The Art of Mr.Werewolf

Independent concept artist, storyteller & illustrator

[jakubrozalski]

'The gloves are off' Gniewosz, also known as Gotard, sat down for a moment to rest and catch his breath. Since he lost his horse two days ago, this pursuit became much more of a struggle and with every step through this frozen wasteland his armor felt heavier and heavier. He has been following the Teutonic raiding party through the frozen Baltic for many days. They were heading north. Among the dozens of those poor souls captured by rejza, was his beloved Milena. Gotrad had once visited these area with his father and recognized the coastline of a land known as Courland.Those damned Teutonic Knights are heading towards Alschwangen Castle - He thought. He knew had to do something before they got there or he would never see his golden-haired Milena again! Thoughts were swirling in his head, a strange rush took over his body. Heart started pounding. Blood in the mouth, pain, sweat, panting and growling. He was beginning to lose control! “Pull yourself together! You are a knight, you made a vow! You swore before your Father, before God! You mustn’t! Naaaaaagrrr!" He howled, curled up, his body tensed so much that every part of his armor began to creak. "Agrrrrrrr!". He threw off his armored gloves, tore off the sleeves of gambeson and ran through the forest. Driven by his inner beast, by his curse.

Otto - an experienced Teutonic soldier - focused his gaze on the tree line. Something was lurking there. He shook the shoulder of his comrade, Ludolf. "Ludolf, hast du dieses furchterregende Heulen gehört?" Ludolf didn't even raise his head. "Nein. Keine Ahnung, wahrscheinlich Wölfe. Warum regst du dich so auf? Hast du Angst vor Wölfen?" Otto stood up and nervously grabbed his spear. Something inhuman was rushing toward them. "Gott schütze uns. Wërwolf!"  

work process: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/2BwBoA

[jakubrozalski]

' Dear Elisabeth, I am writing this letter with hope it will reach you in Paris so that you don't wait for my return and could start your life anew, with someone better. I don't know where to start, my thoughts are dark and hopeless. We have been marching through this hellish land, this icy desert, for many days, starving and freezing to death. It's so cold! I've never felt such cold, it pierces my body and tears my soul. After the battle of that accursed Krasnoi, we were cut off and separated from the main army during a blizzard. Since then we have been plagued not only by ferocious Cossacks but by some demonic creatures. Demons of this land, punishing us for our conceit and arrogance. At first we thought it was a pack of hungry wolves, or a bear, but it was something else… something dark, something unnatural! Something I can't explain or comperhand with my mind. They appear out of nowhere, emerging from the blizzard, tearing us apart one by one, eating us alive! These demons, these beasts! We should never invade this God-forsaken land. At dawn one of the Polish lancers will try to break through and reach our main army, he will take this letter. I hear a howling, they're coming. I envy those of my comrades who met a peaceful death in the embrace of the frost. Please forgive me and remember me fondly. Your Pierre. November 21th, 1812. ' Work process: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/6L4REr

[jakubrozalski]

Coronation - It happened 1000 years ago, a few days before the official coronation of the first King of Poland in Gniezno. Another, more intimate, but no less important coronation took place under the sacred oak of Weles. However, you will not read about it in any chronicles, sources or notes from that time. Church scribes, the only chroniclers of that period, couldn't and shouldn't know about it…

Bolesław, like his father Mieszko, was a fearless warrior, wise, cunning and charismatic leader, but most of all pragmatist. Syncretism suited him, especially when it helped in realization of his personal goals and ambitions. He was baptized, and posed for years for an exemplary Christian, to secure the favor of the Roman Church and be able to officially seek a royal crown accepted by the Western world and The Holy Roman Empire, but he never renounced the faith of his ancestors and secretly cultivated the old ways and old gods. With his “condition” he didn’t really have much choice. Bolesław was calm and ready. Weavers of Fate, all his choices, all battles, all deeds, all spilled blood have led him to this place. This ancient ritual and coronation has an even greater significance for him than the official christian one, which will take place in a few days in the Gniezno Cathedral. After years of long and bloody wars, he managed to defeat and unite all Lechitic tribes, wild packs of Luticians and savage Pomeranians. At dawn, between night and day, under the sacred oak of Weles, he will become the ruler of all Vukodlak tribes from the Odra river to Kyivan Rus! He will become the first King of the Vukodlaks! His legacy, a trace left on the path of the ancestors. work process: https://jrozalski.com/projects/XJErla

