Alphabet Attack! on i09!

The fine folks at i09 did an awesome feature on my alphabet-themed illustration series. Check it out here: http://io9.com/the-sci-fi-and-fantasy-themed-art-explosions-of-alphab-1632321587

Many thanks to Katharine Trendacosta (@k_trendacosta) for the favorable article. And big ups to the entire i09 team for running such an amazing website, chock full of science fact, science fiction, pop culture, fantasy and downright magical sources of endless inspiration!

From the Tardis to The Falcon,
- Dave Crosland

"Zephyr"

"Zephyr" / 11 x 17" / acrylic & ink on bristol board

At long last, we have reached the conclusion of Series 4. I'm ending this run with a westerly wind & an eerie seaside confrontation.

I'm not sure if those floating, black goo-headed swordsmen mean to do harm to our one-handed man. But from the looks of things, this isn't exactly the prelude to a friendly stroll on the beach. It only felt appropriate to close out with a snippet from an untold story that's been floating around in my head. This entire series has been made up of imaginary snapshots.

I've had an absolute blast creating all 26 illustrations in this series. To everyone who's followed the blog these past 5-and-a-half weeks, thanks so much for joining me on my little black & white tour de force. Please stay tuned for news, regarding my future plans for Alphabet Attack!, including the next series, a book collecting the art, and more.

Again, thanks for tuning in & giving me an extra incentive to go hog wild with a handful of pens, half a dozen brushes, and several gallons of ink!

- Dave C.

"Yonder"

"Yonder" / 9 x 12" / acrylic & ink on paper

Happy Monday, all! I recently watched a documentary, examining strategies for & against the bombing of civilian populations during wartime. It was very intriguing, but I couldn't keep my imagination from wandering. Over and over, I thought about how terrifying it must be to be bombed from the air. To hear the roar of those big airplane engines getting closer... to feel the thud of military grade explosives detonating nearby... knowing you'll probably have less neighbors when all that noise subsides... that is, if you don't become a casualty, yourself.

It's just so eerie to think that this is a pretty regular aspect of life, in some countries. We worry about our lattes and car payments, while other folks are worried about getting vaporized in their own homes.

- Dave C.

"Xylon"

"Xylon" / 9 x 12" / acrylic & ink on paper

I'm closing out this week's illustrations with a hanging gone terribly wrong. At least, it's gone wrong for the executioners. Apparently, the evil our five heroes have captured and hanged is far from dead.

Have an excellent weekend, and tune in next week for the final two drawings of Alphabet Attack! Series 4. I can hardly believe how close we are to the end!

- Dave C.

"Whip"

"Whip" / 9 x 12" / acrylic & ink on paper

Well, four series into Alphabet Attack! and it seems like I've finally embraced my erotic art urges. This image popped into my head, before I even knew which word I was going to illustrate. Lucky me, this particular fantasy happened to involve a nice little whip (particularly, a crop) for me to draw the title from.

I should also mention that I couldn't get the song "Let It Whip" by The Dazz Band out of my head, the whole time I was working on this. "Let's whip it, baby! Let's whip it right! Let's whip it, baby! Whip it all night!"

- Dave C.

"Velocity"

"Velocity" / 8.5 x 11" / acrylic & ink on paper

I recently saw a photo of someone skydiving and thought to myself, "Hmm... I wonder if I'll ever try that, someday."

I'm not afraid of heights. In fact, I find heights to be quite exhilarating. Whenever I travel to a city, I'll always do my best to find a rooftop or penthouse view, to check things out from. And I love going on flights, from jumbo jets to propeller-driven puddle jumpers. So it chances to follow that I'd enjoy skydiving.

Of course, standing on the roof of a tall building or sitting comfortably in coach are both VERY different from free-falling at 117 to 125 mph!

- Dave C.

"Unseen"

"Unseen" / 9 x 12" / acrylic & ink on paper

Strange creatures and a forbidden alleyway kick off this week's run of drawings. I'm particularly stoked for this leg of the trip, as it's my last full week of Monday through Friday illustrations. If all goes according to schedule, Series 4 will be completed a week from today.

Here's to hoping for a strong finish!

- Dave C.