "they’ve – I think unwittingly – moulded themselves into a distinct social group, even going so far as wearing special badges at conferences." Wow.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://svpow.com/2017/11/15/xenoposeidon-is-ten-years-old-today-and-its-the-oldest-rebbachisaur/">Matt Wedel loves <i>Xenoposeidon</i></a> and it's honestly extremely adorable. Darren also discusses <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/ten-long-happy-years-of-xenoposeidon/">the last ten years of <i>Xenoposeidon</i> in the literature</a> at TetZoo.
</p>
<h1>The Empty Wallets Club</h1>
<p>
May I suggest smashing <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-2017-dinosaur-gift-guide.html">this link to our annual dinosaur gift guide</a>?
</p>
<a href="https://sep.yimg.com/ay/pomegranate/dinosaurs-the-art-of-mark-hallett-2018-wall-calendar-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://sep.yimg.com/ay/pomegranate/dinosaurs-the-art-of-mark-hallett-2018-wall-calendar-43.jpg" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
One thing I missed and probably would have included in the guide is <a href="http://www.pomegranate.com/dd484.html">Mark Hallett's 2018 calendar</a>. Thanks to Matt Wedel for calling attention to it at SV-POW!
</p>
<h1>The LITC AV Club</h1>
<p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aOeFRg_1_Yg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br>
PBS's <i>Eons </i>covers feathered dinosaurs in its latest episode. But why oh why did they use <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-damned-dromaeosaurs-of-stock-image.html">Damned Dromaeosaurs</a> for some of the art?
</p>
<p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OuVZ9G-2T38" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br>
The Saurian team previews their latest patch. Can't wait to play it! I'll need a new PC, but I'm patient, and they're continually working to improve gameplay.
</p>
<p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqRcsPt66EA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br>
Brian Engh showed just how much TLC goes into each of his pieces in a recent video condensing an hour of his process down to about a minute.
</p>
<p>
In the podcast world, Tyrannosauroidea Central's Thomas Carr <a href="http://tyrannosauroideacentral.blogspot.com/2017/11/links-to-interview-series-on-things.html">shares a series of YouTube interviews</a> he sat for with Arsen Kazaryen, and The I Know Dino crew <a href="http://iknowdino.com/amargasaurus-episode-157/">caught up with Dr. Michael Habib recently</a>.</p>
<h1>Crowdfunding Spotlight</h1>
<p>
Help Annalisa Berta and Susan Turner, writers of the upcoming book <i>Bone Hunters: A History of Women in Vertebrate Paleontology</i>, head to SVP 2018 to conduct video interviews related to the project. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/women-in-vp-videographer-at-svp">Donate at GoFundMe</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you're into dinosaur art that's on the silly, pulpy side, check out the Kickstarter campaign for <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/934713868/chiodosaurs-the-art-of-charlie-chiodo?ref=newest">Charlie Chiodo's book of dinosaur illustrations</a>.
</p>
<h1>A Moment of Paleoart Zen</h1>
<p>
This month inspired by a post on Facebook about how tyrannosaurs might best down an ankylosaur, I'm featuring Thai artist Nattawut Wongta's recent piece depicting <a href="https://guindagear.deviantart.com/art/When-Tyrannosaurus-has-win-in-ancient-battle-693912752"><i>T. rex</i> victorious over an <i>Ankylosaurus</i></a>. Love the look in the tyrant's eye. Check out more of Wongta's work <a href="https://guindagear.deviantart.com">at DeviantArt</a>.
</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwJ4VszyNzoPGN1i_l6IhsUSCaKQ2owQSDa2tda9kjRkPRoGZVWJmJ0tJF5jUGkJjDF3090lNmIPIy3lTu9zMICv-KsX6AQ28wV0dW-1KbDCqvlnek4ji_dZxCJhpsQqz-z0PZomuhdD1/s1600/when_tyrannosaurus_has_win_in_ancient_battle__by_guindagear-dbh4yi8.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwJ4VszyNzoPGN1i_l6IhsUSCaKQ2owQSDa2tda9kjRkPRoGZVWJmJ0tJF5jUGkJjDF3090lNmIPIy3lTu9zMICv-KsX6AQ28wV0dW-1KbDCqvlnek4ji_dZxCJhpsQqz-z0PZomuhdD1/s1600/when_tyrannosaurus_has_win_in_ancient_battle__by_guindagear-dbh4yi8.jpg" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption><i>Tyrannosaurus </i>and <i>Ankylosaurus </i>illustration by Nattawut Wongta, used here with the artist's permission.</figcaption>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-77875429095626974122017-11-28T11:35:00.003-05:002017-11-28T11:38:23.598-05:00Paleoart Addendum: An Interview with Mark Witton I recently got the chance to write <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/11/paleoart-and-dinosaur-art-2/544505/">a piece for The Atlantic</a> about the history of dinosaur illustration, jumping off of Zoe Lescaze's <i>Paleoart </i>and Steve White's <i>Dinosaur Art 2, </i>which our own Marc gave <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.ca/2017/11/dinosaur-art-ii-marcs-review.html">a stellar review.</a> (I liked it quite a bit myself.)<br />
<br />
In discussing modern paleoart, I did what anybody would do and talked to Dr. Mark Witton about theories and best practices. Only a little bit of that conversation made it into the piece--it's a thing that happens, what with editors and such--but I liked the conversation enough I asked Mark if we could run it here, to which he graciously assented. He's got very interesting stuff to say after the jump!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenmeB6WRymECpbbAFwPgK8TCDDV70iSiLxCYbsQYc_zrNdMPrVHMBEzZDGNGg5Dlsdntxxzh9MnJQrM2yV_QPKDGf3yjm3xzMuR4Z3EU4Ws_506da2tJCwz8KRK_G9ydTTteE-hObK3Q/s1600/p3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="640" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenmeB6WRymECpbbAFwPgK8TCDDV70iSiLxCYbsQYc_zrNdMPrVHMBEzZDGNGg5Dlsdntxxzh9MnJQrM2yV_QPKDGf3yjm3xzMuR4Z3EU4Ws_506da2tJCwz8KRK_G9ydTTteE-hObK3Q/s640/p3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scaly Tyrannosaurus, Copyright Mark Witton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><a name='more'></a><b>What is paleoart, as distinct from art that happens to have extinct species or landscapes in it? </b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Palaeoart is probably best identified by having three essential components: 1, an extinct subject species; 2, a restorative component (we're not just drawing fossils, but trying to rebuild the entire organism) and 3, an honest attempt to incorporate contemporary scientific understanding into the artwork, not just restoring the subject according to whims or personal preferences. The latter is especially important because there is a lot of art out there - including most toys, books and movies featuring fossil animals - that only hits the first two criteria. Palaeoart isn't just inspired by extinct subjects, but is an attempt to recreate extinct life as credibly as we can using available data. To my mind, we have to view products like Jurassic World as not really being palaeoart because their dinosaurs are produced in defiance of scientific data. Such works are inspired by palaeontology, but at some point in their reconstruction process non-scientific factors become dominant and they ceased being works of actual palaeoart.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What are some of the artistic and scientific tensions in paleoart? (I've been thinking of paleoart-as-aesthetic vs paleoart-as-education a lot recently, but I'm curious if you can think of any others.) </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Particularly for PR or educational work there is, as you indicate, some push and pull about illustrating an organism in a very matter of fact, unambiguous way and making a more artistically interesting piece of work. These things aren't incompatible, but aspects that make for a clear picture (e.g. high key lighting, uncluttered settings, simple posing and so on) do restrict the creative aspects of palaeoart. Animals in shadow or hidden by vegetation look cool, but aren't that great for showing their appearance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's also the struggle between giving people what they expect or like vs. giving them our best guess of reality. This is especially a problem as we continually 'ground' the past against more elaborate ideas of previous decades. It's increasingly apparent that predatory dinosaurs weren't indestructible murder locomotives and that many ferocious-looking animals were actually covered in soft, huggable anatomy, but we still get asked to restore things in line with older ideas because they're more familiar or marketable. </div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk1KS8S6SFhj5DvwcIVb7QOqSVGtzEPyL_o6CvyOp2gpLaZjXuR00pgboBNVuWUkvx6wZrKSLYIvSR6iSRMn-VNA7FRESHxAm2qy2zgHuqIl1OT-4JrS36ZzV7ur_XahexE5Zf5k1nu0/s1600/p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="640" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk1KS8S6SFhj5DvwcIVb7QOqSVGtzEPyL_o6CvyOp2gpLaZjXuR00pgboBNVuWUkvx6wZrKSLYIvSR6iSRMn-VNA7FRESHxAm2qy2zgHuqIl1OT-4JrS36ZzV7ur_XahexE5Zf5k1nu0/s640/p1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shingleback Triceratops, Copyright Mark Witton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<b>Much of the current mode of paleoart seems to tilt toward extremely detailed naturalism or photo-realism. One of the things I find interesting about your style is how impressionistic and classically composed it often feels. What are some artistic styles or movements you think it would be interesting to see paleoart move into? </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I must admit to enjoying palaeoartworks which don't go crazy with detail or photorealism. Not that there's anything wrong with hyperrealism, but it seems to be considered the sole zenith of the modern genre and most artists push towards it as a goal. This wasn't always the case. Plucking a few well-known names from across 20th century palaeoart: the work of Knight and Burian is very painterly, with bold (not always realistic) uses of colour, shadow and sometimes borderline impressionism (particularly for Knight); Neave Parker used a bizarre, near-monochrome colour palate with harsh lighting regimes; and William Stout's work has a pulpy, comic-book vibe. These guys are miles apart stylistically, but are have been at the top of the field at one time or another. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nowadays however, our greatest artists are stylistically more similar, and there's relatively few people experimenting with alternative approaches. Of those that do, only a fraction work with scientists, educators and so on. This is a shame, because our media are increasingly diverse and we could - with different art styles - be taking palaeoart into new formats, adapting it for different technologies, reaching new audiences and so on. Perhaps this conservatism is because our evaluation of palaeoart artistry is mostly clinical and scientific: our community mostly praises detail, photorealism and clarity of anatomy over composition, mood, and creativity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would like to see some more creative approaches to palaeoart being explored and rewarded in the community, but this goes beyond which sorts of paints or software we might use. There's an interesting question about how far from realism palaeoart can get before it stops being palaeoart. Certain styles distort reality by necessity, so if we simplify the form of our subjects into basic geometries, produce palaeoart caricatures, or apply surreal colour palates, are we still making palaeoart? This is clearly a subjective matter but, for me, so long as the artwork shows evidence of scientific homework, and the important, characterising aspects of the subjects remain clear, then yes, I think we're still in the palaeoart genre. There are several people experimenting with these approaches nowadays - David Orr, Johan Egerkrans, Raven Amos and Rebecca Groom - and they show that you produce stylised artwork of extinct animals without losing sight of the subject species. An Egerkranian Allosaurus is stylised, but you can tell it's an Allosaurus, not just a generic cartoon theropod. I'd like to see us exploring this sort of thing more - we're still scratching the surface of palaeoart's potential diversity.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>It feels like there's a growing anti-conservative mood in paleoart these days. Can you talk a little bit about the All Yesterdays movement, and what scientific and artistic ideas that's playing off of? How much of it comes from internalizing the idea that all paleoart is probably going to be eventually obsolete? </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The All Yesterdays movement is really a complex of ideas. Very succinctly summarised, it embraces the need for reasoned speculation to make convincing looking life reconstructions, encourages less conservative approaches to soft-tissue anatomy and behaviour, and calls for less tropey subject matter. We are definitely living in a world impacted by the All Yesterdays book and associated movement. The success of All Yesterdays isn't that surprising because, as the authors admit, they captured ideas that were already emerging among artists and commenters, but articulated them better than anyone else. Partly this was because their knowledge and respect for palaeontology and palaeoart meant they could put these ideas into a historic and scientific context, as well as synthesise these disparate threads into a logical message. They saw the way the wind was blowing and accelerated us in that direction, creating a new palaeoart philosophy along the way.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is a nihilistic aspect to All Yesterdays, a devil-may-care philosophy that says we don't really know what's right or wrong about our reconstructions, so we might as well be as bold with them as our science will allow. But I don't think this is is cynical or defeatist, or reflective of the impending obsolescence of artwork (predicting which palaeoart will be superseded is a tricky business - some has maintained credibility for decades or centuries). It's more just about being honest, and exploring many possible truths rather than one tried-and-tested take on a subject species. If we assume that recreating the true reality of our past is a palaeoart goal, then exploring many options for life appearance is going to bring us closer to that than sticking to one reconstruction variant. </div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP7bDrmk1XkiopLkWHA3-OBpoEKhmMaLnQe_SNV54ZXXDNtYmj5y_aVNmGm0Rx8O5t-GxEFz_gqF2wM-BWzm9iIKRsanLagFzF0nuilU8vLvya9fAt3ayY1dMgPWy38EhaVjn8Bh-17Q/s1600/p6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="640" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP7bDrmk1XkiopLkWHA3-OBpoEKhmMaLnQe_SNV54ZXXDNtYmj5y_aVNmGm0Rx8O5t-GxEFz_gqF2wM-BWzm9iIKRsanLagFzF0nuilU8vLvya9fAt3ayY1dMgPWy38EhaVjn8Bh-17Q/s640/p6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centrosaurus reconstruction, Copyright Mark Witton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Paleoart is also one of the few forms of illustration/fine art that is often binned for scientific obsolescence. Does that lead to a sense of disposability or unseriousness? What is the value of Knight, Burian, or other "outdated" artists? And how do you proceed when you know you're probably going to be wrong? </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Personally, I don't worry about obsolescence. It's always a risk, but if you dwell on it too much then you'd never do any palaeoart - why create something which could be invalidated by a new discovery next week? Our work will always have value as a record of contemporary scientific thinking, and that's fine with me. This is certainly how we now regard the likes of Knight or Burian - they're not lousy artists for getting it wrong, but guys who did the best the could with the data and advice they had at the time. All palaeoart is basically just a lavishly produced placeholder - "here's a painting of what we think today". All this said, the fact that our work is falsifiable reinforces the fact that we should check our interpretations are scientifically watertight before creating an artwork. I don't mind being shown wrong by new discoveries, but I don't want to be wrong before I even start a piece of work. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Building of of that further: One bit of friction in the paleoart world often seems to be that various scientists treat it as an afterthought or inherently unserious. Why is that? What are some of the darker sides of paleoart as a discipline, and why are things like art-theft, issues of credit, and such consistently issues? How do we get more scientists to take art seriously? </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are probably lots of causes for flippancy from scientists. One might be that palaeoartistry is the application of a very specialised science - the science of extinct animal life appearance - and most folks are not experts on this matter. That's worth unpacking. Someone can be an expert in finding fossils and describing bones, producing FEA analyses of skulls or making PCA plots of character data, and this means they might know a fossil species inside out. But that doesn't mean that they know what their data means for the appearance of their subject species. Indeed, the simple question of life appearance is not a hot topic among researchers - it's rare to go to a conference and see a talk where life appearance attributes are discussed simply because it's cool to know what fossil animals looked like. This means that life appearance might only be considered when the time comes to publicise a study, where we end up cobbling things together at the last minute instead of making thorough studies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This brings us to another issue: time. Palaeoart is often sought close to the time it's needed, such as immediately before the publication date of a scientific paper, or when a magazine or book publisher realises that they need an artwork that can't be bought off the shelf. Magazines and TV companies are especially bad for this, often working to deadlines which are, to normal people, completely insane. Again, the consequence is art produced under duress where just the goal is just to have the artwork, and quality is secondary.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A lack of time and money probably play into the plagiarist sides of palaeoart. The fact is that producing good original palaeoart is not a quick process and, if you're employed into a job where you have no time to spare, or are being paid so little that you want to do a job quickly, it can be easier to copy than it is to create. That said, some palaeoartists just seem to think it's OK to copy the work of others, regardless of who they're working for or the nature of the job. We shouldn't pretend that this is OK - serial plagiarists within our own community should not be getting work.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
An increased appreciation for the scientific basis for palaeoart would probably increase respect for the medium. Palaeoart is not a science, but it is based on a science with real depth. The number of studies with insight into extinct animal life appearance is growing and we - as a community of scientists and artists - need to get on board with these new data. There's a heck of a lot of information waiting to be incorporated into our artwork, some of which is of interest to palaeobiological theory, too. There are fewer and fewer parts of palaeoart that we approach completely blind, and in all likelihood scientists would learn a lot about their subjects from more sustained and developed relationships with palaeoartists.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cy5R6KlEXBN0aQYx8rCS60F64si3yWLn8uG_29esN3zK8gC77GVMdyQWBHkKuMuT8EjMg9WXTNfZhsbcmekrnUM0BvEXjJVC1D0lxVw26rfpfUV6LV4_qjPrnOYM3NGZthy-mUf6mhs/s1600/p5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="640" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cy5R6KlEXBN0aQYx8rCS60F64si3yWLn8uG_29esN3zK8gC77GVMdyQWBHkKuMuT8EjMg9WXTNfZhsbcmekrnUM0BvEXjJVC1D0lxVw26rfpfUV6LV4_qjPrnOYM3NGZthy-mUf6mhs/s640/p5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zuul, Copyright Mark Witton<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi8tvrw0OHXAhUK64MKHaQjAg8QFggoMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.scientificamerican.com%2Ftetrapod-zoology%2Fpalaeoart-memes-and-the-unspoken-status-quo-in-palaeontological-popularization%2F&usg=AOvVaw0DnHRguYxMOKtj4KaDrHre">Memes and tropes are common in paleontological art. </a>What are some of your favorites or least favorites? Why is copying so common, and why do you think some memes are everywhere and others don't seem to catch on?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know that I have strong positive or negative feelings to any particular memes. Spotting them in vintage art is fun, especially some of the more unusual ones, as is putting them together in sequence to identify the progression over time. Some palaeoart tropes or memes go back decades, and are replicated in dozens of images, and it can be fascinating seeing the whim of one artist become canonised across generations. Seeing them in modern palaeoart is a little more tedious, though: "another roaring dinosaur, eh? Not seen that before."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think a lot of memeification stems from lack of information about certain animals. Jobbing illustrators and amateur palaeoartists often reference existing artwork rather than attempt their own ground-up reconstruction so, if there's only one or two images of a species dominates (either through popularity or availability), subsequent works are going to look similar. Similarly, if there's only a few well-known factoids about a given subject, they tend to be replicated over and over in art. Overriding all this is marketability: when working for commercial clients, artists are encouraged to show the same behaviours or anatomy that are known to help shift merchandise, no matter how stereotyped that depiction has become. It is very difficult trying to get more nuanced depictions adopted into mass-media products because anything outside the norm is a commercial risk.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>You're working on an artist's how-to manual for paleoart. Can you talk a little bit about your goals for that project, and some of the techniques and best-practices you'd like to see used more? </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>The Palaeoart Handbook</i> is being finished right now - the manuscript will be submitted before the end of the year, so it'll be in the shops in 2018. It's not a typical 'how to draw prehistoric animals' book with guides on how to block out a mammoth, what geometry informs a Tyrannosaurus or whatever, but attempts to synthesize palaeoart theory into a format that everyone can understand. It's more about palaeoart methods and philosophy than it is restoring any specific group. The goal is to emphasise that palaeoart has a strong scientific and methodological backbone and that, if you're involved in restoring fossil animals, then there's process, there's data, and there's knowledge that you should be aware of. To that end, it covers palaeoart history and development, suggestions of where to find good reference material (and what to avoid), detailed discussion of reconstruction processes and philosophy (things like anatomical speculation, detailing, style choices and so on) as well as some practical guidelines for scientist-artists collaborations. <br />
<br />
I don't think there's ever been such a detailed analysis of the medium before. Hopefully, it'll be useful to artists of all levels, scientists who collaborate with artists, and of interest to anyone who's ever wondered about the palaeoart process.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP3VRc83Lo-omNpOHkzE2r3v6-IKwfk-prZ0aVbZgG0Gi_c37c4jtcpCzDax3hZv4y0w2AhG0Y6H4NH233Eh9NA12SdPrs-LgVnqK1OlKx_nBflXJb-l0mZgsS_5-ktHkHuNz6937hEM/s1600/p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="640" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP3VRc83Lo-omNpOHkzE2r3v6-IKwfk-prZ0aVbZgG0Gi_c37c4jtcpCzDax3hZv4y0w2AhG0Y6H4NH233Eh9NA12SdPrs-LgVnqK1OlKx_nBflXJb-l0mZgsS_5-ktHkHuNz6937hEM/s640/p2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.56px;">Garjaina, Copyright Mark Witton</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.56px;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<b>Finally, can you talk a bit about Life Through the Ages 2, and what inspired you to revisit Knight?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Life Through the Ages II</i> is another book that will be out next year - over eight decades after Knight's original <i>Life Through the Ages.</i> The idea for this sequel book came from being a fan of Knight's work (isn't everyone?) and wondering how to tackle the same project 80 years on. <br />
<br />
There is a odd contradiction to Knight's work in that it's artistically timeless but scientifically dated, and writing a sequel to his work is an opportunity to explore that. I guess there are lots of similarly themed 'walk-through-time' narratives that I could have followed up but Knight's work is so historically entrenched within palaeoart that it's clearly the act to follow. His shadow is over the project, of course, but I hope that's a positive - it's good to be spurred on to achieve bigger and better things. I'm certainly trying to push my artwork as far as I can so it doesn't look so bad when the inevitable comparisons are made (I know what the outcome will be - I'm playing to close the gap, not win).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This book should have the broadest appeal of any of my projects to date. The bulk is aimed at a general audience, just like Knight's was, but there's a discussion of Knight's work and the ephemeral nature of palaeoart that gives it a scholarly edge. There is a lot of new artwork in there that most people haven't seen yet, and lots of topics that I've never tackled before. But it's also very referential to Knight's original. Nods to the first <i>Life Through The Ages</i> include new takes on some Knight's original compositions, tribute elements in painting backgrounds or simply updated takes on species he once illustrated. I hoping the result is something that's respectful without being derivative, and shows an influence from Knight without trying to copy him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iU3n7SMi0FI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iU3n7SMi0FI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
Asher Elbeinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02579352783494821535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-21256961442100459942017-11-27T14:11:00.000-05:002017-11-27T14:11:52.943-05:00The Lost World, 20 years onLast week, fanpersons all over the world were sent into a tizzy by a precious few seconds of footage from next year's <i>Jurassic World</i> sequel. In it, hunk-o-saurus Chris Pratt appeared to be acquainting himself with some sort of slightly unconvincing-looking, bug-eyed, lizardlike CG creature. It got me thinking about an idea that I had earlier this year, but rejected 'cos it seemed way too predictable and slightly tiresome - a retrospective on the first <i>JP</i> movie sequel, <i>The Lost World</i>, which was released 20 years ago this year. You never know - it might be more fun than trashing San Diego and eating the family dog.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUVF6te4YwdS09-H9V5vk8-zCyDlFsaPVlsq-lHfT02dhsZvgLbFDXP-LKdnd3Mbo3NScY7-GQmDMy62DTbmc9E8q2hfTKXeDc_L-lNgdbtme5nl1gYKZpoYNCT7m5qoyTVQ04EEgDRo/s1600/TLW-MoviePoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUVF6te4YwdS09-H9V5vk8-zCyDlFsaPVlsq-lHfT02dhsZvgLbFDXP-LKdnd3Mbo3NScY7-GQmDMy62DTbmc9E8q2hfTKXeDc_L-lNgdbtme5nl1gYKZpoYNCT7m5qoyTVQ04EEgDRo/s640/TLW-MoviePoster.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://jurassicpark.wikia.com/wiki/Jurassic_Park_Wiki">Jurassic Wiki</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
As everyone knows, <i>The Lost World</i> started out as a sequel for its own sake. Michael Crichton wasn't especially interested in writing a sequel, and Spielberg wasn't terribly enthusiastic about directing one, at least initially. Happily, Crichton changed his mind (no doubt a sizeable advance was involved), and his sequel novel to <i>Jurassic Park</i> was published in 1995. Its plot is notably very different to the movie's, perhaps moreso than with the first <i>JP</i>; it involves InGen's rival Biosyn, their attempts to steal secrets from Site B, and themes involving the ethics of exploiting genetically-engineered animals that are starting to be touched on more in the <i>Jurassic World</i> series. It also features a disease spreading among the dinosaurs, dubbed 'DX' - just in case you haven't read the book and were wondering why those mysterious letters appeared all over the movie merchandise.<br />
<br />
The film, although deliberately 'darker' than <i>Jurassic Park</i>, is comparatively lightweight thematically, as one would expect. For some reason - possibly involving utterly incompetent management - John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) has lost control of InGen, ousted by his own board. He's replaced by his nephew, Peter Ludlow (Arliss Howard), whose suit cost more than your education. Ludlow hatches a plan to capture a bunch of dinos from InGen's 'research island', Isla Sorna, aka Site B, where they are currently roaming free. Outraged, wily old Hammond puts a team together to document the dinosaurs and 'rally public support' against his nephew's scheme - with the noteworthy backup plan of sabotaging the InGen effort, probably leading to numerous human casualties. (The loveable old scamp.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtMzaTABfyvEKWqWy8zArZDn9QEaaqyB3jK4Vxr_NxZ74tciIsScllRTrrc4eh8UL4LajOuiqjEFduoeIdFyU0wR8xA53xVvxwAhGSV5a3HqV23QEgQIsdVp9wkDJ8AYFX6BwQx2_gI8/s1600/Goldblum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="989" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtMzaTABfyvEKWqWy8zArZDn9QEaaqyB3jK4Vxr_NxZ74tciIsScllRTrrc4eh8UL4LajOuiqjEFduoeIdFyU0wR8xA53xVvxwAhGSV5a3HqV23QEgQIsdVp9wkDJ8AYFX6BwQx2_gI8/s640/Goldblum.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Subway Goldblum. Images from the film are copyright Universal and stuff. Please don't sue me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The quasi-naturalist ethos of the plot, which involved some seriously dubious character motivations and decisions on the part of Hammond, supposedly experienced and diligent palaeozoologist Sarah Harding (played by Julianne Moore), and psychotic wildlife photographer and chancer Nick Van Owen (Vince Vaughn), hardly mattered to a nine-year-old me back in the summer of '97. I'd been waiting four years to see more 'real dinosaurs', and I got 'em. The list of extinct genera in the film is truly impressive for the time, even if some only got cameos - <i>Compsognathus</i>, <i>Stegosaurus</i>, <i>Gallimimus</i>, <i>Parasaurolophus</i>, <i>Pachycephalosaurus</i>, <i>Mamenchisaurus</i>, <i>Triceratops</i>, <i>Tyrannosaurus</i>, <i>Velociraptor</i>(ish) and <i>Pteranodon</i> all feature. And Jeff Goldblum's Ian Malcolm was back, elevated to the lead role. What wasn't to love?<br />
<br />
Predictably, the film was a merchandising juggernaut. It was absolutely everywhere, and I wanted every piece of tat I set eyes on. For whatever reason, the marketing twonks settled on a yellow-green colour scheme to tie everything together, which was nowhere near as cool as the original film's moody reds, yellows and blacks, but who cared when you could give absolutely everything in your life a <i>Lost World</i> theme? Rubbish lenticular keyrings given away in cereal boxes. The FunFax <i>Lost World</i> file (and mini-file). Posters, pencil cases and rubbery hand puppets, oh my. The action figures were worthy follow-ups to the original <i>Jurassic Park</i> line, unlike everything since. Oh, how I coveted them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxp3wzigLwU599ff7ogdeZFH4g6BLAAtDE_ZNhlYAZYljjCltmKuiFfMS00DNelaPWJPeZQtYievj3CVMSTb-c2WaK9eKCgb6-ccFD6lP5JVhr0DtWkKwxG3qHc6zGom79S-xOFEilvg/s1600/Rex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1031" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxp3wzigLwU599ff7ogdeZFH4g6BLAAtDE_ZNhlYAZYljjCltmKuiFfMS00DNelaPWJPeZQtYievj3CVMSTb-c2WaK9eKCgb6-ccFD6lP5JVhr0DtWkKwxG3qHc6zGom79S-xOFEilvg/s640/Rex.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello there. Would you kindly take one of our pamphlets?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In a pre-<i>Walking With Dinosaurs</i> age, I was keen to see a more naturalistic portrayal of dinosaurs on film. <i>Jurassic Park</i> had already delivered some of that, with a <i>T. rex</i> that didn't immediately attack people for no good reason, and animals that were happy just coexisting with and sometimes sneezing all over humans. Happily for nine-year-old me, <i>The Lost World</i> seemed to have a lot more. Here were family groups, with different ages and genders represented; tyrannosaurs with strong parenting instincts; and predators stalking their prey silently and stealthily. In retrospect, it's easy to see that there's an awful lot of Hollywood silliness in the film as goes dinosaur behaviours (not least the ending), but seeing dinosaurs portrayed as anything other than mindless monsters mattered hugely to me at the time.<br />
<br />
So yes, I loved it back then, but that was really just for the dinosaurs. Seeing dinosaurs up on screen that reflected (more-or-less) what I was reading about in my books (especially <i>Dinosaurs!</i> magazine) was thrilling. There really wasn't anywhere else one could go for that sort of thing, and I think it's that that's been missing in the franchise since.<i> Jurassic Park 3</i> had sexual dimorphism and family dynamics in its raptors, but also took their intelligence to a comically ludicrous, super-smart extreme. <i>Jurassic World</i>, meanwhile, is deliberately backward-looking and nostalgic; a throwaway line excusing the retro-tastic appearance of the beasties in-universe can't excuse lazy creature design and a lack of curiosity on the part of the film makers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrv0-8iXjUEn-EJHCA7a7O9TFtgyKwtUv_GvOShtBzvi3m2rf_Iy5tgHF6BMZhmB06SJbazdMkRzkh2jL1Uu8tMfUhyphenhyphenAvJzqctEK2XMYRfFeeXU4BfKdafKpHNsmExi4NP_cI26ogdZ8/s1600/Stomp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1050" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrv0-8iXjUEn-EJHCA7a7O9TFtgyKwtUv_GvOShtBzvi3m2rf_Iy5tgHF6BMZhmB06SJbazdMkRzkh2jL1Uu8tMfUhyphenhyphenAvJzqctEK2XMYRfFeeXU4BfKdafKpHNsmExi4NP_cI26ogdZ8/s640/Stomp.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having said all that, I'd still rather watch <i>Jurassic Park 3</i> or <i>Jurassic World</i> today. <i>The Lost World</i> has any number of significant problems, in pacing, acting, colossal plot holes, over-earnestness and more besides. For me, it simply doesn't stand up to the high concept, groundbreaking original, nor the much better paced and more entertaining further sequels. It has its moments; the tense trailer sequence and the odd flash of gleeful, inventive sadism when human snacks are torn apart or crushed underfoot like a piece of a gum (and the dog gets it this time). Still, it seems destined to be remembered as the confused Sequel For The Sake Of It, the victim of a slightly muddled production, driven by the money men and the marketing machine. And it has that bit where a raptor is improbably kicked through a window.<br />
<br />
It's not brilliant. But for very rose-tinted reasons, I still can't help but remember it fondly. After all, as respected palaeontologist Mark Witton says,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">Two
good things about </span></span></span></i><span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">TLW</span></span></span><i><span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">: 1) David Koepp is the guy getting eaten by the
</span></span></span></i><span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">Tyrannosaurus</span></span></span><i><span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"> at the end - sadly just a special effect, but we can dream
- and 2) we see a promotional poster for Arnold Schwarzenegger as King
Lear. Oh, and the reflection on the back of the DVD disc is a good way
of entertaining chickens for a while, before they poop on it. Which is a
fitting end for this movie."</span></span></span></i></blockquote>
<i><span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"> </span></span></span></i><span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">And there's no arguing with Dr Witton.</span></span></span>Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-52353339044401723212017-11-22T16:28:00.000-05:002017-11-22T16:39:05.956-05:00Meet the artist: Jed TaylorAs if you need any further reasons to attend TetZooCon, here's one more. A couple of years ago I ran into a fellow in the post-TZC-pub with a folder full of his own dinosaur drawings. Natee and I had a look, and were suitably impressed; there was room for improvement, but it was a very solid foundation.<br />
<br />
Two years later, and the same bloke - Jed Taylor - approached me again in the pub. And this time, I was blown away. His dromaeosaurs are among the best I've ever seen, but it doesn't stop there; he's illustrated a plethora of dinosaurs in a gorgeous, naturalistic style that's very much in the post-Paulian (<a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/dinosaur-art-ii-marcs-review.html">sorry again</a>), Floof Revolution mould. Even Andrea Cau's <a href="http://theropoda.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/ecco-finalmente-qualcuno-che-sa-fare-il.html">heaped praise</a> on his work, and he's <i>very</i> hard to please. I asked Jed if he could write about his work for the blog, and he supplied the following very many lovely words, which it felt quite criminal to edit down. It may be a little 'TL;DR' for some, but it wasn't for me. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ4h3wyxiCnPwjWx2Y4EgjYykJ8tMXMsRgAVqp4zdXtJZXodRaPsPVvBIg3hsMnqWNYctamV-G-vh9HaK2n8YEpllNF_GrJmPNVd5XWS4PVnhmRDpCQ7pHVBtre7xssEvZe5Hcrfd0_g/s1600/Acheroraptorlr-lo-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="889" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ4h3wyxiCnPwjWx2Y4EgjYykJ8tMXMsRgAVqp4zdXtJZXodRaPsPVvBIg3hsMnqWNYctamV-G-vh9HaK2n8YEpllNF_GrJmPNVd5XWS4PVnhmRDpCQ7pHVBtre7xssEvZe5Hcrfd0_g/s640/Acheroraptorlr-lo-res.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jed's gorgeous <i>Acheroraptor</i> portrait. All art © Jed Taylor, used with permission.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
"I can’t remember when I started
drawing dinosaurs, at some point in the first few years of my life. I
remember that <i>Deinonychus</i> was my favourite dinosaur before the
release of <i>Jurassic Park</i> in 1993. I was 7 when that movie came out
and I remember feeling like the world had delivered a gift
specifically for me. I continued to draw and learn about animals both
extant and extinct until I was a teenager. The internet wasn’t the
(sometimes) useful research tool it is now, so most of my knowledge
came from somewhat outdated books and I spent a lot of time copying
illustrations by people like John Sibbick and Ely Kish. I also
remember being very sceptical of the idea of feathered dromaeosaurs
as a child, largely based on the fact that most of the illustrations
that depicted this were...weird, especially in comparison to the
sleek, muscular animals portrayed by Sibbick. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHRdQzlwWNhgXHwvRSb150fUBto5JzdBhh1jAqV99wIbEVdYf3l-uChqsqq4mhyphenhyphenSX_SoSZJ0-Yd4Dy92OlBhQcgcFe71s-QzttNqL7lgVt2gAg5GnWzq4AfV2_8x5j4YR-W-tXuiKs9U/s1600/AcheroraptorFlufflo-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHRdQzlwWNhgXHwvRSb150fUBto5JzdBhh1jAqV99wIbEVdYf3l-uChqsqq4mhyphenhyphenSX_SoSZJ0-Yd4Dy92OlBhQcgcFe71s-QzttNqL7lgVt2gAg5GnWzq4AfV2_8x5j4YR-W-tXuiKs9U/s640/AcheroraptorFlufflo-res.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I picked up the drawing again about 10
years ago, but only as a way to kill time at the extremely boring job
I was doing at the time. I would draw characters, my pets, other
animals. During this time I was also studying for my degree in Animal
Biology with the intention of becoming a zookeeper (probably a story
for another day). I maintained an interest in dinosaurs, but I was
primarily interested in living animals and their behaviour. It wasn’t
until 2013 and Colin Trevorrow’s infamous 'No Feathers' tweet
in regards to <i>Jurassic World</i> that I thought about drawing dinosaurs
again. Someone at work expressed the widely held and utterly bizarre
sentiment that “feathered dinosaurs wouldn’t be scary”, and I
attempted to prove him wrong with an illustration of a feathered <i>Velociraptor</i>. He agreed that actually it did look 'cool',
and, feeling pretty pleased with myself, I thought I would compare my
picture with what the internet had to offer. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It didn’t take me long
to realise that there was perhaps more to this than I had
anticipated. I had made a bunch of the regular novice mistakes
regarding feathering and proportions, and I realised I would need to
do a lot more research. I am eternally indebted to the likes of
Darren Naish, Mark Witton, Matt Martyniuk, Scott Hartman, Andrea Cau
and the team at <i>Love in the Time of Chasmosaurs</i> (I’m sure there are
others I’m forgetting) for an enormous online resource of easily
accessible information on the finer points of prehistoric animal
reconstruction. Research on blogs led me to primary resources and I
started to put together my ideas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Once I had a bunch of animals drawn
up, I took my portfolio to TetZooCon 2015. I had very much focused on
side-on, left-facing reconstructions, and whilst I felt that the
people I spoke to were encouraging and interested, I was left with
the impression that I needed to go further. I was particularly
inspired by Natee’s work. The poses, movement and detail blew my
mind, and suddenly I felt like side-on, left-facing theropods just
weren’t going to cut it. This set me up for two more years of
research and secret drawing. During this time I left the 'extremely
boring job' and set myself up as an artist, working mostly on
commission. Pets, portraits, the odd wild animal. In my spare time I
mostly drew birds. It really wasn’t until this year that I
felt that my dinosaurs were finally ready to be shown to the world.
