Here Be Dragons
Well, 'Here Be Dragons' is out there and doing very well - number one in Germany!
On one of my recent social media posts, I mentioned that I would give more detail about this commission. Here it is:
I was in touch by telephone with Avantasia's head man, Tobias Sammet, just after the passing of Magnum's Tony Clarkin, last year. We talked at length about the relationship Tobi has with Magnum, via Bob Catley, who sings with both bands.
Tobi sent me an amazing unfinished song, that he had written almost instantaneously, stating his affinity with the Magnum boys of which I seem to be one ("We are the others", he said) and the influence my dragons had taken in his plans for the 'Here Be Dragons' album.
Later, as we discussed the album art, it became clear that the front cover should be dominated by a dragon - words like "coat of arms" were mentioned by Tobi. Fortunately, I managed to sidestep that one, however, the final dragon seems to have a heraldic pose, while fitting quite well into the panoramic scene.
Dragon poses - both open and closed wings considered
My original idea was to have a black dragon, until the background colours were decided, by which time I considered that it would get lost - without telling Tobi, I went for a red one!
With talk of Avalon, Arthur, fens, etc., I knew the scene had to be Glastonbury Tor. Having lived quite close to the area for many years I often, viewed the Tor from atop the nearby Mendip Hills - on occasions it would appear to be floating on a sea of mist (suggestive of the Isle of Avalon.)
The trees look on
It was Tobi's idea to have his scarecrow icon on the reverse side, while the progression of goblins/wizards/warriors/etc., serve to bring a tie-in with my earlier Avantasia artwork 'The Timepiece' from the album 'The Mystery of Time' (you might like to identify the one character that appears on both covers?)
Scarecrow - playing around with poses
An array of goblins
I should explain, that recently I announced that I will not be taking on any more record album artwork commissions. Sarah and I now need to concentrate on our own intellectual properties - long neglected. That said, I will miss the fun of working with so many musicians on their heartfelt projects. I have made many good friends along the way! But hey! - what better could I do than to go out on Magnum's 'Here Comes the Rain' and Avantasia's 'Here Be Dragons'!?
The finished pencil drawing
