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Nick Monitto's avatar

Great work on the art there! And thank you for sharing the feelings you had. I do kind of remember those "how to draw" things you mentioned. And yes, there did seem to be a bit of a jump like the "then a miracle occurs" bit in the "Far Side" comic. Or like how LEGO set instructions used to be where the difference between one picture and the next felt like several dozen blocks- or a whole new item!

I totally understand the feelings and have (still do) experienced them time and again.

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J.Q. Graziano's avatar

Thanks, Nick! It's comforting to hear that others had (have) similar feelings when creating. I'm glad you mentioned LEGOs - I thought they seemed way easier these days than as a kid. I figured I was just not fully developed enough as a kid (and obviously by how easily I can construct modern day LEGOs . . . a genius!)

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Eric Green's avatar

Your sea hag came out great. I've always had a soft spot for the pulp horror style. As a kid, it was scary but you knew a heroic knight or Doc Savage and the boys would swing in to save the day. Ha.

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J.Q. Graziano's avatar

I appreciate that, Eric, thank you! I find I do get enjoyment from pulpy/campy horror now. Not so much as a kid, although I did enjoy many of the old Vincent Price movies, The Twilight Zone (old & "new"), Amazing Stories, and Tales from the Crypt (along with those zany Scooby Doo villains and monsters!)

I never was exposed to Doc Savage. I've been wanting to explore that world a bit. Any recommendations to get started?

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Eric Green's avatar

I loved watching the old Vincent Price movies too.

The best way to start is probably The Man of Bronze and then The Fortress of Solitude. Those are the first two and kind of lay out structure and background for future stories.

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Bill's avatar

Great job! I can't draw a lick, so I enjoy seeing artists do their thing.

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J.Q. Graziano's avatar

lol - thank you, Bill! What kind of fantasy art, artists, or subjects do you like the best? I'll put it on my list for upcoming newsletters.

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Bill's avatar

One of my favorite artists is Russ Nicholson. His images from Fiend Folio were awesome, and put me to mind of the artwork from my beloved Fighting Fantasy books.

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Kevin Hinners's avatar

I love your art piece and commend you on sharing your process … and fears. I think it looks great. I especially like the details in the hands and face.

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J.Q. Graziano's avatar

Kevin, you're very kind, thank you! Funny enough, I wasn't planning on revealing my own inner challenges, but as I was writing the article, I thought, "What the heck". It was a bit scary at first, but then it felt pretty liberating by the end. If voicing my insecurities could help just one other person to pick up a pencil and give fantasy art a try, I would be thrilled. I look at this as a way to recapture the sense of Play most of us lost when becoming adults. Keep the Adventure Going STRONG, my friend!

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