In the Breton (West of France) tradition, there is a town, Ys, which was submerged (by the fault of Dahud, the daughter of the king) and can only be seen once per century. Imagine the face of an ordinary fisher, raising his fishing nets, and seing, giving a strange light, the old city of Ys in the depth of the sea...
In this tradition, it is said that Dahud was transformed in a water fairy which charms and takes away in the depth of the sea the imprudent sailors and fishers, but this is another story, I'll perhaps draw one day.
For the city, I was inspired by the wonderful medieval town of Figeac, in the South-West of France (far away from the see, but it is only a fantasy illustration, doesn't it ?).
I'd never heard of that particular legend, but I'm glad you did a picture of it. It's wonderful. The colours are gorgeous, and I love your style. It really fits the classic fairy tale. Anne Wipf replies: "There are many legends around the world about sunk cities, the most known being Atlantis, of course. And Ys is one of them, particular to Brittany. Thank you for your lovely comment."
I remeber reading a version of the legend in a book of celtic stories. Or else it was in a book of legands from around the world, maybe both. Anyway, very nice picture. The fish look really realistic. Though I'm not sure how many lion fish live of the coast of France Anne Wipf replies: "None! But they are so beautiful... Thank you for your kind comment."
You did a very good job on the city beneath the sea. I always find it hard to draw things below the water, but you did it well. Anne Wipf replies: "Thank you. I didn't find it so difficult (perhaps was I particularly inspirated? Or perhaps is it due to the dark blue paper I used?). Thank you for your lovely comment."
Wow i love this picture! I love anything that looks like it came strait out of a storu book. This looks like it has story behind it. Love the sea weed Anne Wipf replies: "Thank you again, Tanya. There is a story behind this picture: it is a French legend, more precisely a Breton legend. I love to illustrate legends, I'll do some more soon."
A visit to your gallery is always a magical occasion - so much creativity and wonderful ideas. I’m familiar with this legend, and it has always fascinated me. I love the way in which you’ve designed the picture. Those fish look so real, and the city beneath the waves is lovely. Anne Wipf replies: "Thank you sooooo much for your lovely comment, Norma. I love to visit your own gallery. "
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