Extra! Extra! Hot off the presses Paul Kidby news!

The past weeks have been spent chained to my easel working on new Discworld covers for the Tiffany Aching series of books. I am relieved to say that I have finished the painting for all three now, including 9 NacMac Feegles for the back and spines. Tight deadlines sure do focus the mind!

Each book shows Tiffany with a mentoring witch: Miss Tick in the ‘Wee Free Men'; Miss Level in ‘A Hat Full of Sky' and Miss Treason in ‘Wintersmith'. It was the first time I have painted Miss Tick and Miss Level, so time had to be spent initially in sketching them and capturing their look.

Another feature of the covers is that Tiffany ages through the progression of titles, starting with her being nine in the first book and growing up a few years with each subsequent story. It is depicting subtleties like this that I find an enjoyable challenge.

The artwork has now gone off to the designer for the text to be added. Other changes might be made digitally at this stage, sometimes the final book jacket varies considerably from the submitted artwork which was the case with Unseen Academicals. Here is my finished artwork…

The Wee Free Men

A Hat full of Sky

Wintersmith

Books Illustrated have been braving the weather and exhibiting work in Birmingham and Wigan , including ‘Atlantia' my mermaid.

They will next be showing a variety of my original artwork at the Watercolours and Works on Paper Fair at London Science Museum , South Kensington SW7 2DD, 3-7 Feb.

I have recently been interviewed by fantasy.fr about my book Le Royaume Enchanté, follow the link if you would like to read it, (and/or practice your French translation skills)…

http://www.fantasy.fr/articles/view/12177/interview-et-minute-necessaire-paul-kidby

Micro studios in Poland continue to model minature Discworld characters from my drawings. Here is Detritus towering over his contemporaries, Angua and Carrot.

This month has also seen me brave the world of Facebook. I have been making regular posts and am beginning to get the hang of it. Feel free to keep me company on my page!

Paul Kidby Official Page on Facebook

I have also been contacted by Durham Student Theatre who are rehearsing for their forthcoming production of ‘Guards Guards'. All profits will be donated to the Orangutan Foundation; last years production of ‘Wyrd Sisters' raised over £800. A fine way to spend an evening if you are in the Durham area!

I wish you all a great month, don't forget to be romantic on Valentines day!