Dragonsong

  

Many years ago my mother and father introduced me to the writings of Anne McCaffrey (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_McC… and the wonderful world of Pern and its dragons. In particular, I was inspired by the character of Menolly, who, young, musical, but misunderstood by her society, feels compelled to run array and survive on her own along the rocky sea cliffs, where she unexpectedly discovers a brood of small, beautiful firelizards. These firelizards become her calling card, distinguishing her among the characters of science fiction and fantasy. Moreover, Menolly's initiative and perseverance gave me heart while I was trying to survive some of the hardest years of my life – the years of middle school. There will always be a place in my heart for her.

When I was in middle school, I drew a picture of Menolly and sent it to Anne McCaffrey as a birthday gift. I remember she responded to it kindly. Over the years I had always fancied the notion of revisiting the character again, to show Anne how I had grown as an artist.

Unfortunately that chance will never come. Anne McCaffrey passed away November 21, 2011. As Baen Books phrased it “She flies with the dragons now.”

So I decided to create this image – an alternate book cover concept for Dragonsong, by Anne McCaffrey – as an homage to her legacy. I have always dreamed of painting science fiction and fantasy book covers professionally, and it is my hope this illustration demonstrates my willingness to do so.

As a work of fan art, this image will not be released as a print. It is my hope to abide by Anne's rules for fan art and fan fiction: pernhome.com/aim/?page_id=20

Dragonsong has been gifted with a number of beautiful covers. Menolly is often depicted in a stoic sort of way, out on the sea rocks, her attention transfixed by music or by some concern in the distance. Her firelizards circle her, caught in a beautiful, hypnotic dance in the sky. On the other hand, in my illustration, I wanted to show Menolly more lighthearted, actively engaged with her newfound friends. I mean, what could be cooler than having nine dragon-like creatures for friends? Imagine all the adventures and mischief you could get into!

This is primarily a digital painting in which I employed an array of techniques, including matte painting tricks. In particular, I sculpted the firelizard in Sculptris, and then used the digital sculpture as a kind of maquette to get a sense of the creature's size, proportions, and pose in space.