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I’m not going to give an exhaustive
list of classic dinosaur artists of the '70s, '80s and '90s,
you already know them, but I will mention two pieces which are
relevant to my recent dromaeosaur pictures. John Sibbick’s
<i>Deinonychus</i> pack attacking a <i>Tenontosauru</i>s and Robert Bakker’s
running <i>Deinonychus</i> drawing were probably my favourites as a child,
because I really bought the idea of them as living animals.<br />
<br />
More recently there are artists like John Conway, Mark Witton, Emily Willoughby, but again I feel like any
palaeoart fan will be more than familiar with the incredible artwork
of these and many others, so they can’t all get a name-check. I’m
a fan of the current diversity of style and interpretation that can
be seen online at the moment. I post regularly on Instagram (where
the young people live) and it really demonstrates to me how well the
messages are getting through, and just how good the next wave of
palaeoartists will be.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMdR4rAKfVaLja6_e8y7QTPOixk1-grGw2mTTByEIoPSWGPUSXrEGmdkQ0AL6HibHPvfeBY8inWPHq_G1VssFadQf1Ow8uPoapX4xE4iAA8VPlXoebxe9bmJRM7_CjCpPJTVcgUVTBNc/s1600/dromaeosaurslrlo-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1200" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMdR4rAKfVaLja6_e8y7QTPOixk1-grGw2mTTByEIoPSWGPUSXrEGmdkQ0AL6HibHPvfeBY8inWPHq_G1VssFadQf1Ow8uPoapX4xE4iAA8VPlXoebxe9bmJRM7_CjCpPJTVcgUVTBNc/s640/dromaeosaurslrlo-res.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THAT 'dromaeosaur heads' piece.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In terms of stylistic influence it’s
hard to say. A lot of my favourite artists use a style which is very
different from mine. I love the art of C M Kosemen, but I think I
like it partly because it seems so different to my own. I’m a big
fan of Matt Martyniuk’s <i>Field Guide to Mesozoic Birds</i> and it
is a constant inspiration to me, but again I don’t think the
artistic style is similar to my own. Basically I’m not sure where
my style came from, unhelpful as that may be. I like a lot of old
paintings of birds and game animals, but I’m not well educated
enough in art to be able to tell you any artists. I like the effect
that a painting can have where for a second the interplay of light
and shade makes you almost see it as a three dimensional object, but
when you look a little closer you can see brush strokes, pencil marks
or other elements of technique.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I’m already feeling like I’ve named
too many artists, not just because your readers will undoubtedly be
familiar with their work already but also because there are SO MANY
MORE. I feel like I’m leaving a lot of people out, and I’m
basically a fan of everyone at every level and I am influenced daily
by the work of others, especially on social media. It genuinely feels
like a blossoming scene at the moment and I plan on singing the
praises of a lot of other artists when I eventually get my own blog
started.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNEkVe4__woAV0mAoCiPlIDCgYkeOBJaJvXER-i_dZd8nAFrquVVO4vkB2YtXy-FM7eOPdiqARgBKi6en7sz507Nfn96NsBIeeBg1PIrcqCergDxVxj2ZQSyAprkE1h07mQg-QsaYwqs/s1600/AlphabetAll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1597" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNEkVe4__woAV0mAoCiPlIDCgYkeOBJaJvXER-i_dZd8nAFrquVVO4vkB2YtXy-FM7eOPdiqARgBKi6en7sz507Nfn96NsBIeeBg1PIrcqCergDxVxj2ZQSyAprkE1h07mQg-QsaYwqs/s640/AlphabetAll.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jed's dinosaur alphabet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I start any reconstruction by looking
at the fossils and skeletal diagrams, reading as much as I can and
then attempting some rough structural sketches. Once I feel like I
understand the basic shape of the animal I look at any research into
integument/environment/lifestyle, and how other artists have
portrayed the animal. Then I think about it A LOT. In some ways I
like to try and present an alternative to what I have seen others do,
but an alternative that is equally well supported by the fossil
evidence. I’m not attempting to 'future proof' these
images...if palaeontologists make discoveries that show I have
speculated incorrectly, I’ll just do another picture or update the
old one. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
What is most important to me is that it looks like an animal
that could exist based on the information that we have, and based on
my understanding of how living animals and ecosystems operate. I
suppose the point I am trying to get across is I think we can always
afford to speculate, as long as those speculations are rooted in some
kind of reasonable hypothesis. No artist is going to get the life
appearance of an animal that lived 100 million years ago exactly
correct, and my general feeling is (based on the variety that exists
in extant animals) that we often underestimate variety in favour of a 'conservative' view, which often then becomes a dominant trope. I
found <i>All Yesterdays</i> very influential on my thinking in this
regard. After all, an entirely non-speculative dinosaur drawing would
be of a fossil. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With respects to the dromaeosaurid
images that I have recently done, I have MANY thoughts on the
possible lifestyles of these animals, definitely too much to cover
here. However I would say that I view them as likely predators of
animals smaller than themselves, I don’t think the idea of a pack
of them leaping onto a large (living) animal makes much sense.
Apologies to fans of the flying-screaming-death-lizard-bird. I like
thinking about things like visual displays, sexual dimorphism and
other morphological traits linked to lifestyle and behaviour, which
of course is highly speculative but we have a lot of examples to go
on in living animals. I can’t stress enough how much I think
looking at, learning about and spending time around living animals
helps when thinking about the lives and ultimately life appearances
of dinosaurs. Also most things are brown. Almost all the things that
exist are brown. That may be a slight overstatement, but I prefer to
restrict bright colours to display structures, as seems common in
living animals. I could say a lot more about our dromaeosaur friends,
I reckon it’ll be the topic of my first blog post (when I get round
to it). I also regularly post work in progress pics and details of my
full process on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXykvMQ-BxSDIagV0SaV7kLeYTFplRwKYTiJh_ESQRd0HLDLryGEtkIMFopCsr83eK2-Rk7D81bwtsZAefy_lDOuqJ9lFXDGsY5oaVdVf1iysqY49Aex23HC5p2wcgT6r1Fn4ZOCVNTg/s1600/velcoljlo-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1200" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXykvMQ-BxSDIagV0SaV7kLeYTFplRwKYTiJh_ESQRd0HLDLryGEtkIMFopCsr83eK2-Rk7D81bwtsZAefy_lDOuqJ9lFXDGsY5oaVdVf1iysqY49Aex23HC5p2wcgT6r1Fn4ZOCVNTg/s400/velcoljlo-res.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He does funny stuff too, you know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In terms of materials, I use pencils
and watercolour paints, usually on a watercolour paper and I do a
bunch of rough sketches in preparation. I use references from my own
photos for things like lighting and skin/feather texture, but I try
not to use colour schemes entirely from a living species (although I
occasionally break that rule for...reasons). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Some of my pictures, such as the
dinosaur alphabet series, are in a slightly more sketchy, almost
comic book style. I use generally brighter, more eye-catching colours
for those designs, but they are still based on a thought process
involving lifestyle, habitat, potential social behaviours etc.
Basically if I’ve drawn something I feel like I can explain it. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I have many, many more specific
thoughts on restoring prehistoric animals but as I say I am planning
on starting a (hopefully weekly) blog to discuss these thoughts and
try and get some discussions going. More generally I would also like
to add that one of my favourite things about palaeoart is the
historical perspective on science it provides, and mostly for that
reason my favourite EVER dinosaur reconstruction is the Crystal
Palace <i>Megalosaurus</i>."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTcrXG2H6pMimFjONRxxYFccYryh-2FU1HK95l702r3fSA_u_ROFMp0ucvQGC-TL8i0G-epW7JlZFX8m-EoyHWm6pDEjvxt36MajrlJf4an7YhFiSp62avI376oa322bl44N7GJ8lIoM/s1600/megamanlrlo-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1200" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTcrXG2H6pMimFjONRxxYFccYryh-2FU1HK95l702r3fSA_u_ROFMp0ucvQGC-TL8i0G-epW7JlZFX8m-EoyHWm6pDEjvxt36MajrlJf4an7YhFiSp62avI376oa322bl44N7GJ8lIoM/s640/megamanlrlo-res.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Many thanks again to Jed for answering all the points I put to him, and then some, and supplying all the lovely images. Please check out his work at all the following internet-places:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Facebook: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://m.facebook.com/JCT-Art-Studio-1739376772953705/&source=gmail&ust=1511471415306000&usg=AFQjCNGmc5OIwtSgkJzwdn-kf_0vGUEC3g" href="https://m.facebook.com/JCT-Art-Studio-1739376772953705/" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.<wbr></wbr>com/JCT-Art-Studio-<wbr></wbr>1739376772953705/</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://twitter.com/JCTArtStudio&source=gmail&ust=1511471415306000&usg=AFQjCNHogQeOPx06FZ_CfOh_qH78rMXtLg" href="https://twitter.com/JCTArtStudio" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>JCTArtStudio</a></div>
<div>
Instagram: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.instagram.com/jctartstudio/&source=gmail&ust=1511471415306000&usg=AFQjCNFtqB0Hj010C45VxblHHZuSSd8taA" href="https://www.instagram.com/jctartstudio/" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>instagram.com/jctartstudio/</a></div>
<div>
And at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://jctartstudio.com/&source=gmail&ust=1511471415306000&usg=AFQjCNGI8PyGoA-l_ehMMrD0SQ3esHskBA" href="http://jctartstudio.com/" target="_blank">http://jctartstudio.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> </div>
Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-64161103637628529772017-11-20T18:00:00.000-05:002017-11-21T10:01:50.712-05:00The 2017 Dinosaur Gift Guide<p>
It's time again for our yearly dinosaur gift guide, a fine tradition in its fourth year. As usual, I encourage you to check out all of the past editions (<a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-great-2014-dinosaur-gift-guide.html">2014</a>, <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-2015-dinosaur-gift-guide.html">2015 </a>and <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-2016-dinosaur-gift-guide.html">2016</a>) as well, since most listings are still active and we've featured so many cool products, most from independent artists and small companies. It is always difficult to keep this post concise, and this year we have had so many cool and creative things put out in the world by the paleo-enthusiast community. Let's jump in!
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Books</h2>
<h3><i>Dinosaur Art II</i></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iiN1FbtFPAEcCIznxfYFkINOOI2N2qjXqx7mKyGFiPo4-oIIeBeY1gNpUaa9cpV4S2one53eItRiKDKYHym9TR-NrV0KTbE3jDCD9LPToU5zkOTn-EWIajrYUY3QmlDrULnlxno0cMhS/s1600/dino+art+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iiN1FbtFPAEcCIznxfYFkINOOI2N2qjXqx7mKyGFiPo4-oIIeBeY1gNpUaa9cpV4S2one53eItRiKDKYHym9TR-NrV0KTbE3jDCD9LPToU5zkOTn-EWIajrYUY3QmlDrULnlxno0cMhS/s320/dino+art+2.jpg" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
Titan Books' <i>Dinosaur Art II</i> repeats the winning formula of the original <i>Dinosaur Art</i>, but focuses on some of today's finest paleoartists. The title received a glowing review from Marc in this space, so if you need to be convinced, <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2017/11/dinosaur-art-ii-marcs-review.html">read that</a>, and then <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/1785653989/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i2?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=1785653989&pd_rd_r=65e3f3d4-c305-11e7-9821-4b13dd402765&pd_rd_w=wPDGh&pd_rd_wg=G15kD&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=N2SDNAEJD90TADRPV0Z4&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1cf9d009-399c-49e1-901a-7b8786e59436&pf_rd_i=desktop">order a copy here</a>!
</p>
<h3><i>Dinosaur Empire</i></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-yODRCVytRPqZUBpX-svSVdp4ewESnyKWrOuNqXJU0OT3buCY1-onTJTnDWkHZnXgO1hGiuC6DZ7RVdRnuXUI-Gv5if1OSaUz1whGmj3BuFXowHCpib6JDFyZwS6spAfHxZagvs1IUmb/s1600/abby+howard+dinosaur+empire.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-yODRCVytRPqZUBpX-svSVdp4ewESnyKWrOuNqXJU0OT3buCY1-onTJTnDWkHZnXgO1hGiuC6DZ7RVdRnuXUI-Gv5if1OSaUz1whGmj3BuFXowHCpib6JDFyZwS6spAfHxZagvs1IUmb/s1600/abby+howard+dinosaur+empire.jpg" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
I heaped praise upon Abby Howard's wonderful <i>Dinosaur Empire </i><a href="http://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2017/08/dinosaur-empire.html">in August</a>. This is an essential part of any dinosaur book collection, but if you're specifically looking for something for a dinosaur enthusiast in elementary school, this is absolutely perfect. <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/dinosaur-empire_9781419723063/">It's available from Abrams books</a>.
</p>
<h3><i>A to Zuul</i> by Stephen Darteville</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGTei5G-6cS1oSPS7YyTfEV6bzrL2ojUIDB3J0EB2MQWRqyfoYnwCA0yJFFGuhiXaQb88XbRVPSURG1rR5MjDaw-q2eJ5MqXno0Obx2YKl5YMlPKDPiDxJORwV6RMtVJrxK545ZHLncW8/s1600/a+to+zuul.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGTei5G-6cS1oSPS7YyTfEV6bzrL2ojUIDB3J0EB2MQWRqyfoYnwCA0yJFFGuhiXaQb88XbRVPSURG1rR5MjDaw-q2eJ5MqXno0Obx2YKl5YMlPKDPiDxJORwV6RMtVJrxK545ZHLncW8/s1600/a+to+zuul.png" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
Victoria Arbour chimed in with this adorable book when I asked the LITC team for suggestions. Darteville has a really fun, engaging style that's full of personality. Each copy comes with a set of stickers, too! <a href="https://gumroad.com/l/fGElL">Pick your copy up from Gumroad</a>.
</p>
<h3><i>Animals of a Bygone Era: An Illustrated Compendium</i></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSnybZX9L5sYxYp_Drmhkty6C31SWShKSFGxO99ozuAVhJhdrZuC01u23CQPR9M5hAP9uGda896GVNmKZYEAOIJUtKc0aS0u_6FqUigWffdCDbpl59ajGr0YfoS9Gbt8_kvLB0_VHn1k1/s1600/safstrom+bygone+age.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSnybZX9L5sYxYp_Drmhkty6C31SWShKSFGxO99ozuAVhJhdrZuC01u23CQPR9M5hAP9uGda896GVNmKZYEAOIJUtKc0aS0u_6FqUigWffdCDbpl59ajGr0YfoS9Gbt8_kvLB0_VHn1k1/s1600/safstrom+bygone+age.jpg" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
Another good title for a young prehistory fan is this one by Maja Säfström. Don't let the wonderfully fanciful illustrations fool you: this book digs deep and introduces readers to some seriously obscure critters. <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-maja-safstroms-animals-of.html">We also reviewed this one this year</a>. Pick it up <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/540140/animals-of-a-bygone-era-by-maja-safstrom/9780399578526/">from Penguin Random House</a>.
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Toys</h2>
<h3>Beasts of the Mesozoic figures</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyERtJqfc0BCOmGexQAtJ03OkQ6Dn3TpiCtV_O2Zf3P5iUZIY2MELpdygZ5wZorkC62aPBa2jQa4JJw7tKV2ttD4tj_NHhbQMvOvrRBHXn73k7cl3J9FhbslNtMDAPLT-8bSqBKghJPE6/s1600/DSCN6534_large.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyERtJqfc0BCOmGexQAtJ03OkQ6Dn3TpiCtV_O2Zf3P5iUZIY2MELpdygZ5wZorkC62aPBa2jQa4JJw7tKV2ttD4tj_NHhbQMvOvrRBHXn73k7cl3J9FhbslNtMDAPLT-8bSqBKghJPE6/s1600/DSCN6534_large.JPG" width="100%" /></a>
<p>
After a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, the Beasts of the Mesozoic series of poseable raptor figures are almost here. My personal favorite is the <i>Dromaeosaurus</i>, pictured above. <a href="https://beasts-of-the-mesozoic-raptor-series-action-figure.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/72897">You can pick them up via Backerkit</a>!
</p>
<h3>The 2017 Wild Safari Dinosaur Collection</h3>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ge_yYIgkeCs" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>
I asked Marc Vincent for a recommendation for dinosaur figures to include and he immediately suggested anything in Wild Safari's 2017 collection. When I saw them I was pretty stunned. They're wonderful all around, and although I'm no collector, there are a few here I'd love to acquire - especially that <i><a href="https://www.safariltd.com/deinocheirus">Deinocheirus</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.safariltd.com/feathered-velociraptor">Velociraptor</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.safariltd.com/diplodocus">Diplodocus</a></i>. You can purchase them from Safari LTD, but unfortunately the 2017 models aren't all collected on one page. I'd suggest browsing the set <a href="http://dinotoyblog.com/2016/10/20/upcoming-releases-from-safari-ltd-new-for-2017/">at the Dinosaur Toy Blog</a> and then searching the Safari site for the one you want.
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Art</h2>
<h3><i>Ankylosaurus</i> by Fabrizio De Rossi</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Fn85D6xvv3Pv3QPt6pDk4rKc6gELiZaE8hxHbkTlT6UaMmaOa6QgxM8o0OJTU6xWQXFuqahjSi-c70bbqVZ0eiKpTWHSFTcnWn0rB7YJkyaKq4xNMMgEuQ5LIBszfKYW349h_3v4beg0/s1600/ankylosaurus-magniventris_fabrizio-de-rossi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Fn85D6xvv3Pv3QPt6pDk4rKc6gELiZaE8hxHbkTlT6UaMmaOa6QgxM8o0OJTU6xWQXFuqahjSi-c70bbqVZ0eiKpTWHSFTcnWn0rB7YJkyaKq4xNMMgEuQ5LIBszfKYW349h_3v4beg0/s1600/ankylosaurus-magniventris_fabrizio-de-rossi.jpeg" width="100%" /></a>
<p>
The launch of <a href="https://252mya.com">Studio 252 MYA</a> about a year ago filled a huge on-line need for enthusiasts of prehistory: an easy-to-use, well-designed shop to pick up all manner of paleoart merch, from tees to prints to mugs. I could probably just fill this entire post with products from their roster of artists. Instead, I'll feature <a href="https://252mya.com/collections/shop/products/ankylosaurus-poster?variant=28232477057">Fabrizio De Rossi's beautiful <i>Ankylosaurus </i>print</a> and suggest you spend some time browsing the entire site.
</p>
<h3>Colorful prints by Mary Sanche</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkpyGbfZ9AmK5R_uveGGhiy8RvUM5rDe-RrB16ax_4ItQQy6j9rZ_S9vUKzZlGL1AGv4Llc7ln3pL_AEnVvtWBZ3SGlARckF8iODXnT6AIEn9IRtHLbPZXZ5D0oR9eugdlPdafctSlPe2/s1600/sanche+marine+reptiles.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkpyGbfZ9AmK5R_uveGGhiy8RvUM5rDe-RrB16ax_4ItQQy6j9rZ_S9vUKzZlGL1AGv4Llc7ln3pL_AEnVvtWBZ3SGlARckF8iODXnT6AIEn9IRtHLbPZXZ5D0oR9eugdlPdafctSlPe2/s1600/sanche+marine+reptiles.png" width="100%" /></a>
<p>
Mary Sanche, who runs the Redbubble shop Thoughts up North, has created a series of prints featuring themed groupings of mesozoic fauna, each in their own color tint. They'd look fantastic as a set!. Check out her <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/thoughtsupnorth/works/15614858-theropods-ltd?c=387979-prehistoric&p=art-print&ref=work_collections_grid">Theropods</a>, <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/thoughtsupnorth/works/21145179-pterosauria?c=387979-prehistoric&p=art-print&ref=work_collections_grid">Pterosaurs</a>, <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/thoughtsupnorth/works/15357984-ceratopsians-and-co?c=387979-prehistoric&p=art-print&ref=work_collections_grid">Ceratopsians</a>, and <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/thoughtsupnorth/works/21145127-marine-reptiles?c=387979-prehistoric&p=art-print&ref=work_collections_grid">Marine Reptiles</a>, pictured above.
</p>
<h3><i>Zhenyuanlong</i> by Emily Willoughby</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcm79yG2dwjVPdwVR-lg-G4sYca2OP0DnROehsVBhFTbU90Z8pa7MUNjrEeZA19hlA7V6wWw4fgxyg-Td1LMZGLRgjmdI1w5aqnz6IH4bCb3Sivu8SAoEV1aloNqvkfNYRpNvF26QWtdY/s1600/reflections_on_zhenyuanlong_by_ewilloughby-d924pbh.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcm79yG2dwjVPdwVR-lg-G4sYca2OP0DnROehsVBhFTbU90Z8pa7MUNjrEeZA19hlA7V6wWw4fgxyg-Td1LMZGLRgjmdI1w5aqnz6IH4bCb3Sivu8SAoEV1aloNqvkfNYRpNvF26QWtdY/s1600/reflections_on_zhenyuanlong_by_ewilloughby-d924pbh.jpg" width="100%" /></a>
<p>
Emily Willoughby has no shortage of beautiful artwork to choose from, but I wanted to feature one of my all-time favorites in this guide: her <i>Zhenyuanlong </i>. Pick it up in a variety of formats <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/zhenyuanlong_poster-228443268570254250">at Zazzle</a>.
</p>
<h3>Strutting <i>Stegosaurus</i> by Levi Hastings</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w4rjctdhywrzS0bM_A1-EZDpNFFn43EYmqHMGBj_WPX8QfCt4rEjRfxYZi0LJAKSEmkFhr46TzdLAdwviLLlq9noi9Jvns_Rj8_uKhMpzXdc6d0mrIDp9YAR26LmfYqATf9skkZbL50q/s1600/strutting-stego-levi-hastings.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w4rjctdhywrzS0bM_A1-EZDpNFFn43EYmqHMGBj_WPX8QfCt4rEjRfxYZi0LJAKSEmkFhr46TzdLAdwviLLlq9noi9Jvns_Rj8_uKhMpzXdc6d0mrIDp9YAR26LmfYqATf9skkZbL50q/s1600/strutting-stego-levi-hastings.jpg" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
Levi Hastings has a way of distilling prehistoric beasts down to their most essential forms and playing with rhythmic elements of anatomy that is really satisfying to me. Add in a knack for finding unique color palettes and you've got paleoart that looks beautiful hanging just about anywhere. <a href="https://society6.com/product/strutting-stegosaurus_print?sku=s6-1376038p4a1v45">Find his Strutting <i>Stegosaurus </i>on Society 6</a> (incidentally, I really love the paper Society 6 uses for their art prints - you'd swear it was an original watercolor).
</p>
<h3>Risographs by Greer Stothers</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_PonX1Piaj07aKZ6eSMKw-fAY5IpP1YP1E7CpQTAJc5cUDsa8ntTHEuezYSZKO0TdOVLBZskxjydSu3YkyUkNlHtwg5xTWYvEzqctwRNeBZjcUJO_8hgKzW47DHwbiDChUppY5fSN9Qf/s1600/GeerStothers_Saurornitholestes.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_PonX1Piaj07aKZ6eSMKw-fAY5IpP1YP1E7CpQTAJc5cUDsa8ntTHEuezYSZKO0TdOVLBZskxjydSu3YkyUkNlHtwg5xTWYvEzqctwRNeBZjcUJO_8hgKzW47DHwbiDChUppY5fSN9Qf/s1600/GeerStothers_Saurornitholestes.png" width="100%" /></a>
<p>
Greer Stothers' ceratopsian enamel pins are awesome, <a href="https://252mya.com/collections/greer-stothers-ceratopsians">so you should definitely buy a set of those</a>, but I also wanted to feature her risograph prints, which feature really cool color palettes and lovely, minimalist compositions. I love <a href="http://greerstothers.storenvy.com/products/21242672-sauronitholestes">the <i>Saurornitholestes </i></a>above, but there are more awesome ones to choose from <a href="http://greerstothers.storenvy.com/">in her shop</a>.
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Wearables</h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_xuIx1entACcpxo1-UKlRoRO-YTREJzH5TgXjuuTEzHaoQLK4yIMK9PyPPDduoJDgf40CBEmJc4jeVVHiW4uFNvpHOLXWa2McJb22Bdupp_ovZMIKxUudU8GHgxt_MKccs929N5ysOaC/s1600/yi-green-2.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_xuIx1entACcpxo1-UKlRoRO-YTREJzH5TgXjuuTEzHaoQLK4yIMK9PyPPDduoJDgf40CBEmJc4jeVVHiW4uFNvpHOLXWa2McJb22Bdupp_ovZMIKxUudU8GHgxt_MKccs929N5ysOaC/s1600/yi-green-2.png" width= "50%" /></a>
<p>
I'm a fan of heraldic designs featuring prehistoric animals, so Rebecca Groom's tees make me giddy. Her <a href="http://palaeoplushies.indiemade.com/product/heather-military-green-heraldic-yi-qi-t-shirt"><i>Yi qi</i></a> is pictured above, and she's also got a <a href="http://palaeoplushies.indiemade.com/product/heather-grey-heraldic-velociraptor-t-shirt"><i>Velociraptor </i>design</a>.
</p>
<h3><i>Globidens </i>tee by Jaime Headden</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAmE4N8uigScJkTGPnFHiWZRxXfvCBpqyAUbcP9fd9Qq8AsCIenopQTVkltwfp88DSjZzATL2XVL9m4Rp3EtyoI4Fcl6DK5qkXldMMNj6aPaeBtgGkKZNe-gntl4Ao8tkWZAxg82INvow/s1600/globidens+headden.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAmE4N8uigScJkTGPnFHiWZRxXfvCBpqyAUbcP9fd9Qq8AsCIenopQTVkltwfp88DSjZzATL2XVL9m4Rp3EtyoI4Fcl6DK5qkXldMMNj6aPaeBtgGkKZNe-gntl4Ao8tkWZAxg82INvow/s1600/globidens+headden.jpg" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
The black tee with a white design is a staple of my wardrobe, but now that my cherished short-faced bear tee from the Field Museum looks like it was used for target practice, I need another for the mix. Jaime Headden's terrific<a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/jaheadden/works/9322362-eater-of-molluscs?grid_pos=25&p=t-shirt&rbs=27e56599-c637-4b1f-adf1-ae13b2ab4a06&ref=artist_shop_grid&style=mens"> <i>Globidens </i>skull tee</a> fits the bill perfectly, so on my list it goes!
</p>
<h3>World Dinosaur Federation by Seven Hundred</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg2K60HJGY4kFzzhQAqZkjulypVIvPN3kbAsN34J7hgbZWiWqTrs95rXfXb6mzfPiWvKbOFwLMZpHY9ltJZZS9oL9c-A1BI9aQt7BdFqgmO8bxNB4fe49SiwkRAGTpk_nNwa2Hx_uxWrF/s1600/wdf-tee.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg2K60HJGY4kFzzhQAqZkjulypVIvPN3kbAsN34J7hgbZWiWqTrs95rXfXb6mzfPiWvKbOFwLMZpHY9ltJZZS9oL9c-A1BI9aQt7BdFqgmO8bxNB4fe49SiwkRAGTpk_nNwa2Hx_uxWrF/s1600/wdf-tee.jpg" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
This is just a great idea, executed well. Available <a href="http://www.teefury.com/world-dinosaur-federation">on tees and hoodies from TeeFury</a>.
