**All images on this site are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any way without written permission from Rhonda Libbey or copyright holder
NEWS
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9/22/09
Wow, am I bad at updating my website or what?
The good news? I am planning a drastic overhaul to my website, complete with new design and all of the images I have done over the past year or so, none of which are currently posted, I believe.
Also I want to let you know that I have started a regular blog! I update it with images and musings every week. I invite you to click on the link below and follow my blog:
http://rhondalibbey.blogspot.com/
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12/19/08
Happy Holidays to all!
As 2008 has been quite a good year for me, and 2009 promises to be even better! I have met some of the most kind people in my travels and at conventions. I have had the opportunity to work on some really fun projects too. And while I cant share my most recent work with you until it is published, I when I can post it, I'm sure you will love it. I can say that I have done quite a lot of CCG (collectable card game) work this year and more. My thanks to all who have made it possible.
In early 2009 I plan to launch a new website! new work, new design, same address! so come and check back, I will speak to you again in the new year.
God bless!
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08/12/08
In the morning I leave for Indianapolis and Gen Con.
I wanted to let you all know which original paintings I am taking there for sale, some of you will be interested to note that there are some Call of Cthulhu paintings in the midst. They are:
Safari Hunter
Sleeping Pills
Warm Furs
Endless Investigation
Galleran - the kingdom of light (cover ... but will not be for sale)
Queen Anne's Revenge (this lovely ship painting was completed just last week and it is the first in my Blackbeard collection. I do not have a digital image of this yet, but this one will be for sale)
For those of you who are seriously intersted in purchasing any of these, but will not be able to attend Gen Con this year... either send me an email, ASAP or call me by phone. Those of you who already have my number are those of you who I might expect to hear from by that route. I will not have internet access during most of the next 5 days but I will try to check it at least once.
Also, I have initiated an informal "artist's forum" of sorts for those of us who will be able to attend Gen Con. I am not sure how we will get together and when exactly, but I did manage to throw together a document with some helpful listings, tips, and topics to discuss. My goal with this is to improve the market and quality of life for all fantasy artists, and this is the only place I know where to start. I will have photo copies of these forum notes at my table this year, so stop on by and ask for one if you are interested.
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07/17/08
Aaaaaah! Life is sweet when you have a chance to relax! A week ago I was in the Outer Banks researching Blackbeard for a new project. Sure, maybe my research involved drinking rum on the beach with my toes were in the sand, but I was still working and I did other stuff too. ;o) The research went very well and I hope to put my newly found knowledge to use very soon. I intend to create some historically accurate pieces on the matter in an effort to help encourage folks to study history, ...plus it will be fun.
In other news I will certainly be at Gen Con this year selling prints and signing books. I have also decided to bring a couple of original paintings along and place a price tag on them. I have never before sold original art at any convention, so this will be the first opportunity anyone would have to own one of my original works of art. And since I create my illustrations in a classical method I have quite a collection of paintings hanging out in my flat files.
That being said, there is only enough room to bring a couple of them and I am unsure of which ones to bring. Can you help me deside? I am accepting suggestions for which originals to bring! If you are have a favorite image email the title of it to me by clicking here:
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ORIGINAL ART
or you can just contact me at rhonda@rhondalibbey.com.
I will be accepting votes until August 11, 2008.
The original paintings of Joan of Arc and St. Michael and the Dragon are still hanging at the Heinz History Center. Where they will remain until September of this year, but perhaps longer.
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05/07/08
Just putting the finishing touches on my site update. Lots of new works to see! and there are many more that have to wait until I have more time. Hopefully the next time I update the 'ol site in a major way it will be with a completly new look.
I have more nice black & white works slated for Call of Cthulhu and Prophecy. The Prophecy book (Galleran: Kingdom of Light) should be available this summer and the Call of Cthulhu book should be ready by Halloween. Both really great stories too I might add, but I will not ruin your surprise. :o)
Also it looks like the card art I did for - A Game of Thrones, Call of Cthulhu, and Red Dragon Inn 2 - should all be available in time for Gen Con '08 ! ... that is if all goes well.
