John R. Neill's Oz illustrations may be the reason I ever started drawing. I've long since lost the urge to imitate his style- it's gorgeous, but it's not mine-- but he's with Arthur Rackham as one of the greats in my heart.
The original Dorothy was so much cooler -- cool as in competent, confident, self-possessed-- than any of her later updates. And she was all of nine. I'm 33 and I still want to be as great Dorothy when I grow up.
I also want to ride a giant lion.
Both of these are equally likely. But at least I can paint a giant lion, and that's also fun.
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