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Illo for "Whirl-Stick"
by Eregyrn
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An exercise in "win some, lose some".
Did this as a trade for Emberra, and she suggested an illo for Whitney's story "Whirl-Stick". Did you know that "boomerangs" are not exclusive to the Aborigine culture of Australia? It's true! (I did not know this before.) It's also true that not all boomerangs are of the returning variety; the majority are just aerodynamically-carved throwing sticks that you have to go and retrieve. At any rate, given that they are a primitive technology that is not culture-specific, we decided our elves could have both types. The challenge for me was to design a returning throwing-stick that didn't quite look just like the boomerang we're all so familiar with. (I based this on a pastiche of several that I found for sale on eBay; so tempted...) I totally looked at lots of refs of people throwing boomerangs to figure out the right posture.
Rill is the character in the front; he's having a throwing-lesson from his father, Suddendusk. Tagging along is Cinder, who holds his own (non-returning) rabbit-stick.
Some of this piece was a bit experimental, landscape-wise. I like the way the late-fall color of the grass came out. I like the sky. I don't like the technique I used for the background trees. Oh well! Live and learn.
Posted September 02, 2012, 01:25:47 AM
September 19, 2012, 11:44:38 AM
river twine
Did this as a trade for Emberra, and she suggested an illo for Whitney's story "Whirl-Stick". Did you know that "boomerangs" are not exclusive to the Aborigine culture of Australia? It's true! (I did not know this before.) It's also true that not all boomerangs are of the returning variety; the majority are just aerodynamically-carved throwing sticks that you have to go and retrieve. At any rate, given that they are a primitive technology that is not culture-specific, we decided our elves could have both types. The challenge for me was to design a returning throwing-stick that didn't quite look just like the boomerang we're all so familiar with. (I based this on a pastiche of several that I found for sale on eBay; so tempted...) I totally looked at lots of refs of people throwing boomerangs to figure out the right posture.
Rill is the character in the front; he's having a throwing-lesson from his father, Suddendusk. Tagging along is Cinder, who holds his own (non-returning) rabbit-stick.
Some of this piece was a bit experimental, landscape-wise. I like the way the late-fall color of the grass came out. I like the sky. I don't like the technique I used for the background trees. Oh well! Live and learn.
Posted September 02, 2012, 01:25:47 AM
September 19, 2012, 11:44:38 AM
river twine
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| Comments |
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Amberfox
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Comment #1 - Posted September 19, 2012, 11:58:04 AM
Well, the background gives a sort of late-autumn, early-winter feel. I think the trees might have worked better if you had incorporated more shading behind them, maybe some slightly bluer-grey tones in a dappling effect. Of course, you might have lost the hint of leaves in the process. Anyway, lovely illo with the two cubs and I'm always thrilled to see Suddendusk (insert drooling noises here). I really like the action pose on Rill; you really get a sense of motion.
I am familiar with other cultures having a "home grown" version of a boomerang, but I admit when I first saw this illo, I thought the "whirl-stick" was more like a practice version of the "retractable" sword that the Indian Mughals have. It's a strange long metal blade that curls up when not in use but when whipped around it extends and can be used kind of like a cross between a sword and a whip. |
Eregyrn
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Comment #2 - Posted September 19, 2012, 12:02:53 PM
Yes, the story is set in November, so that's what I was shooting for. The background behind the trees is also grey, but I did the sky last and then it didn't match and ugh. I gotta try to work out something better next time.
Oooh, that sounds like a neat weapon! Links? Or any idea what it's called so I can Google? |
Startear
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Comment #3 - Posted September 19, 2012, 12:24:52 PM
I believe they are called talwar.
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Amberfox
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Comment #4 - Posted September 19, 2012, 12:26:04 PM
The blade is called an aara in India or urumi in Malaysia. The Mughals carried it as did the Rajput (although, I think the Rajput used it more and were best known for using it). It's questionable just how effective it was in combat, but it sure as hell is impressive to see and watch being used. It helped bearers sneak it as it would coil effectively into a belt and get smuggled past unsuspecting guards. I couldn't find a really good link for it; most of what I saw was really vague. If I can find it in my weapons book, I'll scan what I can find on it. Yup, I have a massive book on ancient and historical weapons. You might also be able to find it on youtube "Deadliest Warrior" where it was featured as the mid-range weapon against...I think the Romans.
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Amberfox
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Comment #5 - Posted September 19, 2012, 12:27:04 PM
No, the talwar is a long bladed sword with a curved tip; the aara is a blade that can be coiled up like a belt or even almost a ball.
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Tah-Marien
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Comment #6 - Posted September 21, 2012, 09:29:25 AM
I really like how this picture does tell a Story. Everything is crisp and clean. Characters are recognizable and . . well . . just dang Cute Cubs with a feel for Fun.
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