Ink Vanilla

Who Were They?

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!!

Mary Brookside, Bill Abbot, Kendra Ricco.

Thank you. It's been a wonderful experience receiving your responses. Admittedly, a bit stunned by your intelligence regarding each guests occupation...especially you Bill! Pretty amazing! Unfortunately, no one could correctly figure out the eighth guest name Flora. I thought the clues I had provided were helpful but nevertheless I've decided that you the winners will receive an extra card (different image then first one). As promised, soon to arrive in your mailbox.

My thanks also goes out to other responders and your guesses. Also to those of you who although weren't interested in playing the game... simply sent feedback about my art and blog. And especially to Typepad who've had a link to my blog on their main sign-in page for the last three months! Of course this probably won't last much longer now that I've decided to mention (normally not a superstitious person- ha, ha) but certainly appreciate the traffic to my blog.

Once again... thanks to everyone for your time, patience, and most of all your compliments!

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Note: I probably won't be posting for the next two weeks due to very busy work schedule relating to my  upcoming online shop. Still creating products and working on website. Also rearranging studios to accommodate this very large undertaking entailing lots of materials. The products available for sale are quite unique and elegant utilizing my illustration work featuring decorative elements. Quite different then what I post here on my blog. Hope to have the website up and running come October. 

Regarding Ink Vanilla: New artwork will depict images from the Quirky Worlds Moleskine (Victorian Images & Wordplay). But these might be rendered only as rough sketches. Considering posting then have a fully detailed piece rendered onto larger paper which will be available for you to purchase and frame. Stay tune!

The Eighth & Last Guest

The eight guest bestows a distinct nose capable of an agreeable molecular formula.

As the clock tower bell began to ring out, Fredrico having joined the other guests, watched intently the eighth masquer enter into the room. As this guest drew closer toward him, to all appearance he was seized by the sudden realization that the violet eyes that shone behind the mask were those belonging to that of the beautiful lady seen in town a few days prior. But it wasn't just the eyes he recalled which forever burns in his memory. It was also her irresistible fragrant perfume that drew him to her like a bee to a flower. 

At length, all the masquers passed into a room where a group of musicians began playing a poet's sonnet. Without hesitation Fredrico took the hand of the alluring guest and lead her onto the dance floor. And they dance oblivious to others present, transfixed by their own presence through gaze and touch. When the music had faded, Fredrico whispered into her ear, "What is your name?"

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Standing from afar, Fredrico's brother watches the enamored couple. Unbeknown to Fredrico, his brother had taken it upon himself to contact the violet-eyed lady after listening to his story about his feelings for her. Fortunately, Fredrico's brother knew the identity of the woman having collaborated with her father concerning numerous business dealings in the past. Therefore, he kept this knowledge from Fredrico and immediately sent her an invitation to the masquerade ball.

And so, a romance begins in a castle by the sea.

The End.

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Hooray! The game is officially over!

 I've decided not to include a final illustration depicting the clock tower mentioned earlier in the game.  Henceforth, if you would like to participate in guessing the true identity (occupation) of the eight guests, please send me an email with the pertinent information before September 1st. Also, if you think you know the name of the eighth guest (Hints: Latin origin with five letters - Roman Mythology) be sure to include this to acquire a second card! But please remember...you will only receive this second card provided you have correctly guessed all other guests occupations too.

The first TEN responders with correct answers will receive their free custom-made card (or two) once I obtain a mailing address where you would like the gift sent.

Note: offer ends midnight August 31st!! After which I'll provide the answers to guests identities in my next post coming this weekend. 

Thanks so much for your participation and especially your patience. Ciao!

EMAIL: please click Email Me link in sidebar under About. Also in Subject type Masquerade Game.

Comments closed.

The Seventh Guest

The seventh guest employs art, science, and instrument, whereupon reveals the world measurable.

