Practical Guides

I realized recently that I have worked on three of the "Practical Guide" books from Mirrorstone and have yet to share any of the images. Practical Guide to Fairies, Practical Guide to Vampires, and most recently Practical Guide to Dragon Magic. I'm including one image from each book. I'm interested in showing these because one of the common printing effects of the three books was that they were all printed on a natural colored, course paper stock, and the color and contrast of these images was drastically effected in the process, and one even got flipped horizontally. (C'est la Vie). This will be the first time the public has seen them as I painted them. I hope you enjoy!



















"Dragon Gazing"
8"x10" digital
Practical Guide to Dragon Magic
©2010Wizards of the Coast




















"Olly Olly Oxen Free"
9"x12" digital
Practical Guide to Vampires
©2009 Wizards of the Coast















"Fairy Waltz"
10"x7" digital
Practical Guide to Fairies
©2009 Wizards of the Coast



I really have fun working on books with a younger audience in mind, there is a playfulness that is encouraged, and the work is not so earnest! I've always wished to illustrate a children's book and this has been a wonderful opportunity to explore my children's/YA style. I actually have two children's picture books in development in my free time (which means I haven't worked on them in months), but I hope to be able to put more images together here and on my website.

Thanks.

WOC





©2010 William O'Connor Studios
www.wocstudios.com