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04/15/08
Holy cow... Has it really been that long since my last update?
Super sorry about that. The truth is I have been so busy creating new art that it has been virtually impossible to update my website. True!
That being said, I have a TON of new work to upload for your enjoyment. Works that have appeared in Call of Cthulhu, A Game of Thrones, Prophecy, and more! And very soon I will be setting my print prices back to normal (yes, the sale I mentioned before is technically still going on) so if you wish to take advantage of this now is the time!
I have also made plans to be at this years Gen Con, so if you will be there too, please do stop in the artists area and say hello!
I am still planning out my summer schedule, but so far no plans to go to Origins... but if that changes I will make sure to tell you. There is a possibility that I will be signing books and offering a drawing demonstration class at Bridgewater Book Festival this year. I will keep you posted on that. That will be in Bridgewater Pennsylvania on June 21.
The Society of Illustrators show, Pittsburgh Recast, is still on display at the Heinz History Center! Looks like we will have the show up until September 08! So if you find yourself in Pittsburgh, stop by and see the exhibit. There are many fine works in the show. I have had the honor of 2 paintings of mine on display. Joan of Arc and St. Michael & The Dragon. You can see them here in my Fantasy Gallery. and you can buy prints of them in the Heinz History Center gift shop, as well as here on my site. Though be forewarned, the H. H. Center does tack on a handling fee, so that increases the cost of the print significantly. So in the long run it is MUCH cheaper to order it here and I will mail it to you where ever you are.
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08/20/07
Hello! It's good to be back in the studio. I had a wonderful time at Indy Gen Con 07! I met tons of new folks, visited with friends, and sold some prints. My only regret is that I did not have time before I left for Indianapolis to tell you all that Pandora's Gate published a grand interview with me and even used my sweet Bruno as the cover image. You may read the article by following this link (be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see the current issue):
http://paperdragonink.com/Pandora's%20gate.htm
It looks like the first edition of Red Dragon Inn was a smash hit at Gen Con! I heard a huge buzz about it and I am was so glad to hear the great reviews. I am so happy for all of my friends at Slugfest! Congrats guys!
This next year will be full of interesting projects and good surprises, I can promise you that.
In other news, the jury for the exhibit I mentioned a little while ago called Pittsburgh Recast www.pittsburghrecast.com has accepted my Joan of Arc piece AND my newest piece, St. Michael & The Dragon. I dont have an image of this on my site right now, but its the one with the angel in the gas mask if you stopped by to see me at Gen Con. I will post an image soon and tell you more about the show at a later date.
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07/18/07
A PRINT SALE!
Thats right! I have taken $5.00 off each matted print size. This sale will run from 07/18/07 to 8/13/07. That includes all new prints I have just posted in addition to the ones that were already available. These are the lowest possible prices on giclee prints I can offer you, so if you have been eyeing something up, now is the time to make a move. I will resume my regular prices for Gen Con. Perhaps an important thing to note is that I do not take examples of all my prints to the conventions either. I couldn't possibly take that many so I must pick and choose before I leave, so if you don't want to take a chance that I will be out of one thing or simply couldn't bring another.... place your order now.
In other news I plan to sell my prints at Confluence this year. I was also interviewed by Paper Dragon Ink for their online magazine called Pandora's Gate. I believe it may be in their August issue.
On a sad note my little model/muse/studio mate, Frodo, passed
away last week. His photo is below.
Rest in peace little man, you will be missed.
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06/11/07
I can't believe how fast time has flown since my last entry here. I have finally had a chance to update one section of my site (formerly titled Children's Literature section) and I have added a new piece to my Archive section. I am so excited to share some of my new work with you! In the next day or so I plan to post my updates to the SciFi/Fantasy page as well. Nothing new to add to the Black Eye Art gallery though, well nothing yet really. I do have a lot of old things, I might put them up, who knows?
