The Book of Three

Yeah you're right, it's very ris-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz........

Thank you! I really slaved on this one. I am super pleased with it.

By the way, now that I've had more time to think about it without being blinded by all the crystally goodness, I do have one quibble. I'm not in love with Eiddileg's mustache(stylistically, not artistically. It's very well done.)
In my mind, it makes him lean too heavily into the realm of Tolkein Dwarf, whereas when reading through the book I always get a strong Angry Leprechaun vibe from him.

Hummmmm. Well, you’ll likely approve of my Doli design, then; too late to change Eiddileg, who is not about to let his fabulous facial hair be claimed by a bunch of middle-earthers as their exclusive fashion. ;)

I 'm pretty sure I will. I've for the most part loved your designs, in fact, I don't think there's any one that I can say I don't on the whole like. Also, I like the design of Doli on the cover, and all the designs in the comic proper have put their cover versions to shame.

Like Clive Lewis' "DLF", I think "FFH" [Fabulous Facial Hair] should be a thing.
I also like his goat eyes layered upon octopus eyes. Very otherworldly without having to go all the way to nictating membranes or horizontal eye slits.

That was how it started out, too, in my mind, but the more inspiration resources I collected, the more I began to love the possibilities afforded by a bigger space. His throne room/chamber is described as having a high vaulted roof, which it makes sense to pair with a cavernous interior, and being able to show various other fae creatures milling around lends some credence to Eiddileg’s ranting about all his responsibilities. It can’t be easy having to rule over creatures like the one in his table, lol.

Haha the one pn the table will surely give him headaches... I just imagine now how Eiddileg waits untill they are finaly all asleep and he takes out his secret diary and starts to write here on this table, like that piece at fanfic...

Maybe it’s the chaotic and cluttered coloring of his throne room giving him headaches though. Somebody should tell him about the benefits of the Marie Kondo method and paint everything a cool, serene blue-grey.

Marie Kondo? More like ... Lisa Frank!

Love Eiddileg's bling.

YES. I’d explore this kingdom!

Glitter is like the 80s-fantasy-aesthetic. My concept of any faerie realm is a muddled, sparkly mix of Fantasia, Labyrinth, and Legend.

He’s eloquent even when not trying!

Aw, how appropriately timed. It is, as always, my pleasure and joy to do this, but I am unendingly thankful for all the fans of the series who support me with their encouragement and enthusiasm, so thank you for being one of my most faithful voices here. It means the world. I am grateful for everyone who has made this a welcome place for fans, and for these books that have become such an important part of my life.

Thank you for noticing all that! It is my headcanon that Lloyd’s focus on dwarves to the exclusion of nearly all other types of FF are because they are the most human-like of the lot, and Eiddileg’s trying to not complicate things needlessly.

It is definitely not my nature to not complicate things needlessly though, so here we have it.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

It is, but that happens. I never liked my first crack at this and it’s about 15 years old. Stuff evolves.

Glad you think so.

Thank you! I’d be speechless to stand in it myself.

Those legs are a favorite thing of mine too. You haven’t seen the last of them, hehe.

Zosiaaaaa! Welcome!!

That creature is whatever your imagination desires it to be. But I do like the idea that the FF keep dragons as pets, so in my head that is a proper welsh dragon.

I could read for some time about Welsh dragons versus wyverns, and vice-versa.
I barely restrained myself from commenting upon the vodnik/wodnik/vodyanoi (water troll or water spirit) looking fellow in the back left of our captured heroes. Like the red-cap, I have a hard time associating these guys with the cuter versions often found in late 19th and 20th Century children's illustrations. You do them really well, though, and in a non-scary but still respectful way. That isn't easy.

Yes. Besides being one of the coolest looking minerals on the planet, the fact that it’s toxic to humans just added an extra layer of Fair Folk weird awesomeness.

Very nice, I thought it was an interesting design but that does add another level of coolness.

I'm totally digging the bismuth, and props to you for painting it. It intimidates me, artistically. :D

I still haven’t seen Pan’s Labyrinth and I need to rectify that.

That gal in the gallery up there is checking out the scene...whether she’s got her eye on anybody in particular is a matter of speculation.

Yeah--rectify that.

Aw. Thanks for noticing the details. I loved doing this one...it’s been nice to challenge myself with these sumptuous fantasy backgrounds.

That little imp thing? I reckon we’ll see a little more of it. And no, sadly, I have not read any of the Oz sequels that I recall...odd, as it seems like the sort of thing I would enjoy. I think the sheer number of them was intimidating, but sticking with the ones Baum authored himself could be a good goal to start.

I wouldn't exactly call them good by today's standards? But my seven-year-old self ADORED them, they're chock full of whimsical characters and the abundant illustrations are AMAZING. I find John R. Neill peeking out of my own work all the time.

As usual, AMAZING work here! I can FEEL the cold air whipping around those crystal stalactites. Just gorgeous.