Question: Which came first, the draghicken or the egg?
Answer: The dragalmatian.
D E L ' S L A I R
Prelude to DRAGONOMICON
What gift does one give to a friend who already has “everything”? If one is an artist, a unique token for such a person might be an original work of art created especially for the individual in question.
Fig. 1. Original black and white ink drawing. 1992
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In the autumn of 1992 and in preparation for the upcoming holiday season, I designed a custom painting for Mr. Herman Schneider, formerly of Laguna Niguel, California. The small acrylic painting was intended as a surprise gift for Christmas. Mr. Schneider, a world renowned custom knife maker and very much an artist in his own right, possessed a particular fondness for Dalmatian dogs. His many friends would often give him and his wife, Ruth, souvenirs and novelty items related to the Dalmatian breed. By example, a matched set of salt and pepper shakers, white with black spots, were given as humorous mementos.
Prior to his move to Texas, and again to California, Herman had commissioned me to produce a large fantasy painting that contained as one of its primary elements, a dragon. As a result, the idea for an unusual Christmas present was spawned. What would be more suitable and lighthearted than a cartoon dragon that was part Dalmatian? The illustration shown represents the original black and white ink drawing from which the painting was eventually rendered. Click here to see and read more about Herman and his artistry. After the holidays and due to the popularity of the finished piece, it became my intention to create additional works, even a series of them, all based upon the central theme of fanciful, whimsical hybrids. “Dragreatures” (dragons plus creatures) who somehow possessed both the traits of mythical dragons and the characteristics of more typical, recognizable animals. |
My wife, Madeline, suggested that a brief story could also accompany the characterizations. A simple tale that would weave the series into a coherent, logical whole. Several years and thousands of hours later, consuming long periods of discussion and planning, development and critique, the rest (as they say) is history.
For Madeline and me, the experience of bringing DRAGONIA to fruition continues as the proverbial “labor of love”. For those who venture beyond, who follow their own journey through the pages and books that follow, it is our wish that they too will discover something of value, some lasting image, a bit of mirth, or a temporary and pleasant diversion from mediocrity.
For Madeline and me, the experience of bringing DRAGONIA to fruition continues as the proverbial “labor of love”. For those who venture beyond, who follow their own journey through the pages and books that follow, it is our wish that they too will discover something of value, some lasting image, a bit of mirth, or a temporary and pleasant diversion from mediocrity.
DEL'S Assortment of Signed and Numbered Art Prints
(Assuming this site has a shopping cart. Which it doesn't. Never assume)*
All images are POD (printed-on-demand) on quality stock and suitable for framing. I supervise and approve the production of every order, then hand sign and give each their own identification letters and numbers. All prints are open editions. The number that accompanies each print reflects approximately how many of that particular image have been printed as of the current date. Except in rare circumstances, this number will indicate quantities much smaller than most limited editions. Please note that all prints are indelibly identified as the exclusive product of the DRAGONOPOLIS website. All prices currently reflect zero demand as of November, 2013. If or when this changes, pricing will be affected accordingly and may increase without prior notification. Then again, how would you notify everyone beforehand?
As you browse through the images on display, it's also important to remember that they're not intended as simple purchase items sitting on a virtual store shelf hoping some buyer will come along and order one -- or a bunch. That's not the purpose of any of the artworks found on this website. Okay, so it's not their only purpose. First and foremost many of the images are more similar to written works than they are pieces of art. They each tell a story of how an artist (me) attempted -- and ofter struggled -- to complement words with art and vice versa. In some cases only a slight or subtle difference exists between one picture and the next, and each is presented here as a historical document which may or may not be for sale. I've captioned the ones I think are worth owning, but whether one sells or none, the point was always to amuse and inform, and only secondarily to sell something -- should anyone be interested.
As is the same for all images in all departments, the letters and numbers printed below a given picture mean the following:
1) That the artwork is for sale. Quick, alert the media!
2) The letter and number combination identifies a specific image for cataloging/accounting purposes.
3) The last number(s) separated by a dash represents the total number of (authorized) prints produced and in circulation.
In the following example: D1 stands for Del-One, and -001 stands for Del-One with one print sold.
The final serial identification looks like this: D1-001.
Available Print Sizes:
As of December, 2013, two sizes of prints can be ordered. Small and Large. How simple is that? So what are the actual sizes?
1) Small constitutes a basic 8"x10" (plus or minus) image printed on a standard 8 1/2"x11" sheet of heavy, photo-quality paper. Signed, cataloged, and dated.
2) Large constitutes a basic 10"x16" (plus or minus) image printed on a standard 11"x17" sheet of heavy, photo-quality paper. Signed, cataloged, and dated.
All prints are matt or glossy (your choice) rolled in cardboard tubes and accompanied by certificates of authenticity -- all of which are signed separately.
Important note: All COAs (certificates of authenticity) are ascribed to a specific print and cannot be transferred. This is a cool feature whereby each certificate references the exact print for which it was issued. This further validates and ensures that your purchase is the genuine article. It also enhances resale value for when these prints become priceless treasures worth their weight in gold. Then again they don't weigh very much. Maybe that's not the best comparison. Anyway, you know what I mean. Thanks. Click here to see what the certificates look like.
