Many Thanks to Robbie Cheadle for featuring Queen Isabella on her arts blog on Latinos USA!
I wish you all the best New Year!
Please leave any comments on Robbie’s blog!
Tag: Silk
The Necromancer’s Daughter – by: D. Wallace Peach
Monarchy, religion, culture and love collide in ancient China’s warring society. All come to rest upon the shoulders of Aster, a gentle soul content in her life. At the start of this tale, her dead infant body is stolen from her mother, the Queen of Verdane. Aster is brought back to life by Barus. Barus becomes her father, the only one she knows & loves.
Resa – Why &/or how did you come up withe the name Aster?
Peach – That’s an easy one. She’s so pale that she reminded Barus of the white asters that grew in the meadows around his home. I imagined that when in bloom the flowers almost looked like snow.
Resa – I just have to ask, ” When did you discover the idea of “necromancy” … that it could bring people back to life?
Peach – Great question! Necromancy is (or was) a real thing, and the earliest records date back to the 3rd century, AD. Christian priests and scholars were some of the first to record attempts to “reanimate dead people or foretell the future by communicating with them.” So, it’s been around a long time, and I’m willing to swear that the desire to communicate with the dead continues today. Ouija Boards are a modern example, and some people make a very good living channeling departed souls.
Peach – In modern fantasy, most necromancers are evil and scary, involved in black magic and creating monsters. My mother didn’t want to read the book because she thought it was about cannibals. Lol. It’s a stereotype that I flipped on its head with Barus and Aster.
Resa – Did you make up the ritual? The mixing of herbs… the incanting…. the bleeding? Or did you read about it somewhere? Are there aster flowers in the potion?
Peach – The ritual was my own fabrication though I incorporated pieces of rituals that I found on the internet. It’s amazing what you can research there!
The herbs used in necromancy don’t include asters. The ones in the book are real poisons. The toxins have medical uses, but can easily be lethal. It’s another instance of that fine line between good and bad. It’s all about intention, isn’t it?
Resa – Above is an outfit I think the Queen of Blackrock could dress Aster in, when she is a guest there. However, I’m jumping ahead. Aster must get there first, and it’s a difficult journey fraught with perils.
Fortunately, she has the help of Joreh, then Teko. Oh, and I love all the hair on the men. Okay, not so much the beards, but all that long hair be it snarled, in a ponytail, braid or grey. I confess I have a huge crush on Teko.
Peach – I like long hair on men too. Ha ha. And not beards so much either, but it’s not like these guys get a chance to shave, so beards it is. And Teko is a fan favorite, Resa. He was so fun to write – a barbarian imbued with honor, misleading simplicity, and astute wisdom. He was full of surprises even as I wrote him.
Resa – There is a black & silver Dragon, who has bonded with Aster. It seems like a simple bonding, until the final legs of the journey to claim her birthright. What gave you the idea to use dragons?
Peach – In the Chinese legend of Kwan-Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, there’s a dragon. She encounters it on the road while carrying water, and she isn’t afraid. The dragon admires her goodness and kindness and gives her a gift of a well so she won’t have to carry water anymore. Just the mention of a dragon was enough for me to include them in the retelling of her story. ❤
Resa – On her journey, Aster encounters “Nightlings”. Are these like fire flies? Or are they little birds? I’d read a small portion of the book when they were encountered. In my mind I saw them as a sort of flashlight, leading Aster through darkness.
Peach – Ha ha ha. I saw them in my mind’s eye as insects actually but large ones, the size of hummingbirds. They’re like dragonflies but they light up during dusk. I think Joreh mentions in the beginning that they’re insects, but I mostly leave it up to the reader’s imagination. Your question intrigued me.
Resa – I gotta tell you, I was wearing a thick, oversized lumberjack shirt while reading about the snow, the cold, the freezing, the deprivations of winter beyond winter. A couple of nights ago, when I put the story down for dinner, my hands were so cold my fingers were icicles. I’m chalking it up to that you are such a great writer that you can describe me into being cold.
❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️
Peach – LOL, Resa. I probably was wearing a coat when I wrote the book… last winter. Our cabin is hard to heat when it gets especially chilly outside. 🙂 I’m so sorry about the cold fingers though!
Resa – I have a question about Aster’s raiment once she has reached Blackrock. Aster is cleaned up and dressed in rose, cream and violet silk with a blue sash sleeveless blue robe/w dragons on the hem. Her hair is in a tall knot. This description is not as brightly colourful as the citizens are dressed. Am I correct in summing up that her outfit in Blackrock is a less richly hued than the one she wears at the Gates of Whitehall?