</p>
<h3>Paleopins</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqBpPmp1IU5XJ8dNrXRf8qI_TD-nMGC_NQBZ4OLM4ZByl9HWbcs4aCN3XP3XymX9Z6zHKxevCrkBRMqZi0cwXpJSntPo-WSqZ1hL9_pdCq42xi6i_MIV2GQChls3wS0pAKmmsYXFJ_EJE/s1600/paleopins+carnotaurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqBpPmp1IU5XJ8dNrXRf8qI_TD-nMGC_NQBZ4OLM4ZByl9HWbcs4aCN3XP3XymX9Z6zHKxevCrkBRMqZi0cwXpJSntPo-WSqZ1hL9_pdCq42xi6i_MIV2GQChls3wS0pAKmmsYXFJ_EJE/s1600/paleopins+carnotaurus.jpg" width="50%" /></a>
<p>
Angela Radick creates super cute prehistoric enamel pins, and has funded a couple sets with successful crowdfunding campaigns. To browse her current selection, head to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaleoPins">the PaleoPins Etsy shop</a>. I'm especially fond of the chompy <i>Carnotaurus </i>above.
</p>
<hr>
<p>That's a wrap for this year's guide! Of course, this is just a small selection of what's out there. So feel free to share your favorite gift ideas in the comments,
too.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-36135615322721513422017-11-16T17:13:00.000-05:002017-11-17T02:55:04.051-05:00Terrible Lizards - a bestiaryBelieve it or not, I'm not familiar at all with <i>Dungeons & Dragons</i>. Of course I know what it <i>is</i>, and that there's a Dungeon Master overseeing things and lots of high fantasy and dice and such, but not much more than that. It's just not something that I've really been exposed to (if you'll forgive the use of a word that makes it sound slightly unseemly). So, I was intrigued when we were contacted by Ralph Stickley, who's produced a bestiary entitled <i><a href="http://www.dmsguild.com/product/220783/Terrible-Lizards-A-Dinosaur-Bestiary?filters=0_0_0_45531_0_0_0_0">Terrible Lizards</a></i>, with the laudable aim of bringing up-to-date dinosaurs to the game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RHgGO6S2rg58jIx-zjbAvLswJcQQ8lqHft71c5hk0To-sCJVYfyX-GiWN5wcC6EW59VEEohyphenhyphenbQDqprStvXLZmc8HxjmNeuX07d3KJBQjuy8TEAzzZmAJ2ggniRzzissJotG2Vdx6gHU/s1600/Dromaeosaurs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1320" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RHgGO6S2rg58jIx-zjbAvLswJcQQ8lqHft71c5hk0To-sCJVYfyX-GiWN5wcC6EW59VEEohyphenhyphenbQDqprStvXLZmc8HxjmNeuX07d3KJBQjuy8TEAzzZmAJ2ggniRzzissJotG2Vdx6gHU/s640/Dromaeosaurs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Dinosaurs in <i>D&D</i>? Well, yes, apparently; they've been there from the start, or so Ralph tells me (I'm happy to trust him on that), but have always followed the pop culture norms of the day. So, back in the 1970s, they tended to resemble the swamp beasts of pulp fiction and cheesy B-movies, before evolving into something a little more Dino Renaissance-flavoured following the release of <i>Jurassic Park</i>. However, Ralph says, "like most pop culture dinosaurs, they've pretty much stayed in that vein" ever since - failing to reflect the astonishing scientific advances of the last 20 years. Says Ralph, <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"I feel like the gradual drip-feeding of the feather revolution (or
whatever it is we're calling it) could result in another shift of public
consciousness towards the amazing creatures we paleo-nerds are all
familiar with, and
I'd like to be a tiny part of that (hey, one raindrop raises the sea,
right?)"</i></blockquote>
I quite agree. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaDn3UJWNvs6toO1YBhKMN-_UM8aeNSgjp87tC8B-8BE6McuhhWUdmD2mexadv1C0liOJ84nOslvf68fJaDy-rb6oh8Cd-lLMjcEsJTCazVsBEHefKqjr2pXwtTP7XApYEwlBGhYKsJ0/s1600/Tyrannosaurs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1413" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaDn3UJWNvs6toO1YBhKMN-_UM8aeNSgjp87tC8B-8BE6McuhhWUdmD2mexadv1C0liOJ84nOslvf68fJaDy-rb6oh8Cd-lLMjcEsJTCazVsBEHefKqjr2pXwtTP7XApYEwlBGhYKsJ0/s640/Tyrannosaurs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Naturally, the book is about the animals as <i>D&D</i> companions and foes first, rather than focussing primarily on the illustrations. However, Ralph is keen to stress the importance of illustrations in changing popular perception; I'm also drawn to them because, as you can imagine, most of the <i>D&D</i> stuff goes right over my head. The illustrations are all in monochrome pencil, and can appear a little faint against the background, at least to my eye - I've adjusted the brightness and contrast on the cropped images I've featured here, with Ralph's permission. Nevertheless, I think they're lovely little pieces that depict the animals concerned in a suitably modern light. A few of them also look very familiar...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODoJiwSqmgcGWecXz3Js5iyzx7_6jLKrod7kCR8MtVYs1y0xO9ANg8A-B5Rw0jl6lJsw3TRZQHi5Us_a2gC2S1HErANH37h34e19UllfHDEkET359O-5Q71lWHOXsLpODkkT2OXpwSvQ/s1600/Hatzegopteryx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="745" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODoJiwSqmgcGWecXz3Js5iyzx7_6jLKrod7kCR8MtVYs1y0xO9ANg8A-B5Rw0jl6lJsw3TRZQHi5Us_a2gC2S1HErANH37h34e19UllfHDEkET359O-5Q71lWHOXsLpODkkT2OXpwSvQ/s640/Hatzegopteryx.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
...Which is something that Ralph does acknowledge. In some cases, he notes that "one particular reconstruction completely [dominates] my view of how the creature looked," acknowledging the <a href="http://fav.me/d9ewtr5">Saurian <i>Dakotaraptor</i></a> (by RJ Palmer) as being "such an iconic design for a new species that I simply felt unable to top [it]". Consequently, Ralph's sports a lookalike head. Elsewhere, the book features an <i>Edmontonia</i> that resembles the famous Tyrrell Museum model, and a very Wittonesque quad-launching <i>Hatzegopteryx</i>. Naturally, it's fine to be inspired by another artist's work, although I'd suggest that Ralph alter at least the head of the <i>Dakotaraptor</i> for any future revisions, as its distinctive appearance is a little distracting; much as I love Palmer's work, I'd hate for his <i>Dakotaraptor</i> to start becoming the ultimate reconstruction of the animal in artists' eyes, similar to Sibbick's work in the '90s.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xMQmIBDBaSATcDLjt3dYdebOqHY9dbAAs83MzkBYKJMxPhj3_Xz_Y7if0_rT7WQCBA8aiOJTZ81iYX4OqNY3pExnURgoGrWgiRnWuD3tIKMMgFrSwZXu-eW8qnXLZxTcEC3ywMzcIP0/s1600/Pachycephalosaurs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1004" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xMQmIBDBaSATcDLjt3dYdebOqHY9dbAAs83MzkBYKJMxPhj3_Xz_Y7if0_rT7WQCBA8aiOJTZ81iYX4OqNY3pExnURgoGrWgiRnWuD3tIKMMgFrSwZXu-eW8qnXLZxTcEC3ywMzcIP0/s640/Pachycephalosaurs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That aside, there is some very nice work in here. The animals are portrayed in a naturalistic light, resisting the urge to 'monsterise' them or pander to <i>JP</i>-inspired pop culture sensibilities. There's also a pleasing use of differing perspectives to add extra interest to the pieces, and difficult angles are notably pulled off well (one of my favourites is the <i>Pachycephalosaurus</i> pictured above) [EDIT: It's been brought to my attention on Facebook that said <i>Pachycephalosaurus</i> strongly resembles a <a href="http://fav.me/dagwjn6">piece by Fred Dierum</a>, which it very much does. To be honest, that really isn't cool, and I'd urge it be removed or reworked to be less of a blatant copy.] Ralph mentions being "completely enamoured" with the work of our very own Natee, and one can certainly see the stylistic similarities - there's some skilled fine line work going on here.<br />
<br />
Having talked about the artwork so much, it would be remiss of me to not mention the text. Naturally, there is a certain amount of artistic and dramatic license here as far as the animals' behaviours go - in the end, this is a book describing creatures for a role-playing game. However, Ralph has attempted to stay close to a realistic view of what each animal might have been like as much as possible; again, this is in contrast with how they've been depicted in the past. As such, dromaeosaurs are more about grappling and stabbing (inspired by Raptor Prey Restraint) than disembowelment-by-slashing. Elsewhere, tyrannosaurs are noted for their excellent sense of smell, and ornithomimosaurs have excellent eyesight. Frankly, even the wackier stuff (like weaponised lambeosaur bellows) isn't beyond what Bob Bakker has come up with in the past. There's a fun element to the general descriptions, too, as they imagine how these animals might interact with a medieval-type human society. Happily, pterosaur riding is definitely on the cards; apparently, <i>Hatzegopteryx</i> are "large enough to bear a Medium rider (provided they are on the skinny side)". An incentive to be 'Mr Average Physique', there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Xqh84Wkpui8q-S7P7OCxjPYru2j2dEjLHUZhQy3GVlzcx4yb8qzZlpmLNHynHGN7pBCjSuyhPoEea9VFMVWwCilYPozxdwY76UZsNpm3Oy6zqaV3w3KJ-gwpMGKVgLj2Lt8TqemnuVk/s1600/Spinosaurs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1525" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Xqh84Wkpui8q-S7P7OCxjPYru2j2dEjLHUZhQy3GVlzcx4yb8qzZlpmLNHynHGN7pBCjSuyhPoEea9VFMVWwCilYPozxdwY76UZsNpm3Oy6zqaV3w3KJ-gwpMGKVgLj2Lt8TqemnuVk/s640/Spinosaurs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There's a fine line to tread between realism and gaming enjoyment, and - with the caveat that I don't play <i>D&D</i> - Ralph seems to have struck a very good balance. A thoroughly decent effort has been made to ensure the animals reflect contemporary scientific understanding, while also retaining a certain amount of imaginative playfulness and a good sense of fun. Here's hoping that Ralph makes his illustrations bolder and brighter for any future revisions - he's certainly up to the job.Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-23331327273477422062017-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:002017-11-08T08:00:00.754-05:00Recent Paleoillustration from David<p>I try not to use LITC as a way to just share a ton of my work, but I'm in the mood to at the moment, so you'll just have to bear with me. This spring I did a couple of feathered theropods, and looking back at them I'm still rather pleased with the style. I find that I'm finally to the point where I generally like things I create more than I dislike them. That feels like some sort of milestone.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchaQkH7vBXKBil-4uHvOXFBOPp2D4xQlNYAQ2lArE3Qw063uBZoARfUcAFUVHvWOL-vtG42RtM0C6JH1GwyJXEJLf1rrWsDCvOW81mWgbc3Il2Ub_zGK-O7hdgy7cV2i_S5D0y4hnznzx/s1600/falcarius.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchaQkH7vBXKBil-4uHvOXFBOPp2D4xQlNYAQ2lArE3Qw063uBZoARfUcAFUVHvWOL-vtG42RtM0C6JH1GwyJXEJLf1rrWsDCvOW81mWgbc3Il2Ub_zGK-O7hdgy7cV2i_S5D0y4hnznzx/s1600/falcarius.png" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption><i>Falcarius </i>by David Orr</figcaption>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5DhZqIgBb9dpBes3tv3Qttc_ZWpXXJHIu4K37Y_HdMmhyr9zTz182Ak8Jb1ev0kadz3dkiEIgSrZ9pKx_hwMvMQZ90pAxdVK-99NLlAhWOy6fyJlYr_Ug2u6XMSKu-95Ou5P6enR01zA/s1600/utahraptor-forest.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5DhZqIgBb9dpBes3tv3Qttc_ZWpXXJHIu4K37Y_HdMmhyr9zTz182Ak8Jb1ev0kadz3dkiEIgSrZ9pKx_hwMvMQZ90pAxdVK-99NLlAhWOy6fyJlYr_Ug2u6XMSKu-95Ou5P6enR01zA/s1600/utahraptor-forest.png" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption><i>Utahraptor</i> by David Orr</figcaption>
<p>So I decided to draw a stegosaur, because I don't often (ever) do that. But I couldn't just pick Stegosaurus because that's a little obvious. So I went with good ol' <i>Kentrosaurus </i>instead.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjHgOUrK1ymmDqpSrqaqMIRujM3grJbkLOQKhoPTtI6r7Azy19wYlRSxeIfmV7a7bLtROwuofyTFVgfrfvtf2DS89KUrWrR4gl3pYtfdAaJhyw13qp3F0gwP519L7v7UE6tBFsDg_EO-T/s1600/kentrosaurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjHgOUrK1ymmDqpSrqaqMIRujM3grJbkLOQKhoPTtI6r7Azy19wYlRSxeIfmV7a7bLtROwuofyTFVgfrfvtf2DS89KUrWrR4gl3pYtfdAaJhyw13qp3F0gwP519L7v7UE6tBFsDg_EO-T/s1600/kentrosaurus.jpg" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption><i>Kentrosaurus</i> by David Orr</figcaption>
<p>Anyhow, I won't keep you too long. If you're fond of these and would like to support some independent art on this fine day, feel free to check these out in my Redbubble shop's <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/anatotitan/collections/679277-paleoillustration?asc=u">Paleoillustration section</a>. Even though it's a mouthful, I like "paleoillustration" as a term for this kind of thing - less baggage than "paleoart." Feels like it affords more wiggle room for whimsy.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-34505474603837129782017-11-07T15:28:00.000-05:002017-11-07T15:28:30.749-05:00Dinosaur Art II - Marc's reviewYou may find it difficult to believe (or just unsettling to contemplate), but it's been five years since the publication of the original <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Dinosaur%20Art"><i>Dinosaur Art</i></a>, that gorgeous-looking coffee table compendium of "The World's Greatest Palaeoart". Five years is a long time in the world of scientifically-informed life reconstructions of prehistoric animals, and so now editor Steve White and Titan Books are back with <i>Dinosaur Art II: The Cutting Edge of Palaeoart. </i>Is it just more of the same? Well, not quite; there aren't <i>too</i> many surprises, and the format remains largely unchanged, but there is a little more stylistic variation than before, including a breakout into the world of model sculpting. What's perhaps most telling is how<i> DA2</i> brings the series into the post-Paulian age.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYFzWM5avmhmMWaCnjCK1VAPyzJmZr4nEud2B2wHL8QuKD37xCzbxPKW7KecGYDONYHRzJTO32YUIhQXEPxNH6r7heWcqBPcYkuBhNdegUErbTcTnp9fRQbfsCJhDThMS0iT4Y8KTuWg/s1600/IMG_3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1013" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYFzWM5avmhmMWaCnjCK1VAPyzJmZr4nEud2B2wHL8QuKD37xCzbxPKW7KecGYDONYHRzJTO32YUIhQXEPxNH6r7heWcqBPcYkuBhNdegUErbTcTnp9fRQbfsCJhDThMS0iT4Y8KTuWg/s640/IMG_3237.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgy photo from my sofa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a name='more'></a><br />
I do feel a little uncomfortable using the term 'post-Paulian', and not just because it's rather pretentious. For one, it makes the very much living Greg Paul sound as if he's kicked the bucket, which he assuredly hasn't; it also sounds a little derogatory towards his work. However, that's not the idea at all. Paul is one of the all-time titans of palaeoart, and with good reason. His trademark style rubbed off on seemingly everyone in the '80s, '90s and into the 2000s, so that <i>his</i> way of reconstructing dinosaurs became <i>the</i> definitive, ultimate way. A great volume of the work reproduced in the original <i>Dinosaur Art</i> featured reassuringly Paulian dinosaurs (not least because Paul himself was in there!). However, five years and one <i>All Yesterdays</i> later, and much of the work in <i>DA2</i> has taken on a different character. Granted, there are still a great many 'photo-realistic' Paulian reconstructions in this book (including Sergey Krasovskiy's fabulous <i>Torvosaurus</i> on the cover), but they don't dominate as they did in <i>DA1</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SZhp-SFjN0HT07FZRkj0va3mpbW1eP98e0NhwU7-5pg__9hI8sFBqBxWErC572DebwZeM02lqSt7jqu2j36rjSo6Oe2mCrOTuPsDjtzASdrPaB6nB0zfWKJoiQUL7A04NDrfyMqFqcQ/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1107" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SZhp-SFjN0HT07FZRkj0va3mpbW1eP98e0NhwU7-5pg__9hI8sFBqBxWErC572DebwZeM02lqSt7jqu2j36rjSo6Oe2mCrOTuPsDjtzASdrPaB6nB0zfWKJoiQUL7A04NDrfyMqFqcQ/s400/IMG_3238.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got mine signed! Clockwise R-L: Mark Witton, Bob Nicholls, Steve White.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In fact, <i>DA2</i> is perhaps the most perfect example of the onward March of the Floof in dinosaur art. Reconstructions of birdlike theropods by the likes of Emily Willoughby, Jason Brougham and Tom Björklund feel worlds apart from the ultra-sleek, Paulian reconstructions that predominated in <i>DA1</i>. But there's more to it than that. Artists like Krasovskiy and Andrey Atuchin do a magnificent job of holding up the photo-realism end, and their work does tend to feel much more cohesive than many of the photo-manips that appeared in <i>DA1</i>. However, others - and especially Mark Witton, gawd bless 'im - take a more stylised approach and introduce a tonal variety that many argued was missing in <i>DA1</i>. I'm also very fond of Björklund's work, with its gorgeous brown-grey melancholy, inspired by the colour palette of his native Finland in winter (or possibly the original <i>Quake</i>). His take on <i>Tyrannosaurus</i> is quite something to behold. Then there's the matter of Vitali Klatt's chapter, entirely dedicated to his model making work, a first for <i>DA</i>. It's wonderful to see the same sculpts at varying stages of completion, with different paint jobs and buildups.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht43DVA_g8PRunYKUke8QxulKZ7Na5oS2i84HUE1y6W0wma1SJjgPYAGLVkEHCnfW8lkL3SA0Fpw4d0ZYUtVyxkb8T4jhYMivnotM-hcFfeRhZIUbbZjJoGb8PBNcXjIxeTdzyP9mWVZI/s1600/IMG_3239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1500" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht43DVA_g8PRunYKUke8QxulKZ7Na5oS2i84HUE1y6W0wma1SJjgPYAGLVkEHCnfW8lkL3SA0Fpw4d0ZYUtVyxkb8T4jhYMivnotM-hcFfeRhZIUbbZjJoGb8PBNcXjIxeTdzyP9mWVZI/s640/IMG_3239.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, these photos of the book aren't very good. That's partly on purpose. The print quality is actually excellent, promise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The format remains much the same, featuring interviews with each artist alongside spectacular reproductions of key artworks. The print quality here is just as gorgeous as in the original, and worthy of a much more expensive book. The interviews themselves do vary in quality, although this seems to be as much down to how much the artist was willing or wanted to say as anything. It's also hard to appeal to everyone; I'm more interested in why artists made certain choices in their reconstructions from a scientific standpoint, whereas others will be more interested in aesthetics and technique. Both are covered to an extent, although again there is generally more of a focus on the latter. I think Mark's interview is one of the best, and not just because I've met Mark a few times (honest); it's probably because he's a scientist first, and an artist second.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bwGLZx6Q20VDXsi7dgLyvHKLPxooFBoV_wEJIiMKrx0iKd0W9ecoQQWwyW4wPswLGy7ZGAaM8DtwETekDCfvil1EOqxxW7BQva4aJ2RAAIjGBeJK3Np-00HdxRTwDW7AQdwl2AQHGjo/s1600/IMG_3240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1554" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0bwGLZx6Q20VDXsi7dgLyvHKLPxooFBoV_wEJIiMKrx0iKd0W9ecoQQWwyW4wPswLGy7ZGAaM8DtwETekDCfvil1EOqxxW7BQva4aJ2RAAIjGBeJK3Np-00HdxRTwDW7AQdwl2AQHGjo/s640/IMG_3240.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brontosmash makes it in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My personal foibles aside, though, a good balance is achieved, and it's interesting to read the more personal stories behind some of the artists' lives and artistic choices. For me, this was particularly true of Willoughby, who grew up in a very religious, creationist environment and whose artwork has been directly informed by her rebellious curiosity in evolution and rejection of creationism. There is also an excellent mix of different animal groups - dinosaurs tend to dominate (hey, they <i>are</i> in the title), but all sorts of extinct creatures get a look in (even <i>Anomalocaris</i>), and Velizar Simeonovski's chapter consists entirely of his reconstructions of extinct mammals. I still believe that if you have a problem with the book featuring non-dinosaurs, it's probably not the sort of book for you. (So there!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrggl_Oxs4SEn5Q843-ygEAmUSP5C1pNMHWPXye4NHH9P-K2wl1xgtrgPbB3aXqbw7ODrTDedUX_uVw2b6FyON_WrNlq3pT5srl8VjfZ-bPat4Px5tCXJ96ATDrJzqbik0XNd6UacUxw/s1600/IMG_3241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1473" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrggl_Oxs4SEn5Q843-ygEAmUSP5C1pNMHWPXye4NHH9P-K2wl1xgtrgPbB3aXqbw7ODrTDedUX_uVw2b6FyON_WrNlq3pT5srl8VjfZ-bPat4Px5tCXJ96ATDrJzqbik0XNd6UacUxw/s640/IMG_3241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a little taster of Vitali Klatt's models.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To conclude: if you enjoyed the first one, buy the sequel, because it's very pretty, stuffed with great work, is excellent value for money, and features a whole chapter on Bob Nicholls' insanely meticulous reconstruction of <i>Psittacosaurus</i> as a life sized model (got to love the Bob). It's also a lovely record of a new generation of artists. As always, there'll be plenty of artists who deserve to feature and can't for various reasons, but of those that made the cut, all are more than worthy. I'm sure it'd make a great Christmas present, too. Order it from your local tax-paying bookshop today!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCgFaL1E-go1VrYqV_Ds0hRxqXFU7q5ifqJcoizTJj_CKA1Rk8UZzY8vrAw-nRfWLPio0ff4rvgKG4l99cdj2NdY4so47NKRNFMg9_cVuK3ometWQONesBbdGRpjfvhatDzNqK-AKq9A/s1600/IMG_3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1279" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCgFaL1E-go1VrYqV_Ds0hRxqXFU7q5ifqJcoizTJj_CKA1Rk8UZzY8vrAw-nRfWLPio0ff4rvgKG4l99cdj2NdY4so47NKRNFMg9_cVuK3ometWQONesBbdGRpjfvhatDzNqK-AKq9A/s640/IMG_3242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Björklund's <i>T. rex</i>, with camera flash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-79081601074187385662017-10-31T07:30:00.000-04:002017-10-31T07:30:00.155-04:00This Mesozoic Month: October 2017<h1>In the News</h1>
<p>
Drepanosaurs are having quite a moment. And now, we've got a new member of the club: <i>Avicranium</i>. <a href="http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/4/10/170499">Described by Adam Pritchard and Sterling Nesbitt</a>, its noggin does look awfully bird-like (as you may have guessed from that generic name). <a href="https://twitter.com/clepsydrops/status/918235766165184512">It even received a gorgeous reconstruction from Matt Celeskey</a>!
</p>
<p>
If you've ever watched the dipping and rising trajectory of a woodpecker flying between trees, you've witnessed "bounding flight." New research reveals that a small enantornithine from the Jehol Biota, <i>Junornis</i>, did the same. Read more <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/oct/25/meet-junornis-the-tiny-cretaceous-bird-which-reveals-the-earliest-form-of-bounding-flight">from Dave Hone in the Guardian</a> and <a href="https://paleonerdish.wordpress.com/2017/10/13/junornis-houi-and-the-evolution-of-flight/">Fernanda Castano at Letters from Gondwana</a>.
</p>
<p>
In further Jehol Biota news, <i>Sinosauropteryx </i>is the subject of <a href="http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(17)31197-1">newly published research</a> seeking to resolve its coloration in life. Fian Smithwick et al describe the little bugger as the resident of a fairly open habitat, sporting countershaded coloration a dapper bandit mask (<a href="http://www.cell.com/cms/attachment/2112553096/2084006224/gr2.jpg">see Bob Nicholl's restoration</a>). It also confirms that the banded tail present in this little comsognathid's fossil remains is the result of the preservation of melanin, and not any other artifact of preservation. This research also broadens our knowledge of the Jehol environment, previously known to have been chiefly enclosed forest.
</p>
<p>
"Only three good specimens are known for <i>Ankylosaurus</i>," Victoria Arbour writes. So she and Jordan Mallon went about a comprehensive review of what we've learned since Carpenter's comprehensive 2004 paper. What's especially cool is that this reappraisal was spurred by her consultations with the Saurian team. Read about Arbour and Mallon's conclusions <a href="https://pseudoplocephalus.com/2017/10/12/so-you-think-you-know-ankylosaurus/#more-2717">at Pseudoplocephalus</a> and from <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/laelaps/presenting-the-new-ankylosaurus/">Brian Switek at Laelaps</a>.
</p>
<p>
They grow up so fast! The first known <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08912963.2017.1382488?journalCode=ghbi20">newborn ichthyosaur fossil has been described</a>.
</p>
<p>
New research on a site in the Kaiparowits plateau offers a ton of insight into hadrosaur nesting behavior. Read more from Pete Bucholz at <a href="http://www.eartharchives.org/articles/plant-eating-duck-billed-dinosaurs-sometimes-ate-rotten-wood-and-crustaceans/">Earth Archives</a> and Duane Nash <a href="https://antediluviansalad.blogspot.com/2017/10/entering-nth-dimension-of-terra-forming.html">at Antediluvian Salad.</a>
</p>
<p>
How old are cockroaches? Though there's a common misconception that they date back to the Carboniferous, <a href="https://entomologytoday.org/2017/10/10/old-but-not-that-old-debunking-the-myth-of-ancient-cockroaches/">a new review of the oldest true cockroach fossils</a> dates them to the Mesozoic.
</p>
<p>
Remains of a giant azhdarchid from Mongolia's Nemegt Formation have been published. <a href="http://www.pteros.com/pterosaurs/mongol-giant.html">Head to Pteros for more</a>.
</p>
<h1>Around the Dinoblogosphere</h1>
<p>
Another TetZooCon has come and gone. <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/the-tetzoocon-of-2017/">Darren Naish writes about the event</a> at the TetZoo blog, and <a href="https://albertonykus.blogspot.com/2017/10/tetzoocon-2017.html">Albertonykus </a>and <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2017/10/tetzoocon-2017.html">our own Marc Vincent</a> also offer their own recaps.
</p>
<p>
At the SVP blog, check out Christian Kammerer's <a href="http://vertpaleo.org/Society-News/Blog/Old-Bones-SVP-s-Blog/October-2017/Interview-Zoe-Lescaze-on-Paleoart.aspx">interview with Zoë Lescaze</a>, author of the new Taschen book on paleoart.</p>
<p>
Mark Witton has provided<a href="http://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2017/2031-review-paleoart"> his own insightful review of Lescaze's book</a> at Palaeo-Electro.
</p>
<p>
Time to vote for the top ten fossil taxa of 2017! <a href="http://blogs.plos.org/paleocomm/2017/10/02/vote-for-the-top-10-taxa-of-2017/">Head to PLOS Paleo Community to learn more</a>.
</p>
<p>
At Tet Zoo, Darren Naish writes about the history of <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/the-fall-and-rise-of-protoichthyosaurus/"><i>Protoichthyosaurus</i></a>.</p>
<p>
Head to the Saurian devlog to see how they've <a href="https://sauriangame.squarespace.com/blog/2017/10/4/saurian-devlog-28">updated their <i>Ankylosaurus </i>model</a> with Victoria Arbour's help.
</p>
<p>
At Hydrarchos, Ilja Nieuwland writes about <a href="http://www.hydrarchos.org/friedrichkoenig/">Friedrich König's plaster dinosaurs</a>.
</p>
<p>
The Bearded Lady Project is hitting the road. <a href="http://thebeardedladyproject.com/let-the-traveling-roadshow-begin/">Follow the project's website</a> to see if a screening and portrait exhibition is coming your way.
</p>
<p>
The powerhouse paleoart team of Scott Elyard and Raven Amos ran the <a href="https://twitter.com/IAmSciArt">IAmSciArt</a> Twitter account for a week during October. Head to their <a href="https://twitter.com/IAmSciArt/status/919654226829099008">first tweet</a> and scroll through for a treasure trove of paleoart insight.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello all you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sciart?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sciart</a> fans in Twitterland! This is <a href="https://twitter.com/alaskanime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alaskanime</a> sending out the first of many tweets! Welcome to this week's curated posts!</p>— IAmSciArt (@IAmSciArt) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAmSciArt/status/919654226829099008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>
And that's not all in the realm of rotating curator accounts on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/gimpasaura">Liz Martin-Silverstone</a> guested at BioTweeps, too. As you might expect, she covered pterosaurs, but also dug into many other facets of a career in palaeontology. <a href="https://twitter.com/biotweeps/status/919832922722533376">Start here</a>.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good morning (well at least it's morning for me)! I'm Liz, or <a href="https://twitter.com/gimpasaura?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gimpasaura</a>, and I'll be your Biotweep this week. My plan for this week: <a href="https://t.co/ZK2SitOo1e">pic.twitter.com/ZK2SitOo1e</a></p>— Biotweeps - Liz (@biotweeps) <a href="https://twitter.com/biotweeps/status/919832922722533376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<h1>The Empty Wallets Club</h1>
<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21HvITpXIBn53VRHI2UlWvKm3lLVFhaZAjRAYqxPlTI8IProl6JIgqPX797YWqtM5nJwJnDqm1cI4Mkgazjb1G07wzhhnyIhn9YGRBZAzRsTuPDjDmoaPfOq9rKeEe-0v9GyLc5EgFW5c/s1600/dino+art+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21HvITpXIBn53VRHI2UlWvKm3lLVFhaZAjRAYqxPlTI8IProl6JIgqPX797YWqtM5nJwJnDqm1cI4Mkgazjb1G07wzhhnyIhn9YGRBZAzRsTuPDjDmoaPfOq9rKeEe-0v9GyLc5EgFW5c/s1600/dino+art+2.jpg" width="75%" /></a>
<br>
<a href="https://titanbooks.com/dinosaur-art-ii-the-cutting-edge-of-paleoart-9045/"><i>Dinosaur Art II</i> is now available</a>! The <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/search/label/Dinosaur%20Art">first <i>Dinosaur Art</i> volume</a> was a big hit among readers, offering a look at some of the most influential paleoartists of the last forty years. The sequel focuses on contemporary artists, including Andrey Atuchin, Emily Willoughby, Sergey Krasovskiy, Velizar Simeonovski, Mark Witton, Julio Lacerda Jason Brougham, Vitali Klatt, Peter Schouten, and Tom Bjorklund. Also, Witton wrote an article about the book, as well as a defense of palaeoart as a scientific practice, <a href="https://boingboing.net/2017/10/19/dinosaur-art-is-not-bullshit.html">at Boing Boing</a>.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAp11RBN7Pk8lV7WNEVXWxMhRN8tPeGivtBIzsfg28Uys-smsEB3FBih61Za4gbqtLgiE811x_RQtfK-_1V2laCDTcr1J6SzpRugHrS_Gtq_zz2c-WIbwt2bXJmi9dp_L6JvFhNaGmjiQ/s1600/loneley+planet+dinosaur+atlas+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAp11RBN7Pk8lV7WNEVXWxMhRN8tPeGivtBIzsfg28Uys-smsEB3FBih61Za4gbqtLgiE811x_RQtfK-_1V2laCDTcr1J6SzpRugHrS_Gtq_zz2c-WIbwt2bXJmi9dp_L6JvFhNaGmjiQ/s1600/loneley+planet+dinosaur+atlas+cover.jpg" width="75%" /></a>
<br>
If you're a fan of more abstract and stylized paleoillustration, you'll want to check out Lonely Planet's <a href="https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/world/dinosaur-atlas-us-1/"><i>Dinosaur Atlas</i></a>, illustrated in vivid vector awesomeness by James Gilleard. Check out more of his beautiful work from the book <a href="https://www.behance.net/gallery/55276255/Lonely-Planet-Dinosaur-Atlas">at Behance</a>.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKUx9EuTJ0la2CU3ugwXHVp6lu6KbSC-6uDdrBKYSPZ4BPVrhcozpD_KT1du4CNDdHolEQ9kJr3gdybXmlFoVr-39IOVOPOekdQ_Ig2uPHSPHhVngk9WV7ifMYYtRlTpA7gmlc9tOYnoO/s1600/stothers_storenvy_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKUx9EuTJ0la2CU3ugwXHVp6lu6KbSC-6uDdrBKYSPZ4BPVrhcozpD_KT1du4CNDdHolEQ9kJr3gdybXmlFoVr-39IOVOPOekdQ_Ig2uPHSPHhVngk9WV7ifMYYtRlTpA7gmlc9tOYnoO/s1600/stothers_storenvy_original.jpg" width="75%" /></a><br>
Toronto artist <a href="https://twitter.com/GreerStothers">Greer Stothers</a> has been creating colorful <a href="http://greerstothers.storenvy.com/">enamel pins of ceratopsids</a>, with <a href="http://greerstothers.storenvy.com/products/21333374-triceratops-pin"><i>Triceratops</i></a> and <a href="http://greerstothers.storenvy.com/products/21333422-wendiceratops-pin"><i>Wendiceratops</i></a> available now. <i>Protoceratops</i> and <i>Styracosaurus</i> are coming soon. Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.greerstothers.com/">her beautiful risograph prints</a> as well (yeah, you can expect to see these in the upcoming holiday guide).
