Tribute by @Crash (Charlie Stadele)

I can still recall the first sequence of events that led me to the internet art scene. Way back in '97 or so, my family computer first got on-line. For lack of anything else to look up, I searched for sites on the Redwall books. That search led to finding a fanart gallery, with notable work by one Julian Ho. Following a link with his stuff took me to the classic Yerf.com. Though I never posted there, I was a regular brouser, and soon became enamored with the art of Tracy Butler.

Butler's art was....well, amazing. Like most artists, she had a story in her head that she wanted to illustrate, and had a well devoloped cast who littered her gallery. The characters were all various woodland furs, dressed in very accurate (well, at the very least very detailed) feudal garb--with strong celtic influences. I blame her gallery for the feudal-kick I've been on ever since. And I mean that in the nicest, most flattering way...

Back in the day, I had my own little copy-cat cast, but that has long since fallen by the wayside. Still, her influence is still around, and I can still draw furry if I try, so it was time for a tribute.

From left to right; Dustin, Kegan, and Tess. Kegan was the hero of Tracy's story, Dustin the smartass companion, and Tess some bandit that they picked up along the way. ...I really liked the way Dustin and Kegan came out. Tess, not so much. I still have problems with cat faces, and should have spent more time touching up her costume. And if I could do this over, I'd work on the expressions so they were a bit more consistent. Ah well.

raises glass To the artists we admired when we were young....