Peach – I can so tell that you’re a wardrobe and gown designer! Your questions are wonderful. Generally, the queen of BlackRock has selected pastels for Aster, in Blackrock and at the gates of Whitehall. The queen thinks she’s too deathly pale for anything the least vivid. She also doesn’t trust Aster’s fashion sense, so everything coordinates regardless of how Aster puts the layers together.
The gowns are similar to the Hanfu style of Chinese clothing, lots of layers of silk and long flowing sleeves. There are wonderful images on the internet and lots of variation. The tall hairstyles were typical of Chinese royalty back in the day.
Resa – I imagined I was the Queen of Blackrock’s designer, so I had access to all silk, threads and jewels. I designed an outfit with Aster. There is an aster pattern down one side of her sleeveless kimono, and she wears fresh asters in her hair.
❄️
Peach – Love it! Wow. Resa, that’s beautiful! And I just ADORE the idea of you as the designer producing Aster’s dress for the queen. How fun to have you in the story!
❄️
Resa – OH! You never described a headdress. Would I be out of order to include one?
❄️
Peach – Isn’t that funny? Lol. Please do whatever you want with a headdress. You’re the designer. ❤❤❤
Resa – I would have loved to draw Aster on her horse, but that could have added MONTHS to the drawing.
Inside the Gates of Whitehall, Aster is weak as a kitten, yet regal. I saw her using something to hold onto. I came up with obsidian cat statues. There are the wild cats mentioned throughout the journey, so I thought even though you never described these statues, it’s not totally out of context.
Peach – The drawing is beautiful. And the cat statues look great the way they frame her. I totally defer to your artistic impulses.
❄️
Resa – You are not just gracious, you are a true fan of the creative nature.
❄️
Peach – And your reviews are just amazing! I LOVE them. I can’t wait to see it all come to life. Thank you so much for reading my work and for your wonderful drawings.
❄️
Resa – My pleasure!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life after the kids were grown and a move left her with hours to fill. Years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books, and when she started writing, she was instantly hooked.
In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.
Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.
You can buy D. Wallace Peach’s books on:
All pics of street art taken by Resa – 2019 – 2022
Toronto, Canada
This is one fabulous story!
Outtakes
Dragon (manipulated) – from a mural by Allan Bender John Nobrega & Stacey Kinder
All other street artists unknown
A Tangle of Music
Dahlings, do you just love my hair done as red sails? I feel like I could fly. It makes me think of songs like: Sailing by Christoper Cross, Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin & Come Sail Away by Styx. This brings me to the theme of our Tribute today, Music!
Take it away, Rebecca!
Thank you Rene! We’ve decided to have a bit of fun with “A Tangle of Music”. Each AGM is presented with 2 or 3 bars of 12, that are the instrumental opening to a famous song. There are other clues, as well.
There is an obvious theme running though each AGM’s gown, that pertains to the opening lyrics. Also, as you can see, I am surrounded by the chords in the song. Note: I am holding an A minor in my right hand.
First out on the Catwalk, with the first 2 bars, is AGM Marina in a stunning 1 shoulder, ultra fitted gown with a fish tail hem.
In order to make sure our presentation is sound, we consulted with Trent, & sent him the pic of Marina.
Trent’s reply: “My piano is way off to the side, and I was trying to play it off of the dress, which has the left hand (on the right side) and the right hand (on the left side) with a woman in between. It took a minute.”
Trent’s advice: “It is easier to see if the two parts (called staves) are together. If you can have the line and bracket joining them, a player knows they are played at the same time.”
As you can see AGM Shey holds the next 2 bars, with the staves joined, in one hand. She shows off the full skirt of the drop waist slip style gown in her other hand.
AGigiM is brilliant in pinch tucked trim accentuating a deep v décolletage. Off the shoulder ruffles make for an innocent (don’t be fooled) effect, while a generous side seam insert of pleats adds drama to her every move. Her right gloved hand holds the 5th, 6th & 7th bars.
Dale, our AGM of Thunder feels easy and breezy, as she leans on a fence of the 8th & 9th bars. Inspired by a gypsy’s dance, her gown is full of romance.
Avant Garde is the term for AGM Holly’s asymmetric gown. She stands nonchalantly by the last 3 bars to the intro.
The theme running through the gowns is gold. “There’s a lady who’s sure
All that glitters is gold”.
This is an historic tribute performance of the answer!
Now, back to Rene!
