Present at the Creation

Being there at the birth of genius is a rare event. Watching a masterpiece unfold is a special occasion that more often than not is hidden from view from us mere mortals. And maybe rightly so. Like the magician that won't reveal his secrets for fear that once the illusion is brought to light he will be diminished in the process, few artists allow the public to view their work until it is created.

After all, how many times have we built a prop, not even close to being a masterpiece, and have received skeptical looks from family members? Yet, I admire watching an artist like Bob Ross -- using little more than a palette knife -- turn smudges, smears, and cuts into a pretty convincing landscape.

Alternatively, reading books about the creating of a literary masterpiece is just as enlightening. Horror master Stephen King gave us a peek behind the curtain of how he creates his bestsellers in his book "On Writing." (okay, I'll admit, I haven't liked a King book in years, but his early works were compelling). For anyone that thinks they have a novel inside them, this is a must-have addition to your library.

Or the compilation of the notes of J.R.R. Tolkien by his son Christopher that allows us to see "The Lord of the Rings" come to life is a special treat. I find myself absorbed almost as much by the process as by the actual product.

Okay, so what's my point? Haunters, Halloween enthusiasts, and those with simply a love of seeing art created are getting that rare opportunity to see how a master creates his work. The genius of the incredibly talented Pumpkinrot is being slowly revealed as he has been going back to his "haunt theory" roots and is creating a new piece based on it. However, he's also giving us mere mortals an unprecedented look behind the scenes of how he creates his artwork.

The Skull Witch (she started as the Gray Witch) is not so much a step-by-step tutorial, but rather a progression of a project that even at the outset was already a masterpiece. Now as it develops it takes on more depth and detail. It's impossible not to fall in love with this.

I'm looking forward to learning at the knees of this true master craftsman and artist. I recommend others follow along as well.

Rich