</p>
<h1>The LITC AV Club</h1>
<p>
Brian Engh was a guest on the Scicomm Monday show, talking paleoart, including the awesome new battlin' mastodons piece he created <a href="http://www.westerncentermuseum.org/valley-of-the-mastodons/">for the Western Science Center</a>. <a href="https://www.pscp.tv/ScicommMonday/1nAKEegdRdRKL?t=9s">Check it out on Periscope</a>.
</p>
<p>
The Dinosaur George podcast <a href="http://www.dinosaurgeorgepodcast.com/131-interview-with-dr-david-hone/">hosted trusty ol' Dave Hone</a>, who discussed dinosaur behavior.
</p>
<p>
The In Defense of Plants podcast got into palaeobotany again, as host Matt Candeias <a href="http://www.indefenseofplants.com/podcast/2017/10/22/ep-131-lycopsids-what-an-ancient-lineage-can-teach-us-about-extinction">spoke with Jeff Benca about lycopsids</a>.
</p>
<p>
Another of my favorites is "In Our Time," and host Melvyn Bragg <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b099v33p">recently talked feathered dinosaurs</a> with Michael Benton, Maria McNamara, and Steve Brusatte.
</p>
<h1>Crowdfunding Spotlight</h1>
<p>
The Royal Ontario Museum needs help preparing <i>Zuul</i>'s tail club! <a href="https://www.rom.on.ca/en/zuulproject">Head to this site to contribute to the crowdfunding campaign</a>.
</p>
<h1>A Moment of Paleoart Zen</h1>
<p>
Dawndinos is a five year research project studying the ways locomotion played a role in the success of the earliest dinosaurs. <a href="http://paleocreations.com/">Paleoart titan Bob Nicholls</a> was commissioned to create an original illustration for the team, and delivered a doozy: <i>Archosaurian Dawn</i>, in which a <i>Marasuchus</i> flock scavenges fallen <i>Aetosauroides</i> carcasses as a <i>Gracilisuchus</i> passes by in the foreground.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNmp12wemZdrxzHv4l0i0N1L3YIeWOVv6kgH5zz3ZSStGvoIdD2PxJ9lB3VgnFhdxSFBGt01fxEXBE3V6kZOgDVGwOunDSo4mW80l-nCMZklgZfuNA5nBpHtWg8ZbXFNZrnBD4NXpgfVZ/s1600/archosaurian-dawn-8bit.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNmp12wemZdrxzHv4l0i0N1L3YIeWOVv6kgH5zz3ZSStGvoIdD2PxJ9lB3VgnFhdxSFBGt01fxEXBE3V6kZOgDVGwOunDSo4mW80l-nCMZklgZfuNA5nBpHtWg8ZbXFNZrnBD4NXpgfVZ/s1600/archosaurian-dawn-8bit.jpg" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption><i>Archosaurian Dawn</i> by Bob Nicholls, posted here with his permission.</figcaption>
<p>Read more about Bob's process in creating the piece <a href="https://dawndinos.com/archosaurian-dawn/">at the Dawndinos website</a>.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-59669846679360956092017-10-23T17:55:00.000-04:002017-10-24T08:00:11.184-04:00TetZooCon 2017On Saturday October 21, Natee and I once again attended TetZooCon, the convention spun off (lest we forget) from Darren Naish's long-running blog, <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/"><i>Tetrapod Zoology</i></a> (currentlyhostedat<i>ScientificAmerican</i>), and the incredibly tightly focused and well-edited <a href="http://tetzoo.com/">TetZoo Podcast</a>. It's becoming the very best kind of annual tradition. Better even than Christmas; all the boozing is there*, but you get to hear awesome zoology-themed talks and schmooze it up with renowned scientists and artists, rather than having to pretend to like your extended family. For its fourth iteration, the show moved venues and was even bigger and grander than ever; a bit like <i>Jurassic World</i> with more convincing dinosaurs and female characters. Here's how it all went down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNQx9YPIC5Pngo9G-K9DetnOSSu987S39pmqB_azSv1u-2qoHa-xkF_dFEHPmI8sLR49MnwePbKV8_I2_RzWIwmcXoEDx3vMdgr4mrwILpHloonpue_lZWpSMDGsBrJ5O8PiYMYSxzX0/s1600/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNQx9YPIC5Pngo9G-K9DetnOSSu987S39pmqB_azSv1u-2qoHa-xkF_dFEHPmI8sLR49MnwePbKV8_I2_RzWIwmcXoEDx3vMdgr4mrwILpHloonpue_lZWpSMDGsBrJ5O8PiYMYSxzX0/s640/Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>While it was a little sad that the show had left the fittingly naturalistic setting of the WWT Barnes Wetland Centre behind, this year's venue did have the benefit of having a bigger hall, better screen, and much closer Tube stations. The day was the usual mix of eclectic talks on all manner of tetrapod-related subjects, a palaeoart exercise, book signings and the Bastard Quiz, as I have taken to calling it. But more on all that later.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuCNMrwWqtmF8HlhgnLfKQdhRvt4Ilr61ISU9fCMYu2-_SAavehbcoz-jkiWXxmpKEmothN8mMZ2sZ_PrXzY0nt22o3rfkvjoyx4futCzjzkyJ5de3WRAK7h9EdCHtH_V5wnfIBq6-bM/s1600/Zoos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1266" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuCNMrwWqtmF8HlhgnLfKQdhRvt4Ilr61ISU9fCMYu2-_SAavehbcoz-jkiWXxmpKEmothN8mMZ2sZ_PrXzY0nt22o3rfkvjoyx4futCzjzkyJ5de3WRAK7h9EdCHtH_V5wnfIBq6-bM/s640/Zoos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose-Heather Mikhail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBESwkil1q96m2CD10RBnmdZvLO8i35yE40U_n3ur2rOLJwcBrFAEWxI81237qJyb4mOvb8pvMGCkgYHcgYEjgsOLXALZI3Wvq7CH1OZ5TogRvgsgUw3N7HYEabfQ1YQ6ECP_7_KFWFs/s1600/Zoos+-+Chunee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1564" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBESwkil1q96m2CD10RBnmdZvLO8i35yE40U_n3ur2rOLJwcBrFAEWxI81237qJyb4mOvb8pvMGCkgYHcgYEjgsOLXALZI3Wvq7CH1OZ5TogRvgsgUw3N7HYEabfQ1YQ6ECP_7_KFWFs/s640/Zoos+-+Chunee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first talk of the day was delivered by <a href="https://twitter.com/_mammaliana_">Rose-Heather Mikhail</a>, and entitled <i>From Enlightenment to The Environment - 200 Years of Zoos</i>. Of course, menageries are much older than that, but this was more a potted history of the 'zoological garden' in its modern sense; an institution of a more post-Enlightenment, scientific bent. As such, it took in the beginnings of London Zoo and the Paris Zoological Park and progressed through the evolution of zoos as more commercial enterprises, encompassing the advancement of enclosure design. It may not surprise some to hear that the earliest 'naturalistic' enclosures were more about showmanship than animal welfare. I was particularly interested in the story of Chunee the elephant, kept in a tiny enclosure in a menagerie in London, then fatally shot when he got too much to handle, then turned into a skeletal mount, and then bombed in World War II (see above). I'd read about him before (the account of just how long it took to kill him with crude firearms is excruciating), but wasn't aware of his 'afterlife' as a museum exhibit.<br />
<br />
All good stuff, and without wishing to embarrass her, I'd like to commend Rose-Heather for overcoming her initial nervousness to give the talk. I only mention it because I could very much relate and was suitably impressed. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqdKWlZEfhWnnOTUL5T9703KMSj6DjaHd5Zqs28zW1y8BTTikzwhF-e4sEGGyfA7-F-MTrkKaUmrvIy9NTMd_DOfl90-WCNKlTPPnF1G5xXelIKwGlY1Qe-BGEZHUzyYIMoiutTI8uV4/s1600/Fart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1218" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqdKWlZEfhWnnOTUL5T9703KMSj6DjaHd5Zqs28zW1y8BTTikzwhF-e4sEGGyfA7-F-MTrkKaUmrvIy9NTMd_DOfl90-WCNKlTPPnF1G5xXelIKwGlY1Qe-BGEZHUzyYIMoiutTI8uV4/s640/Fart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YWfeLmkItSXDU-7I8-Xd-FZFr3HCmniZA4CBDZoEckmFsNR0BbRzLeNVCiJla4wB6rldzKxQ-VyTjX380y8G3F9Mt1JCCAgQXhEYg6SEWyG3F_eQbKab0bhaETGt7cAe2MXD7HqABp8/s1600/Fart+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1099" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YWfeLmkItSXDU-7I8-Xd-FZFr3HCmniZA4CBDZoEckmFsNR0BbRzLeNVCiJla4wB6rldzKxQ-VyTjX380y8G3F9Mt1JCCAgQXhEYg6SEWyG3F_eQbKab0bhaETGt7cAe2MXD7HqABp8/s640/Fart+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniella Rabaiotti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up was <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniRabaiotti">Daniella Rabaiotti</a> with<i> Does It Fart: The Definitive Guide to Animal Flatulence</i>. It was a ripping, seat-of-the-pants tale of how a daft discussion on Twitter among academics can turn into a media phenomenon and - yes - a book deal. As it turns out, lots of mammals fart (but we knew that), as well as snakes and even some fish. In fact, certain fish fart to communicate with one another. Daniella's favourite African hunting dogs not only fart, but stink to high heaven at the best of times, as demonstrated in the above illustration by Ethan Kocak, whose work features in the book. There was a lot of sniggering in this talk. I was, of course, completely stony-faced, because I don't have a sense of humour and everything I write on this blog should be taken completely at face value.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbo2Pvr6QvSsXVsSqvr4OCNB5hZkbBfkgpDlvFb45e9NOILp7PLi-sZnx_7NAlQZjNelH9lt6k6EJYfOnKJS_vxn8XHvzoPk3_vVmdC24w9w-Jy7V_xKwo8vUVO4d_IDiLLa9QoXM2Ho/s1600/Spitzbergen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1202" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbo2Pvr6QvSsXVsSqvr4OCNB5hZkbBfkgpDlvFb45e9NOILp7PLi-sZnx_7NAlQZjNelH9lt6k6EJYfOnKJS_vxn8XHvzoPk3_vVmdC24w9w-Jy7V_xKwo8vUVO4d_IDiLLa9QoXM2Ho/s640/Spitzbergen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aubrey Roberts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bNrSNhfLR6C4ajQgEjy2rBRbwpczKaAE6xCVxbDxPulH6l8FmRzFKTSpWpDafc_1cHgerzMGakf2U-JO9IxcrrOAPs22lD2mXl9pdsdS-8qqN0hEyXQ0M9EJywE-bbFMIxdT4OXQSw4/s1600/Spitzbergen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1433" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bNrSNhfLR6C4ajQgEjy2rBRbwpczKaAE6xCVxbDxPulH6l8FmRzFKTSpWpDafc_1cHgerzMGakf2U-JO9IxcrrOAPs22lD2mXl9pdsdS-8qqN0hEyXQ0M9EJywE-bbFMIxdT4OXQSw4/s640/Spitzbergen2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's difficult to follow a talk about something as earth-shaking as a massive collection of farts, but <a href="https://twitter.com/SeaMonsters2013">Aubrey Roberts</a> did an excellent job with her presentation entitled <i>The BIG, the Small and the Weird - Mesozoic Marine Reptiles of Spitsbergen</i>. As someone who regards a cold day at Lyme Regis or the southern Isle of Wight as extreme fossil hunting conditions (have you <i>met</i> the Wight natives?), it was highly enthralling to hear of Aubrey's adventures with the Spitsbergen Mesozoic Research Group. This intrepid band has been unearthing the fossilised secrets of Svalbard, the Nowegian archipelago very nearly on top of the globe. The crumbling, derelict hotels of Sandown certainly have nothing on the majestic, sweeping vistas encountered by Aubrey and the team, and I'd have been perfectly happy if Aubrey's talk had consisted of landscape shots alone. Of course, she also had the small matter of those pesky marine reptiles to discuss, including some material so super-secret, we weren't allowed to photograph her slides. Many of the plesiosaur and ichthyosaur specimens they've found and described have greatly advanced our understanding of the evolutionary history of these animals. Particularly thrilling are the Triassic bonebeds that fill in the gaps of scientists' knowledge of the period immediately following the Permian extinction. Really awesome stuff.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY7Vaq8uxjjINL2IOFzAjRYaGiH6SmkEwuiteWD7MN5VPY1Pj5JkLwm-fkZxOV3n7ki8ZUNKFAn6JUhk0wDGEsPw-PmenHaMcUacqPR1piNbDVh1lSUKhrZnzlA5ZssTGME143JIXxJ8/s1600/Thylacine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1463" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY7Vaq8uxjjINL2IOFzAjRYaGiH6SmkEwuiteWD7MN5VPY1Pj5JkLwm-fkZxOV3n7ki8ZUNKFAn6JUhk0wDGEsPw-PmenHaMcUacqPR1piNbDVh1lSUKhrZnzlA5ZssTGME143JIXxJ8/s640/Thylacine1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beth Windle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://twitter.com/WindleBeth">Beth Windle</a>'s talk was on an animal that went extinct only in the last century - the famous thylacine. It's well known for being a textbook example of convergent evolution - thanks to its remarkable resemblance to placental carnivorans, especially canids - but as Beth explained, there was an awful lot more to it than that. In her 30 minute slot, Beth provided as complete a picture of thylacine anatomy, behaviour and habits as would appear to be possible, right down to the (sometimes terrier-like) noises they made and how they communicated and interacted not only with one another, but with other species too. The story of the thylacine's interaction with mankind may be a rather tragic one, but Beth was keen to point out that the causes behind its extinction may not be as straightforward as is often presumed. There was bounty hunting, but it was at largely sustainable levels; what the hunters didn't know was that wild thylacines were succumbing to a brutal, mange-like disease that devastated the species. Where the disease came from isn't entirely clear. The last thylacine in captivity has been referred to as 'Benjamin', and Beth explained how careful analysis of rare film footage has shown that it was indeed male. Very fascinating and, inevitably, often very sad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJ2EWN4O6ZA09MbVTVVfZrTZvubXV6fEY6o7ZhiNlAu-OGJOrMR5Udqr-NS_fE0BXgcGAHhET4Ewlw0yTOP4S-iAt_pdmZ0MYi63QSCjuuyGl6_SzkyiaXG7N6fTra7nKkVyeBpY7W60/s1600/Crypto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1297" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJ2EWN4O6ZA09MbVTVVfZrTZvubXV6fEY6o7ZhiNlAu-OGJOrMR5Udqr-NS_fE0BXgcGAHhET4Ewlw0yTOP4S-iAt_pdmZ0MYi63QSCjuuyGl6_SzkyiaXG7N6fTra7nKkVyeBpY7W60/s640/Crypto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0rBO_BnlJLsOHbF4I_yBUu_fKOtrRfQy6jlhZO_-y-uEJaZUBU8W541EmcieDl3rr6UmoIPtjeBaD2bR-eDWwoOyeZUEr47YlcMLTM8Olwk9sDQpn-Bha0saUckik1UW0aVcKkOtmIQ/s1600/Crypto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0rBO_BnlJLsOHbF4I_yBUu_fKOtrRfQy6jlhZO_-y-uEJaZUBU8W541EmcieDl3rr6UmoIPtjeBaD2bR-eDWwoOyeZUEr47YlcMLTM8Olwk9sDQpn-Bha0saUckik1UW0aVcKkOtmIQ/s640/Crypto2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60XJNY_ritppE9Ib8bWfAyHs2BqjR3BHOMsYXpl75FMR2-CPKBEwpBWvY-l4dJ7jtRkUFEOhdLyHYcuHHw7KY-geWaTpU49rzGsiDu-RTFGvMWR7fkj9EHnCT3MNOmUy9-Lz6eM3oen8/s1600/CryptoPyramid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60XJNY_ritppE9Ib8bWfAyHs2BqjR3BHOMsYXpl75FMR2-CPKBEwpBWvY-l4dJ7jtRkUFEOhdLyHYcuHHw7KY-geWaTpU49rzGsiDu-RTFGvMWR7fkj9EHnCT3MNOmUy9-Lz6eM3oen8/s640/CryptoPyramid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darren Fishbeard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up was <a href="https://twitter.com/TetZoo">some yahoo with a beard</a> who wanted to talk about his new book, <i>Hunting Monsters</i>. I've heard Darren talk about this sort of thing before - Heuvelmans, sea monsters, the likely (rather mudane) explanations for cryptid sightings, and the logical hoops one must jump through to take some cryptozoological hypotheses at all seriously. I won't lie - it's always entertaining. Highlights this time included a thorough look at <i>that</i> Bigfoot footage, i.e. the Patterson film, and a look at how people like Heuvelmans have attempted to categorise cryptids in a serious, zoological manner (which leads to the 'pyramid of inferences', as seen above). Nessie, Cadborosaurus, Big Hoot; it was all here. It's important to note that Darren may be a sceptic, but he's willing to give tales of cryptids the benefit of the doubt and examine all the available evidence, rather than dismissing anything out of hand. It's something that his critics have tended to miss (or, less charitably, deliberately overlooked).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87M4p7wUaDtFU5MrtKb4H1HiK_oJkLZDZRQPEZp4jzJ1dO0eXG3XpDkCFeDDBAOKS440OyZFgxn1ziZnROq0KYgXa2QEphkbUCsW_GehHEbnJMbxGlAFnpjwoOAUiK9i7NKI3hiKDJYs/s1600/Garrod1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1268" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87M4p7wUaDtFU5MrtKb4H1HiK_oJkLZDZRQPEZp4jzJ1dO0eXG3XpDkCFeDDBAOKS440OyZFgxn1ziZnROq0KYgXa2QEphkbUCsW_GehHEbnJMbxGlAFnpjwoOAUiK9i7NKI3hiKDJYs/s640/Garrod1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Garrod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZixPsA2gZC8wWmAko7xThR_te_mmLhhzNpkVK3zZlvsnNtuyF_R2CQOmCkM0xXMe8eM7_4ue9MHgDsd3-3nmbSprTWmb2-2hmCReyMFPozNpm2YNi11Pe-q0XfiPMGwf_c6xbGDD7V6U/s1600/Garrod2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1264" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZixPsA2gZC8wWmAko7xThR_te_mmLhhzNpkVK3zZlvsnNtuyF_R2CQOmCkM0xXMe8eM7_4ue9MHgDsd3-3nmbSprTWmb2-2hmCReyMFPozNpm2YNi11Pe-q0XfiPMGwf_c6xbGDD7V6U/s640/Garrod2.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
The final talk of the day was given by <a href="https://twitter.com/Ben_garrod">Ben Garrod</a>, who's a proper celeb off the telly and everything. Ben's presentation - entitled <i>Science on TV - You Can Please Some of the People all of the Time...</i>, concerned the ins-and-outs of getting popular science shows made for TV, and how to reach the broadest possible audience (while keeping everything scientifically sound). Not that I'm envious or anything, but Ben got to spend a lot of time with a certain Sir David while working on a TV programme about the animal now known as <i>Patagotitan</i>. It turns out that we can all breathe a sigh of relief, as Attenborough's as lovely a man in reality as his TV persona suggests, not to mention endlessly energetic, curious and a little bit mischievous. Ben himself has been all over the Beeb of late, and explained the importance of narratives and storytelling in bringing science to a broad audience. (But what about the bitterness and petty political jokes so beloved of our readers?) One also has to be tough. One entertaining anecdote related to how Ben was repeatedly criticised by a peculiarly persistent and pedantic engineer over his presenting style, choice of words and...brightly-coloured scarf.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVLxyWGyj0oyR6Mll2dYkhZExXZwpZzuikaVQRtLO5A5OTrFeX-_t6dDOVnsWZlSq3gvw6i2h8lFt96oCBvWZME5QeUfgzMSyZc73rrDf_qRTRF9j2nVL0HxnMoh1enW2UGSGSX6WVMI/s1600/PengPlateosaur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1200" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVLxyWGyj0oyR6Mll2dYkhZExXZwpZzuikaVQRtLO5A5OTrFeX-_t6dDOVnsWZlSq3gvw6i2h8lFt96oCBvWZME5QeUfgzMSyZc73rrDf_qRTRF9j2nVL0HxnMoh1enW2UGSGSX6WVMI/s640/PengPlateosaur.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo (and art) by Natee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All this, and I haven't even mentioned the palaeoart workshop, which involved every member of the audience being tasked with drawing a Mesozoic animal along absolutely enormous paper timelines. The animals also had to be to scale with one another (ish...), and there were prizes for the most valiant efforts. Our very own Natee won a set of lovely Britain's animal toys for their <i>Plateosaurus</i> (above); no mean feat given that Natee is used to cramming fiendishly intricate detail into an area the size of a postage stamp. I, meanwhile, was given <i>Tupandactylus</i>, couldn't be arsed, and just drew a severed head on a pike (below).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-WlNgPpiRfu4ABBo5nxMvWzwjP1zPs44g-iqQMi8t9sCwm2ZCHp3RbSBOlJtN4ZjNCauQFyi1WNDbi6d95YrNTlVgmnudPu10bxex6fYx5mBVF36VttIoCaermw5X-0iPfIPX6_VFJw/s1600/NotJohnRomero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="893" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-WlNgPpiRfu4ABBo5nxMvWzwjP1zPs44g-iqQMi8t9sCwm2ZCHp3RbSBOlJtN4ZjNCauQFyi1WNDbi6d95YrNTlVgmnudPu10bxex6fYx5mBVF36VttIoCaermw5X-0iPfIPX6_VFJw/s400/NotJohnRomero.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Natee, 'art' by me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In terms of palaeoart, TetZooCon is a great place to meet your heroes. I know people say that you shouldn't meet your heroes, but it's always worked out rather well for me here. As well as all the usual suspects (like Mark Witton and Bob Nicholls - I know, YAWN), this year Steve White, Johan Egerkrans and Jim Robins (among others) were also on hand, signing books, selling wares and just generally being up for a good chinwag. I must say that it was a real treat to finally speak to Jim, whose work for <i>Dinosaurs! </i>magazine I so admired as a kid back in the 1990s. I can confirm that he's a really lovely bloke to have a chat with about dinosaur art. It was also a pleasure to chat to Johan and others in the pub, and I'm thoroughly enjoying his book <i>Flygödlor och Havsmonster</i>, even though I don't speak a word of Swedish. I've also acquired a copy of <i>Dinosaur Art II</i> (signed by Steve, Mark and Bob), so expect a review soon!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH15f3Y3NG2avGnjY601MFV4ljW1vRfra_0NYXTqRwR0FavU5kHj_LycXjbMjhp04BIbUzG2roEuc7pBy2e4_j8mSEOvA_ciKpWtfdAYF6l4V7aBhD5u_s0UxFycTzagpaCCh153PDa0/s1600/JimRobins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1306" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH15f3Y3NG2avGnjY601MFV4ljW1vRfra_0NYXTqRwR0FavU5kHj_LycXjbMjhp04BIbUzG2roEuc7pBy2e4_j8mSEOvA_ciKpWtfdAYF6l4V7aBhD5u_s0UxFycTzagpaCCh153PDa0/s640/JimRobins.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Robins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxevKDenPFNMAGXUK8H0pzUUXoK44vUraZRRbUZFVFD3D-YNirNJ5BQIgiqxP-pILdT41vZOHtaibf2AARUOCvYifYOu5B2gU6dc9D4h1VWauEQTH1qrrtY8awJZHmLIvBSvHZwOwTLCs/s1600/SteveW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxevKDenPFNMAGXUK8H0pzUUXoK44vUraZRRbUZFVFD3D-YNirNJ5BQIgiqxP-pILdT41vZOHtaibf2AARUOCvYifYOu5B2gU6dc9D4h1VWauEQTH1qrrtY8awJZHmLIvBSvHZwOwTLCs/s640/SteveW.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve White</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I could go on all day about this fantastic event, but I'd better knock things on the head. Hearty thanks must go out to Darren, John, all the speakers and everyone involved in organising the event. Thanks also to everyone who put up with me during the day, including Anna, Ralph the Third, Paige, Sara, Katrina and everyone else. Oh, and to anyone who came up to me because they recognised me from this blog, I appreciate it! (What an ego I have.) A brilliant day and here's to it only getting bigger and better in the coming years.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Only if you go to the pub afterwards, of course. I always do. </span>Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-17543884638171082302017-10-18T15:41:00.001-04:002017-10-18T15:41:24.226-04:00Vintage Dinosaur Art: In the Days of the Dinosaurs - Part 2Have you thought much about <i>Corythosaurus</i> recently? No? Well, no one seems to care so much about <i>Corythosaurus</i> these days, do they? It's all, "<i>Shantungosaurus</i> this" and "<i>Olorotitan</i> that". Back in the 1950s, though, <i>Corythosaurus</i> was the talk of the town, and so it's only natural that Jean Zallinger illustrated it for the remarkably good<i> In the Days of the Dinosaurs</i> (do read <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/vintage-dinosaur-art-in-days-of.html">Part 1</a> if you haven't already). Of course, it's messing about on the river.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxMneekVL29Vxtt0bn2YQmTwN0lD4aq_qpjx1zBYnKG9dgZ354sB7J_k4GVlEX1BW2DlzuntlMDDKZDy0psS6fYDTCSCrcmEiqZbrChfyTMN7HcAC_R1HOSuJh1vYUeQnjamNDRoPZUw/s1600/Corythosaurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="686" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxMneekVL29Vxtt0bn2YQmTwN0lD4aq_qpjx1zBYnKG9dgZ354sB7J_k4GVlEX1BW2DlzuntlMDDKZDy0psS6fYDTCSCrcmEiqZbrChfyTMN7HcAC_R1HOSuJh1vYUeQnjamNDRoPZUw/s640/Corythosaurus.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Again, this illustration shows that Zallinger was paying a greater-than-usual amount of attention to the animal's anatomy; note the quite precise way the skull is drawn, and the particular curve of the spine over the shoulders. I wouldn't mind betting that it's largely based on the famous specimen on display in the AMNH (AMNH 5240). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cXH9OBRo5Ia0Yqge7gLIhntDhXDVmF4O4aQRHZc-KcfcP_BNsiACHeLZENJJSImOgovfSILwITcG7tR5ctsgnuyEVxokQUEbJbbaYIR0NCXKMHh4QFQQehvLuBTvNCr5O3rfTWBMNrE/s1600/Stego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="658" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cXH9OBRo5Ia0Yqge7gLIhntDhXDVmF4O4aQRHZc-KcfcP_BNsiACHeLZENJJSImOgovfSILwITcG7tR5ctsgnuyEVxokQUEbJbbaYIR0NCXKMHh4QFQQehvLuBTvNCr5O3rfTWBMNrE/s640/Stego.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
Andrews devotes a chapter of the book to "Dinosaurs with Armor [sic]", although rather than being a section dedicated to thyreophorans, it instead concerns various distantly related animals that evolved pointy bits with which to defend themselves from predators. As Andrews puts it:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"For thousands of years the smaller dinosaurs were eaten by the bigger ones. They were eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner - whenever they were caught."</i></blockquote>
This raises the (no doubt intentionally) amusing image of dinosaurs with set mealtimes, although lacking convenient supermarkets to visit. In any case, the first of these great armoured brutes to appear in the book is <i>Stegosaurus</i> (above), in an illustration that is as beautifully shaded as any of the others, but very of its time. I do like the rows of small scutes along the animal's flanks, much as the static, hump-backed appearance of the animal is all too predictable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvlBsEShdaAh4zV2W6nMHZ4gE04za3y-ArF7UFgSGCCB9V8WsNALYxdSIMPRufI9tzwxF0sZy4I9LpiwAom13OnQ9MoBxgXcFqBQKo0aRcrXX-nytXdu0p-dAvfRjwaG1WsUUwuVa1f8/s1600/Ankylosaurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="869" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvlBsEShdaAh4zV2W6nMHZ4gE04za3y-ArF7UFgSGCCB9V8WsNALYxdSIMPRufI9tzwxF0sZy4I9LpiwAom13OnQ9MoBxgXcFqBQKo0aRcrXX-nytXdu0p-dAvfRjwaG1WsUUwuVa1f8/s640/Ankylosaurus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Ankylosaurus</i> appears too, of course, in classic super-squat, rather short-tailed guise. It's very adorable. I can't help but be drawn to the silhouetted pterosaur in the top left - it seems altogether sleeker and pointier looking than your typical background pteranodont. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd337ssqQxFtm93B0YNjBNzcIB9YfmUnIrqJIvnMJ2BOT_3jSMSioYKtcRA4DYseRDc91qx5M4wHgPTSt4vTKPrxMEfG1Cuzn-nyV82-FHJFDshCyejW-l-s-NnsVgUEEvPJ02MxkbwUw/s1600/Triceratops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="641" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd337ssqQxFtm93B0YNjBNzcIB9YfmUnIrqJIvnMJ2BOT_3jSMSioYKtcRA4DYseRDc91qx5M4wHgPTSt4vTKPrxMEfG1Cuzn-nyV82-FHJFDshCyejW-l-s-NnsVgUEEvPJ02MxkbwUw/s640/Triceratops.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<i>Triceratops</i> is up next, looking...rather interesting. The peculiar, semicircular, fanned-out appearance of the frill is shared with Rudolph Zallinger's <i>The Age of Reptiles </i>depiction. Somehow, though, Jean Zallinger's illustration manages to make the animal look even more corpulent - it's probably that vein-like skin fold on the belly, and the especially fat tail. (As an aside, the contrasting skin texture of the tail does make it almost look like a monstrous parasitic worm has inserted itself up where the sun don't shine.) I do think the shading on this one is especially lovely, serving to highlight the very many interesting contours of the face, where the skin appears to adhere to the underlying bone very closely. This approach (along with the resulting lizardy lips) was very popular back in the day, fell out of favour somewhat, but is now being given a second look. In some areas, 'shrink wrapping' of the face might be justified if the bone texture suggests it. Why yes, I have been following what Mark Witton's been up to recently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWAlR8CoqIvVmputz_sCIg9RZZFtzS2V3j0-vG3O2u1eUZvdyZjU_JzFkvso2HqEDaxrRQXiSVH_dHPpJ3sqvgh-VXstDTI94BKcOp4q9bF8iDqG0aAgm-81jJOyHzKxZJdeXy90kg1w/s1600/Monoclonius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="613" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWAlR8CoqIvVmputz_sCIg9RZZFtzS2V3j0-vG3O2u1eUZvdyZjU_JzFkvso2HqEDaxrRQXiSVH_dHPpJ3sqvgh-VXstDTI94BKcOp4q9bF8iDqG0aAgm-81jJOyHzKxZJdeXy90kg1w/s640/Monoclonius.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
Naturally, it's <i>Monoclonius</i> that shores up the ceratopsian team in the Armoured Dinosaurs category. It's another one of those slightly dubious genera that's fallen by the wayside, although I'll forever remember it as being the <a href="http://dinotoyblog.com/2010/03/17/monoclonius-tyco/">cute blue fellow</a> with the glassy yellow eyes. In any case, this illustration looks awfully familiar to me, but I just can't quite put my finger on it. The tail seems to be emerging in a bit of an odd place on this one, although that might just be an issue of perspective. It's also interesting to note that the toes are more 'separated' here, as opposed to the more elephantine feet on <i>Triceratops</i> - they're actually a much better match for how ceratopsian feet really look. It may be some combination of lack of information on <i>Triceratops</i> at the time with the expectation of how such a huge animal 'should' look. Certainly, I think it's the latter that's resulted in the trope persisting until very recently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSFVf7Y5WtXVEQBiHX8OfIXbEsFN5bFK7CEiiuh4EL_QBZ0WuF_y6k-MgpmIHBsBlNpnBsZmaAn4Lv7qkuLGOOWLHTIqZnG3yUh7nTryohT-D-Qe2gQs0cTtS1j3kaO-K9ypHKVHSp0U/s1600/Protoceratops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="781" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSFVf7Y5WtXVEQBiHX8OfIXbEsFN5bFK7CEiiuh4EL_QBZ0WuF_y6k-MgpmIHBsBlNpnBsZmaAn4Lv7qkuLGOOWLHTIqZnG3yUh7nTryohT-D-Qe2gQs0cTtS1j3kaO-K9ypHKVHSp0U/s640/Protoceratops.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This being a book written by Roy Chapman Andrews Himself, <i>Protoceratops</i> does of course appear, although outside the "Dinosaurs with Armor" chapter. It's a very typical portrayal of a beast squatting over a tightly-packed nest. Now here's an idea for a throwaway gag in <i>Jurassic World 2: It Could Have Been Worse, John</i>: a shot featuring dozens of caged <i>Protoceratops</i>, crammed together like battery hens, laying endless eggs onto a conveyor belt. You can have that one on me, Universal. But I digress. This illustration notably includes the wee teeth in the front of the mouth, so often missing from contemporary (and even more modern) depictions of this animal. And the tree in the background is well done. Love a good tree, me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEj-tAm7DF9584xn7WieKxWQxZAzk5gWkGjl8l1Lvj5wYToOBIl1N_oJimU_9OPvtCB33Qpysg3UCZ8YLpiA5v4GA5RoMtnxGUxGTsZlsPllkEty7wnPy2eTViHnGK-lH6dj0H0BXzo8/s1600/Mongolia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="606" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEj-tAm7DF9584xn7WieKxWQxZAzk5gWkGjl8l1Lvj5wYToOBIl1N_oJimU_9OPvtCB33Qpysg3UCZ8YLpiA5v4GA5RoMtnxGUxGTsZlsPllkEty7wnPy2eTViHnGK-lH6dj0H0BXzo8/s640/Mongolia.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<br />
Naturally, <i>Protoceratops</i> is featured in a chapter that details Andrews' exploits in Mongolia. Not only is Andrews' story a ripping yarn in whichever book it appears, it also gives Zallinger the chance to illustrate some properly stunning landscapes. Based on the above image, I can only wish that she had included a backdrop like this in some of her dinosaur illustrations - they would have been properly stunning. Stick a tiny dinosaur somewhere at the foot of this rocky outcrop, and you'd have people like me stroking their chins thoughtfully and complimenting the beautiful composition. But alas, it wasn't to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xh_DmooDYKwtYTk7VWUbpeNL1vsm-gus2lQja-Aa3HNSW1R9_CDC4LprZt4CaCGKsc5ACmLKJfI8oFQrEV9H-dWON6BbBqM8kp7alY_thAfCfhk8g4rNPAdVD1uw3mZck0Vc4I-ex28/s1600/Andrews+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="942" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xh_DmooDYKwtYTk7VWUbpeNL1vsm-gus2lQja-Aa3HNSW1R9_CDC4LprZt4CaCGKsc5ACmLKJfI8oFQrEV9H-dWON6BbBqM8kp7alY_thAfCfhk8g4rNPAdVD1uw3mZck0Vc4I-ex28/s640/Andrews+car.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Andrews set out on his Mongolia expedition in 1922, apparently with a convoy of eight old-time motor cars. I'm grateful to Zallinger for illustrating this, as to modern eyes it looks absolutely crazy; like a parade of veteran charabancs, overloaded with kit, attempting to traverse terrain more suited to a well-beaten 4x4, or indeed a camel train. What a wonderful image.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuODoArrIuFPsB2qw8SRQYrcyEu8C78h6chUfqryrvumonScv10dBlW_3pM-SfKIgsSCqQXnKt6TnzFd2YSxIWxcylmc1O4rZxW5bHgF4grA_7pQb6JBNeegfA4mOuVLXHFgaexFeMB_I/s1600/Endpapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1238" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuODoArrIuFPsB2qw8SRQYrcyEu8C78h6chUfqryrvumonScv10dBlW_3pM-SfKIgsSCqQXnKt6TnzFd2YSxIWxcylmc1O4rZxW5bHgF4grA_7pQb6JBNeegfA4mOuVLXHFgaexFeMB_I/s640/Endpapers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally...the book's endpapers feature a very familiar-looking Bronto, apparently modelled on <i>The Age of Reptiles </i>mural, disdainful look and all. Still, the vegetation (what little there is) is again very well drawn, and I continue to be impressed by the very subtle scaly skin texture, where so many others apparently gave up and just made their sauropods look like completely smooth-skinned blimps. Having (I must confess) not been aware of Jean Zallinger's work before I wrote this post, I now want to seek out more of it. Lovely job (and thanks again to Charles Leon for sending me the scans).<br />
<br />
Coming up next: TetZooCon! Again!Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-54674135042294454382017-10-09T07:10:00.001-04:002017-10-09T07:10:24.409-04:00Beasts of the Grand Staircase!<p>This Wednesday, October 11, is <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/index.htm">National Fossil Day</a> in the US, during which science organizations around the country hold paleontology outreach events. The National Park Service and partner organizations are holding a major Fossil Day event <a href="http://blogs.plos.org/paleocomm/2017/10/05/national-fossil-day-national-event-in-washington-d-c-oct-11/">on the National Mall in Washington, DC</a>. To see what events are happening near you, see the list from Sarah Gibson at PLOS Paleo Community (parts <a href="http://blogs.plos.org/paleocomm/2017/09/20/upcoming-national-fossil-day-events-part-1/">one </a>and <a href="http://blogs.plos.org/paleocomm/2017/09/29/upcoming-national-fossil-day-events-part-2/">two</a>).
