Working on watercolour maps for a thrilling mystical journey, written by author Julie de Vere Hunt.
The Story
I am excited to reveal a series of Celtic-inspired maps for an exciting and thought-provoking new book by Julie de Vere Hunt, following an epic journey across the Europe of an alternate reality. In an intriguing blend of past and present, a descendant of Mary Magdalene unlocks a series of memories, or visions, from another life. The reader intensely follows the dangerous journey of a Cathar girl fleeing Monstsegur, through Atlantis, Egypt, Druid Wales, Avalon, and Rosslyn Chapel.
Blending history, mythology and spiritualism, The Grain Twins weaves in glorious tales of pirates, dragons, Druids and the legend of the Grail, allowing me the chance to get creative with fantastical illustration reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings and other fantasy classics.
The Creative Process
I’ve known Julie for nearly a decade, and I loved creating these maps together. Julie shared some rough sketches she had made, laying out the key locations across the book. Using these I presented the author with a series of pencil sketches documenting the various journeys, with Druid symbolism, dragons and illustrated events from the story dotted throughout.
Together we then chose a colour scheme that reminds me of creating pirate maps as a child; a sense of patchy parchment with splashes of sea blues, greens and mountain terrain. Using my calligraphy pen, I emanated the style of ancient Celtic handwriting to label the historic locations.
Buy the Book
The Grail Twins: A Cathar Legacy is out now – available as a hardback from Julie’s website, or as an e-book on Amazon.co.uk.
Book Illustration & Maps
Check out my other watercolour maps here: including wedding maps for invitations, as well as garden maps, farm and estate maps for the home.
I have also illustrated a series of children’s books along the lines of Wind in the Willows, called Whispers in the Park, which you can see and purchase here.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re thinking about commissioning book illustrations or a map for yourself – we can chat through the process & pricing together.