I am also happy to announce that I will be selling my prints at Gen Con this year! I can hardly wait! Last year was such a blast. I have a ton of new work and I may also have copies of Lawn Of The Dead available to interested parties! For those who don't know yet, Lawn Of The Dead is an independent zombie movie filmed in Pittsburgh and I played one of the main characters. woo hoo! 15 minutes of fame! (thats the length of the movie). I also wanted to say that I will unfortunately not be at Origins this year (I just can't possibly fit in my schedule), so if you are a convention attendee I hope to see you in Indianapolis.
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03/10/07
Spring is just around the corner! I can hardly believe it!
I have been hard at work and I am very close to carving out some time to share with you all the fantastic projects that I have had the opportunity to be a part of. Thanks to all of you who drop by and visit my site every now and again! I do have a couple of things new in my archive section. One of those things is a long awaited sketch of Joan of Arc.
The Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators will be celebrating its 10th year as an organization in this city. There are about 150 members, most of whom are active within the organization. To celebrate this landmark year we are having our annual group show at the Heinz History Center! So cool! That is such a great museum. If you want to hear more about it please check out the site we have dedicated to it: www.pittsburghrecast.com Whats the best part? the exhibit will be up into 2008, a year that Pittsburgh itself will celebrate its 250th anniversary! There will be a lot of amazing work there I can promise you. It will be juried with a critical eye. Lets just hope I can convince them my idea is good enough.
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12/20/06
Happy Holidays to you! I found a minute to post an update to my site, but its not as grand as I would have liked. So many works are waiting in the wings to be unveiled to you. And many more interesting things are to be created in the near future. I wish you all the best in this upcoming year, I know it will be an exciting one for me!
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11/02/06
As I was working on my latest update, I ran across some old sketch books. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing the preliminary sketches of your favorite images, so I created a new area within my site for these. It made sense for many reasons. Especially for those odd little early works of mine that will pop up there every now and again, they don't necessarily fit into any category I currently have. I hope you enjoy this section and come back every now and again, for I plan to rotate images and change them out every now and again.
Aside from all of that, my new projects are going quite well. I am very excited about the new personal works too. I think I will share with you a picture of my model for Joan of Arc. Here she is getting all suited up!
This of course is not my money shot, I couldn't possibly give away that much to you right now. Funny thing is that armor actually belongs to the fellow suiting her up, and is worn by him during medieval reenactments! Before you ask, you should know the armor is not historically correct for Joan, all this will be corrected in the sketches. Reference photography is merely a helpful guide for the painter, not the finished work. But it sure is helpful and often times lots of fun!
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10/20/06
I realize it has been a terribly long time since I have updated my news page, but I have been so busy creating new art I haven't had time. That's a very good thing! As soon as I am able to share these great works with you, I will. I must wait until their release to be fair. If you visit me again in the next couple of months you will likely see what I am working on right now.
Over the next couple of weeks I will post some interesting works that have been hanging out in the flat files for way too long...as well as reposting some old favorites as per your requests. I hope that you enjoy them!
In other news I have decided to create a collection of paintings that will be part of a 2 year project of non-commissioned work. With these I will explore subject matter that I haven't had a chance to work on yet. Over the course of these next 2 years I have slated some new Conan work, some things featuring pirates doing all kinds of pirate things, and some dedicated to Joan of Arc. There are some other ideas I have, but I haven't thought them through yet. It's going to be a challenge to fit them in with all of my commissioned work, but they will totally be worth it. Rest assured I am not at all planning to slow down on my commissioned work. :o)
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8/14/06
I just got back from Gen Con. Wow! all I can say is, wow. I had so much fun and there were so many fantastic artists and wonderful folks I have met, truly inspiring. And the games...oh the games! its incredible how many cool games there are out now that I had never seen. Im so glad I went.
***I also wanted to let all of my visitors know that I will be updating my print prices in a couple of weeks to reflect what it was at Gen Con. And that means lower prices for all of you looking to buy something here on my site! 11 x 14 matted prints will be $25 and 16 x 20 matted will be $60. I know its really different than the current prices, but I was still working out what the acceptable amounts would be. My prints are all still giclees, and those aren't really cheap for even me to have made. I'm sorry I don't have the time to update my site right away, but I have some great new pieces in the works that must be finished now for publication. So please keep checking back, I thank you all for your patience. And, as always, if you see something here that I am able to offer as a print and you want a custom size or you would like to have me frame it for you please shoot me an email and let me know. I can even have prints made on canvas. The sky is the limit! ***
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7/31/06
Hello! I have a great update conscerning the Indy Gen Con! Someone canceled their spot at an artist table so they offered it to me! This is exciting because now I will be able to offer a lot more prints and I will have a sort of "home base" where people can come and find me. The dates of the convention are August 10-13.
