Theo Paxstone illustrations

I did a number of pictures for the book, just black and white ink scribbles.

I wanted them to be very loose, just impressions. I am not sure how well they fulfilled their function.




Theo leading Pumpkin and the wagon, with Riley and Bentham aboard.




Theo with Ollie, the spotter bird. He's supposed to be in the foreground. I thought that came across, but some people think he's a gigantic 20 foot tall terror bird.

Ollie would like that.

Map of Palachia, from Theo Paxstone and the Dragon of Adyron

I love maps. Always have. I remember doing a Lord of the Rings map with a friend when in Grade Six. That was fun. Never lost the map bug, so when I did a fantasy novel, Theo Paxstone and the Dragon of Adyron, it had to have a map.

Here are some more images of the mythical land of Adyron...

Southern Palachia, the Land of Adyron and the capital of Alandia

Central Palachia; Theo Paxstone comes from the town of Durham (middle)

The islands to the north (for further adventures!)

Theo Paxstone relaxing

Silkscreen print, 18" x 24", from the Myths, Monsters & Machines show.

Myths, Monsters & Machines opening night!

My deepest thank to all the amazing artists, and everyone who came out to the show last night. It was a fantastic success and a jam packed house, despite the weather. 

The evening exceeded my every expectation and hope (save one)! 

The inimitable Scarlet Black put on a breathtaking fire dance (so good!), and Erica Balon painted up a storm while dramatically lit by car headlights, and all the wonderful art shone bright. 

The show will be up for a couple weeks, so if you couldn't make it to the opening, pop on down and give the exhibit a gander. 

You'll be glad you did. :-)

Come and see Myths, Monsters & Machines!

Grand opening Friday, September 28th, 2018, at Northern Contemporary Gallery!

Announcing Myths, Monsters & Machines art exhibit

From the mad, escapist mind of James Turner comes Myths, Monsters & Machines, an art show set in a magical, medieval world filled with steam powered machines and dread monsters. 

It's Medieval Fantasy meets Steampunk. 

In the land of Adryon, machinists mix machinery and magic, creating all manner of fabulous devices, mechanical giants, steam-power enhanced armour and more. 

Steam knights battle dragons, princesses use steam powered levitators, and dead dragons are animated with cogwheels and pistons.

 

The genre mash up is inspired by Theo Paxstone and the Dragon of Adyron, but that's just the port of departure for a trip into the imagination. 

We have an exciting roster of contemporary illustrators, including SPECTRUM award winners and WETA workshop artists. 

Currently accepting submissions. Note the show is curated. See details here.

Join us September 28, 2018 for the grand opening at Northern Contemporary Gallery, 

1266 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Damien Black reviews Theo Paxstone

Teacher Damien Black reviews Theo Paxstone and gives it five stars! Best of all, he sites the book as a perfect fit summer read for Middle School students (and up): 

 "It's the end of the school year, a summer of reading" is what I tell my students as I am preparing their summer homework package. Trying to pinpoint the kinds of books that can be enjoyed with prepared activities to follow up their reading. Theo Paxstone and the Dragon of Adyron by James Turner perfectly fitting summer read for Middle School Students and up. A medieval steampunk adventure that doesn't labor with boredom but also doesn't cheapen its exploits with lame humor, the writing by James Turner strikes a balance of wit, intrigue, and well-rounded characters, perfect for students looking to get into steampunk novels.

Read the whole review here.