First, I can now be 'liked' on Facebook: [link] *hint hint*

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No character has affected me more emotionally then the heart wrenching tale of Walker Boh (from the Shannara series by Terry Brooks). I will always find it odd how one can grow attached to a character that doesn't even exist in real life.

I first read the books 6 years ago and was left so upset by his death that it nearly took me a month to get over it. Then just recently I began rereading the entire Shannara series again. I knew what was coming this time and I tried to force myself to remain unaffected by him, but again I failed. The night I got to the point in his story where he dies I became so upset I fell asleep crying that night. During that time I was overwhelmed with inspiration to finally paint a picture of him, my small way of letting go again. The next day inspiration had faded a bit but I was curious and I did a quick search for fan art of him on DA and was stunned to find less then a page of results. That brought my inspiration back in full force and I dropped everything I was working on and began painting my own tribute painting.

I wanted to try painting something a bit different then I usually do. I wanted to portray an almost sad and melancholy atmosphere which, to me, reflects on the character, who sacrificed everything to become what he feared the most.

The background features Paranor, the home of the druids which become his own after a time. I had at one point added in his moor cat Rumor, but I was unhappy with the results, as it looked as if he was looking at the cat in the distance rather then Paranor.

The scene itself was basically just Walker leaving Paranor (for the last time before his journey on the Jerle Shannara?) and looking back for a moment, reflecting on the events of his life.

The painting itself is closer to a speed painting, at least compared to the level of time and detail I usually spend in my paintings. And yet I'm still quite happy at the finished result. The castle in the back was the hardest thing to do, as I stink and angles and it tons of them. I may go back someday and retouch a few things (walkers pose still seems a bit stiff for my liking) but for the moment I'm content with it.

I should also point out for those that don't know the character and are wondering about the picture, he in fact has no right arm (which is why there isn't one painted). I won't say here how he lost it (another heart wrenching part of his story) but I did include a Wikipedia link below about him. I also lessened his beard a bit (compared to official pictures of him). I liked the back of his jaw a bit more bare looking.

No Critique desired.
Painted completely in photoshop.
Multiple references used.
Information about Walker for those that don't know the character or series: [link]

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Art © copyright =keelerleah (me)
Walker Boh (Shannara) © copyright Terry Brooks
Do not re-post, resubmit or edit this picture. You Can't use the pictures for layouts, blogs, websites, myspace, banners, designs, posters, cd, books etc without accessing a written permission from me.</sub>