Princess Aurora

One of my latest addition to the Royal Collection is titled "Princess Aurora". In this exquisite piece, I have skillfully employed a combination of watercolor and acrylic ink, which together create a vibrant and dynamic visual experience that enhances the overall aesthetic of the collection. The smooth, ethereal look of this artwork is achieved through the meticulous use of an airbrush, complemented by the delicate application of sable brushes. Each stroke is executed with precision, and great care is taken in the handling of the lines drawn on high-quality Arches 140 lb. watercolor paper, known for its ability to retain color and detail beautifully. The portrait itself depicts an imaginary princess, a figure of grace and beauty, illuminated by the soft, enchanting glow of moonlight and the twinkling stars that adorn the night sky. She is positioned atop a majestic mountaintop, surrounded by a veil of mist that adds an element of mystery and allure to the scene. The mist swirls gently around her, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that transports the viewer to a realm of fantasy and wonder. Princess Aurora's long, flowing hair cascades down her shoulders, appearing almost weightless as it dances with the wind, her only crown being the natural elements that envelop her. This choice symbolizes her connection to nature and the ethereal qualities of her character, further accentuated by the way the moonlight plays upon her features, highlighting her serene expression. The entire composition invites the viewer to lose themselves in the enchanting world of this princess, evoking feelings of tranquility and inspiration as they gaze upon this magical portrayal. EB

"Princess Aurora" By Eric Buechel, Watercolor on paper, 29" x 21"

The Tale of Princess Aurora and the Mountain Dragon

By Eric Buechel

Once upon a time, in a magnificent kingdom nestled between lush valleys and towering peaks, there lived a beautiful princess named Aurora. She was renowned throughout the realm not only for her extraordinary beauty but also for her kindness and adventurous spirit. Aurora often found solace in wandering the enchanting gardens and dense forests that surrounded her splendid castle, where vibrant flowers bloomed in a riot of colors and the sweet songs of birds filled the air. However, there was one place that she had never dared to explore—the high mountains that loomed ominously in the distance, shrouded in mystery and legend.

In the heart of those majestic mountains, it was said that a mighty dragon resided. The villagers spoke of the creature in hushed tones, recounting tales of its shimmering scales that glimmered like precious jewels under the warm sun and its fierce roar that echoed through the valleys like a thunderstorm. They warned that the dragon was fearsome, with fiery breath capable of melting stone and a heart as cold as ice, capable of instilling fear in the bravest of souls. Yet, despite these warnings, Aurora felt an inexplicable pull towards the mountains and the dragon that lived there, as if a thread of destiny was weaving her path toward this enigmatic creature.

One bright and promising morning, driven by her insatiable curiosity and adventurous spirit, Princess Aurora made a resolute decision to embark on a journey to find the dragon. She carefully packed a small satchel with provisions, including freshly baked bread, creamy cheese, and a flask of cool, clear water, ensuring she was well-prepared for the adventure that lay ahead. With her heart racing with excitement and trepidation, she set off towards the mountains, the towering peaks beckoning her with a sense of allure and wonder. The path was steep and treacherous, winding through rocky terrain and thick underbrush, but her determination fueled her every step. As she climbed higher, the air grew thin, and the landscape transformed into a breathtaking panorama of craggy cliffs and vibrant wildflowers dancing in the gentle breeze. Finally, after a long day of hiking and overcoming numerous obstacles, she reached a stunning plateau where the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue over everything, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange.

It was at this magical moment that she first laid eyes on the dragon. The creature was magnificent, with scales that shimmered in hues of emerald and sapphire, catching the last rays of sunlight and reflecting them like a thousand tiny stars. The dragon lay curled around a massive boulder, its eyes closed, seemingly at peace with the world around it. Aurora felt a mixture of fear and awe wash over her, but she gathered her courage and approached slowly, her heart pounding in her chest like a wild drum. “Great dragon,” she called out softly, her voice steady despite her racing heart, “I mean you no harm. I have come to learn about you and your story.” To her astonishment, the dragon opened one eye, regarding her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, as if he had not expected to see a princess on his mountain. “What brings a princess to my mountain?” it rumbled, its voice deep and resonant, echoing off the cliffs surrounding them.