</p>
<p>
Just over a week ago, I was contacted by David Polly, president of the <a href="http://vertpaleo.org">Society of Vertebrate Paleontology</a>, to design some Fossil Day outreach materials. The SVP wanted to commission a set of trading cards highlighting six amazing dinosaur discoveries at Utah's <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument">Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument</a>. I was thrilled to get the gig and pitched the idea of doing something colorful, graphic, and fun. Dr. Polly had a list of taxa in mind, so I started sketching. A few days later, the art was given the thumbs up and the cards went into production! This was one of the quickest project turnarounds I've ever worked on, and I'm totally pleased with the end result.
</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUy7BMn4Fsheb7u2WcfNUXy6PrFWnV7mK57eOjA1IxpMO20BzonnTx08x-VS8gm9kCBq_TIZ6C05uWqR9G_kV8jm-YxXVOKzsUjsIShrqaxn-vnkXO0SpqXJaYCpi_Q9N2SFU7hjlDCbU/s1600/svp-gsenm-cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUy7BMn4Fsheb7u2WcfNUXy6PrFWnV7mK57eOjA1IxpMO20BzonnTx08x-VS8gm9kCBq_TIZ6C05uWqR9G_kV8jm-YxXVOKzsUjsIShrqaxn-vnkXO0SpqXJaYCpi_Q9N2SFU7hjlDCbU/s1600/svp-gsenm-cards.jpg" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption>"Beasts of the Grand Staircase" trading cards, designed by David Orr of <a href="http://www.blueasterstudio.com">Blue Aster Studio</a> for the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. Photo by David Polly.</figcaption>
<p>
This project was special for a few reasons. First of all, this was the first time I was commissioned by the SVP to create something, and that's something of a dream come true. Second, ceratopsids are a heck of a lot of fun to draw, and this set was half ceratopsid! Third, I was very happy to draw <i>Utahceratops gettyi</i>; many of you may already know that the species' namesake, Mike Getty, passed away tragically a few weeks ago. I never had the chance to meet him, but I've appreciated the fond tributes from folks in the paleontology community whose life he impacted. And finally, the protection of public lands is an issue close to my heart, and they are in peril. We need to raise up a grassroots effort to defend these precious places.
</p>
<p>
Thank you to Dr. Polly for bringing me aboard this outreach effort. Learn more information about the DC event <a href="http://vertpaleo.org/Society-News/SVP-Paleo-News/Society-News,-Press-Releases/Win-a-Terataphoneus-replica-for-your-school-on-Nat.aspx">on the SVP news page</a>. The SVP is also distributing <a href="http://vertpaleo.org/Society-News/SVP-Paleo-News/Society-News,-Press-Releases/Grand-Staircase-Dinosaurs-for-your-National-Fossil.aspx">a flyer I designed</a> featuring the card art for all to share. Have a great National Fossil Day, everyone!
</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-9523046879980357962017-10-04T15:53:00.000-04:002017-10-04T16:11:59.331-04:00Vintage Dinosaur Art: In the Days of the Dinosaurs - Part 1Now here's a curious one - a book from 1959, written by the great Roy Chapman Andrews and illustrated by <i>Jean</i> Zallinger. Wait, you mean Rudolph, surely? Well, no; Rudolph Zallinger may be the man behind <i>The Age of Reptiles</i> mural in the Peabody museum, but his wife Jean Day Zallinger is a prolific illustrator, and it shouldn't really be too surprising that she should lend her hand to a book such as this. It's strange not seeing Rudolph's name in this saurian context, but Jean is more than capable of holding her own...even if <i>The Age of Reptiles</i> does heavily influence some of the art here, as we shall see.<br />
<br />
This is another one sent to me by Charles Leon - thanks again Charles!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyudk4kzZ-gLaZaDnB6_zEOFInOTCfJlW6e6_AkHTS9WFL5lbB-rJ9-tD46-yYRpvnpUgJsKn2mMUSCu1SDj9NH58gjIfVp0hntETgogq-vr8miELFLGNi3vEEdyTeBYJXJcClzA3awI/s1600/In+the+Days+of+the+Dinosaurs_+_+Roy+++Chapman+Andrews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="438" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyudk4kzZ-gLaZaDnB6_zEOFInOTCfJlW6e6_AkHTS9WFL5lbB-rJ9-tD46-yYRpvnpUgJsKn2mMUSCu1SDj9NH58gjIfVp0hntETgogq-vr8miELFLGNi3vEEdyTeBYJXJcClzA3awI/s640/In+the+Days+of+the+Dinosaurs_+_+Roy+++Chapman+Andrews.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Charles sent me two different covers for this one; one featuring just a <i>Stegosaurus</i>, with rather demonic red eyes, and the other with a Stego accompanied by some sauropods. They're serviceable, and provide an attractive splash of colour, but a little dull. I suppose it doesn't help that stegosaurs of this area inevitably end up looking very depressed, like they've just heard a Boris Johnson speech. Happily, there are much more interesting illustrations to be found within.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHkfMeNty_6MEUwlFEk1DurCsohTOi9uGG0OHTGQoNkw7vRie3aI6NSoLUEdxzFIHosUtql5oc1awFv7Uaca1B6IRgh42kBrJJ4rSyuEDwUrm4oA9gFIhZNU6DoQMdHwi_q_QsE-VAHI/s1600/in+the+days+of+the+dinosaurs-++0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="616" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHkfMeNty_6MEUwlFEk1DurCsohTOi9uGG0OHTGQoNkw7vRie3aI6NSoLUEdxzFIHosUtql5oc1awFv7Uaca1B6IRgh42kBrJJ4rSyuEDwUrm4oA9gFIhZNU6DoQMdHwi_q_QsE-VAHI/s640/in+the+days+of+the+dinosaurs-++0b.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
In fact, the above illustration of a gathering of hadrosaurs ("<i>Trachodon</i>", of course) is so good, it's used twice. The dinosaurs may be of their time, but are well observed and proportioned with it. The foliage, meanwhile, is just gorgeous - lush, varied, and detailed. Rarely is so much attention paid to mere foliage in palaeoart of this vintage, and it really helps create an engaging, naturalistic scene. It's telling how much carefully illustrated foliage can enhance the sense of realism in a piece, even when the art style isn't strictly 'realistic' or hyper-detailed; of course, all the best palaeoartists today are well aware of this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqM2gvqWdxxcM8wjrPHKDk26H7RzMyxtSgvarCVaHyBXViqxQJAyeZvoRj8_xy0d1_GPsm6lSG3JPnG_MDtg2-vGsheu3qgMKba-db4mdXwRe-dTIWxJS1csVxrTTxPpk7eC2VwfpENg/s1600/Iguanodon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="625" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqM2gvqWdxxcM8wjrPHKDk26H7RzMyxtSgvarCVaHyBXViqxQJAyeZvoRj8_xy0d1_GPsm6lSG3JPnG_MDtg2-vGsheu3qgMKba-db4mdXwRe-dTIWxJS1csVxrTTxPpk7eC2VwfpENg/s640/Iguanodon.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
<br />
When compared with the glorious flora in the hadrosaur scene, the chunky palm stuck behind <i>Iguanodon</i> here looks a little perfunctory. The animal itself, while obviously very typical of the time, at least has decently bulky, muscular arms, and a head that's the right sort of shape. Zallinger seems to have an affinity for warty, knobbly bits - as evidenced nowhere else better than in her illustration of...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbg3-Uboe2Bk4Xtk9aF2oEYnR9a98nLa5NNLiThOywF2QgMossjmwwpW2IK2uOMDo1JKkCwXG6HCxg_PTPlarps_ScimmABJ7uU1QDvNHiHz6t56ud-ORRBcLymhZKAVv-fwBDlzUx9g/s1600/Bronto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbg3-Uboe2Bk4Xtk9aF2oEYnR9a98nLa5NNLiThOywF2QgMossjmwwpW2IK2uOMDo1JKkCwXG6HCxg_PTPlarps_ScimmABJ7uU1QDvNHiHz6t56ud-ORRBcLymhZKAVv-fwBDlzUx9g/s640/Bronto.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
<br />
...<i>Brontosaurus</i>, the Thunder Lizard! There's a lot more interesting detailing going on here than is typical for contemporary depictions of sauropods, and certainly more than initially meets the eye. The scaly skin effect is quite masterful, with the animal's textured hide being expertly shaded; a wonderful contrast to the often pachyderm-like skin seen on historic reconstructions. The peculiarly gnarled and knobbly head is an intriguing touch. It shows that Zallinger was viewing these beasts as real animals, inventing quirky display structures and anatomy the likes of which might not be construed from fossils. Obviously, the reconstruction as a whole simply wouldn't pass muster today (and it follows the trends of the age in <i>seriously</i> downplaying that fat neck), but for 1959, it's quite lovely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnizS4E-eHDA2N8bZQ9yZ62n35I6aUZPBZDDVPZlgu9hzwR1q26_vMzCz8CWzTJapyrmKhjPPAAhNrBY_X7v9dO9tIf1ndLSgLU_xtHdMZHdQZP_GsSHeE1eVebCYKTpHSnQiW1d9vZc/s1600/Sea+creatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="730" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnizS4E-eHDA2N8bZQ9yZ62n35I6aUZPBZDDVPZlgu9hzwR1q26_vMzCz8CWzTJapyrmKhjPPAAhNrBY_X7v9dO9tIf1ndLSgLU_xtHdMZHdQZP_GsSHeE1eVebCYKTpHSnQiW1d9vZc/s640/Sea+creatures.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Not so lovely are these "strange sea creatures of long ago". I dunno - is a big turtle that strange? And why were these animals always depicted as if they were trying to escape the sea, rather than just inhabiting it? Maybe palaeoartists of old felt that these creatures were utterly alien to their conceptions of marine life, and so they felt the need to depict them as something less than fully aquatic. Or maybe it's due to being biased towards human viewpoints. Or maybe crashing waves look really cool. It's probably a pretentious essay for another time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVD1eQPgAhPw19pIXPfRfJ1TYUQS-pA179RcP6dFcPTqOKzVISiBPTphHo-VL21A71bXqDsKRxsL5LhTZEYRHF5cdmu8DKkeSAIXDm79pafo5-ll_rt5FHfR4-rZk-Y-VCR1ksCTjtGI/s1600/Trachodon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="629" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVD1eQPgAhPw19pIXPfRfJ1TYUQS-pA179RcP6dFcPTqOKzVISiBPTphHo-VL21A71bXqDsKRxsL5LhTZEYRHF5cdmu8DKkeSAIXDm79pafo5-ll_rt5FHfR4-rZk-Y-VCR1ksCTjtGI/s640/Trachodon.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
<br />
Never mind all that, then - here's a hadrosaur! "The fingers of his small hands were joined by skin. Each hand was like a duck's foot...This dinosaur loved the water," Andrews explains. Thankfully, Zallinger ignores all this, instead depicting "<i>Trachodon</i>" standing alone on land, nervously glancing over its shoulder lest one of those hideous crocomurderbirds sneak up on it. Again, the skin texture is marvellous (very probably inspired by hadrosaur mummies), and the rows of larger, raised scales on the tail are a nice touch. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2VUkxLJSWSztJcZQSoKbEK3vUQS2IOxcHfNyFyzGQImkXofeGiDMk7aJiv1ZqVygsR5zPSZ0q4fFBJohEq9EexaWqgR_3J1bm36CS1tkXWrZRZKSiP9_jV7dh9YQfIgeI3AW_YD1Z_Y/s1600/Rexy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2VUkxLJSWSztJcZQSoKbEK3vUQS2IOxcHfNyFyzGQImkXofeGiDMk7aJiv1ZqVygsR5zPSZ0q4fFBJohEq9EexaWqgR_3J1bm36CS1tkXWrZRZKSiP9_jV7dh9YQfIgeI3AW_YD1Z_Y/s640/Rexy.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<br />
Where Trachedmontosaurotitan goes, of course, Rexy will surely follow. This illustration is very obviously based on the <i>Age of Reptiles</i> version by that other Zallinger, but there are a few notable differences. The black lumps down the animal's back have been exaggerated, and the skin textures are more varied - with tougher-looking upper parts giving way to a smoother, but still wrinkled, underbelly. The arms, meanwhile, are just plain creepy. I think a lot of it has to do with the extra digits; they're also disconcertingly humanoid. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMC_bosX7k_X9wuuwIlbPaVro0SNYnDS4hTyVd5IrMfxw2AvsfQ3H1K9DSUlhIPt5tIRM1DVKAslfxs6euPdtepwr97SVCtBYlBGd6MBuTYZRcRJ3P7ku5NlZPsIkG1dC3NESxUzRgO4/s1600/Battle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMC_bosX7k_X9wuuwIlbPaVro0SNYnDS4hTyVd5IrMfxw2AvsfQ3H1K9DSUlhIPt5tIRM1DVKAslfxs6euPdtepwr97SVCtBYlBGd6MBuTYZRcRJ3P7ku5NlZPsIkG1dC3NESxUzRgO4/s640/Battle.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
Alas, poor "<i>Trachodon</i>" inevitably ends up as Rexy's lunch, in this very Knight-inspired illustration. This is a strikingly different depiction of Rexy - almost every small detail, from the shape of the head down to the number of fingers, is different. Even the black back lumps are gone. Meanwhile, the "<i>Trachodon</i>" now sports those aforementioned webbed fingers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ktt8XcEdqJtaNHFXCnIESLw6vuq2CpItO45OMYuwlT-z1wVUNLzk8E4NnWwHZGghyphenhyphenOmdMV8pfH3UEWx5JggWVBMdAPC2shv-p1_rUBYwBHnBG6R-hjpa-ux1J9-qynFG3lFDs8VoWSE/s1600/Zzzzzzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="810" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ktt8XcEdqJtaNHFXCnIESLw6vuq2CpItO45OMYuwlT-z1wVUNLzk8E4NnWwHZGghyphenhyphenOmdMV8pfH3UEWx5JggWVBMdAPC2shv-p1_rUBYwBHnBG6R-hjpa-ux1J9-qynFG3lFDs8VoWSE/s640/Zzzzzzz.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And finally...the King of Tyrants sleeping. This Rexy more closely resembles the Knightian version, appearing relatively svelte, with chunkier arms and two fingers, as opposed to the more rotund, Godzilla-like (Rudolph) Zallinger-influenced version. Rexy might be "the most terrible animal that ever walked the Earth" according to Andrews, but he doesn't half look adorable when having a kip. "For several days he sleeps soundly. No other dinosaur dares bother him," Andrews writes. Plenty of time for John Conway to sneak up and make a few sketches.<br />
<br />
Next time: there's a whole lot more where this came from... Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-48214425107005935992017-09-28T22:26:00.002-04:002017-09-28T22:26:31.329-04:00This Mesozoic Month: September 2017<h1>In the News</h1>
<p>
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 2017 meeting was held in late August in Calgary. There have been a few posts from attendees, though not as many as I'd hoped. Check out recaps from <a href="https://gimpasaura.wordpress.com/2017/09/02/onwards-and-upwards-svp-phd-and-more/">Liz Martin-Silverstone</a> and <a href="https://albertonykus.blogspot.com/2017/09/svp-2017.html">Albertonykus</a>. Alex Hastings presented a poster on dinosaurs in comics and <a href="https://vmnhpaleontology.wordpress.com/2017/09/28/dinosaurs-comic-books/">writes about his extensive research</a>. Over at <a href="https://rmdrc.blogspot.com/2017/09/protosphyraena-like-swordfish-made.html">the RMDRC Paleo Lab blog</a>, Anthony Maltese writes about the creation of the <i>Protosphyraena </i> skeletal mount he unveiled at SVP.
</p>
<p>
Californians can finally relax: they have an official state dinosaur. It's the hadrosaur <i>Augustynolophus </i>[insert hilarious vegetarian joke here]. Read more from <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-augustynolophus-morrisi-californias-new-state-dinosaur-180965038/">Smithsonian </a>and <a href="http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-me-ln-california-state-dinosaur-20170923-story.html">the LA Times</a>.
</p>
<p>
It's the case of the upside-down ankylosaurs! New research studies the phenomenon of armored dinosaurs being discovered on their backs. <a href="https://www.livescience.com/60437-ankylosaurus-dinosaurs-found-upside-down.html">Read more at Live Science</a>.
</p>
<i>Morturneria seymourensis</i>, an aristonectine plesiosaur that swam the Antarctic seas of the Late Cretaceous, was first discovered more than 30 years ago, but new research has revealed it to be an oddball in the family: a filter feeder, with teeth that interlocked to trap and strain krill and other small food from the water. Read more from <a href="http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/antarctic-plesiosaur-morturneria-seymourensis-05191.html">Sci-News</a> and <a href="http://www.eartharchives.org/articles/antarctic-marine-reptile-used-its-teeth-as-a-sieve/">Earth Archives</a>.
</p>
<p>
And while we're talking marine reptiles, meet the mighty <i>Thaumatodracon</i>. Adam S. Smith <a href="http://plesiosauria.com/news/index.php/thaumatodracon-the-wonder-dragon/">writes about the newly named rhoemaleosaurid at Plesiosauria</a>.
<p>
<h1>Around the Dinoblogosphere</h1>
<p>
If you were a bit thrown by the term "allokotosauria" when Shringasaurus was revealed last month, have no fear. <a href="https://waxing-paleontological.blogspot.com/2017/09/very-specific-strange-reptiles.html">Zach Miller has a new post at Waxing Palaeontological</a> about this clade's history and current roster of beasts.
</p>
<p>
At Earth magazine, Thea Boodhoo <a href="https://www.earthmagazine.org/article/down-earth-paleontologist-lisa-d-white">profiles paleontologist Dr. Lisa D. White</a> and her efforts to give youths in underrepresented groups access to the geosciences.</p>
<p>
How do paleontologists in the field decide how to conduct their search for fossils? How do they determine the significance of what they find? Adrian Currie <a href="http://www.extinctblog.org/extinct/2017/9/4/the-secret-epistemology-of-paleontological-fieldwork">writes about the secret epistemology of field work</a> at Extinct.
</p>
<p>
Victoria Arbour <a href="https://pseudoplocephalus.com/2017/09/06/evolution-at-the-zoo-prehistoric-park-edition/">visits the Prehistoric Park at the Calgary Zoo</a>. And if you didn't read her latest Vintage Dinosaur Art post here, <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2017/09/vintage-dinosaur-art-paper-dinosaurs.html">get on it</a>! Oh, and ONE MORE THING, <a href="http://blog.scienceborealis.ca/news/canscifav/">vote for Pseudoplocephalus</a>!</p>
<p>
At Antediluvian Salad, Duane Nash muses about groundcover in the Mesozoic, especially as depicted in paleoart,<a href="https://antediluviansalad.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-missing-mesozoic-groundcover-did.html"> and winds up thinking a lot about biocrusts</a>. Definitely worth a read if you're into palaeoart that delves into the more subtle details of an environment.
</p>
<p>
Public paleoart projects are always worth a look. The Everything Dinosaur blog features <a href="http://blog.everythingdinosaur.co.uk/blog/_archives/2017/09/13/the-lewes-dinosaur-project.html">a new project to honor Gideon Mantell</a> with a life-size sculpture of an iguanodontid in the town of his birth: Lewes, in East Sussex, England.
</p>
<p>
At ART Evolved, Herman reviews Naish and Barrett's <a href="https://blogevolved.blogspot.com/2017/09/my-20th-pair-of-reviews.html"><i>Dinosaurs: How They Lived and Evolved</i></a>.
</p>
<h1>The Empty Wallets Club</h1>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK6T4Pb8Sak8mZJnaEH0oPxQ4SK9llyxFjSB0u2ApKeuPbIcBvDkawtsQ8VXkJ0m8n4NhlMRqq1cDN-1Psiz4xT3z-X3lQ_e0TIdSv-1kLMJO-85Z-hQ1CCNtL_Mhf507KSutt0GgQ6gd/s1600/hastings+amarga+tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK6T4Pb8Sak8mZJnaEH0oPxQ4SK9llyxFjSB0u2ApKeuPbIcBvDkawtsQ8VXkJ0m8n4NhlMRqq1cDN-1Psiz4xT3z-X3lQ_e0TIdSv-1kLMJO-85Z-hQ1CCNtL_Mhf507KSutt0GgQ6gd/s1600/hastings+amarga+tote.jpg" width="50%" /></a><figcaption><i>Amargasaurus</i> tote bag designed by Levi Hastings, image used here with his permission.</figcaption>
<p>
I've long been a fan of Levi Hasting's abstract dinosaur watercolors and screenprints, and have featured his work here often. His new <i>Amargasaurus </i>tote bag is splendid. Perfect for carrying around a collection of dino toys. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/477204711/dinosaur-screenprint-tote-bags?ref=shop_home_active_4">Pick it up in his Etsy shop</a>.
</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:37.4537037037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BY8wdl8AONe/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Dinosaur gathering in my living room. #nevergrowup</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by TRX Dinosaurs (@trxdinosaurs) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-09-12T17:27:36+00:00">Sep 12, 2017 at 10:27am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
<p>Have you seen the incredible models and puppets created by TRX Dinosaurs? Here's a pic from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trxdinosaurs/">their Instagram feed</a>, which also includes some fun videos. <a href="http://www.trxdinosaurs.com/">Head to the TRX Dinosaurs website</a>, where you can order your own poseable, life-size sculpture of <i>Velociraptor </i>or <i>Deinonychus</i>, or order a custom puppet! They're pricey, but the attention to detail and fidelity to contemporary paleontological knowledge certainly make them worth every cent.</p>
<h1>The LITC AV Club</h1>
<p>
Designer and illustrator Ian Stewart heroically animated the artwork of Ray Troll to make a music video for the Ratfish Wranglers' "Ages of Rock."
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TqKEyHQp9Xc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p>
<p>
Read the<a href="https://royaltyrrellmuseum.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/palaeoart-the-collaboration-between-art-and-science/"> excellent post on paleoart from the Royal Tyrrell Museum blog</a>, featuring a look at the process by which the museum and Julius Csotonyi came to the final version of his <i>Regaliceratops</i> illustration. Here's a video to accompany the piece.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tzYVOVti6A4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p>
<p>
Hey. There's a video game called <i>Anatomically Incorrect Dinosaurs</i>. Sounds right up our alley, doesn't it? And doesn't this trailer make sense? Like, total sense?
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/137049033" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h1>Crowdfunding Spotlight</h1>
<p>
Last minute campaign alert! This one closes on September 30, so be quick about it. Especially if you're a fan of Victorian art and design giant William Morris (he of the Arts and Crafts movement fame). Especially if you're a fan of his famous "Strawberry Thief" pattern - because now, it's got dinosaurs in it. <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/159974695/dinosaurs-on-silk">Pledge at Kickstarter for your pocket square, necktie, or scarf</a>!
</p>
<h1>A Moment of Paleoart Zen</h1>
<p>
I'm in a sauropod mood and I just can't shake it, so this month let's bask in the glories of this <i>Diplodocus </i>piece by Stevie Moore. <a href="http://studiospectre.bigcartel.com/product/2-beams-diplodocus-carnegii">Available as a print from his on-line shop, too</a>!