Thank you, Rebecca! This is the gown that started it all. It’s a scribble gown, drawn to live music from under Resa’s bed.
Okay, the fun isn’t over yet! Someone’s past boyfriend found them online & sent her the song he wrote for her back when. Perhaps you can guess who? The answer will be on Holly’s blog.
Finally we have many blog pals who make great music. What would a great Tangle be without throwing a few into the snarl!
Click on the cards to visit their Youtube channels!
Check out the music of MK-O – Marina Kanavaki & Oannes (click on above)
Visit them on their blogs!
Holly, Gigi, Shey, Dale, Marina
& Art Director – Rebecca Budd
Rene Rosso character © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter
Since 2019
Soprano Charlotte Hoather 🌹 An Art Gowns Interview
Welcome Charlotte!
You are my only fave soprano, ever! Thank you so much for this interview! Just so everyone knows, I put my questions/voice in regular type. I put Charlotte’s answers/voice in italics. So, let’s get rolling!
Resa: – Charlotte, have you ever worn an expensive costume, and spilled something on it, torn it or otherwise perhaps even ruined it?
Charlotte: I can remember two occasions with costumes/dresses that I was performing in that I owned. However, stage costume wise no mishaps happily. Touch wood! I’m always really careful.
I was at Edvard Grieg’s house in Troldhaugen, Norway. I was about to perform in the composer’s home. It’s a converted living museum, with his original piano and lots of important antiques around. It has a beautiful concert hall.
In the green room in the basement of the house, I was with the other singers from the workshop. Another person had just made herself a fresh hot red berry tea. She spun around and spilt it down my tight-fitting, gold sequin evening dress. She was horrified and pregnant, so I spent a minute telling her it was fine.
The boiling hot liquid was all over the tops of my thighs in a huge red berry puddle. When I felt the heat, I ran to the toilet. The dress’s tight fit made the dress cling, and taking it off was a nightmare. I ripped it off over my head and quickly, with everyone’s help, put cold water on my thighs. They rescheduled my songs till later in the programme. I washed the liquid out under the tap and tried to dry it as best I could. It was the only performance dress I had with me, so just before the performance I put it back on. It was like a wet suit, but I wasn’t not going to perform or sing in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I still have the dress. The dry cleaners managed to get the stain out.
The other costume mishap was at the Llangollen Eisteddfod last year. I was going to be performing with the World-renowned tenor Rolando Villazon and was very excited about it. I’d always wanted a Sherri Hill dress, and this was a perfect excuse to invest in a beautiful ball gown stage dress. I was so excited about wearing it. It was a princess line, in pale lilac satin. I’d bought a new strong roll-on deodorant; one of those that last 48 hours. I put my deodorant on, then put my dress on. I normally put my shoes on first, and step into a dress like this carefully. But this deodorant was still wet. I leant forward to tie my shoe buckles, and I then had two perfect wet circles on the front skirt of the dress with no time to do anything about it.
Perhaps I should be more careful with gowns I own!
Resa: Speaking of gowns, I only wish I could have been around to supply you with Balcony Gowns, during the lockdown. I watched and listened to ALL of your balcony performances with George. I’m thrilled that “Je Veux Vivre” will be among the songs on your upcoming CD!
Resa: Have you ever had to wear a costume that fit you like….umm… a ship? Did it affect your vocal performance, or your acting performance?
Charlotte: So far, I’ve worn everything without complaint. The worst for me are shoes that are uncomfortable because most costume people will just adjust wrong fitting items.
I do remember two awkward costumes, but they were from my childhood. I had a costume as ‘Pumba’ in the Lion King. In order to give me more girth, the costume department attached a hula hoop to my trousers. It was fun, and the costume was light. However, it did impact on my spacial awareness. I had to be careful not to bump into the other dancers, and it was awkward to roll around in.
The next one was when I performed as King Louis, from The Jungle Book. The costume department wanted to elongate my arms so they attached mop poles within my costume arms. At the end of the poles, they attached huge purple hands. The costumers put orange/red fur sleeves over my arms and hands, to disguise the added length. I had to make orangutan gestures with those arms. It was really fun, but challenging. I took care not to hit anyone else. Yet, there was a hood that came over my eyes, which made taking care more difficult 😊. I’d love to do something like that again in an opera.
Resa: Oh, Charlotte! thank you so much for sending in these photos of when you were that cute Orangutan! Everyone will love how cute you are in the slideshow!
Resa: As an Opera Soprano, who are your 3 fave female Rock Singers (living or not)? What song from each would you like to sing?
