The horror of it all...

A short quick post today, primarily due to being busy at the moment with some work, the 'tax man', some work, getting my accounts in order, some work, the accounts need doing, sorting out a fee, some work, get on with those bloody accounts!

Bet you can't guess which is both the most pressing, and the least prepared ... sigh. But then on the other hand lets ignore all that and post a couple of pics.

See! I can get my priorities right.

The first relates to the the last piece of work ever commissioned by Games Workshop from me, which through a long and protracted argument about the fee resulted in it all ending with a phone call from the owner [?] managing director [at the time... no idea if that still applies ... it was so long ago] who decided, as I would not agree to what they wanted, I would never work for them again and so it has been.

A piece for White Dwarf magazine

This all made more amusing in a cynical sort of way by two letters from Games Workshop just recently. Apparently, according to the nice letter sent, which was quit complimentary about my work for Games Workshop, they had 'lost' contract copies of my signing over the rights to my work and they'd like me now to re-affirm the rights by completing a draft document sent by separate letter.

I have not replied to either letter, especially as when I originally did the work I never signed over rights to my work in the first place, and this goes back to the 'Warlock' and 'Doctor Who' games they produced.

Anyway here is the piece ... with apologies for the picture quality.

So what was the disagreement about? Well, it was along time ago [over twenty years at least] and I can only put my version of things.

The original brief was basically for a huge complex double page battle scene and the fee was £200. But although the fee was not much I wanted to produce a scene as complex and as large as I could. So I drew the original A2 [approximately] in size and sent it off. A few days later I received a phone call from somebody at Games workshop telling me in effect they loved the piece but felt only the left side was what they wanted, and I said, 'fine, not a problem'.

LEFT SIDE

I was then told, 'But because we want to only use the left side we will only pay you £100.' My reply in effect went as follows. 'That's ok, but you cannot use the right side as well.' To which I was informed that, 'no, they could use the right side as well'. I pointed out that the fee was then being reduced by half and I could not accept that, but I would accept the half fee offered but only for the use of the left side. So, in my opinion, if Games Workshop wanted to use both halves [that is the full picture] then they should pay me the full fee agreed, to which the reply was, 'no, as they only wanted to use the right side of the picture'. Thus the argument started, which resulted in several phone calls from a variety of senior members of staff until it reached, as I've 'said' the 'top'. 

LEFT SIDE - NOT WANTED

So, there you have my two-pennies worth. I'd put a lot of time into this picture, even trying to match the regiments involved to Game Shop figures offered at the time. But felt, though I did not object to them apparently not liking the left side of the picture I drew, I was not going to allow the to 'use' of any, or all, of that right part without payment. What you all think of the matter I do not know, and I it would not surprise me if GW have a different take on events, but as said, this is my story.  

But what of 'the horror of it all'? 

Well, besides doing fantasy and science fiction work I have lesser known reputation for horror, and although elements crop up my liking for Ghost and Horror stories is rarely allowed to flourish. I'm not really into the slasher work especially of films like 'Saw' et al, but occasionally a story is offered where I can indulge my 'Grand Guignol' ways. Though rare as I do suffer nightmares [laugh ... or should that be cackle!]. 

Anyway Micah Nathan, American author asked me to contribute an illustration for his latest book, 'Jack the Bastard', which I was pleased to do and here it is.

For those interested check out the book, Nathan can be found at:

http://micahnathan.com/

So there you have it. So what's in the pipeline? Well a record cover [in the planning stage but well under way] and some work for 'Runequest', which is in the thinking stage. Till the next time, keep well you readers of mine. 

August again .... some newer work.

Right, this post will show some new stuff before I revert to the old [grin] again. My computer is showing its age and crashes without warning recently .... reboot, reboot my kingdom for a good reboot! So if I 'disappear' then you'll know the reason why .... the computer eat me.

First up, as someone mentioned wanting to see a little more detail of that book end paper for Goodman Games posted last time; here are the two original separate drawings for the left and the right side of the picture.

First, the left side

The Manticore rules!

 
Second, the right side

 

A couple of pics showing character sketches related to 'Dungeon World' ....

