p e n c h a n t

In Brian Jacques’ popular Redwall, the book that began the series, Basil Stag Hare pays a surprise visit, posing as a decoy to an antagonistic rat. This flamboyant military gent is conveyed in the narrative through personality, action, and speech, more than physical description, so I had a little room for choosing his looks.

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In my process, the thumbnail sketch comes first, showing the compositional elements of subject and setting. It’s similar to a rough draft or random notes, for the writer—getting down the initial idea.

If there were no need for approval—of editor, art director, and marketing people—I would bypass this second sketch stage and move to the finish. That does not mean I’d begin painting right away, but would draw and draw and draw, directly on my illustration board, until I get it right, applying what I’ve learned as an artist, researcher, and observer, and continue making small adjustments as I then begin the painting, and continue painting and reworking until I’m satisfied with the results. The revision process, in writer’s terms. But seldom do I get that privilege. This sketch was rendered primarily to show my plans to those whose approval was necessary.

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Basil’s mocking bow, as it appeared in the 10th anniversary edition of Redwall. To my great disappointment (and loss of any chance of royalties), this edition was pulled prematurely after one year. It hardly had a life. The stated reason: this particular edition was “special”. Right.

Working on yet another jacket for the Brian Jacques Redwall series, I’m once again drawing animals in clothes and wielding swords. This is always a challenging process for me. Getting an otter into a dress, a rat into a jerkin, a tattoo onto a weasel’s face, these are easier said—with words—than done—with pictures. I would bet that putting a hat on a rabbit requires more sleight of hand than pulling a rabbit out of a hat. It’s the ears. Either the hat must have a roomy crown, or holes, or grooves in the brim, or else the ears get bent. I don’t know, the folks at Disney don’t seem to sweat it. But I prefer animals to be as nature intended: in the buff (fur and feathers, that is).

Sketch is one of many prepared for the 20th anniversary Redwall cover.