2015 Fan Art Contest - THE WINNERS!

Dear Imps, this year's Goldstone Wood Fan Art Contest was such a blast. Seriously! So much talent on display. And more than that, so much class, grace, and sweet encouragement was demonstrated among all the wonderful artists who participated. Such a great group of people, all blessed with such artistic ability! It was a true joy to witness.

Huge thanks to all of those who wrote in to vote as well. The participation and enthusiasm was such fun, and it was even more fun to see all of the artists get at least a few votes for their efforts. But in the end, three images rose above the rest and became this year's winners. And those three images were . . .

THIRD PLACE

 

DAME IMRALDERA'S LIBRARY

Artist: Hannah Rogers

Medium: Watercolors

 Congratulations, Hannah! This image is a perfectly wonderful depiction of the Haven Library. And how adorable to see a scene from Dame Imraldera's daily life as she labors at her eternal task, only a little distracted by the attention-seeking Bard Eanrin. And Eanrin gazes at the lovely dame with such admiration . . . though she remains apparently oblivious! Your attention to detail is superb, your use of color gorgeous, and the characters look exactly as I would picture them. This is an image I want to frame and put right up on my wall!

You have won one autographed Goldstone Wood novel of your choice! Please email me (aestengl@gmail.com) to let me know which novel you would like and the mailing address to which it should be sent.

And now . . .

SECOND PLACE

 

UNA AND MONSTER

Artist: Christa Wilson

Medium: Pencil

Congratulations, Christa! This is a peerless depiction of Una in all her youth, sweetness, and naivete, enjoying a cuddle with her not-too-terribly reluctant pet/guardian! Monster looks quite pleased with himself (this is how he DESERVES to be appreciated, after all), and I just adore how perfectly fluffy he is. All the details make this image so lovely--Una's ring, the wildflowers in her hair . . . even Monster's little white muzzle (which looks exactly like my own dear Monster's muzzle with the white "slip" on one side! Don't think I didn't notice). You could not have drawn a more perfect portrait of these two characters.

You have won two autographed Goldstone Wood novels of your choice! Please email me (aestengl@gmail.com) to let me know which novels you would like and the mailing address to which they should be sent.

And finally . . . .

FIRST PLACE

 SUNAN CHALLENGES RISAFETH

Artist: Hannah Williams

Medium: Colored Pencil on Black Paper

Congratulations, Hannah! A well-deserved win indeed! Could there possibly be a more epic, more energized, more terrifying and simultaneously beautiful illustration? I think not! I am as breath-taken by this image now as I was the first time I saw it. Your striking use of high contrast, the out-of-this world perspective created by the driving rain, the roiling action of the water, and the characters . . . all comes together into an image that truly merits that shiny gold medal.

You have won a copy of the newest upcoming Goldstone Wood story, Draven's Light, plus two autographed Goldstone Wood novels of your choice. And let's not forget your very own most excellent Bard Eanrin hat (as designed by Paula Pruden-Macha, a fantastic artist in her own right). Please email me (aestengl@gmail.com) to let me know which novels you would like and the mailing address to which they (and your hat!) should be sent. 

Hold your horses! We're not through yet . . .

Because there were so many fine pieces sent in, I am also taking the liberty of naming the three runners-up for this year's contest.

Runner-Up #1:

 DREAMS OF REALITY

Artist: Courtney D.

Medium: Photomanipulation

Runner-Up #2:

 THE CHRONICLER'S RELUCTANCE

Artist: T. Gemmell

Medium: Watercolour Pencil

Runner-Up #3:

 THE FUNNY PAGES FROM DAME IMRALDERA'S RECORDS

Artist: Heather McDermott

Medium: Digital Art

Congratulations Courtney, T. Gemmell, and Heather! Your art was well-loved and appreciated by all the voters. You email me (aestengl@gmail.com) to claim your runners-up prize . . . a collection of Goldstone Wood bookmarks!

There you have it, dear Imps and readers all. The 2015 Fan Art Contest is at an end. But we'll be back next year with a whole new gallery of work for you to enjoy!

And don't worry: We have more contests coming up for this year as well. Be on the lookout for the official announcement of the 2nd Annual Goldstone Wood Music Contest to be held early this summer. And later this summer we'll be enjoying the 2015 Fan Fiction Contest, which is always a real treat. Let's not forget that 2015 will also be the year of the first ever Goldstone Wood Costume Contest, coming in October. So be thinking ahead for all of those contests. The next winner could be you!

Take a moment to congratulate all of this year's winners. Big thanks again to all of the participants whose beautiful work made this contest such a success.