Killer in the corn

What makes a cornfield so scary?  Last year I posted about scarecrows, but sometimes a field can be spooky looking even without the scarecrow.

 In Season 6, episode 12 of Bones, Dr. Brennan and FBI agent Booth discover
a grisly murder in a cornfield.

Recently I had the pleasure of hearing Brock Zeman perform  a crowd favourite,
his spooky song: "Killer in the Corn"


If you click on his name it will bring up his touring schedule.  He may be coming to a place near you!


In the Alice Sebold's novel, The Lovely Bones the main character, 14 year old Susie is murdered in a cornfield and she tells the story from her perspective as her soul lingers nearby her family while they try to cope with her loss.  Here is an excerpt of the first chapter which describes what happened to her.  (It is quite graphic so don't read it if it might disturb you.)

Saorise Ronan stars as Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones

A film adaptation was made from the book in 2009 and was directed by Peter Jackson.  (It just happens to be his birthday today! ) Here is an interview with Jackson where he discusses the movie.

Director Peter Jackson has just wrapped up filming of his 3 part adaptation of The Hobbit, starring Martin Freeman as hobbit Bilbo Baggins and none other than Richard Armitage as the heroic dwarven leader Thorin Oakenshield.  There have been many interviews since part 1, An Unexpected Journey hit theatres last December.  Part 2, The Desolation of Smaug will be this Christmas season's offering.  The interview I would like to feature here was a film screening, and an interview session from Sydney, Australia known as Popcorn Taxi.

View the photo gallery here!

There are quite a few videos of this interview on Youtube and even on the Popcorn Taxi site, but I like that they also have the transcript here.
I have enjoyed listening to this interview more than once, but this time it was this quote which stood out for me.  When asked if he considered himself a "method actor", here was his response:

We were always told, ‘Don’t bring the character to you, go to the character’. I always preferred leaving lots of myself outside the room and exploring the world through the eyes and the body and the mind of a different person who is ultimately better than you are. Even if they’re a mass murderer, they’re infinitely more interesting than you are. People talk about The Method, or whatever. I don’t think I’m a Method actor. I have a method but I don’t believe you have to be a mass murderer to play a mass murderer.

So there you go.  Thankfully, Richard Armitage is definitely NOT the killer in the corn!
(I know I'll sleep better tonight!...)

Meet Fayzabeam:Teacher and RA fanvidder

This is the second part of the previous post where I featured the fanvid set to Loreena McKennitt's recording of The Highwayman, featuring the BBC television series Robin Hood's characters of Marian Knightly and Guy of Gisborne (played by Richard Armitage).

Watch video here

Welcome Fayzabeam!  I was so happy to find your video.  

Please tell me how you came to create this video.
The Highwayman fan video was a classic example of me trying to shoehorn my obsessions into my teaching,  (I teach 11-18 year olds here in the UK). My Year 8 class (who are about 12/13) were doing the poem with me in class and, as they were so lovely I wanted to make them something that would help them to remember it!
I also made a comic strip/storyboard using screencaps from Robin Hood to use with the class.

So your students are aware of your interest in RA?
Most of my students know, by now, what a fan geek I am! It seems like lots of us who work in education have fandom tendencies ;). The screensaver on my laptop that kicks in occasionally when I'm projecting something on the whiteboard in the classroom is basically choc full of RA pictures and quotes, which they find hilarious. I've also made three videos for 'Macbeth' using RA's Gisborne as Macduff for the benefit of my Year 10 GCSE class, blending footage from Robin Hood and the BBC's other recent fantasy drama, Merlin, to try to tell the story of the Scottish play. There may even be a moment or two of Doctor Who footage in there, too!

Watch the general Macbeth trailer: HERE

Macbeth Act 5 Scene 8 trailer

 I was never really completely happy with the third one, so I didn't upload it to Youtube. Perhaps I'll reopen the project and tweak it a bit sometime soon. Would you like an exclusive if I do? ;)
I certainly would! Thanks for asking. :)

Do you get your idea first and then search for music to fit, or are you inspired by the music to create a video?
I mostly get an idea first when I see the film/tv show, and then try to think of music to fit what I want to achieve (this was particularly true for 'Is This Love?', my first Guy/Marian vid, and most of the other vids I've done), but one or two vids have been done because I liked the songs first. One instance, the vid I did for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, I'd heard the song (Will Young's 'Jealousy') and was desperate to do a vid, any vid, for it. When I saw the second SH film, it just fell into place! Also, 'All Coming Back to Me' and 'Love Story' (both G/M) were songs first, visuals second (although, of course, as they're both shippy vids, that wasn't too tricky!).

