Dinotopia Fans Pose for James Gurney Art

Dinotopia fans who attended a gathering at Stockbridge, Massachusettes in 2006 called The Stockbridge Stomp were treated to a big surprise.

What was the surprise? James Gurney had invited them to visit his home so he could photograph them in the Dinotopia costumes for reference for a painting in newest book, Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara!

Here's an account of the day:

The day was nice and sunny, if somewhat cold, and we arrived at the Gurney's an hour later than we had planned. All in all, I'm glad it was only an hour and am surprised it wasn't more! We were welcomed in and Mrs. Gurney offered us cups of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. The hot chocolate was most welcome after the cold walk from the cars to the front door! We enjoyed a chance to discuss what was going on in our own lives with Mr. Gurney. After our drinks, we had a small tour of the house, including an introduction to Kooky, the Gurney's parakeet. Let me tell you, that little bird loves his peek-a-boo toy! The studio is amazing and smells of oil paints, which Tamith just loved. Due to the lack of a projector, Mr. Gurney was unable to show us his power point presentation; however, he did something a good deal better. Instead of showing us slides of his paintings, he showed us paintings that have yet to be published or put in any art show. I won't say too much about them other than they involved the Forbidden Mountains and more paintings of Skybax's.

Once the presentation was complete, we began to pose for a painting. Nobody really has any idea of what it will look like, but we were told where to look and how to stand. Some of us had instrument props or a basket, a few had flowers in our hair, and others simply posed. I do know that we will be able to see a preview of the painting once more of it is complete and will be sure to share it if at all possible.

The Gurney's were very generous and provided lunch for us before everyone headed out to the Norman Rockwell Museum to see the exhibit. The split pea soup and multi-grain bread was delicious, as was the apple cake. Thank you to Mrs. Gurney for the wonderful lunch! I also want to thank Mr. Gurney for the beautifuly hand letterd certificate commemorating the Stockbridge Stomp and for the goody bags.