</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbnPvT2g3pw-mVWOYPm6w4MAZlC4qwuAdnnId8opxdyz6fgybxZMb9e_ujJLpZSWEam6H4_WdcA-shG5Jk7ATDXsPsOoMqALPMTE2vpw3lh5jTXyqQY8Th1mgFuaGJnvhfl5pTdsW_eIS/s1600/2_beams_diplodocus_carnegii_by_studiospectre-d7hi8db.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbnPvT2g3pw-mVWOYPm6w4MAZlC4qwuAdnnId8opxdyz6fgybxZMb9e_ujJLpZSWEam6H4_WdcA-shG5Jk7ATDXsPsOoMqALPMTE2vpw3lh5jTXyqQY8Th1mgFuaGJnvhfl5pTdsW_eIS/s1600/2_beams_diplodocus_carnegii_by_studiospectre-d7hi8db.jpg" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption><i>Diplodocus carnegii</i> illustration be Stevie Moore, shared here with his permission.</figcaption>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-16520442344407047502017-09-19T17:06:00.002-04:002017-09-26T12:17:05.901-04:00Vintage Dinosaur Art: How Tough was a Tyrannosaurus?The Q&A format is a very popular one for children's dinosaur books, and indeed I've covered a few during my invaluably spent time writing for LITC. However, this one's a little special, and that's because it was sent to me by long-time reader Herman Diaz via airmail, all the way from the US. Cheers, Herman! Dating from 1989, it's very typical of the era, and features quite a number of entertaining tropes...not least a probably-quite-explicable fixation on the titular Tyrant Reptile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgih3onhAy2O24EauwDetec_5vH2SFNBjkUVps40Plx9gAjom8PVjBkOJ_tgzW_WPkhGfmvkz2bzwT-WAtZWR14M7HXJG61MHDGYlCU8sYupiVdoy_q5mNtKDOXtiyyFoUBkmqhXX194/s1600/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="914" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgih3onhAy2O24EauwDetec_5vH2SFNBjkUVps40Plx9gAjom8PVjBkOJ_tgzW_WPkhGfmvkz2bzwT-WAtZWR14M7HXJG61MHDGYlCU8sYupiVdoy_q5mNtKDOXtiyyFoUBkmqhXX194/s640/Cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<i>How Tough was a Tyrannosaurus?</i> was illustrated by Richard Courtney, a prolific author and illustrator of children's books, whose work has <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/vintage-dinosaur-art-dinosaurs-giants.html">featured here before</a>. The illustrations, while stylised and ever-so-slightly cartoonish, are nevertheless par for the course for the late '80s, throwing in a few anatomical anomalies (what <i>is</i> going on inside Rexy's mouth?) and often clearly inspired by other artists, especially Sibbick. The bright colours are quite wonderful and still look great - far superior to the dull green-and-brown murkosaurs that would have featured in books 10 years prior - and no doubt added significantly to the book's kiddie appeal. As for the text? Well, it's by Paul Sereno. He knows what he's talking about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNod0jSOS832PbpHlySTWkPgxF2zv0aij5iA8HxOop2IarfJWCVIP6oEu43XICPFO3x5qZGkDoi5crhGziR1_-McFF32qlDlmkPDpqjQaj5u_O-KUebjK0crGIlxhYc5oTd6s4Ed9gV5E/s1600/Asstrodon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1316" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNod0jSOS832PbpHlySTWkPgxF2zv0aij5iA8HxOop2IarfJWCVIP6oEu43XICPFO3x5qZGkDoi5crhGziR1_-McFF32qlDlmkPDpqjQaj5u_O-KUebjK0crGIlxhYc5oTd6s4Ed9gV5E/s640/Asstrodon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Happily, the book features a notable number of full colour, double-page spreads of animals in their environment, although they are often highly anachronistic for no very good reason. It'd be understandable if animals were being grouped in clades, or compared across time, and indeed such illustrations do appear; however, much of the time the scenes just seem to be anachronistic for the sake of it, as above. So, <i>Protoceratops</i> (clearly quite Sibbick-inspired) and Warioviraptor share space with the later <i>Corythosaurus</i>, the even later <i>Tyrannosaurus</i> and <i>Ankylosaurus</i>, and the much earlier ASS-tro-don (tee hee hee). Of particular interest here is the none-more-'80s <i>Oviraptor</i>, which apart from being not especially birdlike (which <i>had</i> been done at the time), also features a conspicuous nose horn. This was the result of a quite understandable misinterpretation of a broken crest, and the popularity of Sibbick's very reptilian restoration in the Normanpedia. Rexy, meanwhile, appears to be having a polite discussion with the corythosaurs, although I hear that Rexy tends to be rather blunt in conversation, like a Rotterdammer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbth9BFWnxKqvUmoai4VZoPk-e4Ex-X6E_DSqoYOC5DLFp5KBg-6IOGZqE63RARmEMzuJWITlP2pdZeCH5beIvJQpiqVDKTGuZmsFphdzU5Ha9LkdO9Nl13MgaP_TUnq87deUM1IupPE/s1600/Cute+froggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1329" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbth9BFWnxKqvUmoai4VZoPk-e4Ex-X6E_DSqoYOC5DLFp5KBg-6IOGZqE63RARmEMzuJWITlP2pdZeCH5beIvJQpiqVDKTGuZmsFphdzU5Ha9LkdO9Nl13MgaP_TUnq87deUM1IupPE/s640/Cute+froggy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So, we know that <i>Protoceratops</i>, <i>Tyrannosaurus</i> and <i>Astrodon</i> all lived alongside one another, maybe. But - did other animals live alongside the dinosaurs? They sure did! Althoughs <i>Pteraspis</i> certainly bloody didn't, as it was around in the <i>Devonian period</i>. Although chopped off by my scanner in the above image, the two <i>Pteraspis</i> are being chased by an <i>Ichthyosaurus</i>, which is every bit as absurd as depicting non-avian theropods fighting sexy sexy caveladies in fur bikinis. <i>Neobatrachus</i>, meanwhile, is a genus that I must confess I hadn't heard of before now, but is apparently a genus of frogs native to Australia. As in, extant frogs. I'm sure there's a good reason that I'm ignorant of for it to appear here, in which case please let me know in the comments. The skin textures on the edmontosaurs appear to owe something to the Sibbick's <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ5gGhBE_UTUJHSX-I87fKCvphg4iOntM2KtlH7Ykd1xQ-XO_IG8E62tV7FzfMUd_Ahm_W5V730InJnnls6EMtuHI4ipc72oW0X4h59f-31F4RSvTeHsEoZZGfG21Pp-j6RLEeaZR-m0/s1600/Edmonto.jpg">Normanpedia version</a>, although they aren't anywhere near as wrinkled and pachyderm-like.<br />
<br />
<i></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNm2ZkudBuqrIQv1ffZeX6RYDfX4sralFs5gdgQChajV-Rg4Qs-IsFqcSgRMZEtVGxXdj8bY7VPiGMj1fJ9tstm7WIAEtsPUGkJuRXQZx3wQACI0yFeFVupiYmhykuPiesL9OfRzQQZ4/s1600/Protoceratops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="927" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNm2ZkudBuqrIQv1ffZeX6RYDfX4sralFs5gdgQChajV-Rg4Qs-IsFqcSgRMZEtVGxXdj8bY7VPiGMj1fJ9tstm7WIAEtsPUGkJuRXQZx3wQACI0yFeFVupiYmhykuPiesL9OfRzQQZ4/s400/Protoceratops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I know <i>Protoceratops</i> is everyone's favourite dinosaur, so here's another illustration of the perpetually breeding, pointy-faced, squat little fellow. I always enjoy how the adult <i>Protoceratops</i> always looks quite outraged in illustrations like this - maybe it's shocked at how suspiciously clean those hatchlings are.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RE1uz-iNgUl34YQJoSfuJNo_yEgz6_jCgAjqeeIbV8eUcd-NnB-tBb3cgCK5nlgRw1KsXuaqrrG9Wv6EetPqhZ0B9gCHu45NlCZBO-FHnl0ltBnBS8uU8mHKilKZ6o0pXv-Gmh6uH0o/s1600/Hips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1363" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RE1uz-iNgUl34YQJoSfuJNo_yEgz6_jCgAjqeeIbV8eUcd-NnB-tBb3cgCK5nlgRw1KsXuaqrrG9Wv6EetPqhZ0B9gCHu45NlCZBO-FHnl0ltBnBS8uU8mHKilKZ6o0pXv-Gmh6uH0o/s640/Hips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Before Baron et al. had to come along and throw a spanner in the works, we neatly divided dinosaurs into two camps - the red team (Saurischia) and the blue team (Ornithischia). Eggs were eggs, a spade was a spade, we doffed our caps to our social betters, and everyone knew their place. The <i>Edmontosaurus</i> here, posed as it is, is definitely reminiscent of the Normanpedia version; the others (including an unremarkable Rexy, excised by my scanner) aren't so much, although the strangely round frill of the <i>Triceratops</i> is notable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJjdzEPOR417ZPs-zbXYjrC1nMCgCkhiWsdxC4wurT-wQawHO5iV9ihSMpDNhzLn1aHNnlemi-qaLpRs-LYJjO5cCNdlAN1v6M1ueRbfKXEIhEzrRfLwtnvtItPIaJ5P3RzyIiyJHuNU/s1600/Raarrgghh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="956" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJjdzEPOR417ZPs-zbXYjrC1nMCgCkhiWsdxC4wurT-wQawHO5iV9ihSMpDNhzLn1aHNnlemi-qaLpRs-LYJjO5cCNdlAN1v6M1ueRbfKXEIhEzrRfLwtnvtItPIaJ5P3RzyIiyJHuNU/s640/Raarrgghh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Given the anachronistic nature of the animal gatherings in this book, it's clear that no one can be considered safe from Rexy's clutches. Here, he bursts from the trees towards <i>Parasaurolophus</i>, which at least lived in the Late Cretaceous. Again, I love the vibrant colours here, perfect for a children's book without being over-the-top, and greatly increasing the liveliness of a scene that's already filled with movement. Also, Rexy's colours remind me of the original <i>Jurassic Park</i> toy <i>T. rex</i>. I love Rexy's active pose, right foot swinging into action, the arms ready to clutch the prey. The squared-off jaw is a bit weird, though; it reminds me of a novelty Easter egg box (specifically, the <a href="http://beachpackagingdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Lion-Head-Egg.jpg">Lion bar one</a>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeDrkTNxTIB_8KAiGHoZ_swhLVHeKBe8WZm_TK3EAaWdxCmpzys_mHUs7fkKEOivoK8StkKIqkuM6tYbPoW8ry8MiifQll-d_LbbMa-wGBEduTPbauKDxRPgF3j6LLptGYHwCVGLExyU/s1600/He+protec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="866" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeDrkTNxTIB_8KAiGHoZ_swhLVHeKBe8WZm_TK3EAaWdxCmpzys_mHUs7fkKEOivoK8StkKIqkuM6tYbPoW8ry8MiifQll-d_LbbMa-wGBEduTPbauKDxRPgF3j6LLptGYHwCVGLExyU/s640/He+protec.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
<br />
Given Rexy's time-travelling carnivorous rampages, it's important for the discerning dinosaur to carry suitable protection. Here we see a remarkably late instance of the 'angry pineapple' <i>Ankylosaurus</i>, with a uniform covering of armour plates and a coffee bean tail club (albeit with longer legs than earlier versions). By this time, depictions based on <i>Euoplocephalus</i>/<i>Scolosaurus</i> were becoming more commonplace, and I remember them being prevalent in the 1990s. Courtney also provides yet another illustration of <i>Triceratops</i> where its horns are erupting from directly behind its eyes, for some reason.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSwMVPnGVtreKzjTQb88OWlznbEGsb0XTec1LUqSFnLJeUyPTrmuCrpSuGbf6vq0SVRQoGlaUniN6nQTx2hYLnGZr22bVC7wmPFSBghOv7EH1jHNpqsZnJ9bYJi8wQHSWGm7bcSo087E/s1600/Deinonychus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1327" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSwMVPnGVtreKzjTQb88OWlznbEGsb0XTec1LUqSFnLJeUyPTrmuCrpSuGbf6vq0SVRQoGlaUniN6nQTx2hYLnGZr22bVC7wmPFSBghOv7EH1jHNpqsZnJ9bYJi8wQHSWGm7bcSo087E/s640/Deinonychus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, it wasn't just Rexy that threatened the Peaceful Plant-Eaters (TM) of 1980s and '90s dinosaur books; one also had to beware roving gangs of dromaeosaur land-piranhas. The <i>Saurolophus</i>, being depicted at a larger size than most animals in this book, gains a pleasing level of fleshy detail - careful shading and detailing gives it a real sense of muscular bulk. Which isn't helping one bit in the face of an onslaught from a mob of reptilian <i>Deinonychus</i> (which lived millions of years earlier on a different continent - oh well, ho hum). [EDIT: D'oh - of course the type species <i>S. osborni </i>was from Canada, but still lived many millions of years later than <i>Deinonychus</i>. Thanks to James Appleby in the comments.] I do like the foamy spittle emerging from the herbivore's mouth, suggesting that this may be a sick individual, although it does draw attention to some teeth that probably shouldn't be there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfjAMdO-dPrF9jeNhZzgLlxyFhjaSu4RJW9x-gkE5uPtIDlGN31SnQr9codKDKkKmFocdCrkojc3fmTCzbW9Yj1pcp4QqTlH3tResJFB0ucq2dACwnE8Fn-YLgj86CohIZw8rZTcY_r0/s1600/Rexy+attacks+Oviraptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1414" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfjAMdO-dPrF9jeNhZzgLlxyFhjaSu4RJW9x-gkE5uPtIDlGN31SnQr9codKDKkKmFocdCrkojc3fmTCzbW9Yj1pcp4QqTlH3tResJFB0ucq2dACwnE8Fn-YLgj86CohIZw8rZTcY_r0/s640/Rexy+attacks+Oviraptor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
All this drama, and we still haven't answered the most important question of all - just how tough was a <i>Tyrannosaurus</i>, anyway? Well, here's your answer:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Many flesh-eating dinosaurs were fast and agile, bringing down prey several times their own weight. However, the huge, powerful jaws, the strong hind limbs, and - most important - the great size of </i>Tyrannosaurus<i> made the "tyrant" dinosaur the most terrifying flesh-eater that ever lived."</i></blockquote>
Too right - Rexy was one terrifying murderous crocobird. Fittingly, in a book filled with strange anachronisms, this proclamation of Rexy's awesomeness is accompanied by an illustration of Our Hero preparing to sink his teeth into...<i>Oviraptor</i>. Better than a Devonian fish, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIQl32GdSN8ufkCE4HT1mADQn02hoF5mU8MKcQqrGgk40ipfetEuJxAEfa76B2F15JBXifHimn6SH5qDTSqG77PqLaHRMz0TbMKap3GUtVhZa5uCroGdwQx7oZb1R0Qly9xZli6RnzZQ/s1600/David+Norman%252C+is+that+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="906" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIQl32GdSN8ufkCE4HT1mADQn02hoF5mU8MKcQqrGgk40ipfetEuJxAEfa76B2F15JBXifHimn6SH5qDTSqG77PqLaHRMz0TbMKap3GUtVhZa5uCroGdwQx7oZb1R0Qly9xZli6RnzZQ/s400/David+Norman%252C+is+that+you.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally...David Norman, is that you?Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-59078436365741895962017-09-06T20:06:00.000-04:002017-09-06T20:06:38.368-04:00Vintage Dinosaur Art: Paper DinosaursHello faithful LITC readers! I'm back from 5 weeks in the wilderness and SVP, and have a pretty cute piece of vintage dinosaur art to share with you. Today we're looking at Paper Dinosaurs: 20 Model Monsters to Cut and Fold, by David Hawcock and published in 1988 by Marshall Cavendish Books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqcFXrYBo582b2YWhra7yDyb0fpaRxkWuQRw24VR0xcg0CciwRBOFuhFf7CaORgGL6-HLD_pXKNFG9nPyq8yOkFmRQ4DF3-JR0DujAxQw4TBMUf-joXyc1KYAsk7zaDCgZKL8XGOUaqR/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1297" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqcFXrYBo582b2YWhra7yDyb0fpaRxkWuQRw24VR0xcg0CciwRBOFuhFf7CaORgGL6-HLD_pXKNFG9nPyq8yOkFmRQ4DF3-JR0DujAxQw4TBMUf-joXyc1KYAsk7zaDCgZKL8XGOUaqR/s400/cover.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I picked this up a few months ago when I was visiting family in Halifax, and to be honest I'm shocked that this wasn't on my bookshelf when I was a kid - it hits exactly the sweet spot of dinosaurs and crafts that would have kept me occupied for weeks. The cover features a paper model that looks like current reconstructions of quadrupedal <i>Spinosaurus </i>but in the book is called <i>Dimetrodon </i>- that skull is definitely not <i>Dimetrodon</i>'s, and I think we can chalk this up to the neverending confusion over these two taxa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTqqfaQ_KXswMxlp9vyxCCDugcQ8voO33RgTGfrnPmui5YOcKX5Hq59_kcmg7yixEQrOF1k7XQLMVDwMbKki8VfBylymOex_JqNyMNh4JHBUMA-sZ3CaAsJKoJqDUCIvLDRRKEGNHhjYH/s1600/tyrannosaurus+template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTqqfaQ_KXswMxlp9vyxCCDugcQ8voO33RgTGfrnPmui5YOcKX5Hq59_kcmg7yixEQrOF1k7XQLMVDwMbKki8VfBylymOex_JqNyMNh4JHBUMA-sZ3CaAsJKoJqDUCIvLDRRKEGNHhjYH/s400/tyrannosaurus+template.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you might expect from such a book, each species includes templates to photocopy onto the paper of your choice...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1xlJ4o5rhh9PEnbbMgtQBFvs0J-3wYdiTCzZSbb5uSzKhkQMgUBd9Uk8OvPuv_54s83DKexpUhE1NrGaKHC8fw8wa9_dLyvKkncGN-jeTHgAcHOb8ga5a_X977ZxPA3L2tq-zPSx7YJL/s1600/tyrannosaurus+diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1xlJ4o5rhh9PEnbbMgtQBFvs0J-3wYdiTCzZSbb5uSzKhkQMgUBd9Uk8OvPuv_54s83DKexpUhE1NrGaKHC8fw8wa9_dLyvKkncGN-jeTHgAcHOb8ga5a_X977ZxPA3L2tq-zPSx7YJL/s400/tyrannosaurus+diagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...and step-by-step diagrams and instructions for how to stick everything together. Each page of instructions also has a box with information about the model species, most of which are pretty great and reflect what we know about these animals reasonably accurately considering the context of the book and the amount of space they had to work with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kQWo64k-vazyiNPtuN1aD1-4ta4gFwoblJRDri-NVTZrhNCpMyXASVvDmrcNkZNcNEz_ZFgIVf_VJSugA4ucTER5bENz4NNsNz925HJjc-EJhXYn2OfP8hrHc2q8H0DNZNlJwOMfSdVO/s1600/tyrannosaurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kQWo64k-vazyiNPtuN1aD1-4ta4gFwoblJRDri-NVTZrhNCpMyXASVvDmrcNkZNcNEz_ZFgIVf_VJSugA4ucTER5bENz4NNsNz925HJjc-EJhXYn2OfP8hrHc2q8H0DNZNlJwOMfSdVO/s400/tyrannosaurus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Tyrannosaurus </i>is described as "both terrifying and ridiculous in appearance", which, I mean, yes if you think <i>Tyrannosaurus </i>looks exactly like this, then ok, but also probably it did not. Nevertheless, I think this model is awesome and I don't know why I haven't made twelve already. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe8AvxoCcu8NgX0UDDuKM2NlcCS8Q7sKouc0j3z2U1ArYt8txoUEcOQMGHSypiB8jRqeCaMOYkqA7o31TkDQMCiP9LELre4QsMbiYtrlufT2ZDyOpucyJr9lxwu1DZ-O2kItJMs43AUUT/s1600/euoplocephalus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe8AvxoCcu8NgX0UDDuKM2NlcCS8Q7sKouc0j3z2U1ArYt8txoUEcOQMGHSypiB8jRqeCaMOYkqA7o31TkDQMCiP9LELre4QsMbiYtrlufT2ZDyOpucyJr9lxwu1DZ-O2kItJMs43AUUT/s400/euoplocephalus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Quadrupedal animals fare a little bit better, probably because the legs don't need to splay out to the side as greatly in order for the mode to have stability. I like the shiny osteoderms given to this <i>Euoplocephalus </i>and also its sassy sticky-outy tongue, so much so that I'll forgive the spiked tail club knob. Maybe they were going for <i>Anodontosaurus </i>instead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62z-rRhHDCUmPHW1M5KaAqAGOWk48fnfOVDuzxyKuTagHqxIweaauBBBbKeocGAnFUC8G7IHiRZ70A-kA88UrHT_9UebYA12O8azXmlqoJnCg_8boXoZjy8TWPL7kXCdq4HIgXPepWIek/s1600/20170906_190137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62z-rRhHDCUmPHW1M5KaAqAGOWk48fnfOVDuzxyKuTagHqxIweaauBBBbKeocGAnFUC8G7IHiRZ70A-kA88UrHT_9UebYA12O8azXmlqoJnCg_8boXoZjy8TWPL7kXCdq4HIgXPepWIek/s400/20170906_190137.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because it's the late 1980s, it's basically a requirement that <i>Baryonyx </i>make an appearance, and boy does it make an appearance. Hello, everyone! There's actually a pretty good mix of classic and slightly more obscure dinosaurs in here - fan favourites like <i>Parasaurolophus </i>and <i>Triceratops </i>hang out next to <i>Ouranosaurus </i>and <i>Baryonyx</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPmmqcvXkI89r7rFDTKjrWJ2jjy9ds3qn_7RweF-0XL3s6fm3twzekaCguN1BvISEitTbAq_DkHn62mXNSb34YVcjbDfwgPS5FxvwnP3jEmzEIk9Y1y97RyzbB013R7UA52NMIDaO5-tE/s1600/pterodactylus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPmmqcvXkI89r7rFDTKjrWJ2jjy9ds3qn_7RweF-0XL3s6fm3twzekaCguN1BvISEitTbAq_DkHn62mXNSb34YVcjbDfwgPS5FxvwnP3jEmzEIk9Y1y97RyzbB013R7UA52NMIDaO5-tE/s400/pterodactylus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Out of 20 models, only 9 are dinosaurs, as it turns out, with the other 11 representing various other prehistoric creatures. There's a couple of pterosaurs, including <i>Pteranodon</i>, <i>Eudimorphodon</i>, and this <i>Pterodactylus</i>, which even features pterosaur fluff! The book makes note that the presence of 'fur' suggests that pterosaurs were warm-blooded, but also makes sure that we know that pterosaurs were slower and less efficient than modern birds, for some reason.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxnOUIteodhk11gEmtKP6sjT6eBtCOqaCjETomipSPXskQSftdKiv4Bgk1IrZpQXMZHKCvCGQ39YEgsKQ0L96m4E8DFC_UHkwgTix39GcKF7pw8IpgqNs43SVSPJIPempuFbStoneYWKE/s1600/eusthenopteron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxnOUIteodhk11gEmtKP6sjT6eBtCOqaCjETomipSPXskQSftdKiv4Bgk1IrZpQXMZHKCvCGQ39YEgsKQ0L96m4E8DFC_UHkwgTix39GcKF7pw8IpgqNs43SVSPJIPempuFbStoneYWKE/s400/eusthenopteron.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And there's not one but TWO fossil fish in here, the always charming <i>Dunkleosteus </i>and this <i>Eusthenopteron </i>in beautiful shiny gold paper! This one looks particularly fun to put together. This fella also has one of the more elaborate backgrounds, complete with fish tank plant accessories!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZWYav34JmEIafoTa2xCZ0AWT2aZvKGlZy5uFzERl4fX2h4YoB23gEG1oChqmUMr2PJWNmDSMPGdWkXmIohnBsws_6dWG7P7Y8qNi4VWU7zf-B3mntk76cmSYsB6U_6rSzA5D_D3maAwe/s1600/diplocaulus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZWYav34JmEIafoTa2xCZ0AWT2aZvKGlZy5uFzERl4fX2h4YoB23gEG1oChqmUMr2PJWNmDSMPGdWkXmIohnBsws_6dWG7P7Y8qNi4VWU7zf-B3mntk76cmSYsB6U_6rSzA5D_D3maAwe/s400/diplocaulus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And my favourite model in this whole book has to be this staggeringly cute <i>Diplocaulus </i>with racing stripes. LOOK AT IT.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYEesXfVeRRadj7_sgTxer8xmJy8NILG3LTnGeyKvmij4AV3Lu6zMpuj5LqJoHoYrcRLkea1LZty6jgpYigoxs9kNzjBbKLY6GyCQ9dZqEVpe7Oaoxz8MtjQkzujWeDoJHN6Q0umkcF_m/s1600/endplates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYEesXfVeRRadj7_sgTxer8xmJy8NILG3LTnGeyKvmij4AV3Lu6zMpuj5LqJoHoYrcRLkea1LZty6jgpYigoxs9kNzjBbKLY6GyCQ9dZqEVpe7Oaoxz8MtjQkzujWeDoJHN6Q0umkcF_m/s400/endplates.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, I just had to share the amazing endsheets - look at those colours, perfectly suited for a scientific diagram, if you ask me. Stuff like this always made me want to sit down and start drawing and crafting. I haven't tried my hand at any of these paper models yet, but hope to soon! Do you have a favourite source for dinosaur papercraft? Tell me all about it in the comments! Until next time!</div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773365014990396396noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-59151171056081637262017-08-31T08:00:00.000-04:002017-09-05T10:01:50.408-04:00This Mesozoic Month: August 2017<h1>In the News</h1>
<p>
Meet <i>Serikornis</i>, a small troodontid whose feathers are utterly lacking in barbules. Read more at <a href="http://theropoda.blogspot.com/2017/08/serikornis-per-gli-amici-silky.html">Theropoda</a> and <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/08/feathered-dinosaur-four-wings-species-serikornis-science/">NatGeo</a>. And check out the amazing Emily Willoughby illustration, featured at the end of this post as our Moment of Paleoart Zen.
</p>
<p>
Hot diggity, do I love weird Triassic stuff. Check out the twin-horned terror that is <i>Shringasaurus</i>! Read more at <a href="http://blog.everythingdinosaur.co.uk/blog/_archives/2017/08/23/new-long-necked-and-horned-stem-archosaur-from-india.html">Everything Dinosaur</a>, <a href="https://paleonerdish.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/introducing-shringasaurus-indicus/">Letters from Gondwana</a>, and <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/laelaps/paleo-profile-the-horned-lizard/">NatGeo</a>.
</p>
<p>
New research into the famous quad-flippered plesiosaurs looks at how they might have propelled themselves through the water. Coauthor Darren Naish writes all about it <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/the-unique-and-efficient-4-flipper-locomotion-of-plesiosaurs/">at TetZoo</a>. And do check out the video about the research down in the LITC AV Club section of this post.
</p>
<p>
<i>Patagotitan </i>is the putative "largest dinosaur" now, <a href="https://phys.org/news/2017-08-patagotitan-mayorum-biggest-dinosaur.html">finally getting published</a> after years of notoriety and even display. And it's coming to Chicago's Field Museum, <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/museums/ct-patagotitan-mayorum-sue-field-museum-0830-story.html">kicking Sue off of the perch she's occupied for two decades</a>. Read more <a href="https://paleoking.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-chubut-monster-is-officially-named.html">from Paleo-King</a>, <a href="https://extinctmonsters.net/2017/08/30/the-field-museum-shuffles-its-dinosaurs/">Ben Miller</a>, and <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/08/is-this-really-the-biggest-dinosaur-ever-discovered/536187/">Ed Yong at the Atlantic</a>.
</p>
<p>
<i>Lemmysuchus obtusidens</i> is a new teleosaurid on the scene, made to crush shells. And yes, it's named for Lemmy Koopa. Er, I mean Kilmeister. Read more from <a href="http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/prehistoric-crocodile-lemmysuchus-obtusidens-05123.html">Sci News</a>, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/08/08/nastiest-sea-creature-ever-inhabit-earth-named-lemmy-motorhead/">the Telegraph</a>, and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/08/10/meet-the-brutally-violent-prehistoric-crocodile-named-for-motorheads-lemmy-kilmister/?utm_term=.517dd005c089">WaPo</a>.
</p>
<h1>Around the Dinoblogosphere</h1>
At Waxing Paleontological, <a href="http://waxing-paleontological.blogspot.com/2017/08/and-then-there-were-none.html">Zach follows up</a> last year's <a href="http://waxing-paleontological.blogspot.com/2017/08/and-then-there-were-none.html">Hopeful Dinosaurs</a> article in the wake of new research that puts <i>Pisanosaurus </i>in the silesaurid bucket.
<p>
Mark Witton writes <a href="http://markwitton-com.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-convention-of-shrink-wrapping.html">an exhaustive post on the paleoart sin of shrinkwrapping</a>.
</p>
<p>
Head over to the <i>New York Times</i>, where Asher Elbein has written <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/science/utah-paleontologists-turn-to-crowdfunding-for-raptor-project.html?_r=0">a great piece</a> on the ongoing saga of the tangled dromaeosaurs of <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/utahraptor">The Utahraptor Project</a>.
</p>
<p>
Los Angeles will be hosting next year's Flugsaurier conference,<a href="https://archosaurmusings.wordpress.com/2017/08/28/flugsaurier-2018-los-angeles/"> and Dave Hone has the details</a>.
</p>
<p>
You probably like dinosaurs. Otherwise, why are you here? If you like the world-famous LEGO brand of construction bricks too, boy howdy do you want to see <a href="https://pteroformer.blogspot.com/2017/08/prehistoric-life-as-rendered-in-lego.html">Gareth Monger's latest Pteroformer post</a>.
</p>
<p>
Lisa Buckley's back with <a href="https://birdsinmud.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-000-field-budget-season-heavy-bird.html">another post from the field</a>, in which she discovers her first Cretaceous bird tracks.
</p>
<p>
Herman Diaz is on a quest to compile a list of every dinosaur natural history book, and <a href="https://blogevolved.blogspot.com/2017/08/natural-histories-of-dinos.html">you can add your own suggestions at ART Evolved</a>.
</p>
<p>
Prehistoric Pulp <a href="https://prehistoricpulp.com/">has moved to a new location, so update those bookmarks</a>. Check out the recent review of <a href="https://prehistoricpulp.com/2017/08/13/dragon-teeth-by-michael-crichton-2017/">Michael Crichton's <i>Dragon Teeth</i></a>.</p>
<h1>The Empty Wallets Club</h1>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCrcFr_EhHeApWSxJ824WI0rJdgWN_ZAyf2FCO63sz7vz4cNGSTm7JBVFDbjUIkqnYomraA3RTX2qhB6JfwI5AltIQ693JTCZ_uhnScPwzDdO6dkcrlFqFj6wpLZ1eXeIWyRomCimvBp6/s1600/mary+sanche+regaliceratops.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCrcFr_EhHeApWSxJ824WI0rJdgWN_ZAyf2FCO63sz7vz4cNGSTm7JBVFDbjUIkqnYomraA3RTX2qhB6JfwI5AltIQ693JTCZ_uhnScPwzDdO6dkcrlFqFj6wpLZ1eXeIWyRomCimvBp6/s1600/mary+sanche+regaliceratops.png" width="75%" /></a>
<p>Mary Sanche runs a great Redbubble shop <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/thoughtsupnorth">called Thoughts Up North</a>. If you love ceratopsians in brilliant hues, this will be right up your alley. <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/thoughtsupnorth/works/15649611-regaliceratops-peterhewsi?c=387979-prehistoric">I love her <i>Regaliceratops</i></a>. Such a frisky pose.
</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE_Q9_yGOE3g7YCT5p8WDDDQMQN3cbMriddzCClg9h8VT9f428BjDsRjQDY-SzaAXeDfQeQ4blnJpd9wJIXG-iiYvFLfawkmXO_SGYXA_pAzPoMyNDpFbueMbOit866yyqvRFXttyV3Cc/s1600/sauropoda.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE_Q9_yGOE3g7YCT5p8WDDDQMQN3cbMriddzCClg9h8VT9f428BjDsRjQDY-SzaAXeDfQeQ4blnJpd9wJIXG-iiYvFLfawkmXO_SGYXA_pAzPoMyNDpFbueMbOit866yyqvRFXttyV3Cc/s1600/sauropoda.png" width="75%" /></a>
<p>Hey, I got back into the dinosaur heraldry game a little while ago! Here's my Sauropoda family crest design, featuring a <i>Brontosaurus </i>rampant. I have some ideas for others but haven't had the time to really figure them out. But the 'pod lovers are covered. <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/anatotitan/works/25036300-sauropoda-dinosaur-coat-of-arms?c=647832-dinosaur-coats-of-arms">Available on tees, mugs, stickers, and more at my Redbubble Shop</a>.
</p>
<h1>The LITC AV Club</h1>
<p>
Draw a coelocanth with Brian Engh!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mhl6vw82Nj8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p>
Listen to Memo Kosemen and Joschua Knüppe talk paleoart!<p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XdOYYkGYlC4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p>
Luke Muscutt talks about the awesome new plesiosaur locomotion research!<p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fWWUKV_-_Wc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</p>
<h1>Crowdfunding Spotlight</h1>
<p>
We've obviously featured it on this blog in the past, but since Asher's article in the NYT has been published, I'll mention the Utahraptor Project again. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/utahraptor">Go to GoFundMe to contribute to this monumental effort</a>.
</p>
<h1>A Moment of Paleoart Zen</h1>
<p>
It was an obvious pick, but I had to go with Emily Willoughby's <a href="http://emilywilloughby.com/gallery/paleoart/the-silky-serikornis">stunning <i>Serikornis </i>illustration</a>. The kind of paleoart you just lose yourself in.
