Tonya Ryburn Art

08/20/2026

I’ve been a little quiet about what I’ve been working on lately, so I thought it was probably time to share it.

I’ve been developing an idea for an **illustrated book built around Irish folklore and an unfolding mystery**—and somewhere along the way, it grew into **V.E.R.A. // Operation 7441**.

The story centers around an archive being reconstructed more than 2,000 years in the future, filled with old folklore, illustrations, lost records, strange artifacts, and things that don’t quite add up.

These are some of the creatures I’ve illustrated for it so far (and I’ve already added a few more since making this video).

I created **V.E.R.A. Operational Log 7441** as a place to build the world around the book, share the artwork and folklore behind it, and let the mystery develop as I work on the larger project.

If Irish folklore, strange creatures, old mysteries—or watching me disappear down increasingly elaborate creative rabbit holes—sounds like your thing, come follow along. 😆

**V.E.R.A. Operational Log 7441**

06/30/2026

One of my favorite little moments from Wynken, Blynken & Nod.
From a rough sketch to colored pencils and digital finishing. I’m slowly finding the look this book has been living in my head for.

06/24/2026

06/10/2026

Anglerfish, brought to life.

This began as a hand-drawn illustration. I experimented with AI-assisted animation to add a little motion and atmosphere while keeping the original artwork intact.

The art is mine. The motion is the experiment.

06/09/2026

First colored pencil sketch for a possible children’s book character. Still rough, but I think he’s starting to find his voice.

05/28/2026

They say the dead still row on certain nights.

05/28/2026

Nature really said:
“What if a nightmare carried its own flashlight?”

Deep sea anglerfish illustration inspired by antique engraving and old maritime imagery.

05/28/2026

Nature said:
“What if a nightmare carried its own flashlight?”