Behind the scenes in Robin Hood

 How did you first "discover" Richard Armitage?
I discovered Richard Armitage when I was watching the BBC's Robin Hood back in 2006. I've always been a Robin Hood fan, and I was really interested to see what the beeb would do with this new interpretation. Oddly enough, Guy was my favourite character from HTV's Robin of Sherwood when I watched that as a kid, and so I was pretty sympathetic to the character, anyway! I was really impressed with the way Richard played him, and obviously captivated by the dynamic between him and Lucy, who played Marian. I think what impressed me the most about him was they way he just threw himself into that role - despite the fact that at times the scripting was ropey and the writing of the character was inconsistent (can you tell I'm an English and Media Studies teacher?!). He absolutely seemed to live every moment of the character, and when he was onscreen, you just couldn't look anywhere else. There was a subtlety to his acting that really appealed and showed the light and shade of Gisborne beautifully.

RA in Spooks / MI-5 series 8

 What other roles have you seen him in? 
To be honest, I've not seen much else that he's done - mostly through lack of time than anything else! I've seen a few episodes of Spooks, where he did impress me again, pretty much for the same reasons as above, but although I've bought North and South on DVD, I haven't watched it yet, although I read the book last summer and can't imagine anyone else as John Thornton. I've also yet to see The Hobbit! I'm sure, when I do get the chance, though, I won't be disappointed. I did watch the BBC's 'Shakespeare Retold: Macbeth' a year or two back, where Richard played Macduff, and I enjoyed that a lot, too. Possibly seeing that led me subliminally to cast Richard in my own Macbeth trailers! And, being a Brit, The Vicar Of Dibley is a firm favourite - he and Dawn French played off one another so well :).

As Macduff in Shakespeare Retold's version of Macbeth

 I do know how busy teachers can be - and bravo for reading the book - but you really MUST watch the miniseries of North and South!
Irrationally, I think I'm nervous about seeing N&S now! As I read the book, I could see Richard and Daniella in my head (I've watched quite a few Youtube vids, even though I haven't seen the whole of N&S yet!) and so I'm nervous that it won't match up to what I've 'seen' in my mind's eye. Weird, I know! I should have more faith in Richard and Daniella, I think! Incidentally, it's the same with Chris Ryan's 'Strike Back', which I read last Autumn and I'm still not brave enough to watch... On a more personal level, I've also been really impressed with how he comes across in interviews as a really down to earth, lovely person; a representation of himself which I find really endearing. And of course, he's pretty easy on the eye ;).

You are from the UK, I gather. Can you tell us which city you call home?
I'm from the South West - a village about 20 miles from Bristol, down in Somerset, land of Cheddar cheese, ley lines and amazing cider ;).

 How long have you been a teacher? 
 Ten years this year - although I took a break for a year to have my first daughter (she's now three) and I'm about to go off again in June to have my second girl :).

 What are some of your hobbies?
 Reading, writing, (naturally!), vidding, and, when I'm not about to have a baby, I like to jog in the countryside.

Out jogging Thornton? (photo courtesy of RACentral gallery)

 Have you ever participated in a fandom before? If so, please tell us! And do you find the RA fandom any different from the other(s)?
 I'm a bit of a fandom veteran, these days - my first fandom experience was back in 1997 when the internet came properly online (I was at university) and that was for a cartoon called 'Dungeons and Dragons'. Since then I've written, vidded and joined in fandoms for quite a few things, including Robin of Sherwood, Doctor Who, James May, various films etc. Most of the fandoms I've been in seem to be pretty friendly and full of lovely, enthusiastic people - perhaps I've been lucky I haven't really stumbled across any completely mad, scary ones!

 Do you participate in any of the forums? Read blogs? Watch fan videos or read fanfics? In general, how do you get your RA fix?
 Being a vidder I tend to watch quite a few vids from other fans, and I've recently discovered tumblr (although I'm still not quite sure how it really works!!). I've been a member of livejournal for years, so quite a few comms on my friends list are Robin Hood/RA related. I'm still a bit of a lurker on the Armitage Army forums - not been brave enough to post much, yet! The Hobbit RPF scares the heck out of me, having read a few, although I'm not averse to RPF in general, so long as it's in character and not too explicit! I've even dabbled a bit myself (again, Robin Hood related), although mine was more of a 'I wonder what happened' take on Marian's death scene, and didn't involve any shipping!