To her great surprise, the dragon was not as fearsome as the tales had suggested. As they began to talk, Aurora learned that the dragon's name was Zephyros. He had been misunderstood for centuries, feared by the villagers who had never taken the time to understand him or his true nature. Zephyros shared stories of his life, his loneliness, and his longing for companionship, painting a vivid picture of a creature who had been judged harshly without a chance to prove his heart. As the days passed, Aurora visited Zephyros often, bringing him gifts of ripe fruits and fragrant flowers from the valley below, each offering a token of her growing friendship. In return, he taught her about the mountains, the stars that twinkled like diamonds in the night sky, and the ancient magic that flowed through the land, connecting all living things. Their friendship blossomed like a rare flower in the wild, and Aurora discovered that the dragon was wise and gentle, with a heart full of dreams and stories waiting to be shared.

However, not everyone in the kingdom was as open-minded as Princess Aurora. When the villagers learned of her friendship with the dragon, they were filled with fear and anger. They believed that Zephyros posed a grave threat to their safety and began to rally against him, their hearts clouded by fear and misunderstanding. Determined to protect her friend and dispel the darkness of ignorance, Aurora returned to the village to speak on Zephyros's behalf. With passion and conviction, she shared the truth of their friendship and the kindness he had shown her during their encounters. Slowly, she began to change their minds, telling captivating stories of his wisdom, the beauty of the mountains, and the gentle spirit that lay beneath his fearsome exterior. Her words ignited a spark of curiosity in the hearts of the villagers, allowing them to see beyond the fear that had once blinded them.

With time, the villagers began to see Zephyros not as a monster but as a guardian of the mountains, a protector of the realm who could help them in times of need. They learned to respect and appreciate the dragon's presence, realizing that he was not a threat but a source of strength and wisdom. In return, Zephyros vowed to protect the kingdom from any harm, becoming a formidable ally to the people he had once been estranged from. Princess Aurora and Zephyros became symbols of unity between the humans and the magical creatures of the mountains, demonstrating that understanding and compassion could bridge even the widest chasms of fear. Together, they forged a new era of understanding, where fear was replaced by friendship, and the kingdom flourished under the watchful eye of the dragon, who soared high above the valleys, a guardian of peace.

And so, the princess and the dragon lived happily, their bond a testament to the transformative power of friendship and understanding. The mountains, once feared and shrouded in darkness, became a place of wonder and magic, where tales of Aurora and Zephyros would be told for generations to come. The kingdom thrived, drawing inspiration from the extraordinary friendship that had blossomed against all odds, reminding everyone that true courage lies not in the absence of fear, but in the willingness to embrace the unknown and forge connections that transcend boundaries.

The Tale of Princess Aurora And

The Mountain Dragon

By Eric Buechel

In a kingdom where the sun kissed the trees, Lived Princess Aurora,

with grace like a breeze. Her laughter rang clear through the valleys and glades,

A heart full of dreams, where magic cascades. But high in the mountains, where shadows

would creep, A dragon lay slumbering, in silence so deep. With scales like the night and

eyes like the flame, He guarded a treasure, untouched by fame. One fateful day, as the winds

whispered low, Aurora set forth, where few dared to go. With courage ablaze and a heart full

of light, She ventured to find the dragon in flight. Through forests of emerald and rivers of gold,

Her spirit was fearless, her story untold. She climbed up the cliffs, where the eagles would soar,

Determined to meet the beast at his door. Atop the great mountain, beneath skies so wide,

She found the fierce dragon, his wings spread with pride. But instead of a roar, he gazed with

surprise, For in Aurora's eyes, he saw kindness arise. “Why do you seek me, oh princess so fair?

Do you wish for my treasure, or come for a dare?” With a voice soft as petals, she answered him

true, “I seek not your gold, but the heart that is you.” The dragon, once feared, felt a warmth

in his chest, For friendship and trust are the greatest of quests. They spoke through the twilight,

their laughter like song, In the bond they discovered, they both did belong. Together they soared

over valleys and streams, A princess and dragon, united in dreams. No longer a monster, the dragon

was free, With Aurora beside him, as friends they would be. So tales of their friendship spread far and

wide, Of the princess so brave and the dragon with pride. In a kingdom where magic and laughter

entwine, The Tale of Aurora and her dragon will shine.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill Tennessee 38578   

(931) 881-7806

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