Exceptional art by exceptional artists

Today's fan art post is super fun for three reasons: One is that the art was delivered in person (Miss Linda is visiting and she played the part of carrier midgeon). Another is that it was delivered to ME, the shadowy librarian, which makes me feel gloaty. A third reason is that the art itself is awesome, and one of the two pieces is 3D-printed, which is something new for us!Here is the first one, by Hannah (age 12):Is that not cool how she so expertly aged him, just enough? Impressive, Hannah, that you were able to mimic Nicholas Kole's style so perfectly. That is a good method of learning how to improve your art. Besides the aging, I like his determined expression and his brocade vest. He seems like he knows he has a lot of work ahead of him, but he is ready for it.And here is the second, by Aden (14):Isn't this amazing? Anyone else out there play with 3D printing? I took music lessons as a young girl but haven't kept up with it. This makes me want to practice my whistleharp fingerings. Miss Linda tells me Aden strung it with violin strings. It's a prototype—the whistle part isn't bored; that is really fiddly to do. But I could not be happier with it. The wood grain and details are lovely.Hannah, Aden—thanks so much to both of you! This made my day.

Book Club News: The North! Or Be Eaten book club kit is nearly finished and set to release next Monday! I know it's been a long wait, but you are going to love it. :-)

Yurgen concept art

Our concept artist for the animated series, Nicholas Kole, released new images (and a video!) for Yurgen on Saturday. Check this out—and notice Leeli for scale!https://www.instagram.com/p/BXG-XHGDI0JIf you are able to swipe through to the video, it's super fun to watch him draw. On a mobile app, that works just like it sounds: swipe your finger to the left. On a laptop or desktop computer, hover your mouse over the photo above and arrows will appear. (I think. Let me know if that works.)Nicholas posts all kinds of things on his Instagram, including Wingfeather art, other projects he's working on, and his own creations, Jellybots.

Skye Peterson Kickstarter

Huge news for fans of the Song Maiden: Skye Peterson just launched a Kickstarter to record her first album.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1436099794/help-us-make-skye-petersons-first-albumYou may recall Skye's gorgeous vocals on "My Love Has Gone Across the Sea," and if you've been to a Local Show (in person or via streaming), you might have caught her on May 16 singing a couple of her own songs. This project, a five-song EP, is set to release this fall. If you'd like to back her, here's the link. :-)

Newsletter: Wingfeather pilot, stone arch, etc.

Every month Andrew sends out an email newsletter with details and updates about his touring and other adventures. This month's newsletter came out on Saturday, and along with some news about his next album and a Rich Mullins tribute show, it included an update about the pilot! He says:

A lot of you guys have been asking about the premiere of the short film. The animation team has been burning the midnight oil for weeks now, and there are so many cool things I can’t wait to show you. I just got off of a phone call with producer Chris Wall, and we’re zeroing in on a date for the festivities this fall. I’ll keep you posted for sure. In the meantime, be sure and follow the Wingfeather Facebook page, our Instagram account, and our Twitter feed. If you were a Kickstarter backer, be sure and check out the latest update, which features my son Aedan (who’s been interning at the studio all year).

Here's the stone arch and the rest of the newsletter (and a link to sign up).

A portrait of Artham

This week while sorting through a stack of things in the library, Oskar and I came across some old artwork. Here is a piece by Jessica, who was 14 when she drew this and is more like 20 now. I have no idea how it became lost between S. Crumptious' How to Cook Absolutely Everything (Even Things That Shouldn't Be Eaten) and Warfblot's Deck Swabbing 101, but I'm glad we found it! I think what I most appreciate in this portrait is the lines around Artham's eyes and on his forehead, and the set of his mouth. There's so much feeling in this picture—he seems haggard, preoccupied. What do you all think?Thank you for this, Jessica!

Coming Home (a Wingfeather review)

Do you, like Abby at A Gentle and Quiet Spirit, long to live in the books you love?

I am at a loss for words to describe this series. I could tell you that I laughed and cried, but that wouldn’t tell you about the clever humor Peterson wove through his series from start to finish. It wouldn’t tell you about the beautiful and painful moments where longings were fulfilled, but only at the loss of something dear. (I couldn’t even write that sentence without choking up as I recalled scene after scene.) ... As the story continues, things get darker and darker and yet, like all well written fantasy, the darker they get the brighter light shines.

Thanks so much, Abby. Read the rest of her review here.

The stories are true.