This isn't the ending Richard was expecting either!

Please follow this link to read this excellent RPF which has Richard and Lucy Griffiths discussing and practising for their last scene together in the heartrending  2nd season-ender.
 http://archiveofourown.org/works/589122

 Have you ever met any other fans in Real Life?
 Not for the RA fandom, but for others, yes, and it's reassuring to find out that they're lovely, sane people :).

 Do you plan on watching The Hobbit? Or any other of his roles? 
 Oh yes, when I get time, but teaching and being a mother mean time is pretty limited for me. The Hobbit's definitely on my rental list!

 What other roles would you like to see him take on? 
 I'd love to see him on stage - Stanhope in RC Sheriff's 'Journey's End' for instance, or some Shakespeare - perhaps playing against type as Oberon! Oddly, in terms of film, I'd like to see him act opposite/alongside Bradley Cooper in something - I think they seem to have a similar approach to their work, and a similar intelligence and intensity. And of course, there's always the next Doctor Who!

Do you think RA is a good role model for young people?
 That's a tricky one! I mean, of course, he seems hardworking, dedicated and very nice (and humble!) but I think 'role model' puts unrealistic expectations on someone - I'm not sure I would want to class him as that!

 Have any of your students become RA fans because of your interest?
 *G* I'm not sure they'd tell me if they did! They like to tease me about my obsessions - in the nicest possible way, of course!

 How do your family and friends react to your RA "enthusiasm"? 
 My husband just rolls his eyes and writes it off as just another obsession, but then he knew he'd married a fan geek! Friends have a good laugh (but some of the girls secretly agree, I think!). I did make a Gisborne/Marian vid to Meatloaf's "All Coming Back to Me" because a friend of mine suggested it; they like to indulge me!  The rest of my family just put it down as one of my quirky things!

All Coming Back to Me: A Guy and Marian vid (BBC Robin Hood)

Thanks so much for telling us a bit more about yourself and for sharing your videos and fanfic with us!  Your students are very lucky to have a teacher who is able to make the study of English literature and poetry more accessible to modern students!

I am sure you will be very busy this summer with a new baby to care for.  Please drop by and let us know how you and baby are doing!   I hope you will have some time later to watch The Hobbit, or finally break open that North and South DVD.  :D

Meet Another Canadian Fan... my friend Tyme4t!

Tyme4t has been one of my most faithful commenters since I started blogging back in 2010.  I've often thought we seem to have a lot in common -- besides our mutual admiration for Richard Armitage.  I really didn't know much about her other than she was also Canadian.  I knew she lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia -- too far away to visit (as she is on the east coast of Canada and I am located near the middle).  So I decided if I wanted to find out more about her - I had better ask her!

Welcome to Phylly's Faves Tyme4t!  Thanks so much for agreeing to this guest post. Tell us something about  yourself...

I am a proud Canadian, born and raised and currently living in Nova Scotia. I have a University Degree in Political Science and College Degree in Public Relations, and am currently working as a Customer Service Supervisor, I am single, never married (but still hoping Prince RA I mean Prince Charming comes along). And I have a wonderful family - I love spoiling nieces and nephews.  My other loves are: Bruce Springsteen! -- I have seen him in concert 3 times! ; reading ; the beach -- especially in autumn and spring! ; learning about other cultures and countries.

A favourite place... the view from her parents' cabin

 Please tell us how you became a fan of Richard Armitage.

It began as a comment from a roommate:
"Hey! That's the new hottie spy on [spooks]!"

Looking at her bewildered I replied - "What's [spooks]?"

"It's a British spy drama called MI-5 here and every few years they get a new good looking guy in the lead. That guy playing the vicar's date is the newest one."

Richard Armitage in The Vicar of Dibley

Although I first saw Richard Armitage on Vicar of Dibley, it was MI-5 that I crossed over to the "fangurl" dimension! And really it was my developing obsession with MI-5 that lead me to so many of the great blogs and new friends.

Up until finding MI-5, I was never one to go to YouTube or visit a fan forum. I just didn't "get" why people would join or become involved in those things. But because both RA and MI-5 were in Britain...and I am in Canada...the internet became an essential link to finding out more about both.