</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb1DJtb4O7Ra5Rc25VY4LjpbWsLLA6rYk-XjcLnTWpWRJWTZdu7xbsNhycY4j5bV7f2ErOJqdPoFRlw7YT55ONxxvAP8qqlHNxfvUELowbUupHeqAsYFpUE7jD6zbVfbcT-4uTdVUhm7J/s1600/the-silky-serikornis.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb1DJtb4O7Ra5Rc25VY4LjpbWsLLA6rYk-XjcLnTWpWRJWTZdu7xbsNhycY4j5bV7f2ErOJqdPoFRlw7YT55ONxxvAP8qqlHNxfvUELowbUupHeqAsYFpUE7jD6zbVfbcT-4uTdVUhm7J/s1600/the-silky-serikornis.jpg" width="100%" /></a>
<figcaption>Serikornis by Emily Willoughby, shared here with her permission.</figcaption>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-55005601219919007862017-08-29T17:18:00.000-04:002017-08-29T17:18:25.401-04:00Vintage Dinosaur Art: Big Animals of Long Ago - The DinosaursRemember being a child in the 1970s? I don't (on account of not yet existing), but having reviewed so many remarkably similar kids' dinosaur books of the era, I feel like I've been there. Tail dragging yet sprightly tyrannosaurs, chunky title fonts, sauropods taking to the land, vibrant yellow-green colour palettes, the oil crisis, flares, the birth of punk; yes, they were probably the days. Let us now introduce <i>Big Animals of Long Ago - The Dinosaurs</i>, yet another identikit children's dino book from 1979. But for one very important twist. (This is another one sent to me by Charles Leon, by the way - cheers fella!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6G2EStAw5HulOMSxvuN4dddMvSOz-jd865bxZoIRsZP8f438mJICo4xEve02kZRVwxlWxyIFZUebWfwMW20Ytbjnw3CoB0zpqDD86k6uBQIqqzx63PG95wFYPAkKG6MORHDpr_ZlDRY/s1600/Big+Animals+of+Long+Ago-+The++Dinosaurs-+full+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1339" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6G2EStAw5HulOMSxvuN4dddMvSOz-jd865bxZoIRsZP8f438mJICo4xEve02kZRVwxlWxyIFZUebWfwMW20Ytbjnw3CoB0zpqDD86k6uBQIqqzx63PG95wFYPAkKG6MORHDpr_ZlDRY/s640/Big+Animals+of+Long+Ago-+The++Dinosaurs-+full+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
Written by Ruth Wheeler and illustrated by Harry Baerg, <i>Big Animals</i> makes its level of ambition very clear by its cover, which is a competently executed but rather bland Neave Parker knock-off. Note the standby ferns and horsetails, but otherwise remarkably little in the way of vegetation; the generic beasties in the background are pretty dull, too, although one does sport a peculiar head crest, resembling some sort of corythosaur-cum-retro-sauropod. Three-fingered Rexy (look carefully) is suitably sneering and dismissive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGx9ik_TvsCi428EYBJk6FhPNAtcdRdR-8VCc8XoDIJr8ywYejXs85STAwYTBqWn7svQgkOByYqlaLG_VRzjcyYcXIoYPB9RIVxNXAii8daoB829bIaK0jkYlCsCl-1zQsS98b1WMGyk/s1600/Check+your+perspective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1270" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGx9ik_TvsCi428EYBJk6FhPNAtcdRdR-8VCc8XoDIJr8ywYejXs85STAwYTBqWn7svQgkOByYqlaLG_VRzjcyYcXIoYPB9RIVxNXAii8daoB829bIaK0jkYlCsCl-1zQsS98b1WMGyk/s640/Check+your+perspective.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
<br />
Shortly after the book's opening, we are introduced to the motley crew of prehistoric beasts. I love the quietly smiling styracosaur-thing, happily walking by as the world's tiniest brachiosaur emerges from the water. The odd beast in the foreground is probably one of those new ornithischian theropods I've been hearing so much about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSiwyM33993PdMKbxLIEnSpQNXwAG_irmWC5oDY68oF3Jh73WsQAaT67Q0LyL2ma13d4FIwS4TDtnuOcmgOC8YOpp0JCyiQKV13xzzjX-Tj9e364thZ0HvhY6b3bbRJOdkV5oDCsXc6o/s1600/El+Bronto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1321" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSiwyM33993PdMKbxLIEnSpQNXwAG_irmWC5oDY68oF3Jh73WsQAaT67Q0LyL2ma13d4FIwS4TDtnuOcmgOC8YOpp0JCyiQKV13xzzjX-Tj9e364thZ0HvhY6b3bbRJOdkV5oDCsXc6o/s640/El+Bronto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Perhaps the most accomplished illustration in the book features none other than Our Bronto - accurate it ain't, but the shading, while simple, is executed effectively to indicate muscular bulk. It appears powerful and hefty, but not overweight. The classic camarasaur-like head might be wrong, but at least it's drawn with a nicely squared-off snout and retracted nostrils (as was typical at the time). The sweep of the tail is quite graceful - the neck, not so much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXxnhdvYxX1f72z6ZNWxEUZprXy8aPNr-VLPdaXxyZV5aAQG83leZI39-bhy9FXy93rOosKlsidV-vgkKmy0cbBnlHxAy_K8DDevxn-AF3-QjaHUjF-kjbSYDao8aLGeAKg8YefJgr0o/s1600/Hadrosaurs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1345" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXxnhdvYxX1f72z6ZNWxEUZprXy8aPNr-VLPdaXxyZV5aAQG83leZI39-bhy9FXy93rOosKlsidV-vgkKmy0cbBnlHxAy_K8DDevxn-AF3-QjaHUjF-kjbSYDao8aLGeAKg8YefJgr0o/s640/Hadrosaurs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The book pays little heed to chronology (for reasons that will become apparent later), skipping from Jurassic sauropods to Cretaceous ornithopods, and then back again. These are fairly typical pre-Renaissance hadrosaurs (with webbed hands and all), but the more '70s 'Gangly Dork Hadrosaur' (a la McLoughlin) does also make a notable appearance on the right. That one <i>Corythosaurus</i> is all legs, all the time, baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaoS3IlgrQSXhoIB7bdFsiofTLqevlNkzb3gHJJLA7aXjd1ZPTog2bKmXZePaCiXSQcu_7grNUlvXG0bd8qRuv0CFIbdjj5F-Lgs1ei6B9oINODoiCouMfLnaK9YjrXqFAxEhzwFcqdg/s1600/Iguanodon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="663" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaoS3IlgrQSXhoIB7bdFsiofTLqevlNkzb3gHJJLA7aXjd1ZPTog2bKmXZePaCiXSQcu_7grNUlvXG0bd8qRuv0CFIbdjj5F-Lgs1ei6B9oINODoiCouMfLnaK9YjrXqFAxEhzwFcqdg/s640/Iguanodon.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
<br />
A wild Neave Parker <i>Iguanodon</i> appeared! What will you do?<br />
<br />
FIGHT<br />
RUN<br />
WARM NOSTALGIC EMBRACE<br />
ROLL EYES<br />
<br />
It's nice enough for what it is; I always find those humanoid arms endearing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpB1UdCdK_aISqNI1AanQVc31lArsyq1X4YvKel84vV4ZsQ1IYgW689QXVVQL4l3IX8URRCvCudZlRIIe8wxUexpvuJa3EGTjaCdgVGitwVwadDK9cc2DIO-DyABhyMXhlEXACQprcxI/s1600/Brachiosaurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1168" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpB1UdCdK_aISqNI1AanQVc31lArsyq1X4YvKel84vV4ZsQ1IYgW689QXVVQL4l3IX8URRCvCudZlRIIe8wxUexpvuJa3EGTjaCdgVGitwVwadDK9cc2DIO-DyABhyMXhlEXACQprcxI/s640/Brachiosaurus.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Iguanodon</i> gives way to <i>Brachiosaurus</i>, and it's enough to make one wish that Baerg had copied an established palaeoartist a little more closely in this case. The Burianesque feet and fat, lengthy tail are all well and good, but that head is plain <i>weird</i>. It appears to sport a bifurcated crest, like a dilophosaur. It's almost as if Baerg was given a copy of Burian's famous brachiosaur piece that was missing the top of the image, and had to draw the animal's head based on vague descriptions of its appearance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbv9uc8s0ohprMwe_ydBz8ydD5gQY0OVgtwN9yBsQ7lhIkYMxFexVqIpEnPnY82i-Y_ILepduSf2A4vtlOvnat0hhZMo5475UhsSHFN5NqsPnBPBStCtX0MIu6U8zEh4dXTU3x-ZBbD0/s1600/Diplodocus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbv9uc8s0ohprMwe_ydBz8ydD5gQY0OVgtwN9yBsQ7lhIkYMxFexVqIpEnPnY82i-Y_ILepduSf2A4vtlOvnat0hhZMo5475UhsSHFN5NqsPnBPBStCtX0MIu6U8zEh4dXTU3x-ZBbD0/s640/Diplodocus.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Given that we've had Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus already, the inclusion of Diplodocus is only right and proper. This is perhaps one of the most unusual illustrations of this animal that I've seen, simply based on the pose alone. The text obscures a chunk of land that would presumably answer the many, many questions I have about how the perspective works here. I suppose the neck and tail are both in front of the body, with the tail projecting towards us from the base, else there's a vertical drop on the left hand edge. Having said all that, the shading on the body is, again, actually rather nice - one can see the influence of the skinny-o-saurs movement that was gaining momentum in the late '70s, although this remains a healthy-looking creature. At least in terms of fleshiness.<br />
<br />
But I've been hiding something from you, dear reader. For this isn't quite a normal kids' dinosaur book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g80K9lhRUp7xsQRdV7UVjvRzAfdIhGTHerRP0eRDqRhJQqZaj6hMME7TJacWzplGK53tkMX30SQpjr3eYzGiTZ7he-QGJMugqRIp7MofguacR3YO14xZcXdeDvo5huevwOWcej3Ok40/s1600/Murica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1331" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g80K9lhRUp7xsQRdV7UVjvRzAfdIhGTHerRP0eRDqRhJQqZaj6hMME7TJacWzplGK53tkMX30SQpjr3eYzGiTZ7he-QGJMugqRIp7MofguacR3YO14xZcXdeDvo5huevwOWcej3Ok40/s640/Murica.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Turkeys and giraffes, together at last! Oh yes, I'm afraid this is one of those creationist books, although as Ken Ham wasn't yet on the indoctrination scene, it isn't too screamingly in-your-face about it. That doesn't mean there isn't a fair amount of absolute nonsense. The above scene, I imagine, is intended to depict some sort of fantastical paradise in which drooling, toothy wolves leave those tasty deer well alone, because there isn't any Sin around just yet. Unfortunately, it's conspicuously missing a pair of naked people. What Eden is complete without a naked lady with long hair artfully arranged to cover her breasts? And also a man, hidden in the undergrowth except for his manly torso.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr6CFa5nTKgDbFssl5jr_urbR1Yf2EzZNUmtCKohNt0EWAXB9SMehQnMwHlAnuWv0PLCT1afy-C9iBHGQviPq63wFua2MoFrBuurVfMZJ09p0s42Ym4hGFCcUAxZvnzEioi2wyNnSFVk/s1600/It%2527s+a+sin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1331" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr6CFa5nTKgDbFssl5jr_urbR1Yf2EzZNUmtCKohNt0EWAXB9SMehQnMwHlAnuWv0PLCT1afy-C9iBHGQviPq63wFua2MoFrBuurVfMZJ09p0s42Ym4hGFCcUAxZvnzEioi2wyNnSFVk/s640/It%2527s+a+sin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In addition to lacking humans, the first Eden scene lacks any saurians. Which is odd, given that that is the focus of the book. For some reason, dinosaurs only arrive when Sin comes. Because someone did a bad thing, Eden's turned all monochrome, and hideous giant diapsid reptiles have invaded in all their ferocious, primordial horror. It'll also now be necessary to have a Pope at some point. At least there's a lot more vegetation here than in the other scenes; if it weren't for the anachronistic species mash-up, it'd be by far the most convincing-looking illustration of the lot. Oh, and Chazza K is presumably hidden behind one of the trees on the right while those hadrosaurs pose for him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC4d8fLo8UEFBJa0sdtt1V3de_9MziT9MVO0s3ufMqt3IMeZ7kHGxd474JSpsvPqI11o8Kw4XTPOPRClMeKZJqOiv_mJVlVFmPVlSYKpRXif37LPURkapWRiXLqm5m9fgObo8awTF0tk/s1600/We%2527re+gonna+need+a+bigger+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1328" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC4d8fLo8UEFBJa0sdtt1V3de_9MziT9MVO0s3ufMqt3IMeZ7kHGxd474JSpsvPqI11o8Kw4XTPOPRClMeKZJqOiv_mJVlVFmPVlSYKpRXif37LPURkapWRiXLqm5m9fgObo8awTF0tk/s640/We%2527re+gonna+need+a+bigger+boat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally...how did the dinosaurs die? Was it a giant asteroid? Volcanoes? A disease? I read a book by this guy named Bakker, and he said dinosaurs died of disease. But according to Willer, it's none of the above. Rather, there was a great Flood, and they were subsequently all drowned and covered in mud, which hardened to rock in the intervening...number of years. But where did all the water go? Now you're asking too many questions.<br />
<br />
Coming next time: something more orthodox, I imagine!Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-28172288042102899972017-08-18T15:57:00.001-04:002017-08-19T06:23:34.131-04:00Dinosaurs of China in Nottingham: part 2 - Feathered FlyersWhile the reconstructed skeletons of big scaly beasts dominate the main downstairs area of Dinosaurs of China, the real treasures are upstairs, where far more delicate, intricately preserved and altogether fluffy animals await. While some of our scientist readers will have seen these in person before, DoC is a unique opportunity for us mere laypeople to get up close to feathered beauties from China. And yes, many of them are originals, including Stripy Longtail here!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohikzKf4enlVbmA3Iq6YZSogvAgaXmsHkfGwyc0yfrDzv37z8Qsc0dIiOp0MFu2MPpp3cKY0a5vr3CfjxfUyB8tVvaLVLjlKqByk2N91FC07wevH_s9FYq4jR85PgGKEuJCaHFrSOMDE/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1070" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohikzKf4enlVbmA3Iq6YZSogvAgaXmsHkfGwyc0yfrDzv37z8Qsc0dIiOp0MFu2MPpp3cKY0a5vr3CfjxfUyB8tVvaLVLjlKqByk2N91FC07wevH_s9FYq4jR85PgGKEuJCaHFrSOMDE/s640/IMG_2957.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the <a href="https://youtu.be/5SR5D35W_Q0">fish</a>, bottom left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a name='more'></a><br />
This specimen, referred to <i>Sinosauropteryx</i>, represents an animal preserved in absolutely stunning detail; near-as-damnit complete, articulated and with soft tissue and integumentary outlines all over the place. Before this, the only remotely comparable specimen that I'd seen up close was the Berlin <i>Archaeopteryx</i>, which is revered enough to have a whole (small) room to itself. Dinosaurs of China is host to a number of original specimens like this, each one worth the price of entry alone as far as I'm concerned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisID7agaUi11vZqrHqS0zg9oFZYnMT3KpDPaACpnpXd-pPZwEZb-eghcbXTKiqnZsEZxP2S16bV0d_2AScQsmYFia5PGifKoeH3qedlTyjqu8rSRgSow7-H9noSB5V6uIULAE8xVR1lXU/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1313" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisID7agaUi11vZqrHqS0zg9oFZYnMT3KpDPaACpnpXd-pPZwEZb-eghcbXTKiqnZsEZxP2S16bV0d_2AScQsmYFia5PGifKoeH3qedlTyjqu8rSRgSow7-H9noSB5V6uIULAE8xVR1lXU/s640/IMG_2958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As I mentioned previously, the exhibition is intended to take visitors on a journey from Ground Shakers (the 'classic' dinosaurs) to Feathered Flyers. After walking through the museum's regular taxidermy bird gallery - now host to an iffy <i>Oviraptor</i> skeleton and another, much cooler non-avian dinosaur that I'll get to later - one must ascend a suitably grand staircase to enter the Realm of the Birdosaurs. When compared with the main hall, it's a fairly unassuming space, but the alarmingly large <i>Gigantoraptor</i> mount at its centre more than makes up for any lack of architectural grandeur.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ja3Bz47-rYNYFYtwytKZ38wbTyCHrLCB49ahvyG_xzrkm7tSSEltSrytI2qpq6L7pdjCveJXXb2-V7g9Qd4OdVEPFcT0mJAeJ5oXuW3ufTsPnm6m8ZPMtoZ2xlQFi19Jvss6KkKXqUY/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ja3Bz47-rYNYFYtwytKZ38wbTyCHrLCB49ahvyG_xzrkm7tSSEltSrytI2qpq6L7pdjCveJXXb2-V7g9Qd4OdVEPFcT0mJAeJ5oXuW3ufTsPnm6m8ZPMtoZ2xlQFi19Jvss6KkKXqUY/s640/IMG_2953.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It's impressive and startling, in the way that only an absurdly overblown Cretaceous turkey-saur brandishing an alarming set of claws could be; but it's 'just' a cast, of course. Not to worry, though - if it's a real oviraptorosaur* that you're after, DoC is happy to oblige. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VIpYWZv_EsQ_1pqA0egpP95pRFxc3eVPpt0K2lgr9676n7-5yVXkqnJoZVUe94vB6ex38LWcCLw6jjxJqSSpRDSO5G-RS78qfJzsYwVcLzqLu4kdzZL18hMyKJdVG6eKNV2Y_fris58/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1106" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VIpYWZv_EsQ_1pqA0egpP95pRFxc3eVPpt0K2lgr9676n7-5yVXkqnJoZVUe94vB6ex38LWcCLw6jjxJqSSpRDSO5G-RS78qfJzsYwVcLzqLu4kdzZL18hMyKJdVG6eKNV2Y_fris58/s640/IMG_2970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It may be missing a head, but the<i> Caudipteryx </i>on show at the exhibition is extremely impressive all the same. Note the feathers and possible gastroliths, but also the extraordinary fidelity of the preservation. The arms look like they could've been torn from Jack Horner's genetically modified roast chicken. I was continually astonished by the claws; on both the original specimens and the better casts, they were inevitably much longer and tapered to a much finer point than I expected. Couple that with a keratinous sheath, and there's a good chance that many artists are understating the claws on their paravian dinosaurs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lzxVchnho_gLZioer7jOLkrYXbbHCJOPf0-hwXPCeHoBLnQb9OE6A2Wb7w2PYEfKqe3RBw9rBpZ9qxR8wu3IMe8BOtle-V-QngKMPSSYTFwhIco2piMDfuXawFKI3zs8-lduoBjHII8/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1132" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lzxVchnho_gLZioer7jOLkrYXbbHCJOPf0-hwXPCeHoBLnQb9OE6A2Wb7w2PYEfKqe3RBw9rBpZ9qxR8wu3IMe8BOtle-V-QngKMPSSYTFwhIco2piMDfuXawFKI3zs8-lduoBjHII8/s640/IMG_2982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<i>Caudipteryx</i> is lovely and all, but the real star of the show must surely be the <i>Microraptor gui</i> holotype, a breathtakingly complete specimen preserved in endlessly fascinating detail. Rearing sauropod spectaculars are fine, but nothing at DoC captures the imagination quite like this. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzViAhdM6MyMyX7EEYXQ8YerzBEnLuv46wTccUE7WjuOYx_cI111EdPlNT4w1Zl88ruerAwxSGkCSqc0xRb6ZUy7hB7MlGadeOcnhC2Dl_c6asHnCHdBWkRxmtg21bN4CEAgXsLG7fh4/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzViAhdM6MyMyX7EEYXQ8YerzBEnLuv46wTccUE7WjuOYx_cI111EdPlNT4w1Zl88ruerAwxSGkCSqc0xRb6ZUy7hB7MlGadeOcnhC2Dl_c6asHnCHdBWkRxmtg21bN4CEAgXsLG7fh4/s400/IMG_2983.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bV3O4-PELqob2Mnme0nAkCsJ1MJVBRCibjyc4EK80MF3GEdoU7A-r4ukCKaf4MNslUu7OaJnRBTfpEA6h5n5iZsn9Cst3Pgf0VXU7qLm8Sh1vMBaZMvr7y8h-FrGP0UW01pC1G8UMcQ/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1252" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bV3O4-PELqob2Mnme0nAkCsJ1MJVBRCibjyc4EK80MF3GEdoU7A-r4ukCKaf4MNslUu7OaJnRBTfpEA6h5n5iZsn9Cst3Pgf0VXU7qLm8Sh1vMBaZMvr7y8h-FrGP0UW01pC1G8UMcQ/s640/IMG_2985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Again, the delicate, intricate details in this specimen are absolutely incredible. The skull has suffered somewhat from being smooshed, but the rest of the body is laid out like a skeletal diagram, or that daft dromaeosaur skeleton that's being dusted off at the beginning of <i>Jurassic Park</i>. It seems almost too good to be true. Natee and I could have stood there and pored over this one for hours, but we had to let other people have a peek!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRASiZAue75tIUI7QKR1XGNw5ZmpLaI6rcyvPPKKyzsn8cxkzzP3cp8tmiYzuzLxt_NP0ZF2_dv3PVy2EM_jLnTlMzj5vciqOe6oh-EhLd6CqTokPqBi5mvvZDIZygZD61H7HMG364iBk/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1148" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRASiZAue75tIUI7QKR1XGNw5ZmpLaI6rcyvPPKKyzsn8cxkzzP3cp8tmiYzuzLxt_NP0ZF2_dv3PVy2EM_jLnTlMzj5vciqOe6oh-EhLd6CqTokPqBi5mvvZDIZygZD61H7HMG364iBk/s640/IMG_2978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In case you were wondering, DoC does indeed tackle the "<i>Archaeoraptor</i>" hoax, and presents it alongside a real specimen of <i>Yanornis</i> (above). It's wonderful to be able to compare this toothed bird with <i>Microraptor</i>, a contemporary, or at least near-contemporary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dKCvNfphFBkRx9CM_M81_ax7xgIpsJ6Re_cHX0GDOOmzBXeY38c0G8oSTWpeAPwM2BCkiT4bpUr9T1f2I8UaEA78bIzdo8FIAq3qePtesh5woIBbFl_VGJ1DPg9tULe2qHxPXrdRZ6U/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dKCvNfphFBkRx9CM_M81_ax7xgIpsJ6Re_cHX0GDOOmzBXeY38c0G8oSTWpeAPwM2BCkiT4bpUr9T1f2I8UaEA78bIzdo8FIAq3qePtesh5woIBbFl_VGJ1DPg9tULe2qHxPXrdRZ6U/s640/IMG_2990.JPG" width="474" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Another notable bird on display is <i>Confuciusornis</i>, an original specimen complete with clawed hands and two very long tail feathers, the likes of which you'd never know where there had you only skeletons to work with. <i>Confuciusornis</i> was toothless but less well adapted for flight than <i>Yanornis</i>, which just goes to show that the evolution of birds was a bloody confusing mess (although that<i> is</i> how evolution tends to work; we humans just want it to be a neat and linear march of progress as we're often engineers at heart).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjGkHknSsUYpXj6LzgP5samZ7lF7seJiblp1Lk4j5iLGq3ao_h68dYi4h-27kTljnEHMuNCgAuvDBb7OOC15wY99rWu14FfyTnc7Pr50YQsMNTcfLPct4P-nsnItjPY0F0QZ7bFWnFU0/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjGkHknSsUYpXj6LzgP5samZ7lF7seJiblp1Lk4j5iLGq3ao_h68dYi4h-27kTljnEHMuNCgAuvDBb7OOC15wY99rWu14FfyTnc7Pr50YQsMNTcfLPct4P-nsnItjPY0F0QZ7bFWnFU0/s640/IMG_2967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz0UUcHmifkoLrwgUhjvndAQGxt05Lcm81-TT5Px7fuJc-o6SMqWcbELJ5YRjV0S3JuLyyqE7nfzNAxnvy3uQwPDpaz9W5X_j-uJigLXND4eufsu9p-uQsBqNh0ZT6L-u2dxanKmznPg/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1417" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz0UUcHmifkoLrwgUhjvndAQGxt05Lcm81-TT5Px7fuJc-o6SMqWcbELJ5YRjV0S3JuLyyqE7nfzNAxnvy3uQwPDpaz9W5X_j-uJigLXND4eufsu9p-uQsBqNh0ZT6L-u2dxanKmznPg/s640/IMG_2968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The original specimens are complimented by a number of truly excellent casts, sometimes virtually indistinguishable from the originals. I'd never seen the remains of <i>Sinornithosaurus</i> (above) up close before - the specimen used for this cast is quite jumbled, but in such cases there's always nearby signage to help you out. (In fact, the signage throughout this section continues to be excellent, especially as it always explains which specimens are casts, and which are originals.) I was especially struck by how <i>Velociraptor</i>-like its skull was, at least superficially, and once again the wicked-looking, pin-sharp claws on its hands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh11rIc91zcdRt8s20rLTeqJS6Gjpwa48TkAUlDQ5utW2YGQ8F-DufoXgH22z5klMj0M8oPePhyphenhyphendhnNZXDDKTI0abKsedV4UZ3ZcRmdTT4Kx0HCKszQwbmAoCEbEMMQ5j5c0MRveN7RM/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1144" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh11rIc91zcdRt8s20rLTeqJS6Gjpwa48TkAUlDQ5utW2YGQ8F-DufoXgH22z5klMj0M8oPePhyphenhyphendhnNZXDDKTI0abKsedV4UZ3ZcRmdTT4Kx0HCKszQwbmAoCEbEMMQ5j5c0MRveN7RM/s640/IMG_2966.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Additional casts include <i>Dilong </i>(above - always great to see an early tyrannosauroid) and weirdo <i>Epidexipteryx</i> (below). Again, it's a superb cast, and while I haven't seen the original, it's hard to imagine that much detail has been lost.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs_AmD7seKFvFLk73GHGsL76qB0wxV-jZxb21n9LGilJyVZ0C3EB3xfp9E46p95RD_DYHGdR7mEvbxsvqVS1DkPOy-Jif2CzBDLwrR9SeFAQ0D4ndAi-Cl4DDyBBQSipTjLqywFxR5Ak/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1427" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs_AmD7seKFvFLk73GHGsL76qB0wxV-jZxb21n9LGilJyVZ0C3EB3xfp9E46p95RD_DYHGdR7mEvbxsvqVS1DkPOy-Jif2CzBDLwrR9SeFAQ0D4ndAi-Cl4DDyBBQSipTjLqywFxR5Ak/s640/IMG_2977.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Out on the balcony, overlooking the <i>Mamenchisaurus</i> (and being overlooked by its tiny towering head), visitors will find an amazing <i>Protopteryx</i> cast. Again, those hand claws are endlessly fascinating to me for some reason. Perhaps it's because it's so rare for one to imagine Cretaceous non-avian dinosaurs at this scale. There's also an inevitable tendency for pop culture renditions of small, feathered dinosaurs to become cutesy and non-threatening, when in reality their rapacious tendencies probably made them the tiny terrors of whatever they could get into their needling clutches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJGMFtLWiEFk3CIvRpeskqhMvz6pRZ9L89WbjhTk_6jvD_f2Dj84SN_A6xE8_3BFa9AnsW2Lp_Z8m8mzo56rkiCD6ut8GoFyhS3L-Fgu2oObkUWqWEvN3-PxZXocq0ULd3YLYuyxSd9c/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1141" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJGMFtLWiEFk3CIvRpeskqhMvz6pRZ9L89WbjhTk_6jvD_f2Dj84SN_A6xE8_3BFa9AnsW2Lp_Z8m8mzo56rkiCD6ut8GoFyhS3L-Fgu2oObkUWqWEvN3-PxZXocq0ULd3YLYuyxSd9c/s640/IMG_2992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh yes, and for all you Mark Wittons and David Unwins out there, there's the cast of a pterosaur, <i>Wukongopterus</i>. Positioned alongside so many paravian dinosaurs, the skeletal differences are thrown into stark relief, which is a Good Thing; of course, the signage still makes the point very clear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_2480lg7hMs4oCzoysclGW2_NpkSMxWMHbuAZvQJVZYPwXaf1udk4X1f3SbcZJQP92fmKElCklqk7Kj3NB73-yg3yY8f9dYV9O0lDvaCkf8f4u2H2jRLZzZmzAdHNoX4pGuMlaH0HG8/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1347" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_2480lg7hMs4oCzoysclGW2_NpkSMxWMHbuAZvQJVZYPwXaf1udk4X1f3SbcZJQP92fmKElCklqk7Kj3NB73-yg3yY8f9dYV9O0lDvaCkf8f4u2H2jRLZzZmzAdHNoX4pGuMlaH0HG8/s640/IMG_2997.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Neaby is a 3D print of <i>Yi qi</i>, which is a cool thing for the exhibition to have, but suffers from being a rather poor quality reproduction - it's conspicuously lacking in detail and false-looking when compared with the far superior casts elsewhere in the exhibition. Still, it's more than made up for by...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlDvw25NjfRvXYwueeW6W_JZN2jxorcCzsGleEoIWE6reC0LHCBYgBGnBL27P8gUKJhL5gfkWxKqKkgCgJ4GvBQt960vRNoH3aFW129Sv_vQtLwYVE8mmjbuVlaCpq2cd-zQEhEqB1xQ/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1304" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlDvw25NjfRvXYwueeW6W_JZN2jxorcCzsGleEoIWE6reC0LHCBYgBGnBL27P8gUKJhL5gfkWxKqKkgCgJ4GvBQt960vRNoH3aFW129Sv_vQtLwYVE8mmjbuVlaCpq2cd-zQEhEqB1xQ/s640/IMG_2999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...an incredible 3D printed <i>Mei long</i>! It's the aforementioned 'much cooler non-avian dinosaur' in the bird gallery. Along with the slightly duff oviraptorosaur, the intention is to draw parallels between the behaviours of modern birds and their extinct theropod cousins. There's something quite magical about <i>Mei</i>; a frozen moment of theropod behaviour, preserved in three dimensions. This 3D print is a remarkable achievement. It's worth mentioning that the regular (and by now, quite historic) bird dioramas at Wollaton Hall are also excellent, and have recently undergone a little refurbishment. Even if you miss DoC, there's a wealth of natural history material here, and more to come in the near future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3IzgIOO-sman3kmmhvYK6_6N1nih3I3_VWiTkOqF9l_LHsWOlw1F7FW1oSCT7CBtRiiBlyO7hUMw_KattRhipy1qIsHe3Dhjo-CFUfVIGuAxRry1WXvZRIfUHKFh-Gs2rWdhEUpo5cY/s1600/IMG_2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1187" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3IzgIOO-sman3kmmhvYK6_6N1nih3I3_VWiTkOqF9l_LHsWOlw1F7FW1oSCT7CBtRiiBlyO7hUMw_KattRhipy1qIsHe3Dhjo-CFUfVIGuAxRry1WXvZRIfUHKFh-Gs2rWdhEUpo5cY/s640/IMG_2942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jCETauIxsMCMfxEpB_daOtMHouu6dOdnluRE5pY6pPdiuESfezKXi83RfS7dG6G19-u6_88s88NkooqDmJwQ7AxGseLWPh86UBHneXNmEdF8HHrbsf0SZh8kLwIFvt8hX81iHtOxMlA/s1600/IMG_2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1150" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jCETauIxsMCMfxEpB_daOtMHouu6dOdnluRE5pY6pPdiuESfezKXi83RfS7dG6G19-u6_88s88NkooqDmJwQ7AxGseLWPh86UBHneXNmEdF8HHrbsf0SZh8kLwIFvt8hX81iHtOxMlA/s640/IMG_2943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally...here's the <i>Mamenchisaurus</i>' dopey face, as captured by Natee. If you have the chance, please do go and check out Dinosaurs of China - it's inexpensive, host to some amazing specimens that are rarely seen outside of China, and represents an enormous effort by people truly enthusiastic about educating the people (and even their parents) on the wonders of palaeontology in the 21st Century.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklkFBBTxpYKZ6JVnR7WLHeiSKxs3aTC-Gad7JPzS56-b-MKOXQW8EQ61IKxa1Omof8-VrmT8dtDU4wx_6gwGJDmcdOX7Z9bXeeeS77dH0ZqzBBfCzQa3hDH9oEmfslGLjrtzGyiN6RCE/s1600/PengMamenchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1200" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklkFBBTxpYKZ6JVnR7WLHeiSKxs3aTC-Gad7JPzS56-b-MKOXQW8EQ61IKxa1Omof8-VrmT8dtDU4wx_6gwGJDmcdOX7Z9bXeeeS77dH0ZqzBBfCzQa3hDH9oEmfslGLjrtzGyiN6RCE/s640/PengMamenchi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Byeeee! Photo by Natee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Your phylogeny may vary</span>Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-87769738206852852372017-08-15T17:18:00.000-04:002017-08-18T15:58:44.868-04:00Dinosaurs of China in Nottingham: part 1 - Ground ShakersHave you ever wandered among the imposing corridors and grand halls of an historical stately home and thought about how much they could be improved by the addition of dinosaur skeletons? Then boy, do I have an exhibition for you. But more importantly, it's a showcase of numerous impressive skeletal mounts of Chinese dinosaurs, many never seen before outside their native country, along with an array of breathtaking original specimens. <a href="http://www.dinosaursofchina.co.uk/">Dinosaurs of China</a> is a huge coup for an obscure museum, a wonderful achievement of international co-operation, and a unique opportunity for British dinosaur enthusiasts - and Natee and I were fortunate enough to tour with curator Adam Smith.