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Theophilia — Crown of the World Novella
Published: 2011-02-07 18:30:33 +0000 UTC; Views: 9902; Favourites: 124; Downloads: 95
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"The Crown of the World: Novella Cover"November 29th, 2010
Watercolor and Ink
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"A man never deserves a sword until he can hold it by the blade. His hands may bleed; but it is then that he sees the Cross." (The Return of Don Quixote by G.K. Chesterton)
I drew this all the way back in November and I didn't put it up until now because I wanted to try and wait until I at least finished the first comic page of the Crown of the World novella of Nathan Sadasivan's prologue that I've been planning on doing for ages. But of course, I am lazy, and I haven't gotten around to it. I haven't put anything up for a few days, and finally said to myself, "Why not?" So here's Godfrey, in all of his over-saturated glory, with the La Beausceant waving in the background.
Well, I am at least somewhat satisfied with it. I *slightly* fixed his left-eye, which was the cause of much Facebook-status-griping. This is supposed to be the "cover" for my Graphic Novella (that I will do...eventually...) of the Prologue of Crown of the World. Because I felt like I'd need a cover. Because proper comics have covers.
I wanted to experiment a bit with different watercolor styles. I've been an admirer of ~Achen089 for a long time, and I really love her illustrative look to her watercolor paintings. Because one of the main visual "themes" of Crown of the World is the crown of thorns, I wanted Godfrey to be ringed about in a crowny hedge of thorns. However, roses also go very well with thorns, and, incidentally, they just so happen to be the colors of the Knights Templar: red and white. AND those two colors represent two very important concepts, namely, purity and martyrdom which tie in perfectly with Godfrey (not that he gets martyred...as far as I know anyway. The author may have different plans for him though...). So, I really loved the way ~Achen089 painted the roses in her portrait of Sleeping Beauty ([link] ), so I wanted to do something very similar.
Alas, I do not have a very gentle hand with watercolors. While ~Achen089 's pictures are light and airy, mine are heavy and dark. AND super-saturated. I was very frustrated with parts of this piece, partly the colors, but MOSTLY because Godfrey's eyes WERE JUST NOT COOPERATING!!!
And by the way, the rainbow ponies called, they want their colors back. And it looks like he rolled around in a sewage ditch to boot. *facepalm*
And why are his hands bleeding? No, it is not because Godfrey is a masochistic freak. Because he's not. It's because when trying to sketch a pose for this picture I got that top quote stuck in my head. So yeah.
I'm still not happy with that left eye.
It looked better in the sketch. He looks like a whipped puppy......well....
I always draw him looking like a whipped puppy.
Poor Godfrey.Crown of the World Prologue Novella:
Crown of the World Prologue Novella Cover 
Page I: "I Lift My Eyes Up to the Hills" 
Page II: Too Far to the South Page III: Cutting back North Page IV: "Like the Old Days" Page V:”The Messengers from Cairo” Page VI: "Homesick for Damascus" Page VII: "Chasing Shadows" Page VIII: "Deliver Us From Our Enemies” Page IX: "Malik’s Plan" Page X: "A Prey to their Teeth" Other Crown of the World inspired pieces:
The Crown of the World Outremer: The Land Beyond the Sea The Holy City: Jerusalem25 Expressions: Godfrey de Montferrat Malik, Godfrey and Jacques sketch Oh Godfrey Poor Jacques An (almost) Friendless Templar A Serenading Saracen Godfrey meets Baldwin IV Well, this is awkwardA Beef with Gerard de Ridefort Godfrey's Singing Dreams of Chivalry Dormez-vous? Godfrey and Baldwin-Calvin and Hobbes Style Godfrey de Montferrat, Knight of the Temple Boys will be Boys Drinking Buddies What do you do with a Drunken Templar? Chibi Godfrey The Templar's Adoration Crown of the World Novella Cover "Crown of the World" belongs to Nathan Sadasivan.
