Patron commission for Magnifico Elena as gift to Rogue Po for his elevation to Pelican Order in SCA. Is specifically NOT SCA-award art, is art for wall as token of esteem and friendship. Required elements included: Illustration of specific duel photo, Lyrics from filk important to them, Cthulhu references, Specific Eris image, and easter eggs where possible. Patron requirements: Portraiture work. Letter of Marque. White scarf. Text being written by Magnifico Elena, full translation being in image of Calligraphy practice.

Style being open, inspiration choice being blend Isabella Breviary and Hours of Catherine of Cleves. Interpretation Cleves Hellmouth into Cthulhu mouth.. Main image being “Duel at Gates of Hell.” Tentacles from Cthulhu mouth become intertwining vines similar to Isabella border works. Recognition being is “similar” but nowhere near “duplicative.” Text works also being follow Isabella illuminated text pages with balanced layout and “space fill” illuminations.

Patron’s requirement for portaits being difficult. Specific choice also to follow closer-to-realistic illustration similar to St. Barbara on Cleves rather than Isabella’s more representative style. Success being that images identifiable. Discussion with other artists having hints on improvement options. Future work there to come, Patron content with effort on this one. Crossroads Demon illustration having capture body movement, Duel at Gates having captured look of original.

Options for period pigments being greatly limited by style. Color choices being more than Patron has in stores by great deal. Patron make promise acquire more range of colors and shades. Choice being use what is being on-hand and mix with other gouache options and adapt. Minor bits of leafing being used on edge. Many days fighting result of gesso being finicky in environment. Humidity change in later days being helpful and allowed somewhat success. Future refrence, make own in future. Result being likely slow down rate of pieces using gold. Patron likely happy with option, being is gentler on wallet.

Calligraphy being very specific choice using “tengwar elvish.” Demonstration of Patron’s affinity statement “Calligraphy being art, not being writing.” Patron being make video on subject, summary being that stroke- and line-symmetry, flow, spacing and consistency being key aspect to calligraphy, type of letter being mostly irrelevant, using “faux” hand or as is being in this case “invented language”, perfect opportunity to practice doing calligraphy for piece being presented. Focus on practice, precision and execution, prior to putting pen to final piece. Several many pages of practice on same material as final piece. Earlier attempts show obvious areas of improvement.

Being much more can say on detail, much learning being done. Patron happy with learning lessons. Resting now, tomorrow being start new work in queue. That one being very different than previous, closer to Patron’s Lady’s Laurel.

Progression Video