The DOODLES, DESIGNS, and aRT of CHRISTOPHER BURDETT: Resplendent Knight

I am thrilled to share another new piece from The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia! This illustration is for Book Two: The Completed Circle and is the next chapter art in the book. The hero has returned! Older, wiser(?), changed, and different, he is no longer the farmhand we once knew. He is bolder, more violent, and seems to relish in the destruction. Our hero charges into the Warren to save his companion and to bring justice to the Basilisk. He fights alone, needing no one but his wits and sword. Will he save the day?

Resplendent Knight
The Grand Bazaar of Ethra Dalia - The Completed Circle
11 x 14 - Pencil, ink, and acrylic paint on paper

Original - Contact me if interested
© 2025 Christopher Burdett

Resplendent Knight - Drawing

11 x 14 - Pencil on paper
© 2025 Christopher Burdett

Here is a look at the sketch and tonal study for the Resplendent Knight to show where it began.

Resplendent Knight - Sketch

Digital

Resplendent Knight - Tonal study

Digital

As a bonus, I have some images of the rendering process of this piece so that you can get a better idea of it taking shape. Again, this one had a more typical progression for me. As the background was more simplistic with the explosion, smoke, and dark environment I addressed that first. I then worked on the figure, then the Grynk, and finally again to the background when I added the white. I did something a little differently with the explosion. I went in first with an ink wash along the edges, followed by white pencil and paint. The layering of the pencil and paint over the ink gives me the specific look that I wanted.