Citadel Castle – This Sphere of Fantasy

Whilst many Fantasy Artists, can choose to play with their perspectives – there are those that prefer to “keep it simple”, and bring magic to their artwork, through other paths.  Here do we encounter, one such Fantasy Realm, that achieves a magical effect – through it’s stunning use of contrast:

Fantasy Castle – Fantasy Shields

I feel that this artist has chosen to play with their contrast, in two specific areas.  First:  the choice of a simple two point perspective (that is barely detectable); which in-turn, is contrasted with the “overpowering scale” of the Castle’s Sphere (which is anything but ignorable).  The simple two point perspective, is only really visible, on the Castle’s outermost Walls/Towers (to the left and right).  This idea of simplicity, is repeated on the background – as the “rolling hills” feature little to no clouds.  On the other hand, do we find that the Sphere’s scale is gigantic!  So gigantic (and complex) in fact, that it dominates the artwork 🙂  In doing so, does the Sphere play right into – the “relative unimportance” of the constructs at it’s feet.  It is here that I feel the artist, has left interpretation open to the viewer.  As it seems to me, that the constructs at this Sphere’s feet, could be one of three things:  i)  An encamped Army (hinted at by the warriors/men on the fore-hill).  ii)  Simply the smaller buildings (and lives) of a surrounding Village and it’s people.  iii)  That of a Castle, and it’s town, both under siege (which would be both i and ii).  It’s hard to say for sure, as it seems that the constructs in this area, have been left deliberately vague and unclear.  Second:  the choice of lighting, between Sphere and Background/Foreground.  The Sphere is so large and bright, that it is akin to a Sun.  Whilst the Dark, is so expansive and silhouette, that it is akin to an Interstellar.  The Sphere is so central and remote, that is is akin to a Quasar.  Whilst the Dark, is so enveloping and shear, that it is akin to both Space and Time.  Why has the artist done this?  I suspect in an attempt, to explain the difference between Light and Dark 🙂  The Light is both Golden and Kingly, with a twist of the Eternal.  The Dark is both Mysterious and Quite, with a twist of the Rebel.  And yet, here do I find a third meaning – that Light cannot exist without the Dark.  For it seems that this Castle’s Sphere, also contains something of the Cosmos itself!  Finally:  Something of an “unusual” Fantasy piece, that hints at several things – yet answers none.  Consider.  Is this Castle a part of the Land, or has it come from Outer Space?  Is this Castle’s interior on the same scale as the surrounding Men, or does something bigger reside there?  Is this Castle akin to a God?  As far beyond the surrounding Men, as the reach of the Cosmos itself?  Who knows – not me!  Its a great workout for your imagination though 🙂

King Arthur’s Castle – Knights of the Round Table

You may be under the impression that the Fantasy Artist, would be confined by their “choice of techniques” – especially with regard to the location, of their Fantasy Realm.  Yet, when it comes to Tales of Fantasy – can it be seen, that this not entirely true 🙂  Even more so, when that Fantasy Realm – is that of King Arthur, and his Knights of the Round Table:

King Arthur – and his Knights of Camelot

I feel that this artist, has decided to “play with us”.  First:  in terms of perspective.  This Fantasy scene exhibits the behaviour of a one point perspective – as everything tends towards the Castle Gate.  Yet, as we shall see, it is not quite as simple as that!  For the Walls of this Castle, appear to be curved (except for around the base of the Gate Pillars).  If we assume that the bottom of the Gate Pillars are a “base line” (with an Anchor Point at either end), then it seems to me – that this Fantasy artist, has chosen to “mix in” a Fish Eye Perspective. Yet, as we shall see, it is not quite as simple as that!  For the curved perspective lines appear to “sweep in”, from the top right of the drawing (which does not meet the definition of a standard Fish Eye Perspective [which would be more like a ball, with it’s lines “sweeping” the other way]).  Thus, do we have a Fantasy artist making use of techniques (the altered Fish Eye Perspective), within a Fantasy Realm that you might not expect – that of King Arthur, and his Kingdom of the Land (as opposed to the Sea).  Second:  In terms of location.  The foreground parts of this Fantasy scene, appear to be of the Dark.  There’s Mountainous Rocks, with jagged edges.  There’s hard of Ice, with slippery slopes.  There’s swirling winds, with blizzard Snow.  Whilst the background parts of this Fantasy art, appear to be of the Light.  There’s Castle Spires, with whitened Walls.  There’s Towering Structures, with Glowing Gleam.  There’s Spheres of Moon, with turquoise Haze.  Which when taken together, feels as though this Castle (and it’s Knights) are “Braced against the Dark”.  Perhaps this Castle and it’s Knights, have been besieged for months – and have chosen to, ride out against the Dark?  Third:  In terms of “pun”.  When the Fish Eye Perspective, and the Light against Dark theme are “taken together”; do I find the concept of a Round Table.  The curvature of the Castle, is akin to the “longer edge” – of Arthur’s Round Table.  The fight between Light and Dark, is akin to the “never ending cycle” – of the Knights of the Round Table.  Finally:  it’s just possible, that this Kingdom has travelled in Time – as it seems as though the lighter sky, has been overlaid in “Moon Time” (especially at the central top of the image [tending towards the turquoise Haze]).