 

These two for a Mongoose Drake  project ...which appears to be in stasis {?}

First the sketch, as I know a lot of you like to see those, then a version of the final art.

Then another character sketch for the same project ....

 

Now onto some more colour work. These were done For the summer issue of the Kobold Magazine.

First a character study of a Dragonkin janissary.

Next a Dragonkin Summoner/Elementalist working in his cave high in the mountains.

 

Watercolour on board, with colour pencil highlights then 'lighting effects' added using Photoshop.  

I had one more to post, but I think I will keep that for next time .... computer permitting :).

A Promise is a ...

I've mentioned showing some very old work from the late 70's which I thought I had lost. The originals were ...... good question, but the answer is I have no idea, and although I thought all the prints long gone destroyed, when I had a partial roof collapse, which resulted in rain damage to a lot of stuff in a back room.

However, as mentioned, two examples of my version of trying to draw a set of pictures based on "The Hobbit" survive, even if in 'poor' condition, and as I keep on saying I will show them .... Well, here they are. Sadly the picture quality is also dreadful [don't ask it's cringe making to recount], but as it may be next month before I have the opportunity to re-shoot for better quality, thought it sensible to at least give you all an 'idea' of what they look like. But don't forget to squint, lean to the left, and try for a following wind to see them better.

The first is of Gandulf.

The second picture shows the first meeting of Bilbo and Gollum.

As I've 'said' these were originally drawn back in the mid to late '70's as part of a small series of A3 prints. The runic lettering is based on Tolkien's own and can, for those who want to, be translated. As can the lettering on my 'Dwarf-Land' map [see last post].

Finally, while working in Papua New Guinea in the early '80's I picked up a couple of commissions, and here below is one such example. 

The subject, if memory serves, but I'm often told it doesn't, the subject was training for the local rugby club in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. To add explanation. In PNG rugby is played as 'touch' rugby only, This is because 'proper' rugby often resulted in torn ears and worse. I only ever witnessed one such game between our college students and an other college. It resulted in a mass pitch invasion, a riot , and we staff looking to round up our students many who had to go into hiding from the clamouring mob. Why all the fuss? Our college was winning. 

Also, an end paper design from the 'latest' for Goodman Games to round up this short post.

Next some more oldies from the 1970's. Do any of you remember a very good fan magazine called 'Anduril' ?.
 

Simply ...The map of Dwarf-land

I've mentioned this project before, and have now completed the second largest map I've ever undertaken.
the map of Dwarf-Land, for Scott Driver [see link to his own blog below]. Scott gave me an excellent template to work from and allowed me the opportunity to add little bits, which wouldn't detract from his own creation, and allowed me to also add some creatures of my own to wander his vision as I saw fit. So, it was a lot of fun and although a long job [there were sixteen original panels, which then had to be scanned and 'stitched' together on the computer before completion, and this included a few minor but, I thought pertinent changes]. As I mentioned, it was a fun job, and a pleasure to work on.

See more details about the map on Scott's 'hugeruinedpile' blog.

http://hugeruinedpile.wordpress.com/ 

This is a 'short' post but thought I'd add another piece for Goodman Games and his 'Dungeon Crawl Classics'. 

 Below an 'oldie' .... I'll wait for one of you to tell me which title it was done for [laugh] as [now isn't that unusual :)] I cannot remember.

So not much to add, but there are a couple of things coming soon in the USA and I'll update to my blog when I can.

Till the next time .....

After the day ..

Well the day has come and gone, and as Tennessee Ernie Ford used to sing, when I was but a lad, ''another day older and deeper in debt!''. But before any alarms go off, not to worry I'm fine, the bank manager is not after me and we will tick along for a few more years yet.
 
  As a kick off ....here is an 'oldie' from my Game Workshop days ...

I had intended this to be a 'throwback' post to work of yore, but sadly, have not had the time, or the weather for that matter [they need to be photographed outside], to do the deed. But there is good news as since mentioning the idea I've found some old work [in a good fanzine] that I should be able to scan and intend to post later. Although I wish I could find the original work [drowned in the 'flood' that was I suspect... [when part of my back roof was damaged in a storm years ago and a lot of my stuff was ruined]. But then again .... you never know... for with the chaos that is my house (lol) so it might yet turn up.


