Saturday, February 19, 2011

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.

19 comments:

  1. This is indeed a monumental, unique, and probably exquisite feat. Congratulations on such an endeavor.

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  2. Awesome cover. You're very talented! Congrats on the new book:))

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  3. I'd love to throw my name in the pot. I have the utmost respect for you for doing this. Truthfully, I'd love to be able to do something similar but I can't get past the sketch stage for my drawings. When I start to add color, it all goes to hell LOL. From the above picture, you're clearly an awesome artist and your illustrated novel definitely sounds like something I want to pick up.

    Congrats to you for combining the two and happy release!

    lbelow(at)lbelow.net

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  4. An exquisite cover! I can't wait to see more.

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  5. I love your work. It is wonderful.I can't wait to see the final pice whent he book is out on the shelves. I admire and respect all the creativity and imagery involved, and only wish I were as gifted. Congrats, and I would appreciate being entered for your masterpiece.

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  6. Congratulations on the release. The cover is beautiful. I've always been a little envious of those with the ability to draw the images I can only build with words. In this new release, you've done both. Awesome.
    Good Luck,
    S.E. Holden

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  7. Happy days!! I have long awaited this one. Ohhhh, my mouth is drooling at the prospect of finally getting my hands on one of your art works. But hey, you knew that already. I praise you every time I speak to you. LOL. Aaron will have to move into his own room soon to give room for your well fed ego. Tee hee. Luv ya chickie. Congrats also on all your success so far. Let's hope it grows into a monstrous following. :D
    Angela Evans xxoo
    dilaby@hotmail.com

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  8. Danielle,

    Congrats on the awesome news!!
    Love the artwork, you are one talented lady.

    venusbookluvr@yahoo.com

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  9. congrats !!! and great giveaway
    meandi09@yahoo.com

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  10. **~~*~* Streamers and ballons to celebrate such a great acheievment *~*~* Can tell by your post how exicted and stoked your are !!! I was introduced by Angie :) and I must say you must be tickled pink !!! Your hands must still be itchy from your masterpieces !!! Best of luck with everything and I cant wait to see the rest of your future works !!!!
    kat
    kittee_cat@bigpond.com

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  11. Congratulations!! Looks verrry cool! Makes me want to read it even! I would be honored to have it hanging on my wall.

    chellebee66@gmail.com

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  12. Awesome cover! I love all your stuff. Yes, please put my name into the pot. I'd love this for my wall....not sure my husband will...lol but who cares. I love it!!
    Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  13. Add me to this contest.

    familyvargas4@embarqmail.com

    Catie

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  14. Love your work! hope to win ; )
    Melanie
    deakster09@verizon.net

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  15. Me too!
    t.lynne.tolles at me dot com

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  16. Hi Dani
    Love the cover!
    Please enter me in the contest.

    Daniela :)
    dany7578 at hotmail dot com

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  17. Hi Danielle!

    Congratulations! The artwork looks absolutely fabulous. Would love to win this! I know I would enjoy looking at it over and over again.

    redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca.

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  18. Congrats and awesome giveaway! I hope I win!

    moonlightrosegoddess(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Congratulations on the release. The cover is amazing! Thanks for the giveaway!

    artgiote at gmail dot com

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Thanks for your comments!
Have a nice day!