Gryphon's Bits

I have oft pondered over the various names of awards in the Kingdom of Artemisia, and while I hold great respect and reverence over what they are and represent, at the same time I can't help but smile at the irony that the awards inevitably dissect our beloved Gryphon. The latest installation of this occasional artist is one such award: The Gryphon's Heart.

Having watched Giovanni aka Rat grow in the society and develop into a gentleman (a flirtatious one, but one nonetheless), has been a pleasure and it was thusly meaningful for me to be asked to create his Gryphon's Heart.

I didn't have much lead time on this piece and therefore needed something that would pull together very quickly. I also wanted something that was a little more masculine than the typical flowers/ivy borders that are quickly put together. When I found an oak leaf border in the Hours of Catherine of Cleves, I knew I had to do it (oak trees are strong and manly, right?).

I used Windsor and Newton Gouache in shades of green, and Holbein Brilliant Gold gouache for the acorns. Ideally those would have been done in gold leaf, but I had none available, and no time to procure any.

I used Higgins Eternal ink for the text, and it's all done on Bristol vellum finish hot press.

In other, somewhat unrelated news, I had a flood of sorts in my art studio (kitchen sink was directly above my bookshelves), and while I was lucky to not have any significant damage to my beloved books, the room needed serious work. I had to relocate everything out of the room so that the ceiling could be fixed, carpet torn up, disinfected, padding replaced, relaid, and cleaned... on and on. It's all done now, and I have a room once again, which has been greatly improved through the process. I also have a brand new set of shelves that is begging to be put together which will help my storage needs!