[jakubrozalski]

Grey Reaper ( Lanius excubitor ) " My sweet summer child, what do you know about horror, about fear? Let me tell you a story about the Grey Reaper. The story of how I lost my only brother. It happened on the last day of October, long before you were born and I was still a young girl. My grandfather told me a story about an old beast, he called it the Grey Reaper. The beast appeared only during the autumn preceding the most harsh and long winters. Reaper hunted during the day, while everyone was working in the fields, members of our tribe disappeared without a trace. I always thought these stories were just fairy tales, until one day I saw him with my own eyes! Together with my brother and father we were gathering nuts for the winter in an old orchard. Suddenly everywhere fell eerily silent, in the forest and the field. Then, I heard a terrifying croak, the air whistled, the grass around me bent. I turned around and looked into the cold, black eyes of the beast. Those black empty eyes haunt me to this day. One moment later the beast flew away with my brother in its claws. Everything happened so fast, and at the same time as if time was frozen. My father grabbed his backpack and a spear and ran after the beast, straight to its lair, trying to save my brother! It was a place from the worst nightmares. The smell of blood and death was everywhere. To reach the place where the beast rested, one had to fight their way through a maze of thorny branches on which the Reaper impaled his victims. I tell you my child, many beasts roam these forests, many predators threaten us and hunt us for food... but the Reaper did it for fun! Father returned to us badly wounded, unfortunately it was too late for my brother. Father never spoke of what happened there and we never asked. No one has seen the Grey Reaper since. But I'm still afraid to go out into the fields and orchard in the fall, the beats still haunt me in nightmares, I'm still afraid he'll come back..."

I remember when many years ago, I first heard about the Great Grey Shrike and its habits, I couldn't believe it! Since then, this bird has always fascinated me and stimulated my imagination. Especially in the context of how terrifying its habits must have been for the creatures like gnomes. I always wanted to place this bird in the "Furry Demon" stories / universe, and I finally did! Nature is truly extraordinary. If you haven't heard of the Great Grey Shrike ( Dzierzba Srokosz ) before, I recommend checking it out, but it's not for the faint of heart :)) Cheers! work process: https://jrozalski.com/projects/AZQqZN

[jakubrozalski]

'Zygmunt and Zośka'

Ewka joined the "Zośka" battalion before the outbreak of the uprising, together with her beloved Tomasz. She met Tomek in the Grey Ranks two years ago, they participated in many reconnaissance and sabotage missions together.  They both welcomed information about the planned uprising with excitement and euphoria. Those moments seem so distant now... The uprising has been going on for a month now...  Tomek is gone. All she has left are memories of long walks by the Vistula and those short moments together when they felt free and happy, despite the horror surrounding them. Now, with a Colt M1911 in her hand, which she received from one of the "Cichociemny" fighting in the Old Town, she is waiting for the Germans assault, leaning on Zygmunt statue, her last sanctuary, last support. They will both fall today, the old king Zygmunt and brave Ewa from the Zośka battalion. -

Exactly 80 years ago, 1 August 1944 at 5:00 p.m. the Warsaw Uprising broke out. The Uprising was supposed to last a few days at most, but it did last sixty-three days and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Directly, of course, it was aimed to liberate Warsaw from the occupation of the falling German Reich, but indirectly and politically (as part of Operation 'Burza') was aimed against the USSR and Stalin's plans. This was also one of the reasons for its calamity and the help ( of the Red Army ) that never came. It was definitely too optimistic for the Polish underground resistance command to count on any help from Stalin, whose plans concerning Poland were known and who, as a vindictive and unforgiving person - in my personal opinion - certainly wanted to take revenge for the 1920 and his personal defeat.