First I tried YouTube....typed in Richard Armitage - the first video that popped up was Nat's Stick Figure Richard!! I loved it! and then I did a brave thing...I clicked on the link to her blog! From then on...I was hooked. I discovered other fans, blogs, sites, forums I could check out. Heavens above...there were a LOT of them and so varied. 

Richard Armitage and Rupert Penry-Jones in Spooks/MI-5 series 7
Then I stumbled upon the [spooks] forum. I lurked around for a bit and then decided to join. For me that was it....I found soooooo many people hooked and loving MI-5 as much as I did. My roommate although a fan, was not ADDICTED as I was. Now I had discovered a community of people who, even though we may have differing opinions, understood the obsession. My favourite part of the forum was becoming friends with people from around the world who were having fun like me discussing episodes as well as trying to stump each other with quotes; ogling gorgeous pictures/graphics of the various actors and suggesting other tv programs/movies that members may enjoy. From this forum I made friends from Britain, Germany, Brazil, Spain, the US and met other Canadians which I keep in touch with in other ways now.

I was (and still am) amazed at the creative people who do the graphics, banners, art, fanfic, blogs, etc with Richard Armitage as one of their muses. I always have fun with doing captions or funny poems like limericks or Haikus. I have been asked in the past if I was going to start blogging. I have considered it but I don't think it's for me. So I tend to be the one who drops by and makes a comment or a funny observation. But never say never.....

So who and what other movies/programs did I discover because of my RAddiction?

These actors: 

Matthew Macfadyen - (visit Darcylicious everyday) ; Rupert Penry-Jones ; Peter Firth ; Hermoine Norris ; Nicola Walker ; Danny Oyelowo ; Keeley Hawes ; Trevor Eve ; James Nesbitt ; Martin Freeman ; Benedict Cumberbatch.


And these shows:

Robin Hood ; North and South ; Cranford ; Wives and Daughters ; The Impressionists ; Shakespeare Re-told ; Life on Mars ; Ashes to Ashes ; Waking the Dead ; Clatterford ; Hu$tle ; Murdoch Mysteries ; Sherlock ; The Hobbit ; Ripper Street

Of course there are way too many to list here but the above is a small sample. I have re-discovered my love of Victorian novels and period piece dramas, at the same time as increasing my love of spy and mystery genre. In a strange way, this "obsession" with RA and MI-5 has also led me to more Canadian novelists, TV shows and movies, as I seek out new-to-me entertainment. 
Our mutual "muse" on his Toronto visit
I no longer have that roommate (insert silent thank you prayer)...So thank you Harry Kennedy with your stripey sweaters and glasses! You lead me to MI-5 and soooooo many other amazing shows and actors. But most importantly you lead me to new friends, new art, new points of view, new communities, new ideas.

Thanks to Phylly for asking me to be a part of her blog - I am truly honoured.

I am so happy that Tyme4t agreed to this guest post. This introduction made me think of even more questions to ask you! I hope you will answer any questions in the comments below. Thanks for contributing to FanstRA4!

Click on image to go to the main FanstRA site

Strombo interviews RA

George Stroumboloupolous with Richard Armitage
From Twitter (thanks to Tracey)

To say I was thrilled to hear that Richard Armitage was going to be interviewed on Canadian television by George Stroumboulopoulos is definitely an understatement.  George (or Strombo as he is affectionately called) purports to be everybody's boyfriend. So to have one boyfriend interview the other one was a "squee" overload!  But seriously, George is one of the best interviewers I have ever known so I knew Richard would be in for a treat.

Even though the actual interview happened on December 3rd, it didn't air until December 12. (What a torturous wait!) But right off the bat, Strombo hit all the right notes with his detailed introduction.  The usual questions that interviewers begin with, Richard has repeatedly answered in as varied and enthusastic manner as he can manage. (He could probably do an interview in his sleep now). Anyway, those questions were answered by Strombo's introductory montage before Richard even entered the stage.  So when he finally sat down for the interview, he looked rather relieved and intrigued for what was going to come.

The highlights of the interview for me were:

• Richard's insights into what might have inspired Tolkien's portrayal of the dwarven race.
• Strombo showed the clip of RA's speech at the Maori welcoming ceremony
• Richard's reaction when George and the audience donned their Gandalf hats.