Castle Atlantis – Sea Dragons of Atlantis – Part Two

When a Fantasy Artist decides to “live within” the realms of an Underwater City, do we find that it is not just their choice of perspective, that can be used to “bring magic” – to their Underwater Scene.  For when that Underwater City goes by the name of Atlantis; does the Fantasy Artist, also have access to a range of artists techniques – that only enhance the magic, that’s found within their Fantasy Realm:

Castle Atlantis – Ideal for Undersea Effects!

First:  the challenge of being underwater itself.  Objects that are viewed underwater – just “look different”.  The primary reason for this, is the fact that light behaves differently underwater (than it does on land).  When light enters water (from the surface), it bends – and becomes distorted.  Granted, Atlantis may be at the bottom of the sea bed – but it’s light is still different to that of the surface.  To help represent this, many artist’s choose to model Underwater Caustics – the projection of (surface) light onto a “ground plane”.  Here the “ground plane” is the sea bed, and the caustics are those aquamarine highlights 🙂  In other words, those “little aquamarine squiggles”.  Second:  the ability to play with reality.  Within this artwork, has the artist decided to play with the Sea Life of their Underwater Scene.  First, there is that sea life that we would expect – the shoal of Fish, and the Jellyfish.  Second, there is the sea life that we would not expect (other than perhaps of Atlantis) – the two Sea Dragons 🙂  By featuring two such diverse groups of sea life, does the artist “seed” an important idea:  that Atlantis herself, whilst within the Realms of Fantasy, is still based upon “some measure” of reality (which only serves to make it more believable).  Thus, does this shoal of Fish, “sweep” you into Atlantis – the Undersea Kingdom, of these Fantasy Sea Dragons!  Third:  the artist’s use of layering.  Constructing a scene like this, would be impossible without the use of layers – as there’s just “too much going on”, for any single layer, “to cope with”.  Granted, we can easily see the layers that have been used for blending (such as the layer of aquamarine over the “white” Castle).  But harder to see, is the fact that layering has also been used – to play with perspectives!  For me, both the Sea Dragons and the largest Jellyfish, are as if they have no perspective at all.  The same is also true for the Sea Cliffs and Corals, on both the bottom-left, and bottom-right of this artwork.  Why has the artist done this?  For one “very clever” reason:  to limit the distortion of the Fish Eye Perspective, as it tends towards the extremities of the artwork; which in doing so, only helps to “lead you in” – to this Fantasy Scene 🙂

Castle Atlantis – Sea Dragons of Atlantis – Part One

Just by changing the location of a Fantasy Realm, can the Fantasy Artist need to employ – a totally different range of drawing skills.  One of the hardest locations to draw (no matter what artist’s medium your working in), is that of – “being underwater”.  Perhaps then, there is no “greater challenge” for the Fantasy Artist to create, than that of an Underwater City.  Especially when that Underwater City, just-so-happens to be that of Atlantis:

Castle Atlantis – Ideal for a Mystery Perspective!

It took me sometime to decide “exactly what was going on” within this artwork.  The standard two-point, and three-point perspectives are out straight away (because the curving of this artwork, goes against their vanishing points).  I was then tempted to say, that this artwork makes use of a one-point perspective; as at first glance, do the Pillars appear to “play into” this idea – they “tend towards” a vanishing point, somewhere in the middle of the scene (around the area of the “golden glowing” temple).  But again, I feel that the curvature of the city, dispenses with much of this idea – as the scene “feels” as though something more is going on.  It was when I started to look at other types of perspective, that I believe I found my answer!  For I believe, that the artwork uses a Fish Eye Perspective; which typically, has four to five vanishing points – just for fun 🙂  I first realised that this could be the case, when I noticed that those Pillars, are not in-fact “fully straight”.  They are actually “slightly curved”, over their entire height – although the effect, is more noticeable on the group of Pillars on the left.  What does this mean?  Well, for one thing – the construction of lines to various vanishing points, just became more complex!  Let’s assume we have a one-point perspective; with horizontal train rails receding into the distance.  In a Fish Eye Perspective, those train rails would actually be curved (as opposed to being horizontally straight).  Now, I’m not proposing that the large aquamarine semi-circle (starting near the bottom of the artwork – near the start of the red carpet) is actually straight; but rather that the steps (near the start of the first widened red carpet), clearly demonstrate a “curved behaviour” – as you would expect to find, in the lower-half of a Fish Eye Perspective.  This effect appears to continue, right to the very top of the artwork, suggesting that our “base line” (akin to the horizontal line in a 2-point perspective) is “very high up indeed”.  This effect is most noticeable, upon the large “white” Atlantis Castle – whose curves are a “lesser strength” of those beneath it.  And yet, as it is with the Realm of Atlantis, not all shall be revealed – in this first glance.