Charlotte: Annie Lennox – I love her views on singing. She really believes “Singing a song is one thing, but expressing a song is another. It’s deep. There is magic, an alchemic quality. Everyone should feel free to sing. Singing is uplifting and freeing of your spirit. There are no rules”. I’m not sure which song I could manage because I think she’s a contralto/mezzo but I love ‘Walking on Broken Glass’.
I grew up listening to female singers like Blondie [Heart of Glass or Call Me]. Is Kate Bush considered rock? Some of her tracks sound it to me; perhaps Babooshka. Gwen Stefani I loved her songs in No Doubt like Don’t Speak.
Resa: I’d say Kate is in an Art Rock category. She really is an independent artist.
Resa: I’d love to see you and George do a set of Rock Classics – Any songs between 1968 – 1998! What songs would your set include?
Female rock singers I like are usually in the mezzo-soprano middle voice range. Maybe one of Taylor Swifts songs, a Bjork song or Evanescence’s Wake me Up Inside. My Dad loves Queen so something adapted from them maybe. Are Prince, Alicia Keys and Blondie considered rock? Perhaps you could give me some suggestions Resa, I asked my Mum and she said perhaps something by Stevie Nicks.
Resa: Those all sound like great options. Yes, Prince, Alicia Keys and Blondie are all in rock categories. I would love to hear you do a Stevie Nicks song! Of course Freddie Mercury had a great set of pipes, and you are a very colourful singer. I’m sure something could be adapted for you. Just thinking about it gives me shivers!
Resa: Who is your fave male Opera Singer? Which would you pick to do a duet with?
Charlotte: My favourite is tricky. I really enjoyed singing with Rolando Villazon. I also like listening to Joseph Calleja. I met Piotr Beczala, and he was just lovely and friendly. All of them, anybody! I’ve had some great male singers in all my performances.
Resa: Would you ever do a Rock Opera; say the role of Nora played by Anne Margaret in “Tommy” by the Who, or how about Janet Vice in the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”?
Charlotte: Definitely. I absolutely love being on the stage and I like trying out different genres it keeps me on my toes. I was a dancer in The Rocky Horror Picture Show when I was younger so I know Janet’s songs inside out and would love to do it. I’ve never heard of The Who’s rock opera but I’ll have a listen now, yes, bring it on.
Resa: Charlotte and I began this journey over a year ago. I began by drawing her face, to get a feel.
Resa: I needed to loosen up, so binge listened to Weber -Kommt Ein Schlanker Bursch Gengangen and did Crazy Free Art to Music. The abstract of Charlotte’s face, below the video, was the result.
Resa: I did some gown sketches, and asked Charlotte what operas they might be appropriate for. I tried so hard to do my best drawings, that they came out stiff/out of proportion. Although I quite like all of the designs, this is the only one I still like the drawing of. I will redo the others.
Charlotte: The white dress reminds me of wedding dresses, so Suzanna in ‘La Nozze di Figaro’ or Zerlina in Don Giovanni, or Elvira in the mad scene in ‘il Puritani’. Another new aria I’ve learned is Qui La Voce.
Resa: Here’s another design I did for Charlotte, during the loosening up period. She adores the colours!
Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Charlotte+Hoather&i=digital-music
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ymVzeeFpusYCTqPqjFUco
Deezer http://www.deezer.com/us/artist/6887897
My Website http://www.charlotte-hoather.com/music/
✨ Charlotte and George’s Album! Songs From our Balcony” is now available on above links!✨
Drawings by & © Resa McConaghy – 2019 – 2020
Cleopatra Capriccio
Did you ever want to go back in time?
Well, we can with Art Gowns and imagination. I choose the 1920’s! What a decade of influences to inspire an Art Gown! King Tut’s Tomb was discovered. Art Deco was the movement. Chanel and Vionnet eschewed the corset, flattening the chest and dropping the waistline.
In 1920 women’s right to vote was ratified in the U.S.A. – Cafe Society lead to the Jazz Age, and the Fitzgeralds were all the rage. Flappers were making their mark, and Zelda Fitzgerald was the most famous flapper of them all.
Cleopatra Capriccio is dedicated to Elizabeth Gracen, a 21st century Flapper. Twenty some years ago, she was the star, and I was her designer. We have remained good friends, since.
As a matter of fact, she gave me the Mini-Me I dress up to go with the Art Gowns.
It began with the gift of a sequin fabric, a leftover from a TV series.
