This illustration was done recently for a book titled, Scandal's Daughter, by Christine Wells. It's a case where where I haven't read the book, so I can't comment on the writing or story, but it looks to be getting great reviews. I was given the barest of facts, the heroine's age, hair color, time period and a bit about her character. They also had a scene in mind, which is helpful, but the rest I basically made up and hoped it was right for the story. I went with the heroine's personality, which was independent and strong-willed. The publisher mentioned an English house in the distance and a horse grazing mid-ground, so I decided she had been riding, even though wearing her Regency dress. I gave her chamois gloves and a riding crop to help get that across and had her thoroughbred wearing a saddle. The idea of having her looking away from us, into the scene was requested from the art director and I really think it brings the viewer right into what she's looking at. This is also a way of allowing the female reader to place herself in the role of the heroine, and not get hung up on her face. In this case, the face, and body, too, belongs to Suzanne Fogarty, a model I have worked with many times and always is superb!
Please leave your comments!
Posts
7 comments:
Well, now, this is a surprise! I'm the author of Scandal's Daughter and I was absolutely thrilled with this cover.
What you weren't told, apparently, but which comes across to great effect, is that my heroine's entire life is bound up in this place, a bit like Scarlett O'Hara with Tara. So the cover really gets to the heart of the story's conflict. I like that we don't see her face, too. The hair colour is perfect, the dress is period (something many artists don't get right) and I love that the scene looks English. Love the colour and detail too. You did a wonderful job, James. Thank you.
Btw, would love to email you privately. Would you contact me on christineATchristine-wellsDOTcom please?
Thanks so much for your lovely comments, Christine!
Wow, I'm thrilled that I got it right and that it fits what you saw in your mind's eye. I certainly will contact you privately.
I adore this cover, James. It's perfect for the wonderful story inside. I also love that we can't see her face--very intriguing.
Vanessa
Hi Vanessa, Thanks for the compliment. Most of the time I love making these pictures and in this one the love must be showing!
Are you actively writing, being "authorness"
I am, James. Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to be published and have you as my cover artist. I can dream, can't I? :)
I'm looking forward to it, Vanessa! In the meantime, keep writing and don't loose hope. That dream can happen for real.
Post a Comment