When the seventh guest appeared, his presence eventually produced a bevy of questions from the second guest. There was no mistake that the two had mutual subject interests. Meanwhile, the other guests made casual conversation amongst themselves while sipping upon refreshments. As to Fredrico...he thought all this very good but nevertheless grew steadily anxious for the ball to officially begin at exactly eight o'clock. Shortly afterward there would follow the merriment of delectable food and classical music. This was after all, his brother's utmost wish.

Presently, to seek a few moments of solitude, Fredrico made his way out onto a veranda overlooking the castle grounds. Here, a breeze dissipates fog producing brief glimpses of starry sky and moonlit sea. He tried to make out the shore but only heard the sound of waves crashing against rocks like shredded thunderbolts. In the near distance, his eyes followed the narrow ribbon of road that wound its way up toward the castle. The castle itself spellbound by dark secrets, ancient trees, and subterranean tunnels, beheld enough mystique to form the ideal place for an intimate masquerade ball. And with regard to the invited guests, Fredrico decided thus far that the majority of them were satisfactorily identified.

Suddenly his eyes caught sight a horse-drawn carriage making haste up the road. Without question, the last guest would soon make an appearance.

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Note: the necklace around the neck of seventh guest holds a partial rendering of an ancient map. Sorry this isn't showing better here on post.

Comments closed until end of game.

    

The Sixth Guest

The sixth guest under a full lunar glow, secretly dances within the enchanted grove.

At seven forty-five the sixth guest appeared and joined the fifth guest. Fredrico assumed they were a couple and found both to be quite an amusing study in personalities. Like night and day, he thought. For instance, the sixth who steadily held her glowing mask, went out of her way avoiding the other guests. Meanwhile, the fifth with his radiant mask relished the company of everyone in the room.

Presently, Fredrico watched the sixth cross the room toward a darken corner. Like a dancer she moved while ever so slightly lifting the hem of her long dress. Suddenly Fredrico's brows lifted like a drawbridge. To his astonishment, he noticed two bare feet!

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Note: Sorry about the horribly rendered illustration. Unhappy with hairdo and stupid stars. Later I will redo. Guess I'm too busy concentrating on too many other things at once. Suffice to say, in the midst of creating many new products for my upcoming online shop including website to showcase it all!!

Comments Closed.

The Fifth Guest

The fifth guest learns the art of observing an infinite system orbiting life's radiant stella.

Nearly seven forty and the castle is enveloped by gray mists that rose from a nearby lake. Standing before a window, Fredrico watches intently two mysterious forms coming towards the castle. One further ahead blazes bright like fire while the other shimmers pale like frost.

Moments pass and now his attention focuses on the fifth guest entering through the castle doors. Holding in one hand a radiant mask, the stranger is immediately surrounded by the other masquers. It was obvious to Fredrico that this was the radiant form seen earlier. While contemplating the stranger's occupation, he simultaneously wonders when the other form will appear and reveal it's mystery. 

Comments Closed.

The Fourth Guest

The fourth guest erudites and lovest best, whether wit or tragedy.

As the bell tower rang out the half hour, the fourth guest entered through the castle doors. At once, Fredrico and the other guests greeted the stranger with utmost courtesy. Then, as if the stranger's painted mask were nothing more then a thin veil, there came a distinct feminine voice. Measure for measure, Fredrico and company stood spellbound listening to a sonnet of expressive thought and feeling. Henceforth, so powerful the spoken language, Fredrico's guess as to the stranger's true occupation whether to be correct or not, was momentarily no great concern to him.

Comments closed.

The Third Guest

The third guest nurtured by the elixir, his path an essence of the universe.

Five minutes after the second guest had arrived, the third made an appearance.

Bent on discovering the identity of the oriental dressed man, Fredrico tried in vain to strike up a conversation. But the man behind the mask, spoke few words. Moments later, the mysterious stranger excuses himself. Fredrico politely stepped to one side while inhaling the scent of many earthly spices. Just then, he suddenly sensed a key ingredient which triggered certitude as to the third guest occupation.