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IQsa8yU0GCi2urfYo9vrmi8N5Xk21Ioj3kBQMpkPKpWn9NG8DhWtKW3C7VQW01PXzCxMhFUrnMwge6iZLxCJ99rPzQhJFs4Uo026jY-dXvTIZEx868M4CQgpg03-dLUGwms6K_SU7r8/s1600/IMG_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IQsa8yU0GCi2urfYo9vrmi8N5Xk21Ioj3kBQMpkPKpWn9NG8DhWtKW3C7VQW01PXzCxMhFUrnMwge6iZLxCJ99rPzQhJFs4Uo026jY-dXvTIZEx868M4CQgpg03-dLUGwms6K_SU7r8/s400/IMG_2908.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz_K6a4YlPXWEeIpHft-p1EAFQjr6clUdi71W9G7cPPCtdVCiaSHYz1xQVrrdjwUNY9B6_DpzTou8xZAuGmz2FPBkoBSp3HOF1yOH-xMFE4D23WdKH3n-rcVe_8FsmrBLBMFIzfYzsVs/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz_K6a4YlPXWEeIpHft-p1EAFQjr6clUdi71W9G7cPPCtdVCiaSHYz1xQVrrdjwUNY9B6_DpzTou8xZAuGmz2FPBkoBSp3HOF1yOH-xMFE4D23WdKH3n-rcVe_8FsmrBLBMFIzfYzsVs/s400/IMG_2901.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjLERe0mP1HYeViW2eyAgQjnt2Sksb6IF5Inx6McjQNPDtCYt9ubTlLxIEAfOHyeo2J98HIYgmZ23V7gL2ItRUeERLxONHfssBWBFo-MWx_e3621_l6OwJzGT8o9ZA59CsJEnvBvjqLI/s1600/IMG_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjLERe0mP1HYeViW2eyAgQjnt2Sksb6IF5Inx6McjQNPDtCYt9ubTlLxIEAfOHyeo2J98HIYgmZ23V7gL2ItRUeERLxONHfssBWBFo-MWx_e3621_l6OwJzGT8o9ZA59CsJEnvBvjqLI/s640/IMG_2920.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Adam works as a curator at the natural history museum based in Wollaton Hall, a 16th Century manor house a short distance from Nottingham city centre. He's also a palaeontologist (specialising in marine reptiles) and set up the <a href="http://dinotoyblog.com/">Dinosaur Toy Blog</a> and corresponding forum, which is how I ended up meeting him originally. He's justifiably proud of this exhibition, having had a hand in pretty much every aspect of it, and was keen to explain all the careful thought that went into what we were seeing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlNhVEdUhjpbmW93OgTF30YB4pzNii0AcAkLebsZ-Rnx8mzmFeLMyn2FXtx_lEnC-nVPX5XI8jIZrIZoc0vpSEEHDPmCIkHBYShbtNTQrp8nw4D3jpkCNNUgZXza93bKoOqzgu8WwKyg/s1600/IMG_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="763" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlNhVEdUhjpbmW93OgTF30YB4pzNii0AcAkLebsZ-Rnx8mzmFeLMyn2FXtx_lEnC-nVPX5XI8jIZrIZoc0vpSEEHDPmCIkHBYShbtNTQrp8nw4D3jpkCNNUgZXza93bKoOqzgu8WwKyg/s400/IMG_2949.JPG" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rare photo of Adam in casual garb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Subtitled 'Ground Shakers to Feathered Flyers', the idea is to lead the visitor from a 'traditional' (read: expected) display of large, impressive skeletal mounts in spectacular surroundings, on to a more low-key exhibition of some of the most beautiful (real) fossil feathered dinosaurs found in China in the last few decades. Visitors enter via a side entrance, and must walk up a fairly nondescript corridor and staircase into the main hall, where the space instantly opens out and they are greeted by a stunning rearing <i>Mamenchisaurus</i>, in addition to a beautiful wall-filling artwork by Zhao Chuang. It's an effective way of immediately grabbing a visitor's attention. You won't see a <i>Mamenchisaurus</i> posed in front of a fanned-out array of guns anywhere else...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhYAFTzClxZv3wpwAFOtQDyX-OORMVEHUPm4k-3Nh6DiTNSIL-pNvzG13VSv02t5cwjbm7gYcjyRJkcvrDt3MyBOp5Nx0MSUmEiRPcOyFm3toCX3hI-tbwRHPvlvwJGoZg0LKIxm6ec8/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1098" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhYAFTzClxZv3wpwAFOtQDyX-OORMVEHUPm4k-3Nh6DiTNSIL-pNvzG13VSv02t5cwjbm7gYcjyRJkcvrDt3MyBOp5Nx0MSUmEiRPcOyFm3toCX3hI-tbwRHPvlvwJGoZg0LKIxm6ec8/s640/IMG_2907.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlLufys6iL_dLpjRMkLRZ3-5QW8FsnFi1oS5zF2UmAXKJ4lTNiaa41sduVH_EG-DekVSHUsxiG73-19BtLD0bqcdMKt4Uv8ZEOuu_Pz0D2Ny7bCvL5hFlgv7Q0xqUdT1evHWIz5QJtJA/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1399" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlLufys6iL_dLpjRMkLRZ3-5QW8FsnFi1oS5zF2UmAXKJ4lTNiaa41sduVH_EG-DekVSHUsxiG73-19BtLD0bqcdMKt4Uv8ZEOuu_Pz0D2Ny7bCvL5hFlgv7Q0xqUdT1evHWIz5QJtJA/s400/IMG_2910.JPG" width="400" /></a>The large skeletal mounts were provided by the <a href="http://english.ivpp.cas.cn/au/bi/">IVPP</a>, and the casts do vary somewhat in quality. One of the best is a lovely <i>Sinraptor</i>, posed almost as if cowering or skulking around the rearing sauropod. Although space can be tight in Wollaton Hall (it wasn't designed to be a museum, after all), it's still possible to view the skeletons from multiple angles and take photos largely unimpeded by barriers. Adam mentioned this as being quite deliberate. The accompanying signage strikes a perfect compromise between relaying the necessary information, and not overwhelming the more casual visitor; I overheard a number of actual <i>parents</i> relaying information that they'd read on the signs quite accurately to their children, which is more than I can say of many museums I've visited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbpn9_n3nX_NxqiK_uO8oUldRJP2TsIlR-lPW1CQZQvo_oqukr7lbF1SOI4xL6zytLMcodDyQq7FggqDs2b8MqjTCElruYkSMzo7nGPeyGed7dJuJ8CgJgh_xnxphNHnM2IqmV6zuzNQ/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1297" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbpn9_n3nX_NxqiK_uO8oUldRJP2TsIlR-lPW1CQZQvo_oqukr7lbF1SOI4xL6zytLMcodDyQq7FggqDs2b8MqjTCElruYkSMzo7nGPeyGed7dJuJ8CgJgh_xnxphNHnM2IqmV6zuzNQ/s640/IMG_2911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While one might expect a heavy emphasis on 'birds as dinosaurs' in the floof-o-saurs section, the link is made throughout the exhibition. Consequently, a <i>Guanlong</i> mount is presented next to an ostrich from the museum's collections. The skull on the <i>Guanlong</i> is notably peculiar, with the orbit and temporal fenestra seemingly being combined; it may be a result of the original being crushed and distorted, but it's a little strange that it wasn't 'fixed' for a mount like this. Still, it's a treat to finally see a mount of this tyrannosauroid, which is seldom seen outside of China.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuQgTO6BTyF3o1AXzi5tjSFIb2jC_hhINm5GYB7zlHMr3UTe2E41P7PmIu4LZzZCPVzYeYcapk54MXAxxHBuNePnIzXL7MbmlUzoQgB3yfdrjxFov_L-9N9u1jLxv7fSpfLYVQzc5SjE/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="847" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuQgTO6BTyF3o1AXzi5tjSFIb2jC_hhINm5GYB7zlHMr3UTe2E41P7PmIu4LZzZCPVzYeYcapk54MXAxxHBuNePnIzXL7MbmlUzoQgB3yfdrjxFov_L-9N9u1jLxv7fSpfLYVQzc5SjE/s400/IMG_2912.JPG" width="376" /></a></div>
<br />
Behind <i>Guanlong</i>, and utterly dwarfed by its much larger, later relative, stands <i>Lufengosaurus</i>. The forelimbs are rather strangely mounted, but this is otherwise a pleasingly modern, horizontal, but bipedal take on the animal. A nearby display explains the history of its discovery and classification; the palaeontologist who described it, Yang Zhongjian, was tutored by Friedrich von Huene in a lovely early example of palaeontological East meets West. His contemporary reconstruction of the animal, much like Von Huene's of <i>Plateosaurus</i>, is strikingly forward-thinking and has held up incredibly well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe1G8leC4VdmbDf0NvdJc96uYv1IPRGTYyLI-2iFByUzxeCD_cl6oXgCrKt5WhXGuWZAY0Y8yBWjs6T5PMMslJBgcoIcEAmN2CW7uVdA5tjbRTHcv4qk2KqvXm7rAI0XK89nyChYfPDE/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="808" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe1G8leC4VdmbDf0NvdJc96uYv1IPRGTYyLI-2iFByUzxeCD_cl6oXgCrKt5WhXGuWZAY0Y8yBWjs6T5PMMslJBgcoIcEAmN2CW7uVdA5tjbRTHcv4qk2KqvXm7rAI0XK89nyChYfPDE/s640/IMG_2914.JPG" width="574" /></a></div>
<br />
There's a <i>Protoceratops</i> in the main hall too because, hey, you've got to have<i> Protoceratops</i>. I've seen plenty of excellent <i>Protoceratops</i> casts, including those used in <a href="https://chasmosaurs.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/monster-families-at-horniman.html">Dinosaurs: Monster Families</a>, so it's very strange that this one is so poor. In particular, the head looks like a sub-par sculpted copy, and is really lacking in detail. I think the wee fellow slapped on too much foundation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kVOxlbS_954OYUwjpwTx069HvxgMcal_qEpsk1Qabcj3YYN5wi9Q5wftWSRjJq_bJqJ-IA9c7X3rMSXxJ75_QfDwHaolbDLR3k1fPbWm1b_mlT_IY5Iatg8ZCEo0M4B2FyGGD5zkaXE/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kVOxlbS_954OYUwjpwTx069HvxgMcal_qEpsk1Qabcj3YYN5wi9Q5wftWSRjJq_bJqJ-IA9c7X3rMSXxJ75_QfDwHaolbDLR3k1fPbWm1b_mlT_IY5Iatg8ZCEo0M4B2FyGGD5zkaXE/s400/IMG_2903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But that hardly matters when, in a case immediately adjacent, you have an original juvenile <i>Pinacosaurus</i> fossil, with a beautifully preserved skull. Perhaps more important even than being a gorgeous genuine specimen, it's quite simply utterly adorable. Bless its petrified spiky chops. As the specimen is still embedded in the matrix, it's surrounded by 'excavation tools' in typical natural history musem stylee. They're from Adam's cupboard, by the way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe473nHMRwfuqi8km8Mp9X8KmX556cXxdym6A0KUa9vRdhbcqmwLt7XltiPs9O7A1xn6Os-Qp9gFretuAGztX0Qz5h3Q40663OjEIpyH8Djb7OYeL16vpAp5rJv5PPuQ61u-5NKPUv1TE/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe473nHMRwfuqi8km8Mp9X8KmX556cXxdym6A0KUa9vRdhbcqmwLt7XltiPs9O7A1xn6Os-Qp9gFretuAGztX0Qz5h3Q40663OjEIpyH8Djb7OYeL16vpAp5rJv5PPuQ61u-5NKPUv1TE/s400/IMG_2904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJHqyROyLMOLX-Is94fCN9_1x9vZ0pt5v124lDN7seI43UEpgOu5bzaUvrQF1dyA4zr46GFhXiMROyP1uem7ri2Pm0zdo3y47KsUlQz2icqBMLsJQQ8ovJIi2UH4eldraPkeD447dfms/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1106" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJHqyROyLMOLX-Is94fCN9_1x9vZ0pt5v124lDN7seI43UEpgOu5bzaUvrQF1dyA4zr46GFhXiMROyP1uem7ri2Pm0zdo3y47KsUlQz2icqBMLsJQQ8ovJIi2UH4eldraPkeD447dfms/s640/IMG_2905.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Coming up next: a trip upstairs to see the feathered flyers! (And gliders. And freakishly big, long-armed, pin-headed monstrosities.)Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-90544564008696295612017-08-11T14:42:00.001-04:002017-08-11T14:42:26.606-04:00Book Review: Dinosaur Empire<div "text-align:center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVJu9nLBik5M9s0QGFT5mzmS3UbwZrIpzpC0UHkaHKaDzUqkkdW3zc224aDQ9E7BHRRtrQBhyphenhyphen3pkYU0cWRwbzxVozF0PMcABYGeF7XEGsdxqN1wtGGChJjP4tZ87YpGZiLqpY1eJemUOx/s1600/9781419723063_LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVJu9nLBik5M9s0QGFT5mzmS3UbwZrIpzpC0UHkaHKaDzUqkkdW3zc224aDQ9E7BHRRtrQBhyphenhyphen3pkYU0cWRwbzxVozF0PMcABYGeF7XEGsdxqN1wtGGChJjP4tZ87YpGZiLqpY1eJemUOx/s1600/9781419723063_LR.jpg" width="75%" alt="Cover art for Abby Howard's 'Dinosaur Empire' book" /></a></div>
<p>
The gradual shifting of popular visions of prehistoric life has been a theme of this blog almost since the start. Looking at how old, mid-century or earlier ideas stick around longer than scientific consensus would dictate is fun, but one thing that's been rewarding has been watching in real time as the world embraces modern paleontology's increasingly nuanced and diverse view of dinosaurs.</p>
<p>
Another cobblestone in that road has been placed with Abby Howard's wonderful <i>Dinosaur Empire</i>, <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/dinosaur-empire_9781419723063/">now available from Amulet Books</a>. Told in comic form, Howard takes the reader on a thorough tour of the Mesozoic, as a paleo-geek named Ms. Lernin takes a child named Ronnie on a time-travel adventure via the wibbly-wobbly power of "science magic." Anyhow, the book is awesome, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Empire-Earth-Before-Us/dp/1419723065">you should buy it</a>, and here are five reasons why.
</p>
<h2>
It embraces current palaeontological knowledge in an approachable way.
</h2>
<p>
It's undeniably fun to get together with fellow paleo-geeks and talk prehistory. But sometimes, many of us will readily admit, talking with folks with only a superficial grasp on ancient life can be taxing. <i>Dinosaur Empire</i> is perfectly aimed at helping everyone understand and appreciate the history of life on Earth, no matter how in the dark they are to start - or what old notions they're holding on to. Howard's art is bright and humorous, her animals stylized but recognizable. <a href="https://markwitton-com.blogspot.com/2017/07/palaeoartist-interview-johan-egerkrans.html">Mark Witton recently praised Johan Egerkrans</a> for his balance of stylization and anatomical fidelity, and Howard deserves the same praise.
</p>
<h2>
It's funny.
</h2>
<p>
If you're into Howard's comics <a href="www.jspowerhour.com"><i>Junior Scientist Power Hour</i></a> or <a href="https://www.last-halloween.com/"><i>The Last Halloween</i></a>, you'll be happy to hear that Howard's sense of humor is deployed just as effectively here. Using the form to her advantage, animals get to have humorous little reactions to and interactions with their environment and other animals.
</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GSyIsNfl2zpdQFNxeXBogFbfX8wzvtjQr99FfpEw7zK3XfZ6gTrlE2Fl-w-jVRnMQu08Ku6HsUGK3AliCNzQPVr_XJA_C2O-JZke_4GU_gPXmq4o1Fr0WCGEtFSvVrGzsrAUwR42YC0D/s1600/EarthBeforeUs_Dinos2.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GSyIsNfl2zpdQFNxeXBogFbfX8wzvtjQr99FfpEw7zK3XfZ6gTrlE2Fl-w-jVRnMQu08Ku6HsUGK3AliCNzQPVr_XJA_C2O-JZke_4GU_gPXmq4o1Fr0WCGEtFSvVrGzsrAUwR42YC0D/s1600/EarthBeforeUs_Dinos2.png" width="75%" alt="An interior page from Abby Howard's 'Dinosaur Empire,' featuring a collection of pterosaurs." /></a><figcaption>A page dedicated to pterosaurs from Abby Howard's <i>Dinosaur Empire</i> graphic novel. Image courtesy Abrams Books.</figcaption>
<h2>
It's about more than <i>T. rex</i>, and goes well beyond dinosaurs.
</h2>
<p>
Howard realizes what any of us who have done education with kids realize: they want to hear the biggest hits, and quick. Her character of Ronnie reminds me of many kids I've met - her first order of business is to get to <i>Tyrannosaurus rex</i>. But <i>Dinosaur Empire</i> begins in the Triassic, and readers are soon introduced to aetosaurs, placodonts, ichthyosaurs, thallatosaurs, pterosaurs, insects, and more. <i>Smok wawelski</i> gets a page to itself. <i>Eocaecilia</i>, <i>Castorocauda</i>, <i>Fruitachampsa</i>, <i>Morganucodon</i>, <i>Anatosuchus</i>, <i>Ocepechelon</i>... they're in here. There's a page geeking out about the wonderful and gruesome world of parasitic wasps - in fact, where some books might include stinkin' arthropods as an aside, Howard returns to them multiple times. I was delighted to see how deep Howard went with her cast of critters - and just for good measure, she includes a brief appendix highlighting a collection of animals she couldn't fit in to the main story! I'm writing this with a big silly grin on my face in a tastefully decorated, quiet coffee shop, and I don't care what the other patrons think.
</p>
<h2>
It's a heck of a lot more than just a simple roster of animals.
</h2>
<p>
It's clear that Howard wanted to not only feature the amazing creatures of the past but put them into their context in time and in their environments. IMHO, she totally succeeds, taking the time to explain some foundational concepts of anatomy, evolution, phylogeny, and geology. She talks about protofuzz, pycnofibers, feathers, scales.
</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXapLd8Uh27i1BdudhoVYpgzRY8EnSiISsR4SKrUZzLl9konBwjW2sq7zf9-vTjkq4-buUVFTyIk1UU6F4vTDf9lnZkgzzXNV7V7onB9Yp-5FsFb89leBDtwK2TUAeuZ6N5BWRUPd57u9b/s1600/EarthBeforeUs_Dinos1.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXapLd8Uh27i1BdudhoVYpgzRY8EnSiISsR4SKrUZzLl9konBwjW2sq7zf9-vTjkq4-buUVFTyIk1UU6F4vTDf9lnZkgzzXNV7V7onB9Yp-5FsFb89leBDtwK2TUAeuZ6N5BWRUPd57u9b/s1600/EarthBeforeUs_Dinos1.png" width="75%" alt="An interior page of Abby Howard's 'Dinosaur Empire' featuring a collection of triassic animals." /></a><figcaption>A page from the Triassic section of Abby Howard's <i>Dinosaur Empire</i> graphic novel. Image courtesy Abrams Books.</figcaption>
<h2>
Abby Howard's love of prehistoric life is obvious.
</h2>
<p>
Howard's animals are depicted naturalistically. They're nesting, socializing, drinking, feeding, hunting. Shrink-wrapping is markedly absent. Integument is believable, never too over-the-top with color schemes but not avoiding colorful and gaudy display structures, either. It's obvious that Howard wasn't just ticking off a checklist to fit so many of these obscure taxa in the book. She just loves drawing them. And when Ronnie finally gets to see her <i>T. rex</i>, it's a beautiful moment that Howard allows to breathe.
</p>
<p>
I hope I've made my case. This book deserves to be part of any paleontology book collection. It's perfect for elementary schoolers, but older paleo-geeks will get plenty of joy out of it. Pick it up, and <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbyHoward">send abundant plaudits Howard's way</a>!
</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9107291904794625632.post-53164611807304995312017-08-07T16:49:00.001-04:002017-08-07T16:49:38.500-04:00Vintage Dinosaur Art: Animals of YesterdayAs regular readers will have noticed, I've received a great many scanned books by e-mail from Charles Leon, all very gratefully received (even the dino sex article). <i>Animals of Yesterday</i>, originally published in 1941 (with this edition arriving in 1966) is mostly a rather run-of-the-mill pre-Renaissance dinosaur book, stocked with the usual Zallingerian swamp beasts. All the same, it does present certain mysteries that I'd love for any readers familiar with museums in Milwaukee to clear up, and moreover it's a book from Charles' personal collection. I feel quite honoured!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7r1hYeBX6SRJHXsiZnYzmG1BmZquA-9SMjNeC8PeO9zLev6DMzp8Cyc14OXbys057nLyGU3mhD3ZpRA1eKOqWmO9apFOvjdu9uNfgFWxdPE8QqRFraEsyJndyISvJHmPzfsNsLotQW0/s1600/Animals+of+Yesterday_+Bertha+Morris++Parker+%25281966%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7r1hYeBX6SRJHXsiZnYzmG1BmZquA-9SMjNeC8PeO9zLev6DMzp8Cyc14OXbys057nLyGU3mhD3ZpRA1eKOqWmO9apFOvjdu9uNfgFWxdPE8QqRFraEsyJndyISvJHmPzfsNsLotQW0/s640/Animals+of+Yesterday_+Bertha+Morris++Parker+%25281966%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The cover illustration is by far the most spectacular and visually arresting of the lot, and is credited to Harold Price. It depicts the sort of murky, green-brown, primordial swamp world so typical of art of the era; the theropod in the foreground sports a vacant expression reminiscent of the pot-bellied beasts that inhabit Zallinger's <i>Age of Reptiles</i> mural. Still, at least there's a lot going on here, with plenty of lush vegetation and a pair of curious temnospondyl-looking fellows inhabiting the lower right. The waves being kicked up as the centre sauropod powers its way through the water succeed in giving an impression of the animal's massive heft. Fans of <a href="http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2010/06/14/freaky-barosaurus-meme/">freaky giraffoid barosaur memes</a> may also wish to note the curious 'neck seam'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9EXFBhO7SnZhMiW2YhG7vn87cAu8Taehbqz0W9n-7YJxDftYGaKSE6ZcxHfHh5lpzPnZYG41M77qKOtsshj_GQ3viV0AmaveIeEAT76nrhBVzXQ3aKKt_Hk0xh3YEbyQYHY4BywO4e4/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1227" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9EXFBhO7SnZhMiW2YhG7vn87cAu8Taehbqz0W9n-7YJxDftYGaKSE6ZcxHfHh5lpzPnZYG41M77qKOtsshj_GQ3viV0AmaveIeEAT76nrhBVzXQ3aKKt_Hk0xh3YEbyQYHY4BywO4e4/s640/animals+of+yesterday_19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sadly, the illustrations inside the book aren't credited; they could have been by Price, too, although the style seems somewhat different. The text (by Bertha Morris Parker) starts off as a fairly typical "imagine yourself back in the Jurassic, look! There's a big lizardy fellow! Blimey, it's hot" second-person narrative, but breaks with this (and chronological order) later. The art is competent enough for the most part, with the above <i>Stegosaurus</i> actually being rather good for its era - note the elevated head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ90kKcZk95rzg9zuKMqCHn8h45YUo5fcOOR9-90m7sbhujwIsSmlJzgJzv6Y5xqgZHnCNRxirqZg1JSY5kqBYr9OprBG9T7v8PKst2bGLMuY6N18hh4tn2VUu-igu6jmv17EU-VK9kl8/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1500" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ90kKcZk95rzg9zuKMqCHn8h45YUo5fcOOR9-90m7sbhujwIsSmlJzgJzv6Y5xqgZHnCNRxirqZg1JSY5kqBYr9OprBG9T7v8PKst2bGLMuY6N18hh4tn2VUu-igu6jmv17EU-VK9kl8/s640/animals+of+yesterday_20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Stegosaurus</i> is followed by <i>Diplodocus</i> (rather than the more typical Bronto), and here it becomes rather apparent that the illustrator unfortunately lacked a decent reference for the head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NtvPzMKyJzIouaPMlYxSCwvOGmLjhnE_uNT4rrG3CgfiMs3Ku9o1Q86pN6mKeBUdaJ1w90J0xWiSDWLxoGfTxLSIhvBY6oWvK3EZxlR9vyu2x9fHMSj875b03hW4BM79piJT6UDHSqk/s1600/Derp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="325" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NtvPzMKyJzIouaPMlYxSCwvOGmLjhnE_uNT4rrG3CgfiMs3Ku9o1Q86pN6mKeBUdaJ1w90J0xWiSDWLxoGfTxLSIhvBY6oWvK3EZxlR9vyu2x9fHMSj875b03hW4BM79piJT6UDHSqk/s320/Derp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hurr durr. I do like Parker's musing that <i>Diplodocus</i> would have been wonderful for a parade, although "it would hold up the parade, for it would not be able to move at all fast." I'd still take it over one of the frequently stationary vintage diesel buses that were used for Brighton Pride this year. Especially the one that farted a huge black cloud into my face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6HCokoFFUFkmSF3J_-jnEG3sXSSVLEHacdO0l-rrtzlsO-t2gPg-Jt6tXnZS3IL9ZgJUrDD_Sdi0wNEWrxZGbahAV-yKbdO2ryCaXNh0iiQt6ZzoDuIZ_raK3OwEkoC6rEfLsvMTIw4/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6HCokoFFUFkmSF3J_-jnEG3sXSSVLEHacdO0l-rrtzlsO-t2gPg-Jt6tXnZS3IL9ZgJUrDD_Sdi0wNEWrxZGbahAV-yKbdO2ryCaXNh0iiQt6ZzoDuIZ_raK3OwEkoC6rEfLsvMTIw4/s640/animals+of+yesterday_21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Back to Stegosaurus, here attempting to fight off an amazingly limber <i>Allosaurus</i>. The posture of the theropod on the left is quite wonderfully contorted and bizarre, but you've got to love those wicked crocodile smiles. These are your properly old-school, tail-dragging, spindly-fingered lizardy beasts - none of your "my third nephew's a bird" nonsense around here, thanks.<br />
<br />
Most intriguing here is the caption next to the beast on the right - "Models Courtesy of <a href="https://www.mpm.edu/">Milwaukee Public Museum</a>." Searches for dinosaur models at said museum turn up lots of photos of a huge diorama featuring a rather '80s/early '90s looking <i>T. rex</i>, but nothing quite as old-school as the creatures featured here. I did manage to turn up <a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/30/56/f1/3056f1f1c0be4ba390f9748ec30f517a--milwaukee-fossils.jpg">one photo</a> of a large <i>Stegosaurus</i> model on its way into the museum, but that's about it. If anyone out there is familiar with the models that some of these illustrations were apparently based on, please let me know - I'm very intrigued! (Here's hoping at least some have survived.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Kq6YxAhBPZ94T5xaG3eDyk_PGsfpYXIBOK9b_5taA80Y_I_-u5TkNhEEVQ_mu7FDioe-tIQPYopl_l-ov3L6rkSgR0t7TRYM5kKFM-wrzgO4x3ITVnooIZZ490tJySIg670bFsGm0go/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1316" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Kq6YxAhBPZ94T5xaG3eDyk_PGsfpYXIBOK9b_5taA80Y_I_-u5TkNhEEVQ_mu7FDioe-tIQPYopl_l-ov3L6rkSgR0t7TRYM5kKFM-wrzgO4x3ITVnooIZZ490tJySIg670bFsGm0go/s640/animals+of+yesterday_22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The dinosaurs are followed by rather dull illustrations of marine reptiles and "A Pterodactyl" (how queer it looks!). They're rather lacking in detail when compared with the other pieces, but at least we're treated to a plesiosaur squatting on a rock, looking rather sorry for itself. Rather oddly, neither marine reptile is named; they're simply "Reptiles of the Sea of Long Ago", and their appearance is described in the text. Amusingly, the text implies that ichthyosaurs couldn't have stayed underwater for very long, 'cos they breathe air don't you know. Try telling a whale.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0B52oLS6e9t61Imak-F2wqm9d1PGz-RNSU0f2p-4ZCjaFhIC7Jm6QecV4ICGvbeT_-8xOzHDCTjiHFAJBJ0adR0BjjqL1F2K0LioEHe5-dWilP9w_TnUaSeZTj6aRGYvlVn4gVuDFmg/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1045" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0B52oLS6e9t61Imak-F2wqm9d1PGz-RNSU0f2p-4ZCjaFhIC7Jm6QecV4ICGvbeT_-8xOzHDCTjiHFAJBJ0adR0BjjqL1F2K0LioEHe5-dWilP9w_TnUaSeZTj6aRGYvlVn4gVuDFmg/s640/animals+of+yesterday_25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As previously mentioned, the book rather abruptly ditches the second person narrative and general Jurassic setting halfway in, and instead discusses various prehistoric animals from disparate time periods. So here's <i>Dimetrodon</i>, looking rather handsome. It seems this one was also based on a model, and the leap in detail is quite telling - note the carefully shaded musculature and skin folds, especially around the shoulder region. The artist also depicts <i>Dimetrodon</i> with 'lips', which was the norm before 'shrink wrapping' came into vogue, and is a look that artists have returned to in recent years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHGh5EkzAedS2wf68oxzF1r9VL2dAyY98uFUAQ55Pxw7YqGstZoTGbVpUdppkaRFb9eahC3jXMOAqd6L2YjGeR6yg_H-GZJD-rUizfBEgfgqrRo2R5YopmGpGu_VkFLVNzu1KsI1Exis/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1322" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHGh5EkzAedS2wf68oxzF1r9VL2dAyY98uFUAQ55Pxw7YqGstZoTGbVpUdppkaRFb9eahC3jXMOAqd6L2YjGeR6yg_H-GZJD-rUizfBEgfgqrRo2R5YopmGpGu_VkFLVNzu1KsI1Exis/s640/animals+of+yesterday_27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The sole full double-page illustation in the book depicts <i>Eryops</i> - described as having three eyes, "one in the middle of its forehead". It's pretty enough, featuring a decent-looking brown and warty one. When compared with the rest of the book, it emphasises how much a fully-realised scene (with plants, varied terrain etc.) can capture the imagination - I wish they'd allowed the artist to paint a few more scenes like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMYOqhXT2-jmUIKEAt2YKsPf5vXzBAwocVeYcRgU54hnbZEy8YrYkRYytykT0pcdtQONKDwU0yULt5NiWVyVh6q43Gqo4kNzG7ljTOt4YebKDq4E3QyQ5iqrQi_TvEOJxlwcMRGp3npY/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="623" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMYOqhXT2-jmUIKEAt2YKsPf5vXzBAwocVeYcRgU54hnbZEy8YrYkRYytykT0pcdtQONKDwU0yULt5NiWVyVh6q43Gqo4kNzG7ljTOt4YebKDq4E3QyQ5iqrQi_TvEOJxlwcMRGp3npY/s640/animals+of+yesterday_28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Archaeopteryx</i> next, never knowingly caught with its wings neatly folded. I have a feeling that the one on the left is based on an older piece by a different artist, an impression bolstered by the fact that the feathers are attached more-or-less correctly to the hand, unlike the more typical "wings...but with hands!" version on the right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyetFuWumel4NdT_i428gpDE_HORU_02jq-2EoXGpnpRUfcAF6KkeZxMzguZp2OPM8OaMcAVFGldqg0mnxeKh3jaG4vwzh1fj3H1u_Thq6NGE2oK74AaNGzNyasS63nsP-l3hxLyAhPA/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="940" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyetFuWumel4NdT_i428gpDE_HORU_02jq-2EoXGpnpRUfcAF6KkeZxMzguZp2OPM8OaMcAVFGldqg0mnxeKh3jaG4vwzh1fj3H1u_Thq6NGE2oK74AaNGzNyasS63nsP-l3hxLyAhPA/s640/animals+of+yesterday_31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And here are some mammoths, reproduced in 1/40 scale. There's a lovely painterly quality to their hair, but in the end, who cares for mammoths? They're just elephants dressed for winter. Boring. Boring mammoths. Total losers. SAD.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZww3h4j0PiEYbQ8Qn2eJX5PGt-2E-gkPtQ15n85rY-rTlKcvgUucCMfrU1zHo6y-3yflB-JEspsLV95W_s3lmH7TW-DS2dVvfYZHwOblc1PdNhBylQ-WhNO33okU4JP6A33hUipUHMw/s1600/animals+of+yesterday_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="660" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZww3h4j0PiEYbQ8Qn2eJX5PGt-2E-gkPtQ15n85rY-rTlKcvgUucCMfrU1zHo6y-3yflB-JEspsLV95W_s3lmH7TW-DS2dVvfYZHwOblc1PdNhBylQ-WhNO33okU4JP6A33hUipUHMw/s640/animals+of+yesterday_36.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally...the obligatory timescale, helping the reader grasp the vastness of gelogical time! Except...it's lacking dates. When DID the red bar turn into the yellow bar? How long ago? I must know! At least we get a nice illustration of <i>Triceratops</i> and a rather bony-looking Rexy having a chat, while a mammoth strolls nonchalantly away from a bear. Also some trilobites and stuff. Neat.<br />
<br />
Coming up next: I'm off to see <a href="http://www.dinosaursofchina.co.uk/">Dinosaurs of China</a> in Nottingham! At last.Marc Vincenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894846069567096349noreply@blogger.com8