Yet to be determined is the printing technique itself which will be utilized. Since all prints are POD (print-on-demand) the choices are either via a laser or inkjet (giclee) process, both of which have their advantages and disadvantages. My method of choice is inkjet and until further notice, it will be the process employed for producing all prints. Price may be a determining factor because I want maximum quality for the lowest possible price, which I then want to pass on to my multitude of patrons. Including the one or two who actually buy something.
At least at first, it is my intention to sell exceptional quality prints at ridiculously low prices. Especially for signed and numbered collectibles. I do this because while it's true that not everyone is in the market for dragon prints or other fanciful fare, folks are always looking for a bargain, particularly if it's likely to be temporary. My prints are ideal as gifts for the young (and old) at heart. They're great for folks who collect animals but don't have the dragon hybrid version of their favorite. The prints are also nice as complementary adjuncts for fans of the DRAGONIA trilogy, the DRAGONS AMONG US series, or as keepsakes and mementos. Lastly, for the true collector, this is a golden opportunity to acquire complete (discounted) sets of all the characters while they last -- especially at these prices. I'm also willing to sell specially selected "suites" of three or more characters, chosen either by me or by you, and priced accordingly. Such a deal!
So come one, come all, come none. This is the art of DRAGONOPOLIS.
* Post Script: Since the decision was recently made not to include a shopping cart at this time, all sales and marketing information is for future use only. No prints or other merchandise are currently available except by special arrangement with the artist (me). Please drop me a quick note for additional details. Thanks.
As you browse through the images on display, it's also important to remember that they're not intended as simple purchase items sitting on a virtual store shelf hoping some buyer will come along and order one -- or a bunch. That's not the purpose of any of the artworks found on this website. Okay, so it's not their only purpose. First and foremost many of the images are more similar to written works than they are pieces of art. They each tell a story of how an artist (me) attempted -- and ofter struggled -- to complement words with art and vice versa. In some cases only a slight or subtle difference exists between one picture and the next, and each is presented here as a historical document which may or may not be for sale. I've captioned the ones I think are worth owning, but whether one sells or none, the point was always to amuse and inform, and only secondarily to sell something -- should anyone be interested.
As is the same for all images in all departments, the letters and numbers printed below a given picture mean the following:
1) That the artwork is for sale. Quick, alert the media!
2) The letter and number combination identifies a specific image for cataloging/accounting purposes.
3) The last number(s) separated by a dash represents the total number of (authorized) prints produced and in circulation.
In the following example: D1 stands for Del-One, and -001 stands for Del-One with one print sold.
The final serial identification looks like this: D1-001.
Available Print Sizes:
As of December, 2013, two sizes of prints can be ordered. Small and Large. How simple is that? So what are the actual sizes?
1) Small constitutes a basic 8"x10" (plus or minus) image printed on a standard 8 1/2"x11" sheet of heavy, photo-quality paper. Signed, cataloged, and dated.
2) Large constitutes a basic 10"x16" (plus or minus) image printed on a standard 11"x17" sheet of heavy, photo-quality paper. Signed, cataloged, and dated.
All prints are matt or glossy (your choice) rolled in cardboard tubes and accompanied by certificates of authenticity -- all of which are signed separately.
Important note: All COAs (certificates of authenticity) are ascribed to a specific print and cannot be transferred. This is a cool feature whereby each certificate references the exact print for which it was issued. This further validates and ensures that your purchase is the genuine article. It also enhances resale value for when these prints become priceless treasures worth their weight in gold. Then again they don't weigh very much. Maybe that's not the best comparison. Anyway, you know what I mean. Thanks. Click here to see what the certificates look like.
Yet to be determined is the printing technique itself which will be utilized. Since all prints are POD (print-on-demand) the choices are either via a laser or inkjet (giclee) process, both of which have their advantages and disadvantages. My method of choice is inkjet and until further notice, it will be the process employed for producing all prints. Price may be a determining factor because I want maximum quality for the lowest possible price, which I then want to pass on to my multitude of patrons. Including the one or two who actually buy something.
At least at first, it is my intention to sell exceptional quality prints at ridiculously low prices. Especially for signed and numbered collectibles. I do this because while it's true that not everyone is in the market for dragon prints or other fanciful fare, folks are always looking for a bargain, particularly if it's likely to be temporary. My prints are ideal as gifts for the young (and old) at heart. They're great for folks who collect animals but don't have the dragon hybrid version of their favorite. The prints are also nice as complementary adjuncts for fans of the DRAGONIA trilogy, the DRAGONS AMONG US series, or as keepsakes and mementos. Lastly, for the true collector, this is a golden opportunity to acquire complete (discounted) sets of all the characters while they last -- especially at these prices. I'm also willing to sell specially selected "suites" of three or more characters, chosen either by me or by you, and priced accordingly. Such a deal!
So come one, come all, come none. This is the art of DRAGONOPOLIS.
* Post Script: Since the decision was recently made not to include a shopping cart at this time, all sales and marketing information is for future use only. No prints or other merchandise are currently available except by special arrangement with the artist (me). Please drop me a quick note for additional details. Thanks.
"Del Teaches His New Friend An Old Trick"
The Full-Color Black & White Edition
The No-Color B&W Line-Art Edition
Del Sitting Atop DRAGONIA
(not a particularly clever title, but accurate)
Del In Front Of A Red Oval
(when it comes to titles, don't try to be too clever)
* * * *
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