Eastern Castle – Chinese Water Dragon

When talking of “balance” within artwork, does the term not only refer to the “weights” of various areas within the artwork (such as it’s ability to pull on your eyes); but also to the techniques that have been used to construct that artwork.  Within this Fantasy Realm, do I find the use of three such artist’s techniques, that also happen to be in balance – with each other:

A Chinese Water Dragon – that Snakes through Perspective and Layer!

First:  comes the artist’s use of layering.  This Dragon’s head is on a layer by itself – right at the very front (the foreground).  As the Dragon’s neck begins to fade, do we encounter interaction with the foremost castle spire (it passes behind it).  As the Dragon’s tail begins to “snake”, do we encounter interaction with the aft/right-most castle spires (it both overlaps, and passes behind them).  And yet, is this Dragon’s tail not quite as simple as that – for at each “dragon level”, has the artist decided to match the lighting in that area (as to avoid an unbalanced scene).  Second:  comes the artist’s use of perspective.  This Eastern Castle makes use of a three-point perspective (the third vanishing point being found – when you extend a line upwards from the apex of each tower).  If we also extend that line downwards, do we find that these towers share a relationship with their foundations:  it’s hard to imagine the towers being “at home” on any other rock formation!  And yet, is this three-point perspective not as simple as that.  The third vanishing point, has been used to “pull you into the scene” – particularly upwards (whilst also interacting with the Dragon’s tail [especially in terms of scaling]).  I also feel that there’s a relationship between the Dragon, and the other two vanishing points.  The left-most vanishing point, causes the left-most castle “opening faces” to be at the same “angle” as the Dragon’s neck.  The effect is further enhanced, by the use of similar shading in this area (both the Dragon’s neck, and the castle’s “opening faces” go from dark to light, with the light being intensified on the top-right).  The right-most vanishing point, causes the right-most castle “uniform faces” to be at the same “angle” as the Dragon’s face (achieved through clever shading on the whitened rock [just above that cloud]).  Thus, is this three-point perspective, very powerful indeed!  Third:  comes the artist’s interpretation of the Fantasy itself.  When I look at this Dragon, do I think of the Element of Water 🙂  The artist has chosen their colours wisely – the Dragon’s aquamarine is of Water.  The artist has chosen their details cleverly – the Dragon’s scales are of Water (akin to a fish’s scales).  The artist has also chosen their highlights carefully – the collection of “white flecks” (towards the bottom of the artwork), are as if they are Water Spray (especially on the bottom right).  When these three techniques are taken together – do I find:  that the Element of Water, Snakes through these Towers, Cascading to the Depths, Amongst the Hills, Bringing the Magic of Water – to this Fantasy Scene 🙂

Chinese Castle – Chinese Dragon

When an artist decides to introduce some “variety” to their artwork, it is tempting to play with both the background, and the “key ingredients” of the foreground.  Within this Fantasy Land, do I detect – the most “subtle of plays” (and a risky one at that):

In this Chinese Fantasy Land – a Dragon and his Castle!