So what to do.... simple some more new stuff including some map work. So off we go.

These first [below] were done for Dungeon World and do check out their different sites [although their is a 'link' neither are directly connected I believe] in France and the US for more details.

These next were  the start of an idea I had for 're-working' some pieces from the British Fiend Folio .... they would then appear for sale in the Le Grimoire shop .... it's still under construction as they laughingly say .....

 

This last is not from the Folio but will appear on the Le Grimoire site like these maps ... note the clever link [No? Oh well, please yourself].http://www.legrimoire.net/

All these feature as part of a new Lone Wolf feature do check out the Le Grimoire site for more details.     http://www.legrimoire.net/

Now, 'talking' of Maps, I have mentioned elsewhere in facebook etc. that I've been working on a grand map for a special client, it is not finished as it all has to be scanned and joined together [it's very big],  but I can show one panel to whet peoples appetites .....for when he does the grand unveiling.



 So there you have it for a little while .... till the next time, do be careful out there.

A few more 'new' bits [continued].

Further to my last post, here are a few more 'new' bits in no particular order.

First up the mock-up of a new box game from Association Goupil called Dungeon World, and which features a few bits of my art, and of course, the cover art for the box, nicely designed as part of the up and coming proposed game.

 

http://www.narrativiste.eu/ 

Another couple of black & white samples below. Their are colour characters, but you'll have to buy the game I think ;).

Here is a sample of the original cover art.

 

Other commissioned work examples include these below. First 'the rotting ghouls' ..... fun!

 

 This, and the next, were done for James Maliszewski's Dwimmermount, for which I'm pleased I've been asked to contribute. 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/autarch/dwimmermount

Occasionally I am asked to 'recreate' a favourite example of past work. I've done this a few times, as for example mentioned in the last post, via http://www.legrimoire.net/store/en/15-galerie-des-artistes , and on occasion as an 'extra'. Below are a couple of examples.

 Ah! More rotting corpses ..... mmmm! Also, a re- working of an old favourite for a very good client, from the Fiend Folio of the 'Death Knight'.

Lastly, a version of a special commission where I was allowed a lot of time but the work went through a lot of changes [much discarded] till I had something I felt would satisfy the vision I was asked for, and thankfully I was right.

 Last, for this post .... a sample of my sketch prior to a proposed drawing, which was then discarded in favour of another idea.

Till the next time, and fingers crossed some 'oldies'. Two so old they creak [grin].

Some new bits and pieces.

First, for arcane reasons that only Google know about, I have tried to answer some more of the comments made about my last blog relating how Ian [Livingstone] and I met but without success ... so here is what I tried to 'say'...

"In regard to the film "Death" I contacted Martin the director, who at present is in Cannes at the festival, who told me it will be sub-titled if it sells well, so fingers crossed in that regard.
Apparently it will be appearing at several Film Festivals around the world .... so do look out for it.

As for 'your' comments in regard to Ian and I meeting, I can only say thank you for your kind words, which are sincerely appreciated!"

Now, as promised last post, here are are a few new pieces of work for you to look at.

First, some new work for for Goodman Games.... who has just published his Dungeon Crawl Classics Role Playing Game with some of my previous work.

 http://www.goodman-games.com/5070artpreviewnicholson.html

For Kobold Quarterly [Issue 21] Magazine's Spring issue ... here are a couple of pieces.

http://www.koboldquarterly.com/

Now here is some work for French Clients, including Le Grimoire ... The first were put into the Le Grimoire shop for sale including a new version of the Warlock of Firetop Mountain and Balthus Dire and some of which have now sold ...

The next two pictures relate The Lone Wolf series published through Le Grimoire

http://www.legrimoire.net/store/en/15-galerie-des-artistes

Occasionally clients get the unexpected .... I'll publish a couple more next post, then it's back to the past. I recently found print versions of work I did based on The Hobbit  many years ago and long before Warlock. I had thought al the copies I had left had all been destroyed when I had a roof collapse with accompanying rain flood, which damaged a lot of stuff, including artwork, in a back room. But low and behold ... two survive ...so they too, if I can take a decent photograph, along with an unprinted White Dwarf piece {it is very big] will feature in a future post.