• His obvious discomfort with the discussion of "naughty grass". (He is so endearingly conscientious.)
• Romana55's fanvid and Richard's reaction to that!

screencaps courtesy of RichardArmitageCentral

Apparently that was only a portion of the actual interview.  Here is another part.

The lucky fans that were in the audience remember a bit more of the interview than is shown here.  Here's hoping we get to see even more clips soon!

 Let me leave you with the fanvid Strombo highlighted which provoked such a hilarious response from RA.

by Romana55



RA in Toronto! (Pt.1)

Well, my New Year's Eve wish came true!  I had hoped that Richard Armitage might visit Toronto and on December 3rd, 2012 - he actually did!  Unfortunately I was not able to get to my provincial capital to be a part of the festivities, but there were several lucky fans who were there. Two of them, known fondly as Puff and Leslieg have been telling their story on one of the C19 Facebook pages (a private group unfortunately).  They are also long time members of the C19 Forum and have been posting the whole story on threads there.

RA fans pose with him at Toronto Union Station

Leslieg kindly consented to an interview:


Please tell me how long you have been an RA fan. How long have you been active on C19 forum?

I first clocked RA when my beloved Sparkhouse aired on BBC Canada in the spring of 2003. I watched the scene set at the top of the stairs in Hebden Bridge, then realised it was that Wuthering Heights adaptation, and changed channels!!! I saw him in things over the intervening years, but it was Robin Hood that dragged me to the internet, as I am the Dial-up Queen, and I found C19 first, in June 2007. I've been active in the wider community ever since.

Have you met up with other RA fans before? If so, about how many times have you gotten together?

I've been to several meet-ups over the years: RAC meet-ups in Dallas '07, Detroit '09, and Ottawa '11 (hosted by me); an AA meet-up in '08 at Horsted Keynes train station with my daughter in tow, age five at the time; BAFTAs in '08, but no RA; annual meet-ups with various members of the forums in the UK, including an annual playdate for E with the daughter of another member. I've done trips up north, and had visits with people in my home stomping grounds of London and Kent. Everyone has been wonderful. I even managed to meet one dear friend who lives near Perth, Australia when we were both in the UK at the same time. She came south and I went north to meet her in London.

What was it that made you a fan in the first place?

I think it's Richard's ability to inhabit the character and his choice of characters that display character development. His messages to us all drew me in further.

I have heard that you are a frequent traveler to Great Britain.  Did you ever encounter him over there?

 I have always expected that I was more likely to bump into RA in London than in Canada. Our country is so big, that logistically, it simply made more sense that I would see him across the pond on one of my many trips. So when I found out he would be in Toronto on the George Stroumboulopoulos show, within 400 kilometres of my front door, I decided that I would make the journey.

What (if any) difficulties did you encounter with this trip to see RA?

Giggle!!! When I left the house on Sunday to drive to Toronto, approximately four hours away, I was leaving my husband with a questionnable vehicle, for starters. Then I had icy road surfaces on the drive on our dirt road to the main road, where I nearly slid right off the paved road! I had to change my driving route, and drive more slowly as I headed southwest, to avoid dangerous backroads I would normally take. Then I had pelting rain on the 401 all the way to the big city, and drizzle all the way home in the wee hours.


Please describe your first glimpse of him.

We weren't sure what direction he would be coming from, and so we had stationed ourselves near the hobbit hole display in the station.  I loved [I think she meant to write "leaned" but that mistake is very telling] over towards the KISS 92.5  (a local radio station) table and said, "There he is!" I could see his head above most people around him!

You were dressed as a Hobbit, is that right?

No, I had on a Thorin Oakenshield t-shirt my husband had bought for me, and we had to wear "Gandalf" hats with The Hobbit on the brim.

That sign was a wonderful idea. May I use the pictures?

Oh, yes. My daughter and I made it together.  It said “A Canadian NOT Rubbish Richard Armitage Sign,” as an in-joke to all the rubbish Richard Armitage signs that people took to the sets of Black Sky in Michigan over the summer. Richard looked at it and laughed and signed it for me.

And here is Richard Armitage's reaction to the sign:

(Photo courtesy of Puff)

And here he is autographing their sign!

photo from Warner Brothers Facebook page

The Marilyn Denis interview went very well. Did you get to see him after that?
Please tell us more about your day.