There is no doubt, however, that it was an uprising of brave young women and men, full of high ideals, passion and dreams of a free homeland, who wanted to feel a little freedom, self-agency and relief, but also to take revenge after 5 years of terror and occupation. Very tragic and beautiful at the same time. It is to them that I wanted to pay tribute and honor their memory. 

I also observe with great concern and sadness what is happening in the world currently. Not even 100 years have passed since the apocalypse of WWII and the world is again full of divisions, tension, polarization, violence and hatred... For this reason I believe it is worth remembering and reminding about history, to try to stop it from repeating itself, over and over again...  Honor and glory to the heroes who fought for freedom and higher values ​​against evil. Work process: https://jrozalski.com/projects/QKmkRd

[jakubrozalski]

'Intruders' It was a frosty winter evening in a distant land called Vinland, pristine land discovered by Leif Eriksson. Midwinter, a few days before the Yule celebration. A small group of Vikings, led by Knut Ironhand, ventured deep into the forest in pursuit of a band of native warriors.They found a strange glade, full of weird wooden structures and ancient, mysterious totems. There was something unnatural in this place that sent a chill down their spines. A young warrior Halfdan, very superstitious and God-fearing by nature, was particularly concerned.  - I don't like it, I don't like this place, we should go back to the camp. I think this could be some kind of burial ground or place of worship. We don't know their customs. What if we anger some powerful ancient deities or demons? - Burial ground you say? Good! So we will certainly find some treasures here, buried by these savages! You better start looking, before the rest find out about this place and beat us to it. Knut said. - Last night before the attack, you took that native girl against her will, you shouldn't do that Knut, maybe she was some kind of priestess or witch... maybe she put a curse on us. - Stop whining like an old woman, they never want it but they always like it, haha. Knut laughed loudly. - It's too quiet... I have a bad feeling about this. We should go back! Halfdan's voice was shaking. - You always have a bad feeling about everything. You're starting to bore me, better sing me a song, Halfdan. And why do you smell like a wet dog... Halfdan?!

The story of the last day of  Knut Ironhand and his company in the wild land called Vinland. 

 A historical fact of an unusual clash of two of my favorite and most interesting peoples and cultures, Northmen and Native American. Could there be anything more inspiring, fascinating and stimulating the imagination? Endless source of inspiration! work process: https://jrozalski.com/

[jakubrozalski]

'Caledonian Forest'

" Written by Titus Ursus, Primus pilus of Legiō IX Hispana, in the third year of Hadrian's reign (* 120 AD). This will probably be the last entry in my diary. Our legion was ambushed in the wild realm called Caledonian Forest and was almost completely annihilated. Half of my first cohort is all that was left of the IX legiō. We were pushed into the marsh and we will probably die here, fighting bravely to the end in the name of Rome and the Emperor. We were attacked by a demonic pack of the barbaric Picts. They looked more like wild beasts than humans. Some of them were dressed in animal furs, painted with strange runic signs... others seemed to be two-legged wild beasts. They tore us apart as if we were made of paper! I saw our legatus and my brothers in arms being eaten alive, I will never forget their screams. The barbarians attacked us unnoticed, quickly and with wild fury, then disappeared in the fog. Mainly at night. Our shields, swords and armor were no use here. The enemy we face seems to be the ancient wrath of some dark gods we have awakened. We should never invade these lands. I hear demonic howls, they're coming! They're coming! "

Scrap of the papyrus written by Centurion Titus Ursus. Found in October 120AD in the Caledonian Forest. Taken to Rome, where it was presented to the emperor and then burned. Two years later, Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a wall on the border of the land called Caledonia, in north Britannia. Coincidence? I don't think so :)) work process: https://jrozalski.com/projects/Ke94zG

[jakubrozalski]

‘Fireworks’

