Unwinnable Odds - The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia

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 penultimate chapter art in the book. The hero in the bowels of the Warren, seeking to bring justice to the vile Basilisk, has come face-to-face with Giant Eaters. What hope does he have against such... Unwinnable Odds. Will he survive the day?

Unwinnable Odds
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

 

Unwinnable Odds - Drawing 

11 x 14 - Pencil on paper
© 2025 Christopher Burdett

 

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

  

Unwinnable Odds - Sketch 

 Digital 

 © 2025 Christopher Burdett

 

Unwinnable Odds - Tonal study

 Digital 

 © 2025 Christopher Burdett

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. This one was straightforward. Started with the main character focal point and worked my way down the grasping hands. I finished with the background because I wanted to try something different and experiment with the process. I had some fun, which is the point of it all. And a BONUS bonus image to start things out. 

A look at the drawing table while I was working on the line art.

I shared this with those subscribing to my mailing list. You too could subscribe! 

 © 2025 Christopher Burdett

Unwinnable Odds - Process

© 2025 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