Author Archives: ArtMercenary1

Do fictional battles hold up under modern military scrutiny? Dr. Timothy Furnish has almost three decades of education and experience in history, religion, culture, politics, and geopolitics. Given his experience and interests, it was a natural progression to examine the military strategies of Middle-earth. In his search for books on the subject, he found none that satisfied the questions burning in his mind. Obviously, he would have to write the book he wanted to read.

The book includes full-color illustrations by artist Anke Eissman, which bring the scenarios vividly to life. Additionally, the expert mapping skills of Aaron Siddall (me!) make it easy to follow strategies, battles and landscapes. Furnish examines the battles and artillery from the perspective of the cultures and politics of the different groups involved: elves, dwarves, men, and orcs. His enthusiasm and expertise is woven throughout the text.

High Towers and Strong Places: A Political History of Middle-earth by Tim Furnish should be a welcome addition to the libraries of anyone who is interested in military strategy, as well as gamers and Middle-earth fans.

This quality publication may be purchased HERE.

Sketchbook: Space Adventures

Here is an example of the sketch (above) and finished product (below) of “Out for a walk” an illustration for an upcoming science fiction project. We are still in the early, conceptual stages of the project, but I am already liking where this is going.

Projects in The Works

So many things are in the works here at Aaron Siddall Illustration that I hardly know where to start.

Design sketch of denizens of Alpha Centauri

My buddy Joe Clifford Faust and I have decided on a collaboration. Dont want to get into too much detail at this point, but suffice it to say that it will be a Young Adult, Science Fiction story loaded with cool artwork produced by yours truly.

To the left are some of the concept sketches for some of the aliens. These grisly fellows are all denizens of the Alpha Draconis (aka Thuban) system. They are an ancient species with many subraces. As well as looking cool this also means that they are deeply set in their ways, and find concepts such as bettering yourself, warm-bloodedness and free trade as offensive in the extreme.

So expect lots and LOTS of updates, hints and teasers as this project progresses. While Joe is slaving away in his writers dungeon< I will be doing the same in my artists lair. So stay tuned!

And with that, I leave you a spaceship. VROOOOOM!

House On Troll Hill

Good news! Donita K. Paul and Aaron Siddall (me) have published a book! House on Troll Hill is an excellent reading aid as well as a fun story for the young and young at heart.

Here is the official press release:
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HOUSE ON TROLL HILL

English

Available at http://bit.ly/HouseOnTrollHill Amazon book sales

A reasonably priced, much-needed addition to books for beginning readers. House on Troll Hill presents just the right content to seize a reluctant reader’s attention and motivate him to push forward.

When a young reader chooses a book, he picks up something that won’t make him look silly among his classmates. Puppies and kitties, turtles and fish, drawn with an eye for cutesy and color, give off the aura of “baby books.” It’s no fun to struggle through reading while your friends snicker. An appealing book does not advertise its low level.

House on Troll Hill looks sophisticated. As it engages the child with a fun tale and intriguing pictures, it also provides reading practice. Complex sentences challenge the reader. Quick, snappy sentences reward his persistence and offer incentive to “read on.”

The combination of story by bestselling fantasy author, Donita K.Paul, and illustrations by master of line art, Aaron Siddall, gives parents and teachers a book to put in the hands of reluctant readers.

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So come on by and get a copy! THis book is a perfect gift for kids and other reluctant readers.

Tales From The Sketchbook!

Well, here we are. The old website was looking a bit long in the tooth, so I decided to do re-build. We are still upgrading around here so please be patient. Lots of new art and some excellent news on the way, so stay tuned!