I paired the sequin fabric with a table runner I’d hung onto since my teen years, and yardage of: a soft grey, heavy weight, acetate satin curtain lining, purchased at a liquidation sale for $0.75/yd (120 ” wide).
The dark blue Dupioni silk table runner is embroidered with actual silver metal thread. It was already a vintage piece back when I was gifted it. I cut the diamond shapes and zig-zag bordeur out of the runner.
Finally, some dark royal blue silk that had been stored for 25 years in musty storage, also gifted, rounded out the fabrics. I harvested sequins off of the scraps, and sewed them onto the silk.
OUTTAKES
I pinned CleopatraCapriccio up, but she still wasn’t as short as a Flapper dress. Still, the sequins did a fun bit.
Elizabeth Gracen
Elizabeth Gracen arrived in NYC from a small town in Arkansas a year after traveling the world as Miss America 1982. She used her scholarship prize money to study acting at HB Studios and photography at the New School. She later moved to Los Angeles where she has worked as an actress for over twenty years, most notably as ‘Amanda’ on the long-running HIGHLANDER: THE SERIES and HIGHLANDER: THE RAVEN.
In 2012, Elizabeth formed FLAPPER FILMS, a production company devoted to developing inspiring, informational content for multi-generational men and women. Her films have met with great success on the international film festival circuit and on streaming media platforms.
In 2016, Elizabeth formed FLAPPER PRESS and published her first YA novel, Shalilly.
Visit Flapper Press
Cleopatra Capriccio designed by and © Resa McConaghy – 2020
Photos © Resa McConaghy – August, 2020
Jazz Age Cover of VOGUE Magazine – July, 1926
Artist: Benito
Hangin’ with Boogapony & Jimi
High, Boogapony Holly here, and it’s a total freak out to be your host in this Art Gowns extravaganza tribute to the one and only Jimi Hendrix.
I’m not a gown kinda gal, but Resa promised to fusion Boogapony/Jimi/& Art Gowns. I’m thrilled with the results. Also, all my live performances have been cancelled, the Boogapony tour van need$ an overhaul, and I get to keep the gowns.
Did you know Jimi started out in the coffee houses of NYC? Yeah, the Folk scene evolved from the Beat scene. Here was Dylan amongst many, and Jimi did record some of Dylan’s songs.
Above is what I might have l looked like in an Art Gown…back in the early 60’s hip Coffee House days. So cool, right?
Dig this! Resa designed the costumes for a film about Hendrix. I mean he’s not just like this amazing guitar player, but his style of clothing is so Art Gowns! I wonder if he got flashy fashion ideas from playing in Little Richards Band?
Below is a study she did of Jimi in ballpoint pen on Xerox paper. This was done for the interview.
A water colour Resa did for the interview.
Here’s the official trailer for the DVD release of the movie.
Love this psychedelic, Flower Power gown! The worlds really came together in this one!
We want to share these pics of Jimi from a LIFE magazine article; October, 1969. (Resa just happens to have one in her library)
“An Infinity of Jimis”
Original photos by Raymundo de Larrain – 1935 – 1977
We were listening to Electric Ladyland when Resa designed this Art Gown for me.
It made us think of the video of Denny Dent painting Hendrix on a wall at Monterey Pop Festival. He set a style still used by many of today’s street artists! This 3 min. vid is a must view!
Besides the fact we love Watchtower, this is a proper licensed video; Sony to YouTube, apparently.
Jimi was an “outasight” poet, in his own right. We can’t find a decent version of “Little Wing” on YouTube, but the words stand on their own.
LITTLE WING
Well she’s walking through the clouds
With a circus mind
That’s running wild
Butterflies and zebras and moonbeams
And fairly tales
With a circus mind
That’s running wild
Butterflies and zebras and moonbeams
And fairly tales
That’s all she ever thinks about
Riding the wind
When I’m sad she comes to me
With a thousand smiles
She gives to me free
With a thousand smiles
She gives to me free
It’s alright, she says
It’s alright
Take anything you want from me
(Take anything)
Anything
It’s alright
Take anything you want from me
(Take anything)
Anything
Fly on, little wing
On May 3, 1969 – Jimi was busted for heroin at the Toronto International Airport. After posting $10,000.00 bail, he went directly from the police station to Maple Leaf Gardens. He played to a full house.
❦
This pic was shot from the audience. Taken by Resa’s bbf’s mom’s boyfriend, it is 51 years old, 16″ x 20″, cracked & peeling and Resa adores it.
In above slide show are some of the pieces Resa bought after the movie came out. Below is a little vid Resa did of the original SHOWTIME movie, for portfolio purposes, only.
