I like the way your pictures clearly are illustrations of a fantasy story. I don't know if you're deliberately hiding the story (because it will be published elsewhere), but I think it would be better if you had somewhat larger descriptions. It is a bit frustrating to have a story hinted at and nothing more. I find myself wanting to know so much more about the story, and there is no way of my knowing it. (If you want to check out someone who really combines scene illustrations and good descriptions, see Elfwood artist Craig Oshima -- http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/art/c/o/coshima/. I think he is the absolute master in Elfwood at illustrating and describing D&D scenes.)

Over all, I think your landscape drawings are exceptionally good. Your character drawings are also good, but not IMHO as good as the landscapes. And I think all the pics could benefit from darker scans. Overall, though, good work! "Fantasy art" means illustrating a fantasy -- not just drawing faces with pointy ears.

Jake Simpson replies: """Fantasy art" means illustrating a fantasy -- not just drawing faces with pointy ears." I couldn't have said it better myself. When I look at fantasy art I want my imagination to be tickeled. I have a passion for story telling. And that is the main idea behind everything that I do..... My story is still in the outline faze. However, I do have a few scenes on paper. I will definatly post a better discreption, as far as the story is concerned, to each drawing. I'm going to start on that right now. "

Your work is very good background-wise and I like most of the character drawings, though they need a bit more expression (e.g. the elven hunters). I fully agree with your view on detail, both in fantasy art and writing. I'm a writer and I spent at least two months developing the history and geography of the world where my current story is set (its published on elfwood but doesn't seem to be attracting many readers, much to my despondance). Its actually one of the most interesting parts of writing fantasy, and drawing it as well I expect. In drawing, I keep this up, though none of my drawings are fantasy. I like to draw buildings, and pay great attention to stonework and the tiny details of these.

A good start to your gallery Jake. You have some interesting compositions and characters but one thing I might suggest is that you work on giving your drawings a more finished look to them. Many of these pieces have an unfinished quality. I have much the same problem myself... When I actually do work on creating a completed drawing the results are much better. Just some friendly advice... Welcome to Elfwood!

I realy like your drawing style, and i can bet that your landscapes would look excelent in color. You should try that as you have a good style wich is asking for some color into it. Good galery.

The tours up!!! Your picture looks great as its thumbnail, go take a look, and take the tour while your there. Thanks so much for letting me use the picture!

Wooo hooo! Tulsa rocks, baby! Go oklahoma soooooneerrrssss!

Your background detailing is absolutely amazing. I'm horrible at backgrounds myself. One thing you might work on is putting a titch more detail in the people in your larger drawings though. You have great taste in writers it seems (I'm a huge Terry Brooks fan) and I'd love to read your story. I'd also love to help with coloring if you'd like.

Your drawing style reminds me of my own, but you have much better composition and perspective. All of my characters are perfect profiles and all my castles have no perspective. You have inspired me to work on that problem. Thanks.