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7/13/06
Greetings! I have finally updated this site with more prints and all kinds of goodies available for purchase. Hooray!! All of the transactions are secure with PayPal, except the t-shirts and swag. Thats in the capable hands of Spreadshirt. I will be adding more stuff to that selection very soon.
another note, it looks like I will not be able to nab an artists table for the Indy Gen Con. But I will have a couple works up on the gallery wall and I will be floating around saying my "hello's".
I also plan to attend Pennsic this year for a few days. I have lots of things to do, so I won't be there selling prints or anything. But again I will be floating around, this time in medieval garb, saying my "hello's".
Future works? eh, well as for personal works I am playing around with some sketches of Joan of Arc. I am also messing around with the idea of a painting or two dedicated to my favorite BBC series, Robin of Sherwood. As for contracted works let it suffice to say there are some really interesting things in the works!
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7/3/06
Hello to new friends, winning an Origins award...and an update on the traveling exhibit!!!
I have had such a busy and amazing summer since my last entry. Unbelievable! I will begin by telling you that the exhibit mentioned in the previous update has moved on to a college in Pheonix, I believe its the Art Institute of Pheonix. It will be there for quite a while I understand.
I have made many new friends at the 3 Rivers Arts Festival and Origins Game Expo. I look forward to sharing with you all the exciting new projects I have slated and some I have already started...but all in good time. ;o) I look forward to Indy Gen Con this year, hopefully they will be able to find some place to squeeze me in to their artist area. (Found out I'm a little late on registration.) Origins was my first game con ever and I came away from it with an award for Best Sci-fi art!!! not bad at all!
Also I would like to take the time to tell you all about the new print sizes I have now! I have 11x14 matted prints and 16x20. I will prepare them for purchase on this site right away. However if you do want to purchase one before they appear on my market page shoot me an email and I will work out something safe and secure with you with payments via Paypal. I also have some blank greeting cards that will be available on my market page!
T-shirts and swag....I now have a partnership with a company that makes it possible for you to have my work on shirts, coffee cups and messenger bags! Its true! I am still working on setting up the shop, but some things are ready right now. click this link to see it : COOL SWAG! (shop number 33902)
thats it for now everyone. I have to get to work! Please check back to see more art and all kinds of things.
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6/8/06
Recent developments and a traveling exhibit
Sadly I must report that I will not be able to be involved with the Fairy Festival this year, it is a new festival in Western Pennsylvania (fairy themed of course) . But I do hope lots of folks can make it out to see it, there are lots of things to do and see planned.
Rhonda's stuff is in a traveling exhibit? yeah! there is an exhibit called "Once Upon A Page", organized by the fabulous John Manders, that has been traveling since late last year. It is an exhibit of published work from several childrens book illustrators, including myself. The work was jurored by someone with an eye from American Greetings (yep, the greeting card company). I have several pieces in the show, they are some black and white works I did for "Drow Wars I" and "A Slayers Guide Compendium". The original works are displayed with copies of the actual printed books. Its a really nice show. It started at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and its now at Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts. Not sure where it will go next, but I will keep you posted.
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5/3/06
Drawing with ...me!
Hello art lovers, tomorrow I start my first drawing class at Moxie Dada! I can't wait! Time sure has flown by since I first began preparation for this 3 session class. There are some folks who are taking only part of the class due to scheduling conflicts, so maybe you cant make all 3 classes? I want to let you know that there is still hope! All are welcome and I encourage everyone who wants to learn my secrets to let Moxie know you are coming out. We will have your supplies there for you so all you will need is your mind and your time. Here is a link where you can read all about the time/cost/and contact info for your RSVP: http://www.moxiedada.com/project05_06.html
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4/12/06
Kind of like Where's Waldo?
