Various Studies for Volume Three of the Companion Sketchbook
Various Studies for Volume Three of the Companion Sketchbook
Fantasy book illustrations by Kindrie Grove
Volume III Underway....
Volume Three Page Spread
Zalla
There are multiple descriptions of Zalla's flights in Book Three, A Light in the Dark. She resembles a Gyrfalcon, which spends most of its time in the the northern latitudes, but she has fewer black markings and is more the size of a Kestrel.
Zalla in Flight, graphite and white Prizmacolor on toned paper.
Torrin Long Sword Study
The Dynamics of a two-handed blade...
My own background in marshal arts focused on Kali, from Bruce Lee's renown Jeet Kune Do. Kali takes the basic sword forms of a single handed weapon, and applies them to rattan sticks. The knowledge I accumulated from the seven years I studied, allowed me to understand Rowan's use of her single-edged blade and her supplemental dagger.
Torrin's two handed long sword, however, was not something I had direct experience with as a practitioner of marshal arts. It is quite remarkable how one has to adapt footwork and body stance to accommodate both hands on the sword hilt.
The heavy pommel used as a pivot...
It wasn't until I took some longsword lessons that I understood fully the use of the pommel as a pivot, with the higher hand, near the guard acting as a fulcrum to spin the blade. Not only that but the use of the heavier weapon's momentum requires a very different action of continuous flow.
In the sketch below, Torrin's forearms are crossed, allowing him to pivot the pommel downward as he steps across an opponent's line, bringing the blade up into a parry which at the same time becomes a strike to the head.
Torrin: Long Sword High Guard: graphite and white Prismacolor on toned paper
Returning His Blade to the Scabbard
A rarely shown action...
This loose study features the simple, but oft- used action of returning a blade to the scabbard. In the illustrations there is often an emphasis on pulling out a weapon, yet I thought it was fun to focus on the opposite as Torrin looks down to guide the blade into its sheath.
Torrin: Returning his Blade to the Scabbard, graphite and white Prismacolor on toned paper
PELLARIS AT NIGHT
Quick sketch...
This quick drawing was a preliminary sketch for the tapestry featured in Book Three, which hangs in the Pellarian Embassy. Notably there is a larger, grander version of the tapestry that graces the grand foyer of Pellaris Keep.
Quick Study of Pellaris at Night, graphite and white Prismacolor on toned paper
Various Studies for Volume Three of the Companion Sketchbook
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