Repost from Pelgrane Press Announcements

February 21, 2020May 5, 2021 | Aaron McConnell

The following is a repost from Pelgrane Press Announcements as described by my art director Rob Heinsoo:

A funny thing happened on the way to the Crown of Axis arena. Wade’s request for a cover image featuring two powerful female gladiators had been executed in style by Aaron McConnell: 13Age_CrownofAxis_MockUP_A original sketch

For a change, Aaron decided to hand-paint the piece, old school instead of digital. That turned out to create a delivery problem. At first, the paints wouldn’t dry. Well, they dried a bit, but the yellow was taking a loooooong time. Then Aaron’s scanner tech couldn’t pick up the colors he’d painted with properly. Neither could Aaron’s photos.

EaselView-scaled drying on the easel

So Aaron went over to Lee Moyer’s house, since they were working together on a different project and Lee has a Serious Scanner. And if you know Lee, you know Lee’s super-power—he had suggestions. They got the piece scanned and then worked together on the paints, turning a high-noon situation into an evening showdown. Aaron held onto the piece for another couple weeks, but he has overcome separation anxiety and is calling it done!

13Age_CrownofAxis_NightPainted_A-scaled Crown of Axis cover by Aaron McConnell, with paints assist by Lee Moyer

13 True Ways…Incoming!

June 26, 2014 | Aaron McConnell

13 True Ways has arrived. The first expansion book for 13th Age is now available to pre-order from the Pelgrane Store. Kickstarter backers will get the PDF before Monday, and pre-order customers will get it June 30. http://www.pelgranepress.com/shop/

Abraham Lincoln: Age 204 years

February 13, 2013February 13, 2013 | Aaron McConnell

It’s true, Lincoln isn’t as old as Yoda, yet. 204 years seems downright youthful in contrast to Yoda’s 800+.

I imagine Lincoln received a book or two as birthday presents, so I thought it might be appropriate to present this mock-up of our book cover. The illustrations are taken from the interior except for the central portrait that I based on a photo of Lincoln reading to Tad that has been reproduced frequently. The cover was designed by Adam Johnson. Thank you, Adam!

And here’s an extra bonus: The BW lineart of an interior page that features Lincoln and a cameo of his bible, perhaps his most famous possession…after the hat.