The Headless Horseman Has My Noggin

[bonniegrrl]

Art by Randy Martinez
Heads: Bonnie Burton, Steve Sansweet, Matt Busch, Mary Franklin

The Headless Horseman Has My Noggin
Words: Bonnie Burton

It's not every day that my severed head ends up in a piece of art work. Luckily for me, Star Wars artist Randy Martinez also put my noggin in the company of well-known heads that belong to Lucasfilm Events Manager and Bantha Tracks Editor Mary Franklin, Lucasfilm Director of Fan Relations Steve Sansweet, and You Can Draw: Star Wars artist Matt Busch.

I chatted with Randy about the Headless Horseman tribute which is featured in his upcoming book Creature Features: Draw Amazing Monsters & Aliens, published by Impact and due to hit stores in March 2009.


How did this book project come about?
The honest truth... I'm not totally sure. I chalk it up to doing a lot of networking at places like Comic-Con. Impact emailed me about the job one day, and I said yes. Apparently they had been fans of my work for some time and the right opportunity finally came along. I'm just happy I was available.

What kinds of monsters will people learn how to draw from your book?
Everything from mythological monsters (dragons, Medusa, Cyclops), legendary monsters (vampires, Big Foot, Kraken), to aliens of all shapes and sizes. We tried to be as unique with every kind of creature. We didn't want to do all snake-like creatures, or all hairy beasts for instance. Something for everyone.

Which monster is your favorite?
Hmm, that one is tough. Each one was uniquely fun to create. But I think if I had to pick a favorite it would be the werewolf. Actually, we had to un-werewolf the book at one point. I was drawing so much stuff for the supporting graphics you would think I was turning into the Wolfman!

What's the story behind the Headless Horseman illustration?
First off, let me explain that in the back of the back of the book Impact dedicated 11 pages to a gallery. This is where I don't worry about teaching I just go for it with all the artistic weapons I have! I knew I wanted to do one piece of the Headless Horseman. I also had been wanting to put some of my friends in my artwork for a long time -- friends who have really helped me get to where I am now. This was the perfect opportunity to give a shout out to those friends. I know it's weird, but somehow having your severed head on the Horseman's saddle is a term of endearment. The severed heads include, Mary Franklin, Matt Busch, Steve Sansweet, and Bonnie Burton.

--------------
Check out more art and book info here on RandyMartinez.net.