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A Christmas present for my wife of her DnD character, Trrkk. She's a teenaged Thri-kreen wild magic sorcerer based on an orchid mantis. Here she is twinspell casting haste and fireball. Watercolor and ink. #ArtbySEM #DnD #thrikreen #watercolor #traditionalart
A pink orchid mantis creature in a blue dress and coat, casting haste and fireballs.
December 25, 2025 at 4:15 AM
artbysem.com
My latest comic is here! 16 page full color comic about the Varangian Guard. Additional research done by @randomisedmongoose.bsky.social Please check it out! ko-fi.com/s/768ba39651 #comics #historical #ArtBySEM #traditionalart
Halfdan Was Here comic - SEM's Ko-fi Shop
Halfdan Was Here, a 16 page full color comic about the Varangian Guard. Historical fiction. Two files contained, a PDF and one set up for printing and...
ko-fi.com
June 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM
thesem.bsky.social
ko-fi.com/s/cc59071bf6 My comic about a cat in ancient China is ready for people! It's pay what you want on my ko-fi. I hope you enjoy! #ArtBySEM #comic
The Mandate of Heaven (short comic) - SEM's Ko-fi Shop
This is a comic I made about a cat in China. Inspired by watching the 2010 Three Kingdoms, but with historical influences from Xianyang Palace and the...
ko-fi.com
March 2, 2025 at 12:55 PM
thesem.bsky.social
My last facts, for now. My little February project ends #TodayILookedUp #ArtBySEM
Today I looked up New tomb found Sort of. A tomb found in 2022 was confirmed to be the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II. This tomb was found in the Valley of the Queens, and is the first Pharaoh’s tomb discovered since Tutankhamun. Due to flood damage, the body of Thutmose II was not there. His body has been discovered in the 19th Century elsewhere. A picture of Thutmose II based off of the relief at Karnak. 25 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Sloyd/Slöjd Sloyd is an education system developed by Uno Cygnaeus in Finland in 1865. Sloyd comes from the Swedish slöjd, meaning handicrafts. Mainly woodwork, but also sewing, knitting, and such. In the modern day sloyd is broken down into soft and hard materials. It’s still part of the curriculum in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Picture of a sloyd knife, used in woodworking. 26 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (TV show) The original 1978 film was a parody film, poking fun at 50’s B-movies. In the 1986-87 season of the Muppet Babies, they made a joke about the attack of the silly tomatoes. This episode was so highly rated that New World Pictures asked Four Square to make a sequel. This sequel was a hit, and so New World Pictures greenlit an animated kids’ show. It ran 1990-91. Picture of a Killer Tomato 27 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Omphale Heracles had killed Iphitus, and to atone was commanded to serve Omphale for a year. Omphale was queen of Lydia. During his servitude to Omphale, Heracles was said to be forced to dress as a woman, with Omphale wearing his skin of the Nemean Lion. No Classical Greek texts survive with the full story, but there is art showing the story. Picture of Omphale in the Nemean Lion skin. 28 Feb 2025 SEM
February 28, 2025 at 10:31 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Okay. Caught up. #TodayILookedUp #ArtBySEM
Today I looked up Castra Praetoria The Castra Praetoria was the barracks of the Praetorian Guard. Established by Lucius Aelius Sejanus during Emperor Tiberius’ reign, in order to consolidate the guard. The establishment of the castra led to the Praetorian Guard being a political power of Rome. It was destroyed by Constantine I, and the Praetorian Guard was disbanded. Picture of the castra. 23 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Roman naming conventions Both men and women in Rome traditionally had three names– the praenomen (the chosen name), nomen (a patrilineal name), and the cognomen (a nickname). Cognomen could change over one’s life, to reflect accomplishments. Women often took the feminine form of the family name (ie Drusilla, daughter of Drusus, and so on). This changed throughout the Empire. Yes I am still on my I, Claudius bullshit. Picture of me looking annoyed telling ancient Romans to get more names. 24 Feb 2025 SEM
February 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Almost done I promise #TodayILookedUp #ArtBySEM
Today I looked up Old pregnancy tests Before at-home pregnancy tests became viable, scientists often used animals to check pregnancy. In the 1940’s-60’s two tests developed using frogs. Hogben tests used female African clawed frogs. Urine would be injected on the back of the frog, and if pregnant, the frog would ovulate within 24 hours. The Galli Mainini test used male South American frogs. If pregnant, they’d release sperm. Picture of an African clawed frog (labelled) 19 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Xiao’erjing Xiao’erjung is a Chinese-Arabic script. It literally translates as “small children’s canon,” but xiāo can also mean “to digest,” perhaps in relation to learning the Qur’ān. While employed in translations of the Qur’ān, it is mainly used by the Hui, a Muslim ethnicity in China. The Hui mostly settled China during the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, where Persian was the most prominent language. Picture of the star and crescent. 