Winter Solstice

Celtic Music

I have not mentioned Celtic music at all on the blog. I have come

across some very talented individuals on YouTube one of which is

"BrunuhVille" I enjoy all types of Celtic music from Celtic Rock

to traditional Celtic tunes to New Age Celtic. The music from

the above mentioned is just that type music you can put in if

you are working on some artwork or reading a book or just 

relaxing after a long day at work. Check it out, here is the

link.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADTTBB9_ep8

Ornament of a deer lying in a circle of oak branches

The inspiration for this watercolor I painted came from German artist

Albrecht Durer. One of his famous prints was

 "Ornament with a deer lying in a circle of oak branches"

(shown below)

Durer was a painter, printmaker, engraver and mathematician

and theorist. He lived from 1471-1528.

Close up

Original artwork from Durer

Those that Wander

I found this saying from Tolkien. I think its a good one.

Those of you who are Lord of the Rings fans may

recognize it.

It's in The Fellowship of the Ring

where Gandolf speaks of Strider. 

3,000 year old gold torc found

A three thousand year old gold torc was found in Ireland by a treasure

hunter in bogland. He initially thought it was a car spring because of its

shape.  Torcs were jewelry worn by what was thought to be royalty only.

Read more about this fascinating story.

http://celticmythpodshow.com/blog/amateur-treasure-hunter-finds-rare-3000-year-old-golden-torc/

This is what a normal Torc looks like when not twisted

like the one above.

The Holly Kings Sword

In Celtic traditions, there is the enduring legend of the battle between the Oak King (See Oak King sketches earlier in this blog) and the Holly King. These two rulers fight for supremacy as the Wheel of the year turns each season. At the Winter Solstice the Oak King kills the Holly King, and then reigns until Midsummer. Once the Summer Solstice arrives, the Holly King returns to do battle with the Oak King, and defeats him. The Holly King them rules until Yule.

They are duel identities some refer to as the twins. One for light and the other for darkness.

I am doing sketches now of the Holly King on his throne.

Stay tuned for him to appear!

Around the Fire

From  Josh Garrels "Fire By Night"

At Last, The Oak King has arrived!

Well at long last I have finished my version of The Oak King.

I know he is represented many ways in legend but I chose a 

more human looking king sitting on his royal throne.

He is drawn on gray charcoal paper. I used charcoal pencils and 

regular drawing pencils number 3b and 6b.

As everyone knows Celtic legend, The Oak King rules in the

summer months and The Holly King in the winter.

Here is a link to the story.

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-holly-king-oak-king-612944.html

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Odin's Pride

Brother Steve's finished ax called "Odin's Pride

Nice work!!

The Oak Kings Sword

Well I am still in the in middle of finishing up drawing

The Oak King sitting on his throne. I had intended

to add his sword and staff  to the original drawing

but they would have both been to small to see. So

I have decided to do separate drawings of each.

The is a charcoal drawing on gray paper but the

 setting on my camera has turned it a brown

gold color. I think I like it. Comments anyone?

Maryland Renaissance Festival 2013

The following are some photos of the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

It's always a great time with music and sights and sounds.

I wanted to feature the handy work of sword maker and artist

William Lloyd who has a pavilion at the fair. I encourage everyone

who is visiting this year to stop by and see his incredible work.

William Lloyd's work!

Brother Art with his killer ax making his natural face expression.

I love this knife! Can anyone guess why?

Amazing! Check out the detail on the handle.

WOW!

Sorry this one is not real clear but all you Viking fans

would love this one.

Dragon carved on a Moose antler!.....Simple amazing!

I hope to go back and enjoy the fair again and also

to see these amazing pieces of art work.

(If they have not been sold!)

If anyone is interested in contacting William Lloyd his

address is 306 West Broadway, Silver City

NM 88O61 or contact him at

303-378-0926

or his email address: artists@lloydstudios.com