You know, I'm going to have to disagree with this one being an Honorable Mention - it should have been a finalist. Great framing with the tall ship in the background, featuring a classic Galapagos native; very evocative. This could be the cover illustration of Voyage of the Beagle. Thomas, nice work!
Also, notice the blue reflection on the belly of the bird ;-)
Matt Young · 9 April 2013
it should have been a finalist.
It is a splendid picture. All your irascible judges can say in their own defense is that we have not looked at the finalists in some time, but we recall that there were a lot of splendid pictures that year, and choosing the finalists was harder 'n hell.
Karen S. · 9 April 2013
"May I try them in a different color, please?"
Dave Lovell · 9 April 2013
Al Denelsbeck said:
You know, I'm going to have to disagree with this one being an Honorable Mention - it should have been a finalist. Great framing with the tall ship in the background, featuring a classic Galapagos native; very evocative. This could be the cover illustration of Voyage of the Beagle. Thomas, nice work!
Also, notice the blue reflection on the belly of the bird ;-)
Brilliant picture, and I endorse your opinion except for the bit about the Beagle. It would not pass as a cover illustration to anybody with an interest in the ship as well as it's passenger. Beagle was a Bark and the ship in the picture, even so far out of focus, is almost certainly a Barkentine. It certainly has split topsails, which would have seemed very odd to Darwin's seafaring companions. Perhaps 25 years later on a merchant ship where manpower was an issue it was becoming the norm, but never in the Royal Navy in the days of fighting sail. Had he been fortunate enough to capture an image of HMS Rose/HMS Surprise under the same conditions during the filming of Master and Commander, she could have probably passed for the Beagle.
harold · 9 April 2013
Scott F said:
Looks like a "tall ship". It is the Galapos Islands. Maybe it's the Beagle. :-)
I was there a couple of weeks ago! Among many wonders, it was amazing watching these plummet into the water like arrows, within inches of piers and boats.
The Galapagos are full of biological wonders, but scenic postcard tropical isles, they're not. Mostly dry, scrubby, unlovely volcanic islands.
Dave Lovell · 10 April 2013
stevaroni said:
What's the vessel in the background?
After a quick Google search, my money is on this one. It matches the description, and it's got a motive!
http://www.sailingshipadventures.com/index.cfm?event=GetVesselDetails&VesselID=135
JimboK · 10 April 2013
Dave Lovell said:
After a quick Google search, my money is on this one. It matches the description, and it's got a motive!
http://www.sailingshipadventures.com/index.cfm?event=GetVesselDetails&VesselID=135
I think you are right!
I read somewhere that there is a sister ship named Ginger, too. ;o)
Henry J · 10 April 2013
Maybe it's the Flying Dutchman? Or the Black Pearl? Would you believe Noah's Ark? (Wrong shape? Oh.) How about...
Dave Lovell · 11 April 2013
JimboK said:
Dave Lovell said:
After a quick Google search, my money is on this one. It matches the description, and it's got a motive!
http://www.sailingshipadventures.com/index.cfm?event=GetVesselDetails&VesselID=135
I think you are right!
I read somewhere that there is a sister ship named Ginger, too. ;o)
Thanks a bunch! I now have half the words of a long forgotten theme song echoing around my head, and before you offer I have no need of a link to the rest.
Henry J · 11 April 2013
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...
AltairIV · 16 April 2013
I agree with Al Denelsbeck, this would make a great cover illustration. With such an ideal composition, who cares if it's historically accurate or not? Just put a small "about the cover image" disclaimer inside the book and all's well. :)
I appreciate the discussion in any case, as it pushed me into looking up the differences between the various types of sailing vessels. Thanks for teaching me something new!
15 Comments
stevaroni · 8 April 2013
What's the vessel in the background?
Scott F · 8 April 2013
Looks like a "tall ship". It is the Galapos Islands. Maybe it's the Beagle. :-)
https://me.yahoo.com/a/JxVN0eQFqtmgoY7wC1cZM44ET_iAanxHQmLgYgX_Zhn8#57cad · 8 April 2013
So, I'm staring at a booby and thinking about blue feet?
Not the usual, anyhow...
Glen Davidson
Al Denelsbeck · 9 April 2013
You know, I'm going to have to disagree with this one being an Honorable Mention - it should have been a finalist. Great framing with the tall ship in the background, featuring a classic Galapagos native; very evocative. This could be the cover illustration of Voyage of the Beagle. Thomas, nice work!
Also, notice the blue reflection on the belly of the bird ;-)
Matt Young · 9 April 2013
Karen S. · 9 April 2013
"May I try them in a different color, please?"
Dave Lovell · 9 April 2013
harold · 9 April 2013
Just Bob · 9 April 2013
I was there a couple of weeks ago! Among many wonders, it was amazing watching these plummet into the water like arrows, within inches of piers and boats.
The Galapagos are full of biological wonders, but scenic postcard tropical isles, they're not. Mostly dry, scrubby, unlovely volcanic islands.
Dave Lovell · 10 April 2013
JimboK · 10 April 2013
Henry J · 10 April 2013
Maybe it's the Flying Dutchman? Or the Black Pearl? Would you believe Noah's Ark? (Wrong shape? Oh.) How about...
Dave Lovell · 11 April 2013
Henry J · 11 April 2013
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...
AltairIV · 16 April 2013
I agree with Al Denelsbeck, this would make a great cover illustration. With such an ideal composition, who cares if it's historically accurate or not? Just put a small "about the cover image" disclaimer inside the book and all's well. :)
I appreciate the discussion in any case, as it pushed me into looking up the differences between the various types of sailing vessels. Thanks for teaching me something new!