Monthly Archives: September 2015

Shadow Abuse – Dan Holst Soelberg’s Hallowe’en Studio

Once again, I’m taking part in the annual Online Hallowe’en Artists’ Studio Trick or Treat. Artwork is available for sale from October 1 to October 31, 2015.

You are about to witness incidents of Shadow Abuse. Sounds horrible doesn’t it? Believe me, it is. From my book, Shadow Abuse, I have chronicled the escapades of children who torment their shadows by means that are heartless, calculated and downright sociopathic. What follows are drawings from the book. The original artwork is available for purchase exclusively through this Hallowe’en Studio Tour. Every original artwork is hand-rendered in archival ink on a 30cm x 30cm illustration board.

20% of your purchase price will be donated to Freedom Dog Rescue, a non-profit organization that operates in Ottawa and surrounding areas. With an amazing network of committed volunteers, foster homes, local veterinarians, and trainers, they are able to rescue dogs in need and provide them with loving temporary care until a well-matched carefully screened home is found.  You can learn more about Freedom Dog Rescue by clicking this link to their website.

Without further ado, I present to you the terrifying and macabre world of Shadow Abuse. To make a purchase, contact the artist for details at dhsoelberg@gmail.com

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Lucinda_-Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Lucinda’s shadow was over-inflated

— $600 —

Aeryn_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Aeryn made hers feel abandoned and hated

— $600 —

Dane_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Dane doused his shadow with wolf pheromones

— $600 —

Rosa_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Rosa reduced hers to spasms and moans

— $600 —


Tal_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Tal toyed with second-hand dentistry tools

— $600 —

Shelby_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Shelby spun her shadow onto a spool

— $600 —

Perth_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Perth’s was at once, pecked to pieces by seagulls

— $600 —

Dinna_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Dinna did things most immoral and illegal

— $600 —

Bird_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Bird made his shadow a one time assistant

— $600 —

Pasha_Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Pasha proved hers wasn’t acid resistant

— $600 —

Click here to continue on the Hallowe’en Studio Tour.

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Shadow Abuse Original Art Exhibition

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Bending Spoons Gallery @

Vesuvio Pizzeria & Spaghetti House

3010 Dundas St W, Toronto

Show Runs

Sept 21 – Oct 25, 2015

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I’m now showing original artwork from the book Shadow Abuse at my favourite Pizzeria in Toronto, Vesuvio Pizzeria & Spaghetti House. Fourteen pieces of artwork in total, which is a couple more than I usually do. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to host a reception this time around, but if you buy a piece from me I will personally meet you at the restaurant when the exhibition is over and give you a signed book with your artwork. I have two copies of the softcover for you to read at the bar, so if you haven’t been able to read the book yet, now you can.

The artwork was hung last weekend so it is ready and waiting for you! I was hoping to post this invitation sooner but I’ve fallen ill with a flu that isn’t going anywhere. I’m hoping I’ll shake it by tomorrow.

Here is a preview of eight of the pieces I’m showing at this exhibition. Some of these have never been shown online, so they may be brand new to you:

Fairly_ Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Fairly mashed his shadow into the mix

Wayne_ Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Wayne weighed his down using several bricks

Clover_ Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Clover’s careened off the chateau’s high roof

Milt_ Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Milt put a match to his shadow and poof

Channary_ Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Channary’s shadow chose door number one

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Flip had an unseemly concept of fun

Sebastian_ Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Sebastian sold his to a treacherous tramp

Gabe_ Shadow_Abuse_DanHolstSoelberg

Gabe did the ghastliest things with a clamp

Shadow Abuse By Dan Holst SoelbergYou can purchase your very own copy of Shadow Abuse from my online shop.

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Dan Holst Soelberg fans

Fan Expo, Seven Dead Pirates, and Shadow Abuse art exhibition

Last week saw another Fan Expo come and go in Toronto. I was lucky enough to take part again. The fans are truly what make this event such a joy year after year. Thanks to all who came to see me. Chris, who took time out to chat with me at Niagara Falls Comic Con earlier this year, greeted me at Fan Expo with cookies! Thank you Chris. What a thoughtful gesture.

Dan Holst Soelberg - Chris

Here’s a photo of my new friend Chris from Niagara Falls Comic Con earlier this year.

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Chris bought a book and asked me to draw something inside. It’s either what I imagine Chris doing with all the stuff he bought at the convention, or maybe cleaning up after a dispute took a grim turn. Click the image to get a closer look.

It makes me so happy to see all the costumes parade by my table throughout the Expo. One of the most memorable for me was a shirtless Joker who had written FROWN across his upper back, upside-down. Brilliant.

Dan Holst Soelberg - Fan Expo 2015 Deadmau5

Somewhere in the world is this incredible home-made Deadmau5 head with my signature on it.

Dan Holst Soelberg - Fan Expo 2015 Spamalot

Spamalot anyone?

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The costumes are pure art, aren’t they?

Dan Holst Soelberg - Fan Expo 2015 Groot

Groot-astic!

Dan Holst Soelberg - Fan Expo 2015 - Grey

My son Grey came along, as he usually does on Thursday. He was demonstrating his new Minecraft sword. He’s got the technique down!

So much is happening right now in my life that I will have to elaborate in future posts. For now, let’s just stick to the quick and dirty.

First, I received the greatest email a few days ago. It was a beautifully crafted note of thanks bursting at its electronically stitched seams with praise. It was from the incredible Linda Bailey, who is not only a prolific and acclaimed children’s  author, but she wrote Seven Dead Pirates, the magical novel I was privileged to illustrate the cover for. Let me throw my humility out the window with these words from Linda Bailey: “The book is getting lots of great notice, and a big part of that is your cover — which I’m sure is getting great notice as well. Thanks for bringing my story so beautifully to life.”

Seven Dead Pirates by Linda Bailey, cover by Dan Holst Soelberg

Click to enlarge image.

Seven Dead Pirates, published by Tundra Books, was released September 8th, which means it’s available to buy NOW! Go out and get it! Or stay inside and click some computer buttons that make people send you the book to your mailbox. Do it now!

Lastly, I have an exciting announcement – I’m launching a brand new art exhibition at Vesuvio Pizzeria & Spaghetti House in Toronto next week, and it will run for a month. I’m showing and selling original artwork from my new book Shadow Abuse. If you have been following my work, you know that the Vesuvio show is an annual tradition. I love showing at Vesuvio. I love the owner and I love the people who dine there. Details about the exhibition will be posted here in the next couple of days.

Shadow Abuse By Dan Holst Soelberg

You can purchase your very own copy of Shadow Abuse from my online shop.

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