No one in our group was able to attend Marilyn's show, because tickets had to be ordered three weeks or more in advance, and we only learned late last week that he would be a guest. I watched the interview from the comfort of my hotel room overlooking Union Station. Then it was off to George Stroumboulopoulos at the CBC. We had been given passes for the advance screening that evening, so we knew we would see him both times.

You attended the George Stroumboulopoulos show. How did that interview go?

Stroumbo is one of the best interviewers in Canada, and I had high expectations, which were exceeded. George asked intelligent questions and allowed Richard to talk about Tolkien at length, as well as the aspects of the filming process. I don't know how much of it will make it to tape, but I told George afterwards that it was the best interview I'd ever seen of Richard. And there were no references to the circus or our overall community in a negative way.

Had you ever attended an interview show before? Would you enjoy going again (even if it wasn't RA being interviewed)?

No, I hadn't been to any taping of a television show of any sort. I doubt I would ever go again, unless it was for RA.

Did you get to the premiere as well?

Yes, we were very lucky to have passes, although we had to walk very quickly to the theatre after the Stroumbo taping, so we missed seeing Richard inside, except for his introduction of the film. Then he left, and we settled in to enjoy watching him rock the role of Thorin.

Please tell us anything else that was memorable about the evening.

I think I've covered it, pretty much. It was in the morning, when I was able to talk to Richard a few times that things were most memorable, and I am keeping those moments for my reports on the forums. It's our last chance for Richard to be our little secret, before the wider world recognizes what we've known for years, that he's a wonderful actor, consummate professional, and a very kind gentleman.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions. We will all enjoy reliving this wonderful memory with you.

photo courtesy of RichardArmitageNet.com

Note: The interview with George Stroumbolopoulos will be aired on CBC television on Wed. Dec. 12, 2012.

Armitage as Art: An Interview with ZeldaT!

 I first discovered the talent of Zelda T when I was looking for fan art to display for my art gallery post during the FanstRAvaganza.  Her portrait of Guy of Gisborne (as portrayed by Richard Armitage) was amazingly realistic.  She has since begun a blog called ZeldaT : Paint and Suffering and even made a video about her art.

 Here is Zelda's video which is provides an excellent sampling of her work.

Have you always been an artist?  Which artists have most influenced you?

Claude Monet Painting on the Edge of a Wood
(1885) by John Singer Sargent

I think I always have been an artist, or been interested in art. I started drawing seriously when I was a young teenager.

A lot of illustrators influenced me, like the artists you see who create book covers and movie posters. Two favorite illustrators are Bob Peak and Drew Struzan. I admire many classic artists as well, including Monet, Degas, and John Singer Sargent. 






What materials do you prefer to work with: pencils, charcoal, chalk, pen and ink, watercolour, oils, etc.?

I’ve used almost everything. In the past I’ve had an infatuation with pen and ink, colored pencils, watercolors, pastels, even airbrush! But the mediums I’ve worked with the most often are oils, acrylics, occasionally watercolors, and pencil. 

How do you organize your art supplies? Do you have a special case, or even a room?

My “painting table” is a lawn chair with a towel draped over it! ;) My “studio” is the corner of a larger room, which was chosen because it has fairly good lighting and adequate ventilation.

Because most of my paintings right now are so small (8x10 inches or smaller), I’ve been getting away with not using an easel. But recently I finally invested in one. I haven’t set it up yet.

I store my paints and supplies in several plastic totes, especially designed for artists. Since I have a serious paint addiction, I’ve got different totes for different kinds of paints. Like one for oils, one for acrylics, and another for alkyds, and so on. It’s getting out of control!

We painters get very invested in all our materials. With oil painting, there is the concern about being “archival.” (Something I’m still learning about.) We don’t want our paintings to fall apart in a few decades. With oil paints, if you do some things wrong, that can happen. But at the same time, if you do things right, your paintings can last centuries, as we’ve seen with many of the Old Master paintings hanging in museums. So there’s a whole science to using the right methods, the right painting mediums, the right kind of painting surfaces, to ensure longevity. In a way I feel a little silly, because I don’t believe my paintings will hang in museums in a hundred years. But at the same time, it doesn’t usually cost that much more to use the right archival methods, so why not?

Do you prefer realistic art like portraiture, still life or landscapes?  Have you also tried impressionism, cubism or other art styles?

