Introducing the Remarkable Dragons of Canada

What if I told you that dragons walked amongst us?

Some might call it crazy, or fanciful – a child’s tale even – but as any true believer will whisper over tankards of ale, dragons are predators, superior above all others; masters at blending into their surroundings.

2018: the year of the …dragon?

My goal for 2018 is to provide you with artwork and stories about [mostly] dragons… Dragons [and creatures] scattered across the whole of Canada; some found in the Canadian wilds, and yet others artfully posing as humans.

Shape-shifting dragons you say? Aye, the noble metallic dragons can do that! To compliment these stories, I intend to delve into the local cuisine of each area, so that you too, may dine like a dragon ;)

The Canadian Angle

For this lofty goal, I was inspired by the number of provinces and territories in my home country aligning closely with content from Wizards of the Coast’s 5th edition SRD. I intend to release thirteen different archetypes as they relate to our provinces and territories.

I’ve always wanted to blog about food, and the trifecta of passions seem perfect <3

Dragons: a Tentative Release Schedule

In order to squeeze a baker’s dozen into the year, I will be releasing focused content in approximate 4 week intervals. My goal is to have a finished drawing (or more) for every block. Sneak peaks will be released to Patreon first, then posted here. Finished product will become available for sale at Etsy. Throughout the four weeks, I intend to post inspired recipes for your enjoyment :)

Currently planned out:

  • Jan 1st – 28th / Nova Scotia / The Copper Dragon of Nova Scotia
    • Wine braised pork loin with cranberry and blueberry sauce
  • Jan 29th – Feb 18th / Newfoundland / Gold Dragons
  • and more to come…

Feel free to keep an eye on or bookmark this page! I will be updating it as recipes and entries come out. Drop a note and let me know if you’d like to see a monthly digest including recipes and freebies sent to your inbox! :D

Between Love and Fear

I have been happily back to drawing!

Slightly rusty and nervous at drawing people… dragons, I am better at ;)

So what’s the title about?

I love to draw… in fact I adore working in pencil! (and own several sketch books that attest to that fact…)

Yet I often feel clumsy after I set the graphite down. Reverting to a coward, I find myself unwilling to sacrifice hours of effort to my recycling bin.

But to stop there, as I am wont to do, cheats myself of growth.
~~~

I was gifted this beautiful light table, so methinks I’ll be able to duplicate work and practice until perfection? That is part of my plans/goals, which I will get into shortly.

I started drawing recently and you may have missed the post about my red dragon, because it would seem I still don’t know my way around WordPress and made it disappear, an error since rectified. ::blushes::

I am pleased that I’ve made considerable progress since then, and have split my efforts between two projects.

First, there is the accordion book above (also called a leporello or a concertina book), which I plan on finishing in pencil.

My second project involves a series of drawings I promised in my last update.

Drrragons! And poor lighting!

Further inspired by my leporello, I’ve chosen a few scenes to elaborate with and those I will draw in colour. Including my red dragon, I will have at least 5 new works, which is… small, but important. I wondered if I should finally open my Patreon account, but it needs artwork to draw people in, and I don’t even have a banner. Maybe that can be another concurrent project ::laughs::

~~~~~

Yesterday, we went to see Little Shop of Horrors performed at the Rainbow Stage.

Dragonet laughed and enjoyed the performance, while ‘Phee had to be assured that none of the actors had really been eaten. Are we done with the theatre for now? Not necessarily, but ‘Phee and I had difficulties with the outdoor seating, so I might opt for an indoor performance and plush seats next time. ::laughs again::

They are enjoying the freedom of the public wading pool nearby, so I think summer holidays are officially off to a good start!

And with that, I shall bid you adieu for now <3

New Artwork Posted: 4×6″ Red Dragon

So, I did a thing ^_^

 

I began this little dragon a few weeks ago when helping out at FanQuest, and then tucked him out of sight. It wasn’t until two days ago that I rediscovered the little fellow, and here are the fruits of my labour ::smiles::

I received a lovely 4×6″ sample booklet at a vendor show recently, and I think a series of drawings should be in order. Once the series is completed, I will list the whole collection for sale. Maybe I can use this for the basis of opening my Patreon account, what say you?

~~~~~

First day of Summer Holidays was spent taking the girls to the theatre. They enjoyed. ^_^

For Canada Day, we went out to The Camp. I was able to take some lovely photos, and the girls were invited to be in a parade through the campground, so everyone had a lovely time.

And S’mores. Can you believe for this reason or that, I don’t remember eating a S’more before? I can’t even tell you why, other than my parents never packed them when camping. My life is complete now. ::laughs::

Just a small update this time. Back to drawing ;)

Everything’s Coming Up Milhouse!

It sure feels like it is, anyway ::grins::

Prints (and stickers!) arrived last night. (One is pre-sold, and soon to be dropped in the post! <3) Did I say? Moo.com even corrected my ridiculous typo on my business cards and resent them. O.o I will love them forever! You can now find my cards at the shop. (Houray!)

Kay, the shop owner, agrees that it’s worth a trial run to see how well tote bags in this print might perform at the shop. What do you think of a pre-order sale? Say, 10-15% off and signed by me? (Timely delivery will be the major issue, since printing won’t be local.)

I really need to buy a new camera… or something. My Etsy storefront is stalled until I can upload quality photos. (How else will I sell my prints?) I’m also thinking of adding a shopping cart to here as well; it would be of greater benefit in the long run.

My knitting has paid off in a small way… Friend of a family member saw me knitting and I now have a modest order to fill. Makes me happy ::smiles:: Of course with the 15 dish cloths and counting… I am sorely tempted to turn a serious eye to soap making, so I can make little gift sets instead. ‘Phee has a small mold that makes gem shapes. I think it would be right about… perfect.

And the best news of all for last? I will be at the Fairy Girls Market: Spring Has Sprung event, Saturday April 22nd. Would be lovely to see you there!

Art Prints, and… RedBubble


It is nice to be drawing again… even if it’s only to finish old artwork. <3

5×7″ prints will be available for sale by the end of the month, I’m just waiting on the printers to complete and mail out my order. I am thinking $11USD shipped to anywhere in the world is decent, no? Let me know what you think!

I’ve also rediscovered RedBubble! I had signed up with them and then… stopped drawing (which is an utter shame). While I recommend buying prints directly ::wink wink:: I think it’s really neat to see my stuff printed on… stuff ::laughs::

You can find this and other items (phone covers, notebooks, etc) here. Most of the cost goes to the on-demand printing, but hey, it’s cool and every little bit supports me! :D

In other news, I am now the proud owner of a Nissan Leaf! (whoah!) It drives very nicely but the breaks are extremely sensitive, and take some getting used to. Still, I like it. Exclusive to Canadians… heated front and back seats as a default option, something the girls definitely appreciate. What car do you know of has command start from your phone? (Technology these days!)

Otherwise I continue to knit, knit, knit… which helps with my crazy anxiety. I’d rather draw, but it takes time to get into the rhythm, and I can knit while travelling to work, for example. Easier than a sketchbook.

Well, back to knitting ;)