Art / Words: Moulin Rouge

Chapter one : Art only - 5 pieces of traditional art and a title page for the Reel BBC Merlin fest: inspired by the film Moulin Rouge (no warnings apply)
Chapter two: Art / Words for Moulin Rouge (see tags for warnings)
At the cusp of the 20th century, a young English poet and writer Arthur Pendragon is drawn to Paris. He wants to experience the celebration of love and creative inspiration that takes place in the infamous, gaudy, and glamorous Parisian nightclub: Moulin Rouge. Arthur is plunged into this heady world of theatre and begins a passionate affair with the club's most notorious and beautiful star, Merlin Emrys.
At first everything is wonderful but Arthur’s deadly love affair with Merlin is a dangerous game; the star's affections are also coveted by the club's patron: the Duke. Merlin and Arthur attempt to fight all odds to stay together but a force that not even love can conquer is taking its toll on Merlin...

Notes:

For Camelittle.
Inspired by Film: Moulin Rouge!(2001) by Baz Luhrmann

This was so simple in my head, just one clear image, but drawing it was a completely different matter. I found it quite difficult to get right, especially Merlin’s dynamic poses not to mention issues with disintegrating paper, pencils that kept crumbling, and a computer program that shall not be named.
This was so far out of my comfort zone I could have been in outer space and at times I felt like blowing the whole thing up, much like the dark lord himself. Thanks to my good friend Wil and my wonderful art beta Merlinsdeheune, I persevered. She helped me so much and I can't express my gratitude enough for her invaluable guidance. I could not have done this without her patience and expertise.
A special thanks to Caldera32 for a word beta and the fantastic Camelitte, who not only inspired me to do this in the first place but kindly read it through and made some amazing suggestions when I added words at the last minute.
I only intended to do one picture - but I got carried away as per usual. I hope you enjoy what I have produced.
Lastly, many thanks to the moderator for organising the fest and reviving reel.

Disclaimer: Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.