Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Sun Guardian Novel Now Available

Dec 28, 2017

New art for the new year - and this year my love of producing art turns to writing a fantastical gay adventure.
I hope you will enjoy reading The Sun Guardian.
Love to all,
Victoria

Scorch is a cocky apprentice at the Guardians' Guild, a fellowship of warriors trained to protect the people of Viridor. 
But when his first guardianship turns out to be more treacherous than he'd bargained for, Scorch finds himself in league with an unlikely companion—the mysterious Vivid, a man as attractive as he is ill-tempered.
Assassins, monsters, and fearsome elementals await them on their quest to save the High Priestess, but the greatest danger of all may lie in the discovery of Scorch's darkest secret.
Available via digital download at my Etsy store www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye
and  in paperback and on Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Guardian-T-S-Cleve…/…/1981971270/



An excerpt from The Sun Guardian.


   Before it began, Scorch knew he would win.
   His steps were light, measured, and easy. His heartbeat was steady. The staff in his hand was a natural extension of his arm; its weight was comforting, his grip around it sure and solid.
   She came at him with bared teeth and an aggressive thrust of her staff, and he could have evaded the incoming blow, could have ducked and twisted and rolled and attacked from behind, but instead he met her straight on, lifting his staff, matching her ferocity. Wood cracked together like thunder and she stumbled back.
   “Almost knocked it out of my hands that time,” he laughed.
   The woman before him in the sparring ring blew an errant strand of sandy blonde hair from her eyes and steadied the staff defensively across her chest.  “Liar,” she huffed, and it sounded like an invitation. It had certainly been an invitation the night before. Most words directed toward Scorch were an invitation for something other, for his reputation as an insatiable bedfellow was challenged only by his reputation for pyromania, and it was safe to assume, when he was being spoken to, the speaker was either sizing him up for a toss or wondering whether something nearby was about to start smoldering.
   “Come at me again,” she demanded, and Scorch’s small smile became a mischievous grin; she had also spoken those words the night before. As if sensing his debauched line of thought, she rolled her eyes and slammed her staff on the packed dirt in a prompt for further violence. “Come on, Scorch.”
   He sighed. “If you think you can handle it.”
   “Shut up and fight me,” was her quick reply, followed by a jumping high kick to his chest.
   He staggered back, spinning his staff in the air as she stalked forward, searching for another opening. She wouldn’t find one unless he wanted her to, and he wasn’t in the mood to lose. The sun was bright, the day was cool, but his fingers were hot where they wrapped around the smooth wood of the training staff, and his palms were already growing sticky with sweat. His sparring partner quirked her head at him and he threw her a wink, hoping his cheeks weren’t red from a heat that had nothing to do with the mild temperature of the morning.
   She returned his wink with a grimace. “You can’t distract me.”
   “Oh, I’m sorry. Do you find me distracting?” he asked, punctuating his question with a sweep of his staff that nearly knocked her off her feet.
   She was fast, leaping before she could be toppled. Without pause, she began riddling him with formidable blows, which he blocked easily but enjoyed immensely. It seemed the time for banter had concluded and the remainder of the sparring session would be the sweaty onslaught of strength against strength that he craved, apprentice against apprentice. He was glad for it, treasured the release of tension a good round of sparring allowed. It was the best way he knew how to alleviate his occasional fevers. As he dodged the staff swinging at his face, he could already feel the heat in his fingers dissipating. She really was an excellent partner, and for the life of him, he couldn’t recall her name. He felt positive it probably started with an M. Or N?
   The slip in memory was excusable, in Scorch’s opinion, as the Guild was rich with apprentices new and old, as well as graduated guardians returning for more training, assignments, or merely because, for them, the stone walls were home. Scorch had been an apprentice within the Guardians’ Guild for fifteen years, but he could hardly be expected to remember every single person’s name, regardless of whether he’d slept with them the night before or not. It was just too many names and too many faces. The strangest thing was that, whether they had just arrived or had lived there forever, succumbed to Scorch’s considerable charms or not, everyone within the Guild knew his name with an instantaneousness that set him ill at ease.