Edward felt that he had definitely drunk too much that evening, he was completely drunk! As usual, this state increased his courage and the will to seek strange adventures. Together with Thomas, his best friend from the days of the military academy, they decided to sneak out of the party and light a few fireworks, certainly to the satisfaction of all the ladies gathered at the New Year's party. In the middle of the field, despite the alcohol, Edward just remembered about a strange farmer neighboring their residence, who asked them not to light the fireworks that night because they scare his animals. Old fool! - he thought. Thomas, barely standing on his feet, had just fired the first fireworks. Edward staggered from the explosion, felt dizzy and fell to the ground. "All right, all good, don't be afraid!" He said, picking up the bottle of champagne they had taken with them. He slowly got up from the ground and what he saw made him immediately sobered! Thomas was lying on the ground, covered in blood with horror on his face, and a strange giant bear stood over him. Edward at first thought it was alcohol, but it had to be the bear. What else?! Suddenly, the bear spoke to them, with a strangely Scottish accent - "I asked you idiots, to not light these damn fireworks tonight!" Thomas started screaming. Edward started to run. The next day, Edward woke up in his bed. With a terrible hangover and a headache. He remembered nothing, did not even remember how he get back home. But slowly he remembered the strange dream, with Thomas and the talking bear that had attacked them. He smiled to himself. Started looking for Thomas to laugh at it together, but he was nowhere to be found... weird. Edward never met Thomas again, and his body was never found. He also never fired fireworks on New Year's Eve again. Happy new 2022 everyone! Thank you for your amazing support which is even more valuable to me in these difficult and strange times. I wish you all the best and that this new year will finally surprise us... in a good way   And don't be like Thomas. Skip the fireworks! For animals and, for example, people affected by lycanthropy, it is a real nightmare and enormous stress! Cheers! work process: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/B3kWnD

[jakubrozalski]

‘Brothers in arms - Shaman’ "What do you mean it was your last arrow?"  Continuation and another part of the story from the 'Brothers in arms' series. Stories about William, a young hospital knight who lost his faith, disappointed with the crusades, and at the end of the 13th century, with a merchant caravan set off to Asia. After years of travel and extraordinary adventures, ended up in Japan, where he became a friend of a Samurai named Sukesada.Together they faced the Mongol invasion and had many extraordinary adventures. William wrote down his adventures in his personal journal. It is hard to say what of the stories he describes is true and what is just colored fiction. The reason for that is the fact that William had a tendency to exaggerate and very fanciful descriptions of his adventures. "The young girl who begged us for help came from a nearby village tormented by a sadistic Shaman. She told us stories about some dark rituals and demons. Without thinking we set out to help these poor people. The road to the village was marked by a line of trees, on which massacred people hung. There was a strange smell of sulfur in the air, it was quiet, unnaturally quiet. I saw focus and tension on my companion's face, but no fear. And then, I saw him, screaming, hitting the drum, in a mad dance, like he was casting some dark spell. Suddenly, the tree behind him turned into a huge, demonic monster. The monster appeared to be some sort of a demonic servant and guardian of this Shaman. This task turned out to be much more difficult than I initially assumed” Work process: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Xnqe8n

[jakubrozalski]

'Bore to death'

On the hot summer evenings like this one in L.A , Celeste often recalled the times when she was hunting Vikings, during a beautiful autumn near Paris. She missed that thrill, the smell of fear, and how they bravely fought for their lives. And Napoleonic times, oh, that was a feast! Of course, modern times had their pros, but the search for victims through Tinder has long lost its charm for her. Although, it was convenient.

For today's meeting, she wore a white dress, which usually made them feel more confident and bold, losing vigilance. A simple trick. Celeste was in good mood and intrigued, at first. She even promised herself that if the conversation will be interesting enough, she would refrain from consuming, at least for this one evening. It was like that until she heard "You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen". Nothing irritated her more that this banal sentence that he has had to listen to for hundreds of years. Really, I mean, really?! During all these centuries it was really impossible to come up with something more interesting, more original way to start a conversation? She was bored.

Modern day Celeste the Vampire (which you may remember from my early painting). With a help of our beautiful friend, Mary, as a model.