Im so excited, my illustrations can be seen in downtown Pittsburgh right now! Right on the street! If you go downtown, right near 5th Avenue Place on Liberty Ave you can see some of my work, 3 very large prints in the windows of the old Radio Shack building. Its good advertising space and my work should be there until sometime in July when they start renovating the empty building.
Thanks so much to everyone who made it possible for me to use the space!
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4/11/06
New swag...the quest.
I am currently researching ways to print my work on T-Shirts, possibly other items too. We'll see. I plan to have several shirts available with ferret artwork on them! Hooray! Not too many good shirts out there with those on them, are there? But I am also taking suggestions what else I should have available on shirts. If you have a favorite image (or images) of mine (other than Bruno, he's already been nominated) that you would like to see hanging in your closet send me an email (or visit me in MySpace) and let me know what ones. I will be very glad for your input.
For the results of this poll? Come back and visit my news page! I promise to post the results, along with the option of buying your favorite images on the shirts.
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4/5/06
A drawing class taught by Yours Truly? You bet!
Would anyone like for me to teach them how I draw? If you are among those who have already asked me about it, you are in luck! I am teaching a drawing class this May at Moxie Dada! It is one class with 3 sessions that last 2 and a half hours apiece. Students should make an effort to attend each session to get the most out of the class. Here are the dates:
Thursday, May 4th...6:30pm-9:00pm
Saturday, May13th...1:00pm-3:30pm
Thursday, May 18th...6:30pm-9:00pm
I have a fun and action packed session planned for each day! I hope everyone who has expressed an interest can attend. Contact the folks at Moxie Dada today to register! Seating is limited and this might be the only chance you have for me to teach you drawing this year!
And yes, for those of you who have asked me to teach you how to paint in oils or gouache....You are in luck too! No dates have been set presently, but these 2 classes will indeed happen at Moxie Dada this summer. Keep an ear to the ground and your eye on their schedule. *smirk* I will be sure to get the word out when this develops more. Getting on their mailing list would help you stay in touch.
I must also say to all of you that I recommend taking my drawing class before either of my painting classes. Not only will it provide you at least 3 drawings to paint from, but it will help us communicate better.
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4/4/06
WOW! How the time flies when you are busy! I have worked on several other books for Mongoose Publishing since my last entry, in addition to an exciting project for Heartwood Institute. They are making unique character dilemma cards for teachers and child psychologists to use. I consider it a noble endeavor. I will post some of my favorite illustrations for this in my Children's Illustration portfolio. Mongoose Publishing has been keeping me busy with all the work they have needed for Starship Troopers. Thanks guys! I love those Skinnies. Those are aliens who wear armor, to those who are unfamiliar with the books or game. I have had the honor of providing artwork and sketches that were not only published but used to build models from! Way cool, and so much fun. I certainly hope there is more of this in my future.
Future plans include a fabulous exhibit with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators that opens on April 7th. It is called Every Story Tells A Picture, each contributing artist chose a favorite novel and created work inspired by it. Over 50 works! The show will be up at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Gallery all month.
For those of you who wish to look for me out and about I will be at the Pittsburgh Arts Festival drawing caricatures early this June. When exactly I will be able to fit it in is a mystery to me, I will just make it down when I can to relax in the sun and entertain. Also in June I plan to have a table at Origins 2006! This will be my first time there, so go easy on me. I have always wanted to check it out, now I definitely have a good reason. I hope to meet more creative masterminds with whom to cook up more fun games and books! More June events? You better believe it! I also plan to set up a table to sell some prints and frolic at the first annual Fairy Festival! Check out this link for more details: http://www.fairiesworld.com/wpa.shtml
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8/10/04
7 black and white illustrations were commissioned by Mongoose Publishing for an exciting book that will hit the public this fall! Not sure if I am able to talk about what that is, but I think it will be very cool! I can't wait to see the finished product. Visit your local gaming store and see what's new. I will post more closer to date if I can.
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