First:  let’s break this Fantasy Scene into two layers.  On the first layer, do I find the Chinese Dragon, and it’s foremost Castle/Temple.  On the other layer, do I find the remaining Castles/Temples and the Mountainous Rock.  Second:  let’s look at those two layers.  On the first layer, do I find that a two-point perspective has been used – to generate the lines of the dominant Castle/Temple.  Whilst on the second layer, do I find the presence of (at least) another two-point perspective; which has also be used – to form the “basic shapes“, of the remaining Castles/Temples.  So what!  You may say.  I shall give you a clue 🙂  I said “at least a two-point perspective”, because it’s also possible, that that’s a three-point perspective (on the second layer); as the “upwards” of the remaining Castles/Temples, also appears to converge to a third point.  Third:  let’s look at those two layers, when their “taken together”.  If you have not realised by now, then the first layer (the foreground) and the second layer (the background), both use different Vanishing Points – and hence, perspectives!  This can be risky within a single piece of Artwork, as the artist can quickly “unbalance their scene”.  It is here, that I feel that the height of the Dragon, has been used to great effect 🙂  The Dragon’s height is really a “pivot”, as it splits the fore and aft layers into two – “masking the magic”, of the two different sets of Vanishing Points.  In doing so, does it help to accomplish an amazing feat – no “pull on your eyes” (as you would expect, from two set’s of Vanishing Points).  If we now look at the artists’s use of colours:  then I feel, that the green of the Dragon, matches the green of the Trees/Moss.  Perhaps there’s a connection here?  I also feel, that the whites of the Light, matches the highlights on the side of the Castles/Temples (as you would expect).  And yet here, do I find a twist – for that same Light, also gives rise to the Heat of this Dragon’s mouth.  Perhaps this Dragon, is about to Breath Fire?

Dragon Castle – Elf Castle

Sometimes, can the Fantasy Artist, choose to make their choice of techniques, just as much a mystery, as is their fantasy art!  At first, was I mystified, by the background – that accompanies this Fantasy Elf, and her Fantasy Dragon; in-front of this, Fantasy Castle:

In this Fantasy Land – a Dragon and her Elf!

For, it was only with a careful eye – that I realised, that “several things” are going on within this fantasy scene.  First:  It’s use of perspective.  This was much harder to detect – as I feel, that it doesn’t really make use of any!  Obviously, there is a one-point perspective on the Rocks at the bottom-left (which “pulls you into” the centre of the scene); but that perspective does not appear, to have been used, upon the right-hand-side of the background (at all) – nor upon, the main Fantasy Castle!  Second:  It’s use of scale.  With no obvious choice of Vanishing Point (other than for those Rocks on the bottom-left), do I feel that this artwork has “dispensed with convention”, and chosen to use a “layering effect” – to suggest distance.  In doing so, does the artist have to be careful, to avoid an unbalanced scene!  This is exactly why, there’s a White Dragon in the front, with those White Mountains in the back – to bring balance 🙂  Third:  It’s use of layering.  This fantasy scene, has been built up through it’s use of six distinct layers.  Layer One:  the golden Rocks, and the Elf and her Dragon (which form a gateway to the scene).  Layer Two:  the smaller castle/village (on the left) and it’s Woody Hill (which both start to play with the scale of the scene).  Layer Three:  the watery pool/lake (on the right) which features, high levels of reflection (of the main castle), and balances some of the blues, of the Mountain.  Layer Four:  the central “Sandy Hills”, which seem to form a balanced central point (amazingly, not “pulling on your eyes” at all!).  Layer Five:  the main Fantasy Castle, which appears to have several circular walls.  This layer also makes clever use of two colours.  First is the white of the walls – which balance the white of the Mountains.  Second is the green of the Castle’s Gardens – which balance the greens of the “Sandy Hills” (in the middle of the scene).  Layer Six:  the White Mountains and the Reddened Sky.  For the most part, do the Mountains and the Reds “go together”; but the artist has added some variety – as there’s some play in their orders (such as when the Red Sky is in-front of the Mountain, as opposed to being behind them), and when the Red Sky “jumps forward” several layers (to partly obscure the smaller fantasy castle/village).  Thus, is this Fantasy Scene – a blend of several artist’s techniques – which can often be, more than a challenge in itself 🙂

Cinderella’s Castle – Fairyland’s Realm

Within the Realms of Fairyland, do we find that an artist’s choice of background – can be just as important, as the artist’s choice of Castle 🙂  Perhaps then, there’s no more worthy subject, in the Realms of Fairyland – than that of Cinderella‘s!  In this Fantasy scene, do we find a Fantasy blend, that’s just-right for a Princess:

Cinderella’s Castle – in Fairyland

I love the way that this artwork, speaks one theme to me – just meant to be!  The castle itself, makes use of detail, on the lower parts of it’s walls (the individual bricks).  And yet, on the upper parts of the castle – has the Fantasy Artist, decided against such high levels of detail:  preferring to “blend and omit” instead.  Indeed, do I find this to be – a good example of an artist’s ability, to bring focus to their artwork.  In doing so, does the artist help to capture, “what you would expect to see” in the real world – atmospherics.  This Fantasy artwork, also appears to be a mix of both two-point, and one-point perspective.  The two-point, is used upon Cinderella’s Castle; whilst the one-point, is used upon the Fantasy background.  In doing so, does the artist help “pull you into” – the centre of the scene 🙂  This “pull you in” effect, is also present upon the lanterns (on the left), and also upon – the leftmost path, and the river.  At first glance, would it seem that the background, makes use of many different colours (for it’s flowers), which indeed it does.  And yet, at the same time – does the background, seem “balanced“.  I feel that this has been achieved, through the artist’s clever use of shadowing; or at the very least, through the fact that the colour black, is ever present, upon the background (in subtle blends).  I also feel, that the rainbow has been included, to bring balance to the right-hand-side of the castle.  This idea, is also further repeated – upon the two large trees:  one on the left (pink), and one on the right (green).  Except here, is the balance brought, to the “height of the scene”.  The artist has also added, a “little twist” in the form of Tinker Bell, who I feel – helps bring light, to the upper parts of the castle (on the left-hand-side).  Again, do we encounter the concept of balance (as both Tinker Bell, and the castle “light” – are the same colour).  Thus, has this artist, brought plenty of Magic, to their Kingdom 🙂

Fairy Castle – Fairy Glamour

Within the realms of Fantasy Art, is there one area, that a Fantasy Artist (often) decides to “play with” – that of Fairy Glamour 🙂  When an artist decides to play with fairy glamour, then it’s possible for us to encounter “all sorts of things” that we’d not expect (as is the case here):

Fairy Path to Fairy Castle!

First:  the artist plays with size.  If we look at the roof of this castle, then at first glance – does it appear that it’s a “castle of a decent size”.  But, when we pan down (along the “central” terracotta roof tiles) – does the entrance door “give it away”.  This is a small castle, no more than a Fairy Castle!  Given the fact that the door, makes up about a quarter, of the width of the castle, then it seems to me – that were in the Kingdoms of the Small-Folk!  Second:  the artist plays with colour.  This artwork makes use of two opposing ends of the colour spectrum.  The reds, pinks, greens and yellows:  feel like “warmer colours” to me, perhaps as one would expect – of Fairyland.  Given the blurring that is present upon the reds, greens and yellows; then I feel that these could be some-kind of “guiding lights”.  Perhaps Will-o’-the-wisps, that guide you to this Fairy Path – leading to this Fairy Castle?  At the other end of the colour spectrum, do I find the “colder colours“.  I refer to the use of blacks, blues and purples; which I feel, have both been used to introduce the concept of some-kind of Fairy Time  (that is – an overlap in space and time).  In short, the stars upon the background, look as though their part of the Universe!  Third:  the artist plays with the construction of their scene.  If you look at the lantern on the left – then at first, I thought it was floating!  As it appeared as though the lantern’s post, was part of the castle!  The artist has achieved this effect, by blending the top of the post, into the window of the castle.  But then again, maybe they didn’t!  Its fairy glamour – after all 🙂  If there’s one thing I’m sure of, then it’s that this artwork, makes use of a one-point perspective.  This is because, the castle and it’s path, both “lead you into” the centre of the scene.

Rock Castle – Cliff Castle

Sometimes, does the Fantasy Artist decide to “break with convention” entirely – and create a Fantasy Castle within a setting that defies both “mind and logic”.  And yet, in doing so – does it seem as though that castle still kind-of “makes sense”:

One Rock of a Castle!

Here, does this castle appear to be – as much a part of the Rock/Cliff, as it does of itself.  It’s almost as if the “darkened parts” (on the underside) are a part of a natural rock formation – which is again repeated, on the far-right (near the arch above the waterfall).  The artists use of the colour green, also helps to suggest the idea that this castle is built into a dominant rock face (such as the side of a mountain).  This effect is in-turn dispelled, when you notice the Fortress on the lower-left, and the “cavern shaped” rock formation under the central waterfalls.  Both of which, introduce an interesting question:  are we in a Kingdom of Floating Rocks?  This is at least part suggested, by the artists clever use of clouds to cover important areas:  i)  the gap on the lower-left (between the Fortress and left-most rock pillar).  ii)  the gap between the “cavern shaped” rock formation and the base of the image.  iii)  the gap between the main waterfall (far right) and the base of the image.  I feel that the artist has also made use of layering within this artwork:  background blue, “cavern shaped” rock, Fortress then main Fantasy Castle (with some overlap between those last two [on the left-hand-side, it feels as though their at the same level]).  Just when you feel that you have a “grasp” upon this artwork, is there one more twist:  the artists decision to have clouds emitted from the “rock holes” on the left-most rock pillar.  Could it be that the Castle makes the clouds?  As for perspective, it’s a two-point; although this time, it seems that the vanishing points are located “far away” (perhaps on other Islands, within this Fantasy Land!).