*Comments Closed.

The Second Guest

The second guest has gallant visions nourished by an aqua world.

It is twelve minutes pass seven o'clock. A sudden wind stirs autumn leaves outside the entrance of the castle by the sea. Inside, Fredrico paces the flag-stone floor like a caged animal. Anticipation weighed heavily on his mind for the Masquerade Ball of nine guests (himself included) to commence. For several weeks, great preparations were made upon his brother's request. Fredrico's role was simply delegated to appear on the appointed evening dressed incognito. And now the time has come, his thoughts allude to the whereabouts of the host. Sounds of horse hoofs beckon his attention toward the front door. 

Outside, the second guest dismounts a carriage. Moments later as a valet opens the door, Fredrico finds himself mask to mask with a mysterious stranger. Bowing courteously, there is no mention of names. A handsome and dignified uniform, including hook billed mask ... for Fredrico, it was an easy guess as to the stranger's occupation. 

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Notes:

1. Contrary as of last post, comments are here onward closed for the duration of masquerade game. This way those who wish to play aren't swayed or dis swayed by other player opinions.

2. The illustrations require a lot of research and time to render. So posting may be days passing before you're able to see the next guest. Also, this game just came about on a whim the other day. So please bear with me while I try to create something worthwhile. Meanwhile, I'm getting those cards ready for the lucky winners!

3. Don't forget ... custom hand-made paper treasures available soon on my upcoming online shop. Presently designing website pages, banner, illustrations, etc. In the near future, I will be producing specialty items such as accordion fans including paper dolls for children. There's going to be a lot of unique things so please stay tune!

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For details on how to play The Masquerade Game, see July 20th Post. Thanks.

*Comments closed for duration of game.

A Masquerade Mystery Game

The first guest to arrive was Fredrico from the town of Sortino. A charming fellow, his heart desires a certain lovely lady with violet eyes.

Under a full moon, a bell tower clock chimes seven times. And so begins the masquerade ball located in a castle by the sea. The owner of the castle whose name shall remain anonymous, has invited nine people whose occupations ~ (profession, hobby, pastime, interest) he finds admirable or intriguing. And the first guest happens to be his dear brother Fredrico. For several days, his pastime has been spent pursuing a mysterious lady with violet eyes. So enraptured by her beauty, Fredrico has fallen madly in love with her. Unbeknown to him, she will soon arrive at the ball.

As Fredrico enters the castle, you're welcome to join him on his quest to guess the occupation of the other eight guests soon to arrive.

When you see the last illustration showing a clock tower with the little hand at eight, this means the game has officially concluded. Then and only then should you feel you know all eight occupations of the guests...email me. If correct, you'll receive a free custom-made greeting card by yours truly. What sort of greeting card? That's a secret!

So be sure to return here every few days to help Fredrico solve the mystery behind the masks and you to win a special card!

Tip: pay close attention to hints given with each guest. Remember it's about their occupation.

Bonus Prize: To the winners with correct answers including the name of Fredrico's  love interest, wins two greeting cards! 

Also please feel free to leave comments. It would certainly be entertaining to hear what others may be thinking. Just remember they could be wrong and you could be right! Or you could be wrong and they could be right!

Good Luck!

*More details regarding email responses, etc. will be provided on the day game is officially over.

For those of you who will be winning a greeting card or two, they're the very first samples of my new greeting card line in development. They'll be printed on acid free heavy-weight paper with envelope included. In the future, I will have boxed sets available for purchase.

The Masquerade Ball

Cornucopia moleskine sketchbook.

The Masquerade Ball and the Guests Who Came

Ciao,

Here is the first installment of a new series of illustrations heading your way. As you'll notice the theme will depict a masquerade ball and the guests who came. Beginning tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. pacific standard time I will introduce you to the first guest who arrives at this gala event!

Speranza verrete unite il partito e venite a contatto degli ospiti. Arrivederci!