   He did not strive for infamy, yet it was always finding him. But what was he to do? He would not smother his exceptional skills because it made the other apprentices envious gossips, nor would he deny himself the comfort of companionship because it earned him dirty looks. And the single facet of his reputation he would have made an effort to stop was the one he could never disprove. Scorch, they had dubbed him. A fire starter. His alleged proclivities had earned him the nickname, and he was powerless to correct the assumption that he, Scorch, enjoyed playing with fire in the literal sense. It wasn’t true. He didn’t enjoy it. But letting them think he did was better than the alternative.
   The world narrowed down to Scorch and what’s-her-name, the clanking wood of their staffs, and the practiced in and out of controlled breaths, one after the other, as every kick was careened and every offensive strike was defended. She jumped at him with a grunt of frustration and Scorch ducked, twisted, and grabbed her from behind, holding his staff beneath her chin. She choked and he released her. When she swung at him, he blocked her with an upraised forearm and jabbed at the backs of her knees with his staff. She buckled and landed with a thud before rolling into a crouch, which she swiftly unfurled from with a sidekick.
   He let it connect and grabbed her ankle in retaliation, giving it a brutal yank and sending her to her back. The air was knocked from her lungs in the time it took him to knock the staff from her hands and straddle her waist. He let his own weapon fall and clutched her wrists, pulling them roughly above her head in the dirt, sending a puff of dust floating around them. She strained against him and he sat triumphantly atop her for a few moments before relinquishing his hold and sitting back on his heels.
   “I wish they would stop assigning you as my sparring partner,” she grumbled.  “It’d be nice to win every once in a while.”
   Scorch offered her his hand and she took it without question, letting him lift them both to their feet. He didn’t miss the way her fingers brushed the underside of his wrist, or the way her lashes batted with intent. He responded with a leisurely step closer, until their hips were a hairsbreadth from knocking together.
   “If you’d like, we could have a rematch,” he offered slyly.
   “Only if I end up on top next time,” was her slightly breathless response.
   He laughed, a hearty kind of laugh that lifted his face to the sun. His hair fell back from his forehead, scruffy and blond and boyish, and he knew she was admiring the chiseled line of his jaw and comely shadow of beard. When he lowered his eyes back down to her, he wondered whether he truly wished for that manner of rematch. A fight like they’d just had? Definitely. But a repeat of their less clothed sparring from the previous night? He wasn’t so sure. She was pretty in a way that left no room for debate, with an alluring hourglass figure beneath a layer of taut muscle. Her lips were full, her cheeks a healthy pink. With her blonde hair and tan skin, Scorch mused that she looked a bit like he would look, were he female. But was he interested in lying with her again?
   “Hey!” hollered a third voice. Scorch and his sparring partner both responded, turning their heads toward the figure approaching the training grounds. “Scorch,” the newcomer specified, and now that he had walked nearer, Scorch could see it was Merric, the only apprentice he knew who had been living at the Guild longer than himself, and that was only because he was the Master’s son.
   “Missing me already?” Scorch asked with a cocky flit of his eyebrow. They had seen one another an hour ago for archery practice.
   Merric crooked a finger once he reached the wood-post fence that surrounded the melee ring. Tragically, the Guild Master’s son belonged to the slim lot of people stubbornly un-beguiled by Scorch’s flirtations. Generally, Scorch didn’t care much for Merric, but it was still tragic, because the young man was gorgeous. Deep auburn hair and green eyes and milky skin, made all the more irresistible by the fact that Merric seemed to loathe Scorch. He was the one to first spread rumors that Scorch was a fire-lusted fiend that set the forest ablaze. Still, Scorch could have overlooked their disagreements for what would undoubtedly be a glorious tumble, but Merric remained unshakable in his distaste for all things Scorch.
   “The Master wants to see you right away,” grouched Merric. 
   Scorch scooped up the training staffs, tossing one into his partner’s hands, and they crossed the ring together. He leaned against the fence, lowering his head so his hair fell messily across his brow, and looked up at Merric beneath pale lashes.   
   “If you’re trying to get me on my own, all you have to do is ask.”
---







Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Holidays with new Harry Styles art!

It's beginning to look a lot like . . . a Harry Styles themed holiday. 
My latest painting is a 16" x 20" Oil "Harry Styles - Portrait in White" and it's available now at my Etsy store. A full color 16" x 20" print is also available.
Visit my store at www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye for a closer look or to order,
Happy Holidays!

Victoria



Saturday, December 16, 2017

Harry Styles Oil on Canvas

December 16, 2017
Looking for the perfect gift for a Harry Styles fan? This 16 x 20 Oil on Canvas of Harry is on the drying wall now and will be ready to ship in a few days. 16 x 20 prints of this original art will also be available. 
For a closer look, to order, or to see my online gallery, visit my Etsy Shop at www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Victoria

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

LOTR Grey Havens "Into the West"

Lord of the Rings fans will recognize this 24" x 36" oil painting as the Elvish port of Grey Havens, where Gandalf, Bilbo and Frodo depart from Middle Earth. This is a one of a kind, original gift sure to be a hit with LOTR fans. Come by for a closer look at www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye


Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Happy Anniversary, Harry Potter!

Happy 20th Anniversary to Harry Potter & everything Hogwarts! My latest painting is a LARGE 30" x 40" Oil on Canvas entitled Welcome to Hogwarts, featuring a night crossing of the Great Lake by first year students upon their arrival. Please come by the shop for a closer look at all my paintings and to order. Thanks! www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye


Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Grand Canyon Sunrise


June 21, 2017 
My latest piece is Grand Canyon Sunrise, which features the greys, pinks and blues of the earth and sky at daybreak on a winter's morning with low clouds and fog partially filling the canyon. The original Oil on Canvas is a large 24" x 36", perfect for above a fireplace or bed. It is also available as an affordable 16" x 20" matted print. Come by my store for a closer look at www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye


Sunday, May 14, 2017

Manhattan Sunset


My latest painting is Manhattan Sunset - a large 24" x 36" Oil on stretched canvas view of New York City as seen from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade - one of my favorite places when I attended school there. This colorful painting is also available as a 16" x 20" matted print. Come take a closer look at my Etsy store. www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye

Victoria Skye
May 14, 2017

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Twenty percent off!

My Etsy shop has a new look, and to celebrate, I'm offering a 20% Discount for Friends & Family with the coupon code FRIENDSDISCOUNT.
Why not stop by and shop for original art or matted art prints that would make affordable, unique gifts for upcoming graduations and weddings?


Sunday, April 23, 2017

The Scream reproduction now available!

April 23, 2017
Inspired by recent world events, my latest painting is a reproduction of "The Scream" by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. It is available in the original 16" x 20" oil on canvas, or as an extremely affordable matted art print.
For more information, and to see all my artwork available for sale, please visit www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtByVictoriaSkye


Victoria Skye


Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Cafe Terrace at Night Van Gogh Reproduction

This 16" x 20" oil on canvas reproduction of Vincent Van Gogh's 1888 painting of "Cafe Terrace at Night" is available now at my Etsy store - as well as the full color matted print for just $25.00. Drop by and have a look! www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye



Friday, April 14, 2017

Van Gogh Reproduction - Starry Night Over the Rhone

April 14, 2017

Reproductions are a great (and affordable) way to bring famous works of art into your home or office. This piece, Starry Night Over the Rhone, created by Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, is now available as a reproduction at my Etsy shop, both as a 16" x 20" Oil on Canvas, and as a 16" x 20" full color matted art print.
Come by and take a look.
www.Etsy.com/Shop/Art by Victoria Skye

Thanks!
Victoria Skye

Monday, April 3, 2017

Spring Art inspired by Anne of Green Gables

April 3

Spring is in full bloom, and so is my latest painting. 

This 16" x 20" original oil portrait is called White Way of Delight, and was inspired by a scene from Anne of Green Gables. This piece is also available as a 16" x 20" full color matted print. 

Drop by the shop for a closer look. www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye


Victoria Skye

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Magical Magnus Bane

Glitter on an oil portrait? 
Yes! 
Glitter is completely appropriate for use on this 11 x 14 oil on canvas of Magnus Bane, the very magical High Warlock of Brooklyn on Shadowhunters.
Art prints of this portrait are also available - just $25.00 includes shipping!
Now available at www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye


Friday, March 3, 2017

Astrological Print -The Dreamer & the Sorcerer


March 3

New art is available at the shop! This print, The Dreamer & the Sorcerer. was created from one of my commissioned oil paintings. Come take a closer look!

Victoria

Monday, February 13, 2017

Political Art - The Three Missiles

February 13, 2017

My latest piece, The Three Missiles, which will be sold only as a 16" x 20" Matted Print, was inspired by Marc Chagall's "The Three Candles" (1938). Chagall, who was Jewish, became a refugee to the United States in 1941 after the Nazis invaded his homeland.

With each purchase, ART BY VICTORIA SKYE will donate $5.00 to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a BBB A+ rated refugee aid organization founded at the request of Albert Einstein.

To take a closer look or to order, come by the shop at www.Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye.


Tuesday, January 31, 2017

FIVE NEW PAINTINGS - ART BY VICTORIA SKYE

January 31, 2017

New year, new paintings!

I've just added five new paintings to my Etsy Shop at www,Etsy.com/Shop/ArtbyVictoriaSkye.

Please come by and have a look.

Thanks,

Victoria

 Maurice & Alec
 Jack & Bittle
 Hugstab (Hannibal)
 Whisper
Banquet (Yuri!!! on Ice)