I’ve always been a realist artist. One of my favorite art teachers called herself an “Impressionist,” so I think that rubbed off on me as well. Probably how I’d describe myself is a representational artist, which I think means that I paint recognizable images (recognizable as a cat, a horse, a person, a mountain).

Do you ever draw from real life, or do you use photographs?

I do both, and prefer to paint and draw more from life. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to get Richard Armitage to pose for a portrait! ;)

When I started out, I mostly drew from photographs, but later took some life drawing classes (drawing the nude figure). Drawing from life can be considerably harder than using photos all the time. It was tough at first to study from life, but I know it was one of the best things I could have done for myself. There’s a big difference between drawing from life and drawing from photos.

Zelda Thornton, can we assume from your pseudonym that the character John Thornton is very important to you?

I didn’t put a tremendous amount of thought into choosing the last name. I knew I wanted “Zelda” as my first name! I liked that it started with a Z! ;)

Indeed yes, John Thornton is a favorite character. I first fell in love with him thanks to the BBC miniseries, but since he is also a character in a classic piece of literature, I liked the idea of using his name, so it didn’t take me too long to decide to use it as my pseudonym. 

Would you tell us a bit more about how you came to “fall in love” with this character? How long ago is it since you saw this miniseries (North and South)? Did this interest draw you into finding out more about the actor who plays him? Are you a fan, and if so, what does that mean for you?

I’ve always liked romantic characters, like Mr. Darcy and Mr. Rochester. With North & South, I think I was looking for new period dramas to watch, and there it was. It was a few years ago. I had read the reviews for it and heard that Mr. Thornton was very special.

When I started to watch N&S, I couldn’t see what was causing all the swooning, because to me he appeared to be an average-looking guy with a big nose. (I’m sorry!) But about half way through the series, I started to fall under his spell. Suddenly he started to look a lot better. I first realized his true beauty in that scene where he’s going into the bad part of Milton to see Higgins. What a lovely jawline he has! ;)

I looked North & South up on IMDb and found that other fans were discussing the actor, Richard Armitage. I learned about his other shows, like The Impressionists (which of course I loved) and Robin Hood. After that there was no going back!

I’ve been a fan of many actors over the years. Once I’m a fan of someone, I usually remain a fan for a long time. But usually there are one or two guys at the top of my mental list of favorites, and for a while now, Richard Armitage has been at the top!

How much of a fan I am of an actor will depend on what kind of person they are, and what kind of work they’re doing. Another thing that can fuel my interest is being around fellow addicts. I hit the motherlode with Richard Armitage! There are so many blogs and the fan sites about him! It’s easy to get caught up in all of that. In addition, Richard Armitage seems like such a nice guy, and is doing exciting work. I loved North and South, but I didn’t expect to get so hooked on Robin Hood, but he was *that* good in it. And now we have The Hobbit to look forward to!

I first discovered you on DeviantArt. How long have you been using your account there and what is it you like about it?

Since the beginning of this year (2011). I’ve known about DeviantArt for years, but never have been active on it. I decided that it was finally time. I felt that DeviantArt was especially suited for showcasing fan art. Not all art communities as accepting. They either talk about how it is a copyright violation (which is technically true, of course) or they treat you like you are not a “real” artist. I felt that DeviantART was the best place for me to show my fan art as well as my “fine art” and not be unfairly pigeonholed because of it.

Could you tell us something about yourself? ie. Are you married, have any children? Any pets? Perhaps you could tell us also about a typical day in your life.

Not married, no children. I am a cat person and will sometimes do sketches of my cats. I have a few “cat studies” up on DeviantArt right now.

My typical day is very ordinary and I consider myself very average in many ways! But one thing that I am grateful for was that I was raised in a family that valued the arts and creativity. My interest in art started when I was a child. I was able to take art lessons when I was fairly young, and took some excellent art classes as an adult. I feel in some ways that I am “self taught,” but that isn’t really true, since I took all those classes. But I’m sure any artist will tell you, an education in art is what you put into it.

As I say in the “About Me” page on my blog, there are people with extensive formal education, but who came away from that education with very little actual artistic skill. So either they didn’t put their heart into their education, or the quality of the education was poor. (Sadly, these days, it’s often the latter.) Then there are those who are strictly “self-taught,” but because they were so dedicated and passionate, they have learned much and improved a lot. Perhaps more than some artists with the superior education.

