I was originally going to post another entry on the Bill Woggon colouring book I featured at the beginning of the year as I've always had three posts in mind for it. But somehow I felt I needed something with a bit more colour in my life today - and this lovely story seemed just the ticket. The illustrations are by Nadir Quinto - one of my favourite artists and someone who has featured in my blog on more that one occasion before.
I love everything about these illustrations. The richness of the colours, the subject matter, and the way just looking at them makes my spirit soar into the heavens where it can dance in that vast spangled expanse alongside these fairies and prancing winged horses.
Last week I was feeling very tired, demoralised and pretty glum in general. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who left a comment and to those of you I know visit regularly even if you don't always say anything. I've mentioned before that blogging has surprised me by being such a two way street. I always hoped my posts would bring enjoyment and delight to the lives of others in the same way that these illustrations have given such joy and pleasure to mine. I never expected to find my own life enriched in return so much by the people I've met in the process. I may not have managed to garner hundreds of followers but I've realised that each and every one of you is far more important to me than a thousand voiceless faces - so for that I'd like to thank you all for the wealth of friendship you've brought to my world.
This is another instance where I've had to split my scans into two images because I can only cope with A4 size and the original pages are much larger. I've tried to do these so that both the illustrations and the text are included. I may have cut a little bit off on the edges but I hope I've still managed to keep a workable balance.
This story originally appeared in 'Once Upon a Time' magazine.
Issues 79 to 82
Published weekly between 15 August 1970 and 5 September 1970
To those of you whose blogs I normally visit - thanks again for being so understanding if I don't pop around as often as I used to. I've found because of my new extended commute (coupled with a demanding work environment) I tend to run out of steam as the week progresses - each day gets progressively worse and by Thursday I'm capable of doing virtually nothing by the time I get home. Its almost more than I can do to get up on Friday morning but at least then I have the knowledge that on Saturday I don't have to make a 5am start. Its amazing how well the weekend manages to revive my energy and spirits - but then treadmill continues and its back to the same old routine on Monday again!
15 comments:
oh wow what a BEAUTIFUL starry book! Will defo have to look this one up on amazon. thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Sharon, thanks for your lovely comments today, especially your sweet words about Annabel. (I seem to have lost your email - so I've had to reply this way).
Of course your home is worthy of our retro/vintage link-up thingy! Everyone's welcome, and we'd be thrilled and LOVE to have you join in.
I can't beleive you have such a long commute to work, it would do my head in. That you manage to blog at all, let alone comment is amazing. I hope you and your son and husband are well and settled in to your new home. This was another lovely post, charming illustrations as always. Take care Sharon, and don't forget the 11th x
Hi Sharon, I love the pictures and your words. You are a very special person! Your blog button works beautifully and is now residing happily in my side bar. I like having it there because I can just click and be instantly transported to your lovely blog.
Would it be possible for you to do fewer hours at work or maybe less days? Just think how nice it would be if you only had to work from Monday to Thursday, you would be able to sleep in on Friday and be ready for the weekend! I count my blessings every single day; my commute is from bedroom to office, just along the corridor! I don't know how you keep going working such long hours. I would be a wreck.
PS. I've just noticed my button on your blog, thank you!
This is another illustrator who's work I encountered who's name was unknown to me, I'm continually learning something new her Sharon. He does a fantastic job with the winged horses, I suspect he got real kick out of doing those because he really goes to town on the second one. I had a quick look at his other stuff you'd posted and it struck me that there's a similarity between that and Ron Ebleton's work, it's noticeable here too with rendering of the fabrics, that have a similar luminous feel.
I think all the artists who worked on this magazine knew each other quite well - and besides having a similarity of style often copied directly from each other! I've been thinking of doing a post containing examples of where I've seen this in practice - I might still do that sometime.
Another wonderful post Sharon! These works are completely unfamiliar to me. Thank you so much for sharing them. I adore the artwork, and the winged horses, have to be my favorite! Your are right, the intense, rich colors are gorgeous!
Thanks so much for adding my blog button to your site and for taking the time to stop by and visit. I will be adding your button to my link page right now.
I hope you have an enjoyable week.
Diane
I love the vibrant colours of these pictures! Makes me feel happy and energetic. So sorry for the long commute. Any chance of finding work closer to home? BTW I too am very thankful for your friendship.
My, you do find the cutest things to blog about. I hope all is much better in your life.
These illustrations are amazing! I love the vivid colors.
I cannot get over your commute. I give you a lot of credit. I always enjoy your posts and am happy you are using some of your precious time to share your thoughts and inspirations with us.
Good luck getting up and safe driving. :)
Wonderful post! I agree with Stephanie- the illustrations are magnificent! I have never heard of The Star Maidens before- thanks for sharing! I hope the long commute goes smoothly : ) ~ Jess
I absolutely love fairy tales, especially ones I have never read before. I also love the artwork that accompanied this one. Beautifully vibrant! Thank you so much for sharing this delightful story and artwork.
Hi Sharon, I hope you don't hate me (I know how busy you are!) but I want to pass the very inspiring blogger award on to you - because you inspire me every time I visit. And they look pretty in your side bar! Barbara x
...greetings dear kindred! ~ popping in to say ~ laugh long! ~ live joyously! ~ love heaps!...
...sending biggest hugs thine way! ~ as well ~ a bubble will follow thee every dawn-song of thine ever sooooooh long commute to other commitments ~ another bubble to watch over thee whilst thee plays ~ and another happy dance bubble thru' thine even-song commute back home! ~ blessed be! ~ dear beautiful gentle spirit!...(0:
Oh how I love the "fairy wand" curser that you have here to click with! Sharon, what a beautiful blog you have, and I too enjoy childrens' books illustrations. Thank you for visiting me via Barbara's beautiful blog. I try to illustrate on occasion for I too grew up in the 1960s and have been influenced by a certain style of art. I see so many beautiful images here on your blog! I wish you a wonderful week ahead and as I was reading your post, I understand what you are saying about the blog "two-way street." I have been blogging for five years and the most precious thing that has happened is having made many lovely contacts and a few really wonderful friends whom I consider very close. Creativity surely brings us together as we SHARE.
Happy day! Anita
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