Grasping Tree

Xibalba

One of the most amazing places I've ever been is the Mayan ruins of Tulum, in Mexico. It's one of my favourite places in the world and I hope I can go back again someday. I loved being there in the baking sun, surrounded by baby dragons iguanas sunning themselves on the stones.

The place inspired my apocalyptic story "Xibalba", featured in volume 2 of the Exotic Gothic 5 anthology.

I've been drawing and painting mostly animals and landscapes, especially trees. But for my first-ever building, I decided to do something from Tulum. Here are two paintings based on a photo I took when John and I were there on our honeymoon.

Obvious Love

My fourth and final AI painting. This one is called "Obvious Love". John thinks the trees are like the tripod aliens in War of the Worlds. Or maybe they're sailing in from a strange primordial sea. And what is that gleaming pool of light over which they stand guard?

Wakanda Forever!

Another request from my dad. This one was a real challenge.

(Reference photo by Lorri Kajenna on DreamsTime)

 

Panthera Leo

 My dad asked me to paint a lion. I wasn't sure where to start, so I tried a little portrait first, which he loved. In his words: "You definitely captured the essence of this guy!"  :-)

(Reference photo by Michael Bednarek on DreamsTime)

Encouraged, I painted this one next.

(Reference photo by GlobalP on iStock)

There be whales here!

They say the sea is cold, but the sea contains the hottest blood of all.

Dolphins

My very favourite animal of all, and my favourite to draw/paint.