"Allanon" by Joelle Duran

There are so many writer's that I've yet to discover. I should start keeping a running list of authors that I must check out. I sort have a soft spot in my heart for Druids anyway.

Heh heh, I was trying to think of why Allanon sounded familiar since I've never read Terry Brooks, then I saw the comment about "alcoholics anonymous." Too funny!

Yup, Al-anon is pretty darn close! *grins*

Nice pic! Although his pose could use a little work (he's a bit stiff) I really like the overall style of it. Why haven't I gone through your gallery more careful before?

Joelle Duran replies: "Augh, this is old and not a real favorite of mine now...but of the 'reams' of Allanon pictures I did, it was the most presentable. =)"

Aha! Allanon! Ooh, he was such a wretched, close-mouthed Gandalfian, but I did like him. ;D

Close-mouthed and even shorter-tempered and sharper-tongued! =D

Terry Brooks is terrific, though I find he's going the sad way of David Eddings with every new book he brings out lately (I am -so- indifferent to all those 'Ilse Witch' stories). 'Elfstones' was simply brilliant - I think he really hit the top of his game there. I loved 'Wishsong', too.

I haven't touched any of the Ilse stories...there's no Allanon for one, and they just didn't snag my attention. 'Elfstones' is my favorite too, but I also quite enjoyed his 'Knight of the Word' trilogy.

Right, right, the picture. ;D This is very close to the way I picture Allanon in my head - I guess it's hard to miss with Brooks' lengthy descriptions! - and I *really* like the stylised, illustration-like look of it all; it almost looks like a collage instead of a drawing. All that mist makes me think he's standing near the Hadeshorn. You know the Photoshop moves, don't you? ^_-

Joelle Duran replies: "Er, no...I'm learning the Photoshop moves, perhaps, but this was drawn with the mis-mash I used back in my pre-pc-drawing days: colored pencil for the most part, oil pastel, some crayon and pencil. The mist was a pain in the a$$. =P"

That is just -gorgeous- colouring, then! I thought it was a computer-generated texture. Why on earth have you stopped drawing, woman?! O_o

Joelle Duran replies: "Few reasons for that one. First being that writing suited me better for conveying what I wanted to convey...an illustration drawing really only has meaning for the people that know the subject matter, and an illustration is largely static. Second being I just really don't have time to keep many balls in the air. And thirdly, I turned away from the 'mixed media' because of (my perfectionism and) my frustration with being largely unable to fix mistakes once they were set in place. One can't erase or work over oil pastel and color pencil. I tried oil painting, since mistakes are more easily fixed, but simply didn't have time to master such a complex medium, or the money for the colors, or the proper sort of area to work in (tending to live in damp, dark environments does NOT mesh with oil painting).So I settled on computer drawing because I'm lazy, I don't have to be buying expensive supplies, I can rip something apart and start over if I must, and I don't have to have the massive clutter of having half-finished projects lying about in my already cluttered work-room. Drawing really isn't a priority to me at present, so I'm content with my current situation."

Terry Brooks is another one I've never read, I just kind of keep away from the *bigger* names of fantasy, until I finally give in, and focus on the lesser well known ones instead. Not a conscious thing, just something that happens. Might have to see what I can do about Terry Brooks now...

Well, let me warn you. The 'Sword of Shannara' is fun reading, but lots of people feel like it's a total Tolkien rip-off (myself not included) and his writing in his first book is just BAD (i.e. shoot his editor). I don't think I could bring myself to reread it now, but back in college I wasn't really writing yet and didn't have an eye for that. Having said that, the second and third books are more original and better written, and his writing has improved since then. If you want to know what it feels like to live in the rural Midwest of the U.S. and want a modern-day darkish fantasy, I highly recommend 'Running With the Demon' and the following two in the trilogy. They even have tuna casserole in there! (a favorite dish of mine) Obviously no Allanon in those books, though.

Anyway, the picture ^_^ I love the simplicity of the colours, gives a very moody feel to the picture. And I like the movement of his cloak. There are better pictures in your gallery, but he does have his own little charm ^_^

Joelle Duran replies: "I just couldn't have a gallery without him! He needs more representation in Elfwood! *brings out picket signs* "

Oooh, Allanon! I admit it's been so long since I read the books that I can barely remember the story (the story! Not the characters!). But it definitely looks Allanon-ly! ^-^

It's been a few years for me too, but I'll NEVER forget Allanon! =D

In truth, this is the first picture I've seen of him. Ever. Looks nice. I like the way he's holding his hand. Have to admit that I probably Liked Allanon the best from the characters. Not too sure about the series themselves anymore though. Read them in Dutch, I did. Never, ever read fantasy books in Dutch! (er, not that that would have a point anyway)

Well, let's just say his first book would drive your internal editor wild were you to read it in English. He's gotten better, though.

*sigh* I wish I could remember more about the story and the names to comment on this piece. I like the background. Looks very 'scene from the bookish' to me. Though I've forgotten the placename entirely. I like it muchly, though. ^-^ Any chance of more Allanon pictures?

Not in the future. I did a fair few pictures of him in college, but most aren't as good, or incomplete, or black-and-white, ect...

*reads comments* Oooh. I knew it looked book-sceney to me. *beams* See? I have the story stored in here somewhere. *knocks on her brain* Picture makes me want to re-read the books! ^-^

Joelle Duran replies: "I'm glad it brought back the books for you, that makes me feel successful! *struts around a little*Agh, so many stories, not enough time to read (or reread) them!"

Allanon....what is there to say..the epitome of what a true Druid would be imagined to be. When you have a series of books (Sword kinda bogged me down also) that takes a grip on you and you find yourself literally rooting with Par, Brin, Jair or whomever, you have found a rare jewel. Most books get read, put down and forgotten. I have all three of these novels, and read a little from one or the other every day. You can find yourself sympathizing with Allanon, and understanding why he reveals what he does, and why he hides what he doesnt. It would be hard to snag a movie audience with the Sword, but if you were able to do so, loyal fans would come for the Elfstone and Wishsong. I know I would be there, in the front row, opening night with my dark robes and cowl It is too bad that Sir Ian McKellan was marked for Gandalf. He would have made a great Allanon as well.

Joelle Duran replies: "Hmmm, I'm not very good at matching up actors and characters, since I pay no attention to the former. But it would be delightful to see movies made of those books, or tv series, so time constraints don't choke the plot. It would be too easy to have 'Sword' coming off like so many other B-grade sword & sorcery/D&D ripoffs, though.I certainly won't forget those books!"

It would be a good movie if it was done as a re-enactment of the book, as apposed to something cinematic. Movie makers can realy kill something like that.

They sure can. I shudder at what I hear they did to 'Earthsea.'

I think that you have described him wonderfully. That if even better than the picture.

Joelle Duran replies: "Thanks!"

I can't remember the last time I picked up any of Terry Brooks' novels. I do, however, recall enjoying his Shannara series immensely. It's a shame I only got as far as putting my hands on the cover of "Ilse Witch" and contemplating buying it. ^__^;

I haven't read 'Ilse' or any of his recent books, though the one he's got coming out next sounds interesting.

Great picture. I actually like the slight blurring; gives it a dusky, dark sort of quality.

Joelle Duran replies: "Thanks!"

He looks ominous...
You know, I really wish I could do hands as well as you. ^^;

Joelle Duran replies: "I'm glad to hear that, because he doesn't look ominous enough to my eyes. And thanks for the compliments on the hands! "

Dark and mysterious. Love how his cloak moved by wind

Joelle Duran replies: "Glad to hear the 'mysterious' comes across. I really have to do another picture of him someday."