Bumbling Assistants - The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia

I am happy to share another new piece from The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia. This illustration is the second completed work for Book Two: The Completed Circle. This new piece focuses on two wayward Yotes trying to make their way in the world beyond the Grand Bazaar. At least the theory is that they are Yote according to what remains of the original text. It can all get a little confusing. I present to you the Bumbling Assistants.

Bumbling Assistants

The Grand Bazaar of Ethra Dalia - The Completed Circle
13 x 17 - Pencil, ink, and acrylic paint on paper
Original - SOLD

All currently available originals

© 2020 Christopher Burdett

 

Bumbling Assistants - Drawing 

13 x 17 - Pencil on paper
© 2020 Christopher Burdett

 

Typically, I share the final art and the line drawing that will eventually become the line art in a coloring book. I rarely have, or never, share the original sketch that I create for these pieces. As with all of my work, I start with references and a digital sketch to work out the idea in my head for these images. You should be able to draw a straight line from the digital sketch to the finished art. More detail is added, and elements are fleshed out along the way, but the overall piece is locked in during the sketch. Here is the sketch for the Bumbling Assistants.

 

 

Bumbling Assistants - Sketch 

13 x 17 - Digital
© 2020 Christopher Burdett

While rare, Yote can be seen living and traveling beyond the Grand Bazaar. Their skill sets are often limited to jobs and responsibilities prized under the tenting, but with enough creativity, they can be modified for use in the world. These two Yote have struck out on their own to make a name and a fortune for themselves. Their journeys have led them to Thraaka and an unexpected meeting with a young farmhand.

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. 

Below is one final process image. This was the point at which I thought I was finished with the piece initially. It seemed to check all the boxes, and I was happy with it. I sat on the image for a while, peaking at it from time to time to see if I was still pleased with it. I slowly grew unsatisfied with the background/foreground separation and the middle portion of the piece. The silhouette of the figures was being lost to the background, and there was not enough pop. I worked on the illustration some more until I was happy with the contrast and finally decided it was finished.

 

Bumbling Assistants - Process

© 2020 Christopher Burdett

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here on Wednesday! Until then...   

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com