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Comments: 95
Wonderful cover, honestly, the whole composition with the Templar banner looks awesome, I like the colours and I have to agree, he does have a bit puppy eyes but that is not a bad thing 
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compliment very god work am reading and our lord bless you
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This looks awesome....I'm totally going to read this!
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Very nicely done 
I like each and every page of your graphic novella, and I looking forward to see new one!
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THANK YOU!!! 
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Wonderful piece.
Others have already complimented the colours, the detailing of the thorns, the flower petals, the blood, Godfrey's eyes and so on, but I think what I like most about it is how much it looks like an illustration from an illuminated manuscript (and here I think the very denseness of your watercolours plays to your advantage). The use of the crown of thorns to frame Godfrey, the twist of his body, the angling of his head, placement of his arms and tilt of his wrists as he presents his sword... it all seems very mediæval (plus, adding Chesterton quotes automatically makes everything more awesome).
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THANK YOU!! 
By the way, I love your Polish Hussar icon there.
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Well, I have to say your efforts on the pose certainly bore fruit.
Heh, Chesterton, yes, can't say enough about him. The way that man had with words...
Glad you like the icon, by the way. It comes from a piece by Władysław Benda. It seemed rather appropriate, since my username is a reference to the Battle of Vienna in 1683.
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Awww, shucks 
I know right? He should be a Doctor of the Church...
I need to read more about the Battle of Vienna. Its like, one of the most critical battles in the history of Western Civ and I don't know much about it. Fail.
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Beautiful details, as usual!
I saw this and thought "Ah! Hands! Sword! Blood! Why are you holding it by the blade?!" Then I read the Chesterton quote and was enlightened. Very deep
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Awww, thanks!!!
Hahahaha, yes, BLOOD. "SILLY TEMPLAR. THAT'S THE WRONG WAY TO HOLD A SWORD."
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I love the colors, how they all seem to have scarlet underlying them- which fits well with the meaning of the blood. Very fairy tale too!
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Thank you!! 
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Not to sound like a creep, but I love the blood. 
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THANK YOU!!! 
I hope he likes them!
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You're very welcome! I'm glad you agree. ;3
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This is stunning. I always love when I see your work in the DA Catholics group, because it's always something I think is awesome. :3
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Thanks! ^^ Proud to be Catholic, what can I say? We have a very rich and beautiful and most epic historical legacy.
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Great that you're Catholic, I am too and like you very proud of it.I'm pleased to see that one of your favourite stamps is pro-life. My family are members of SPUC.
Many of your art works are very beautiful and I have several of them in my favourites. Keep up the good work!
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Thank you!!! 
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Have you seen the Passion of the Christ?
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Well, many things, but to be concise, I thought it was an a amazing movie.
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Good thanks.BTW have you read the book on the life of Venerable Anne de Guigne?
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I have not. Who was she? I've never heard of her. At least, I don't think I have. I don't recognize the name.
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Hi,
I’m glad you asked. Anne was a lovely little girl who lived between 1911 and 1922. She started off like most young kids- a bit selfish and stubborn but changed when she was 4.She gave everything up for Our Lord and from then on spent her short life always thinking of others. She suffered a great deal of illness and died very young full of love till the end. What makes her special is that she made everyone around her laugh and smile all her life and never complained. Wouldn’t it be nice if we were all the same?
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Happy Easter may God bless you.
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Happy Easter to you as well! May the resurrected Christ reign in your heart!
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Thank you. Btw I would strongly recommend the Venerable Anne de Guigne book.
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That looks painful. It is very pretty though; I love the coloring, especially on the sky.
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Heeheh, probably.
Thank you!!! I was really annoyed about it when I was first finished with it, but I suppose I am reconciled enough with it now.
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All the self-criticizing aside, I quite like this one.
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Why, thank you!!
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You're welcome! Yes he is amazing! 
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Ditto! 
YAAAAY! GAH-FWEE HAS PURTY EYES!!!
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