Boogapony Holly Character © Resa McConaghy & Holly Rene Hunter
“Now if 6 turned out to be 9
I don’t mind,”
Did ya know?
Jimi was in the 101st Airborne. He enlisted in 1961, when the draft was in full swing in the USA. He was given a choice; the army or 2 years in jail.
While serving at Fort Dixon, Kentucky, he met bass guitar player Bill Cox. Later, after the Experience disbanded, Jimi, Billy & Buddy Miles (drums) recorded an LP, “Band Of Gypsys” in January, 1970.
Jimi died on September 18, 1970. He was 27 years old.
Feel free to leave a Jimi song/vid in your comment. Please insert it so that it is a link, not the actual video. Put a space between your comment and the link. Add an x or any character at the end of the link.
The Smexy Pen of Shehanne Moore
Please meet Shehanne Moore: writer, author, publisher, wife, mother and one of the official Art Gowns models.
SMART + SEXY = SMEXY
I just finished reading “Loving Lady Lazuli”
Cassidy Armstrong has had an unfortunate life, that has scarred her in more ways than one. Cast off from family as a baby, and her brother dead from beatings, she is pressed into being a jewel thief. Nonetheless, she has managed to hoard her virginity like it was a massive collection of fine Waterford Crystal worth more florins than any working class person would see in a lifetime.
Now, she has returned to claim her birthright. As a fake widow, Lady Cassidy Armstrong can move around more freely, searching for her proof of heritage. Yet, even after 10 years of aging, donned in a widow’s “Crow Black” and with a new name; Devorlane Hawley (fifth Duke of Chessington) recognizes her.
I asked Shehanne: Devorlane Hawley – Fifth Duke of Chessington, was off at war for 10 years. Was it the Napoleonic Wars? If not, which war was he in, and can you give a bit of history of the war and/or London around the time of this story?
Answer: It was the Napoleonic Wars but he was in the military a little before they actually started in 1803, as an unwilling recruit shall we say? And obviously since the book is set in 1810 and the wars didn’t end for another five years, he’s no longer a soldier, having been badly wounded and invalided out. The Wars came out of chaos that was the French Revolution and for some time, a long time, it looked as if Napoleon Bonaparte could become master of Europe, until he was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo and exiled to Saint Helena. I imagine that life for people in London and indeed elsewhere, would–as ever, even as we’re seeing today– depend on your wealth. Whatever your class, most people had a relative in the army or navy and would be anxious about that but that’s roughly where any kind of things in common would end. For the rich there was the chance to make more money, for the women to adopt new fashions, go to charitable balls and see some wonderful re-enactments of battles etc onstage. For the poor–the usual struggle for survival. All the English counties had a militia, there to protect the county and of course there was espionage, the suggestion of which the heroine of this book uses to her advantage at one point.
“Never judge a book by its cover, unless there’s a gown on it.”
I came up with that exceptionally memorable saying, after reading “Splendor”. It was the first book by Shehanne that I read. I pair it here with “Loving Lady Lazuli”, as they are both part of a series about London Jewel Thieves.
You can read my review, and mini interview with Shehanne by clicking on the drawing of “Splendor”, above.
I read “The Viking and the Courtesan” quite recently. It is definitely a bit of a departure from the other stories.
Malice Mallender is quite the piece of work. For the right price “Strictly Business” will destroy any marriage, usually by dealing with the wife nuisance. The right price; enough to buy the latest pair of shoes she covets in Madame Faro’s window. So, what happens when “Strictly Business” is inadvertently hired to destroy Malice’s own marriage to Lord Cyril Hepworth?
I asked Shehanne: In “The Viking and the Courtesan” – How did you come up with the idea of “time displacement” ?
Answer: My dearest, lovely Resa, first let me thank for all your kindness and especially for the gowns and asking me here today. You may know I must be amongst your biggest fans, not just as a mega admirer of your work but the fact you make gowns to be used for charity.
Okay, so to answer your question, I had a flash moment. I never ever set out to write a time displacement story. Just like I never ever set out to write any book. But I had written the first few chapters of this book exactly as they stand now, to the bit where she goes to her husband, Cyril’s flat. The story was to be a second chance love story between them but one day as I was belting away at the keyboard, I thought that idea was a bit too similar to the Lady Fury book. Then the little voice whispered… you know that Viking idea you have where you have the hero’s story but not the heroine’s? Hmm?? Well … why don’t you just bung that in here? Quite understandably I thought, no way. Are you serious???? I mean, come on. Then I went and thought about it for a moment. And I thought, okaaaay. Maybe I should just give it a try for a chapter or so, no more? What have I got to lose really? And that was it. That’s the truth. It just popped into my head.
