Say hello, not to my little friend but my fellow author Maximilian Hawker. In celebration of Max's second dive into the crowdfunding* huzzah, he commissioned my obsession with ink. Asking me to create two pieces of art based on scenes from his second novel; Rory Hobble and the Voyage to Haligogen. A children's science-fiction novel that explores mental health issues. 15% of all royalties from the book (if it's funded) will go to OCD Action. How flipping amazing is that?
*Crowdfunding= A mad author who uses public interest in their ideas to support the creation of a real-life book. Click here to find out more.
What is this Rory Hobble and the Voyage to Haligogen you speak of?
Eleven-year-old Rory Hobble has it tough: he gets upsetting thoughts all the time, and they won't go away – 'Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)', the head doctors call it. His mum hasn't been very well for a long while either. Perhaps it's his fault... But, one night everything changed, Rory sees something impossible in the sky: mysterious lights.
When his mum is abducted by the shadowy Whiffetsnatcher, Rory – accompanied by his space-faring, care-experienced social worker, Limmy – travels beyond the Earth, chasing those mysterious lights to the frozen ends of the Solar System. Along the way he must outwit a breakaway human civilisation living on a Martian moon; survive the threat of otherworldly monsters; and learn to speak to alien whales.
That sound's like it would be fantastic to draw...?
Then you'd be on point because it freaking was. I not going to lie though, parts were formidable, but the results well... I'll let you see what you think.
Show me yours then...
This painting was by far the most tricky, getting all the characters to be the right perspective was problematic, (I kept drawing everyone too big) but it turned out really rather marvellous. Adding the black and white patterns to the tram itself, I was so worried it would look crowded, but I love the effect. It helps that Max was so easy-going with the commission, telling me the general idea but wanting 'to see what I'd come up with'. Dream Client!
I heard there was some sort of space whale?
Confession! This was my favourite to draw I just love painting space. I mean I REALLY love it. Flicking the white dots of paint; I feel like a God! Galaxy there, nebula here, stars flipping everywhere!
How do I get involved?
It always helps when creating commissions if you're working with ideas that excite you, and with this project I was spoilt. The book these images were inspired by sounds utterly fantastic and if you're interested in finding out more, just click here. There are all sorts of amazing rewards you can get if you pledge, including 'Name a Character, or Alien Creature' or even better receiving an Original Canvas Artwork based on the novel painted by the me; Eli Allison. You've seen what I can do now, so you'd be a fool not to. (Wink wink.) Want to ask piercing questions of Maximilian or just say hello then pop on over to his Twitter he's always happy to chat books, writing or space creatures.
That's it folks
Hope you enjoyed my collaboration with the imaginative writer Maximilian Hawker. If you're an author or just someone who'd like an original piece of art for your home, work or to mock your Nemesis (I don't judge*) then either connect me through my contact page or head on over to either my Facebook page or The Twitter. I am on both far more than I'd like to admit.
*Reserve the right the judge.
Hope you enjoyed my artwork, and if you're an author or just someone who'd like an original piece of art for you home, then either connect me through my contact page or head on over to either my Facebook page or The Twitter, I am on both far more than I'd like to admit.
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