The Gift of Art: Faust on The Rooftop

I am ecstatic that my first illustrated novel, IN THE NEON, will be released by Solstice Publishing in March 2011. This is my first fully illustrated novel, and as an artist this is beyond huge.Truly, it has been a momentous project, something that I never imagined I would be able to create. Worth every drop of blood that trickles from my forehead instead of sweat...*small pathetic chuckle*

Every illustration matters implicitly...character's emotions, actions, and thoughts laid out in a single snapshot frame. Each image may require up to 5 separate steps: rough sketch, final sketch, ink tracing, ink/graphite shading, final digital coloring. If an image must be in both color and black & white, an additional step must be taken to transfer a copy of the color art into black & white mode for printing inside the pages of the book.

It will be incredible to share this aspect of my creative self with my readers and fans; to merge my visual creations with the words that they have come to love. And I am ecstatic to say that this will not be the last illustrated book I create: even before publication, the concept of merging my artwork with the written word has recieved such raves from readers and art fans alike that most (if not all) of my books will be illustrated going forward.

In celebration of this "first" in my literary journey, I am thrilled to offer a special prize here on The Angel's Gate. A beautiful signed 8" x 12" 200-year archival photo print of the full color illustration "Faust on the Roof", used on the cover of IN THE NEON, will be given away to one lucky fan who leaves a comment on this blog post with their email included.

This is an INTERNATIONAL Giveaway, meaning that my wondeful international fans are invited to try their luck...I will ship this print anywhere in the world, so don't hesitate to throw your name in the pot. :-)

This contest is open until Midnight Pacific Time on 3/30/2011.