The moment I saw the new cover of Shehanne’s re-released tale of Lady Fury (Genoa 1820), I fell in love with the gown. I read chapter one on Shehanne’s blog. Then I read the book.
“Rule One: There will be no kissing. Rule two: You will be fully clothed at all times… Widowed Lady Fury Shelton hasn’t lost everything—yet. As long as she produces the heir to the Beaumont dukedom, she just might be able to keep her position.”
Perhaps ex-privateer Flint Blackmoore (a man she’d rather see rotting in hell than sleeping in her bed) has never been good at following the rules, still she decides to use him to produce an heir.
I asked Shehanne: In “Lady Fury” – What was your impetus for coming up with “the rules”? Did you have a reason for making Blackmoore a privateer… ie: a love of ships, a port you have been stimulated historically by?
Answer: Ooh, I have always loved pirate stories since I read Treasure Island as a kid. I was reared on all the old films and one of my fav board games was buccaneer. I was gutted to learn it just wasn’t possible to pursue my chosen choice of career actually. But I did always want to write a book about a pirate or a privateer. As for ‘the rules’, well, once again I had written first few chapters and I thought, now what? You can tell by now I never ever think anything out. And I thought, well, he’s got her cornered which she’s er…not going to take lying down. So what would she do here to pay him back and keep any feelings which she sees she sort of still might have, under wraps Then I thought I could maybe have a little fun dissecting a certain activity shall we say? I am a great believer in having fun especially with rules on anything. Let’s face it, I dunno about you but over here in Scotland right now, and England, well .. I never saw so many that were badly thought through.
This is my favourite book by Shehanne. It is her most recent, and proves that she gets better with time. As the ending demands a sequel, I am hoping there is one in progress!
You can read my review, some Q&A with Shehanne and see the gown drawings by clicking on my above rendition of Destiny.
Shehanne’s titles are available worldwide on Amazon, Ingram Books & Barnes and Noble. If you click on the above banner, you will go to Amazon’s universal “select a country” page. Once there, select “Books”. In “Books” search “Shehanne Moore. It will take you to all of her titles.
LOVE!
Art Gowns Art Styles
Last time in Art Gowns Art, I expressed a desire to expand my style & ability.
Above is a an attempt at drawing a black model.
Then I felt like my drawings were stiff, so I began this Crazy Free Art to Music. There would be no belabouring, no erasing, no starting over. It’s just go, with the flow of the music.
The idea was to loosen up. It turns out some around me like the new approach better.
I also expressed that I wanted to illustrate all of my Art Gowns. Below is Natascha in O Royal Treasure. O Royal Treasure was dedicated to Ralph and Natascha for their wedding.
For O Royal Treasure, I tried a combination of my formal style w/the free style. Painting white on white is still very illusive to me. Just another thing Fashion illustration never taught me.
O Royal Treasure joins the gallery, which now stands at five: Flora Blanca, Mnemosyne, Artemis by Moonlight, Lady Anne & O Royal Treasure.
Art Gowns & Art Gowns Art © Resa McConaghy
Art Gowns Photography © Resa McConaghy
I found an old sketch in my archives, that I remember fondly. It was done for an interview to design the costumes for A House Divided, a Showtime Feature.
I belaboured for days over this sketch. The massive amounts of erasing at the tail exposes the fact. I got the job, in spite of my eraser!
♥️🎨 ♥️
Art Gowns Gallery Project
Where can I take the Art Gowns?
{Painted canvases are atop, the original pics are below.}
It would take someone savvy to wear an Art Gown. Fact is, some of the back tails are 7′ long. There can be side tails and front tails. Of course, I can tame tails for a fashion show.
Well, I had 10 of the photos I took for their blog printed on canvas. Then, using iridescent acrylic paint, I high-lit, filled and/or embellished the canvas.
Of course, with the iridescent paint, one needs to view the paintings from certain angles in various lightings.
I have done 10 paintings in this “Art Gowns Iridescent” collection.
I entered them in an art show, but have never heard anything back. Friends say I am too, niche, more unique than they can sell.
I’ll be doing a second 10 piece collection. The chosen Art Gowns will be printed in black and white. Strong colours will be abstractly influenced.
Anyway, good chance of getting in a show in about a year, and I will have 2-10 piece collections.