Maybe that’s part of the reason I started the blog, is because I know there are a lot of dedicated self-taught artists out there, and even though I’m not technically one of them, I feel like I am in spirit, because I had to do a lot of self-study and exploration on my own. I know what it’s like to be searching for help and answers, and the feeling of frustration at not finding them easily. So I want to help others find answers, while at the same time, I’M still searching for answers. A lot of my blog is whining and self-discovery, as I learn that I suck at this or struggle at that! We never stop learning and we should never stop trying to improving ourselves.

Would you describe yourself as an extrovert or an introvert? (As a cat lover, most people would guess you might be slightly introverted?)

I’m probably introverted, but not completely. I’m not really sure how to explain it. If I were completely introverted, I probably wouldn’t have a blog or show off my artwork. But being anonymous on the Internet makes that easier.

This is a photo taken up the California
coast, north of San Francisco. I’d love to
do a painting from this photo someday!

Do you like to travel? If so, where are your favourite places to visit? Do you like to sketch when you are on holidays?

I love to travel, but don’t get to do as much of it as I’d like. My favorite vacation spots are out in nature, wherever there are trees, mountains, lakes, or the beach. I enjoy painting when I’m on vacation. As far as I’m concerned, the best part of travelling is being able to paint all the beautiful scenery.   I’m a city girl who loves to get out in the country to take photos and paint. I’ve always lived in a bigger city and probably wouldn’t be happy living in a completely rural setting.



What other hobbies do you have?

I have several hobbies. I like to dabble with making music on my computer, but I’m not very good at it. I also love to read, mostly classics and romance novels. When I was a girl I dreamt of painting bodice ripper book cover art!

Ooo! I do love a good bodice ripper!  I would love to see Mr. Armitage model for a book cover like that!  Could we persuade you to do one for fun? Pretty please?

LOL! It’s crossed my mind! I’ll have to think on that some more. If I do a bodice ripper type cover, it would either be for North & South or Robin Hood. 


I am excited!  No pressure, but if we could have it in this interview -- that would be awesome! There is no time limit for this interview ….

I don’t think I’d have it ready in time. I would want to do an oil painting, and it can take days or weeks, because of the drying time between layers of paint.
 

I love that you do tutorials on your blog. Are you interested in teaching an art class in real life, or have you already?

Thanks! No, I don’t teach and have no plans to start. The tutorials are enough for me. Part of the reason I wanted to write them was because I see a lot of fan art tutorials which show how to do fan art digitally, or in pencil. So, I thought I’d try to give fan art a “fine art” slant with oil paints and some acrylics, as well as cover other things that I didn’t see mentioned in other fan art tutorials. It sounded like fun at the time, anyway.

I also thought I should ask you..... What compels you to use Richard Armitage as a subject of your art?   Is there a particular feature of his you enjoy trying to capture? Is there one most difficult or easier?


He’s simply so beautiful. That sounds so dorky, so I should explain that I think a lot of people are beautiful. But his beauty isn’t that superficial kind. After all, John Standring (the less-than-glamorous scruffy farmer from “Sparkhouse”) is beautiful, but not in an obvious way. He becomes beautiful the more we get to know him. That’s real beauty.

I’ve been watching his shows for a while now, all the time thinking how lovely he was in this shot, how great he looked there, how expressive he was as Guy of Gisborne or Lucas North, but I wasn’t at the time able to do any portraits. So when I did start doing some fan art, I had all these ideas for portraits almost bursting to come out of me!

Of his features, I love his mouth the best, and then I think his jawline. But it’s the whole package. So expressive. A great subject to draw, and with so many “looks.” I can see myself extending my “Richard Series” of portraits for quite a while, though I do plan on doing portraits of other actors (and actresses) along the way.

And finally, I’ll admit that I knew that with all the fans out there and the bloggers, that there would be an audience for portraits of Richard Armitage. LOL! Of course I wouldn’t (couldn’t, really) do this many portraits of him if I didn’t truly find him fascinating, but it’s rather boring to do a portrait of a celebrity that is a super-popular among fan artists. (Like Angelina Jolie. Or Jack Sparrow from “Pirates.” I feel they have been done quite enough.) But there aren’t enough portraits of John Thornton and Guy of Gisborne yet, so I felt the need to do some! :)


So true! His expressions are so varied for each role, he is like a chameleon in how he can change his “looks” as you say.  There are certainly not too many portraits of Richard Armitage out there and we are very grateful for your work!