Merlin Manuscript
Title: "OH! Arthur"
Art and words by: me
Rating: Art - G
Words - some cursing
Characters: Arthur, Merlin, Kilgharrah, and a chicken.
Mediums: watercolor and photoshop.
I was browsing through KMM, when I found this prompt.
Arthur/Gwen/Merlin/Morgana, art in the style of the fouteenth century kings/saints (for example, here - http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/475-2451 - is a fourteenth century drawing of King Arthur hunting)
Ding! Got some inspiration, and away I went.
Unfortunately for me, I was stuck trying to figure out what to put in the area where words are supposed to go. Since every illuminated manuscript I've seen has some words, and more importantly imagery paired with the words. One thing lead to another, and I found myself rhyming while walking dogs and I started writing them down while on the 4 train heading to The Met. Even though I'm not a writer I had good fun with this and I made the artwork around the story.
Finally, I want to say how much of a collaboration this really was.
I wouldn't have finished if it wasn't for the beta and metering talents of altocello. amphigoury for being a test consumer and adding her thoughts as a reader. And the amazing gwyntastic, who is seriously skilled in fitting text in an undersized frame and is the best cheerleader I could ask for.
Oh! Arthur was a king, courageous and brave.
Though very concussed in his poor addled brain.
His sister a bitch, his dad rightly slain; he had many troubles in his new golden reign.
Despite all these hardships, he snagged a hot wife, as well as a group of very fine knights.
Sir Leon, the immortal; He survived Series 2!
Sir Percy, the strongman; With muscles out the wazoo.
Sir Gwaine, the drunkard; Always good in a fight.
Sir Elyan, the possessed; Who had ghostly sight.
Sir Lancelot, the greatest; Was sadly fucked over by folks who can't write.
And with all these friends, the king had another.
His favorite of all, his manservant, a lover liar.
Year after year, the lies became deeper.
Poor Merlin, disheartened, remained a deceiver.
Told of great destiny and the two sides of coins, by a meddlesome dragon who liked playing with boys.
Protector and liar, the servant was true.
Saving the clotpole, many thanks was he due.
With such happy luck, the king became cocky, leaving his servant and taking his posse.
Fed up with the king (such a prat!), and the dragon, the servant called up a display of pure passion.
"I have magic!" he cried, bright golden-eyed, while waving a chicken from side to side.
"I'm done cleaning pots, your boots, and the trash. But mostly I'm sick of saving your ass."
Silence is golden, at least that's what they say, for the king had gone bugged-eyed and forgot what to say.
"Give me a raise or else I am through. I need a vacation to learn something new. Sorry for the lies, and the magic as well, but you shouldn't insult those who can send you to hell."
The king nodded numbly in total agreement, the most he could do in his shock and bereavement.
Our sorcerer, with great might, commanded one last humble thing.
Before he passed out in his own personal wing.
"I've gone up on the ladder, just so you know. I'm done playing manservant starting tomorrow."
His ranting all done, he gave up the fight.
All the faces he saw revealed looks of great fright.
Letting out a loud snort, he turned about face, and promptly tripped over a lone broken vase.
A hesitant chuckle around him arose, causing the group to let go of their woes.
Surrounded by laughter, the sorcerer gave up.
Flipped them the bird, and walked out in a huff.
Also on DA
Art and words by: me
Rating: Art - G
Words - some cursing
Characters: Arthur, Merlin, Kilgharrah, and a chicken.
Mediums: watercolor and photoshop.
I was browsing through KMM, when I found this prompt.
Arthur/Gwen/Merlin/Morgana, art in the style of the fouteenth century kings/saints (for example, here - http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/475-2451 - is a fourteenth century drawing of King Arthur hunting)
Ding! Got some inspiration, and away I went.
Unfortunately for me, I was stuck trying to figure out what to put in the area where words are supposed to go. Since every illuminated manuscript I've seen has some words, and more importantly imagery paired with the words. One thing lead to another, and I found myself rhyming while walking dogs and I started writing them down while on the 4 train heading to The Met. Even though I'm not a writer I had good fun with this and I made the artwork around the story.
Finally, I want to say how much of a collaboration this really was.
I wouldn't have finished if it wasn't for the beta and metering talents of altocello. amphigoury for being a test consumer and adding her thoughts as a reader. And the amazing gwyntastic, who is seriously skilled in fitting text in an undersized frame and is the best cheerleader I could ask for.
Oh! Arthur was a king, courageous and brave.
Though very concussed in his poor addled brain.
His sister a bitch, his dad rightly slain; he had many troubles in his new golden reign.
Despite all these hardships, he snagged a hot wife, as well as a group of very fine knights.
Sir Leon, the immortal; He survived Series 2!
Sir Percy, the strongman; With muscles out the wazoo.
Sir Gwaine, the drunkard; Always good in a fight.
Sir Elyan, the possessed; Who had ghostly sight.
Sir Lancelot, the greatest; Was sadly fucked over by folks who can't write.
And with all these friends, the king had another.
His favorite of all, his manservant, a lover liar.
Year after year, the lies became deeper.
Poor Merlin, disheartened, remained a deceiver.
Told of great destiny and the two sides of coins, by a meddlesome dragon who liked playing with boys.
Protector and liar, the servant was true.
Saving the clotpole, many thanks was he due.
With such happy luck, the king became cocky, leaving his servant and taking his posse.
Fed up with the king (such a prat!), and the dragon, the servant called up a display of pure passion.
"I have magic!" he cried, bright golden-eyed, while waving a chicken from side to side.
"I'm done cleaning pots, your boots, and the trash. But mostly I'm sick of saving your ass."
Silence is golden, at least that's what they say, for the king had gone bugged-eyed and forgot what to say.
"Give me a raise or else I am through. I need a vacation to learn something new. Sorry for the lies, and the magic as well, but you shouldn't insult those who can send you to hell."
The king nodded numbly in total agreement, the most he could do in his shock and bereavement.
Our sorcerer, with great might, commanded one last humble thing.
Before he passed out in his own personal wing.
"I've gone up on the ladder, just so you know. I'm done playing manservant starting tomorrow."
His ranting all done, he gave up the fight.
All the faces he saw revealed looks of great fright.
Letting out a loud snort, he turned about face, and promptly tripped over a lone broken vase.
A hesitant chuckle around him arose, causing the group to let go of their woes.
Surrounded by laughter, the sorcerer gave up.
Flipped them the bird, and walked out in a huff.
Also on DA