For now, here are 5 of the 10 canvases I have done. The iridescent quality is insanely difficult to capture. Did my best. I’ll post the other 5 later.
Below, “Art Gowns Iridescent” pieces are side by side. The original is on the left. The canvas print with iridescent paint is on the right.
Can you see the difference?
MYSTIC LAKE
LA ESENCIA DE TITANIA
AUTUMN ORCHID
ATHENA GRAFFITI GODDESS
MNEMOSYNE
(The only Art Gown piece unreasonable to display side by side)
Art Gowns & all Art Gowns Art © Resa McConaghy
2014 -2019
A new Art Gown has been started. I’m thinking 3 months, unless ……
Mademoiselle Emily
Did you ever channel a white cat, a wedding gown and Jean Harlow?
Well then you know it comes out an Art Gown, and that Art Gown is dedicated to;
Georgiann Carlson from Rethinking Life blog. Georgiann’s blog is full of art, Chicklets, creative writing, flowers, Chicago, Emily and opinions.
Deciding it must be a Harlow 1930’s style movie star gown, dictated a bias cut.
Admittedly, being a rank amateur in working with bias, I was cursed with many problems. Nonetheless, it’s a challenge I’ve wanted to tackle for a long time.
Designers, like Chanel and Vionnet, championed the anti-corset generation. Finally, women could feel more comfortable in their clothes.
At a liquidation sale, I found an 18″ wide bordeur lace for $0.50/yard.
What costs $0.50 these days? I bought 75 yards.
Thinking like a cat, I decided to shred the lace.
Using scissors for claws, I deconstructed the 18″ wide lace into many strips of lace; 3/4″ – 2″ wide. I also got many decals out of it.
The decal 2nd from the left, was gathered up into the flowers that adorn Mademoiselle Emily.
At the same sale, I found an old high quality satin coat lining for $0.75/yd.
The fabric was cut on bias, à la Madeleine Vionnet. (Click on left side pic to read about this amazing designer.
The bias fell on the Judy for about 10 days, before it was cut into.
Mademoiselle Emily has many gorgeous angles.
⭐️Mini-Me has a special announcement! ⭐️
She is fine
like Dynasty porcelain.
Her words are the chimes of
a host of carillons that ring
True and wise, as clear as bells.
Her hair is a storm
Of Harlow platinum
eyes, a deluge of diamonds.
Not to give in to Winter
She winks over her shoulder,
saunters Emmy’s catwalk
adorned in Chanel and Lavender. 
OUTTAKES
Mademoiselle Emily looks out to the dining room. The other Art Gowns were aghast when she announced that there would be no dinner party, and that she would prefer to paint a portrait of each Art Gown.
Now, the Art Gowns are bickering over who will be first to sit for her!
We all know cats have 9 lives. Here are 9 tails, one for each of Mademoiselle Emily’s 9 lives: 1. a small pointed front tail w/ dagger – 2. one handsome centre back tail w/ lace trim – 3. two side back tails of voile w/picot lace border – 4. 2 x side centre voile w/picot fluffs – 5. Center back fluffy tail
Tails become tales in a who-done-it with humour, about a man becoming who he has pretended to be. I have it in my mind that there are 9 tales, like a cat has 9 lives. The next book is “eight black lives”.
Nicky is an actor, vain, jaded and tired of Hollywood fluff. He holes up, brooding in his New York apartment only to accept yet another “detective” role scheduled to shoot in his grey and gritty home turf. As stalkers move in and a real life murder taps him on the shoulder, Nicky enters a dangerous Neo Noir world. Peril looms to all those around him, including his love Lara and their unborn son. With the chill of premonition creeping over him, and wielding his “detective” skills, Nicky must awaken the true man within before time runs out.
You can read it for free. Just click on the cover and download the PDF.
Art Gown Mademoiselle Emily designed & made: © Resa McConaghy
Story & Character Art Gown Mademoiselle Emily © Resa McConaghy
Photos © Resa McConaghy
Poem: Gigi © Holly Hunter
♥️Thank you, Holly!♥️
🌹Many Thanks to Georgiann for all her inspiration. She has written 2 books. If you visit her blog you will see them on her sidebar. Click on them, and you will be able to buy them.🌹
Here is something I’ve never shown on Art Gowns, before now.
From the first scraps of an idea, to the end product.
It’s a long & fab journey!
Johnny photo bombs the shot when Resa tries to capture a dramatic moment with Mademoiselle Emily.
Goodnight!
Art Gowns 
You must be logged in to post a comment.