[jakubrozalski]

‘Lucky day‘ " Torke will never forget that encounter with the furry demon. Together with his daughter and son they were making their way to the other end of the glade in search of food. It was a chilly early spring day. Torke had always been very careful and everything seemed to be under control and that the expedition will end without any problems. Suddenly he, furry demon, appeared! Emerging from behind the hill. Torke froze ... then he saw that the demon was already carrying two hunted mice in its mouth... hope! The demon stared at them for a moment, then ran to his lair to consume his victims..." * The painting is entirely based on and inspired by the real life event A few days ago I met one of our wild cats in front of the house. There were two field mice in his mouth 0__o Terrifying and fascinating! The idea for this painting immediately came to my mind. Full story on my instagram! :) Work process: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/oAYy6O

[jakubrozalski]

'Strange construction’

"February 16, 1925. After very exhausting weeks, we finally arrived at the northern research base. The base seems deserted, with no sign of Doctor Tarkowski's expedition. Monumental, strange construction, reminiscent towering over the base. It's hard to say what its purpose was, why it was built. Is this a transmitter or some kind of temple? Tomorrow we'll start searching the base.” New painting from the new project and new storyline set in my 1920+ world. The Expedition. Work process:https://www.artstation.com/artwork/8eVqBR

[jakubrozalski]

‘Buka’ (Groke) A few days ago the first "real" snow fell in our mountains. In such moments, I always think back to The Moomins. TV series that I loved to watch and which has had a huge impact on me! Moomins have a very special place in my heart, right next door to the Studio Ghibli productions. Everyone who watched this series, about the Moomin Valley, as a child knows how traumatic, terrifying and tense was the episode about Buka (The Groke). I think it touched the imagination more than Alien and The Thing combined!  This year again I felt the need to paint Groke and to open a portal to the fantastic world of the Moomin Valley , to pay the tribute to this fantastic charactes and stories created by Tove Jansson, which had such a huge impact on me as an artist and human! Cheers! Work process: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/bKYz1r

[jakubrozalski]

‘Welcome to New London’ As you probably know, I very rarely decide to work on projects other than my own, except for my friends and people whose work I respect very much. This is exactly the case of ‘Frostpunk The Boardgame’ created by awesome people, and my friends, from the Glass Cannon Unplugged. So, this is not, as usual, my personal work but part of the Frostpunk universe and official poster of the KS campaign! :)

This painting will be available for purchase exclusively only during the Frostpunk campaign on Kickstarter! So, if you like this painting, or the awesome Frostpunk universe, or perhaps both :) grab it!

Kickstarter - Frostpunk: The Board Game https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/glasscannonunplugged/frostpunk-the-board-game

[jakubrozalski]

‘1920 - in the middle of the storm ‘ As many of you probably have noticed, this painting appeared at the end of the amazing cinematic trailer for the Iron Harvest (RTS game, based and set on my 1920+ universe)! So, here is the painting itself! :) *The image has slightly different proportions than the final version used in the cinematic. Well, this is because we decided about this super-cool-zoom-out-effect, later. So, I simply overpainted everything, to make a composition more interesting and added the missing space on the edges. Hope you like it!💪🐻 Time-lapse video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Z2RYFvP24&t=55s  

[jakubrozalski]

‘Brothers in arms - Invasion’ No, I haven't played Ghost of Tsushima... yet, hehe :) but I can't wait to try it! I'm very excited about this game!

So, I have never been a big supporter of the theory that the knights of medieval Europe had no contact with the Samurai. I mean, of course, probably not on a scale worth noting by historians of the period, sure! But, knowing human nature and curiosity about the world, I simply do not believe that no knight or some mercenary working for a merchant, did not made it to Japan :) This is a story of William, a young hospital knight who lost his faith, disappointed with the crusades, at the end of the 13th century, with a merchant caravan set off to Asia. After years of travel and extraordinary adventures, he ended up in Japan, where he becomes a friend of a Samurai named Sukesada. Together they face the Mongol invasion. William wrote down his adventures in his personal journal, as you can see he liked to embellish some parts...  ;) Time-lapse video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqQvBfu0OWk

[jakubrozalski]

‘Midsummer night's dream’ "Every year, on the Midsummer Night, Magdalena came alone to the river, in a place where a few years ago the fragments of clothes of her beloved Johan, were found. That night, he disappeared without a trace. She still has hope that maybe someday she would meet him there. Johan always observes her from a distance, afraid to show her his true nature... He still loves her but knows that they can not be together... " Work process: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/8elzGx