20 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Colonial hummingbirds Gustavo Cañas-Valle, an Ecuadorian ornithologist and guide, found a cave of hummingbirds roosting together. Hummingbirds are one of the more aggressive bird species, being very territorial. Juan Luis Bouzat, Cañas-Valle’s former graduate advisor, co-wrote a paper with him. They hypothesize that harsh climates in the High Andes forced them together. More research to come. Picture of a Chimborazo hillstar (male), the hummingbird observed. 21 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up The Gemonian Stairs A set of steps in Ancient Rome, also known as the Stairs of Mourning. The stairs were probably built before Tiberius’ reign, but their first use as an execution site was during his reign. Those executed there were usually strangled before being cast sown the steps and left to rot. This was in full view of the Forum. Eventually bodies would be thrown in the Tiber. Looked io because I’m still watching I, Claudius. Picture of some stairs. 22 Feb 2025 SEM
February 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
thesem.bsky.social
I have so many facts #TodayILookedUp #ArtBySEM
Today I looked up The writing on the wall Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar, sees the Hand of God write on the wall at a feast. Unable to read it, Daniel is called. Daniel reads “Mene mene tekel upharsin” and interprets this as God has numbered Belshazzar’s days, you have been found wanting, and your kingdom will be divided. Picture of a giant hand writing on a wall 15 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Herrod Agrippa Herrod Agrippa was the last king of Judea, and father of Herrod Agrippa II, the last king of the Herrodian dynasty. Looked up because I was trying to figure out if he was the Herod in the Bible. No, those are is grandfather Herod the Great and uncle, Herod Antipas. Also he’s in I, Claudius which I am currently watching. Picture of Herrod Arippa based on a coin. 16 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Big Cats Big Cats are generally the five living members of the genus Panthera, those being the tiger, lion, jaguar, leopard, and snow leopard. Cheetahs and cougars, while big, are not in Panthera. But sometimes they are included. Looked up to refresh my memory. Picture of a snow leopard holding his tail. 17 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Frangipane Frangipane is an almond-flavored custard. It is common in French pastries. The name can ultimately traced back to either Marquis Muzio Frangipani or Cesare Frangipani. Frangipani was a Roman patrician family in the Middle Ages. Looked up because I wanted to bake raspberry bakewells and didn’t know the term. Picture (drawn) of an almond bakewell. 18 Feb 2025 SEM
February 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Depression overtook me. But I have many new facts for you #TodayILookedUp #ArtBySEM
Today I looked up Guinea Pigs A domesticated rodent species from South America. Also known as the cavy. Originally domesticated as a source of meat. They became a pet abroad, and used for scientific experiments. Looked up because I wanted to know why they’re called Guinea pigs. Answers unclear. Picture of a tribble and Guinea pig. Labelled tribble and past tribble 11 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest? Said by Henry II about Thomas Beckett, Archbishop of Canterbury. Four knights took this as an order and killed Beckett in the church. Beckett’s brain was splattered across the floor. Very violent death. Looked up because it came up in therapy. Picture of the crown of Beckett’s head and brains and blood on the floor 12 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Gnaga A Venetian mask traditionally worn by crossdressers and male prostitutes. More common during the Carnival of Venice. Traditionally made of papier-mâché. Gnaga comes from the Venetian word gnau, or the meow of a cat. Looked up because it was mentioned on bluesky. There is a picture of the cat mask. 13 Feb 2025 SEM Today I looked up Heritage Crafts (UK) There are many heritage crafts that have died out in the UK due to lack of craftsmen. Heritage Crafts, the UK program, is UNESCO accredited and works to preserve intangible culture. I was looking it up to see if any craft appealed to me. Dyeing and pigment making did, but I probably need more chemistry. Picture of lake pigments labeled as such. 14 Feb 2025 SEM
February 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Please look this up there’s a lot to the methodology I didn’t have space for #ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP CROWS KNOW ZERO Zero seems obvious to us but as a mathematical concept it is rather abstract, not appearing until c 5th century AD. In 2021, a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience using carrion crows showed evidence that they could comprehend zero, & that they understand that zero is less than one. Looked up because I was fact-checking a meme. 10 Feb 2025 SEM A picture of a crow in a graduation cap holding some chalk (to do math).
February 11, 2025 at 12:05 AM
thesem.bsky.social
Thanks for the link Mr Flav #ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES SANTA CLAIS INCIDENT In 1968, 5!3 Philadelphia Engles & Minnesota Vikings played a game. The halftime parade had 20-year-old Frank Olivo play Santa. The crowd was annoyed at the bad weather & threw snowballs, beer bottles, hoagies, & more. Olivo was gifted cufflinks and a tie tack. Looked ip because Flava Flav linked it on bluesky. 9 Feb 2025 SEM A picture of Santa getting a snowball to the face with the sound effect “paf.”
February 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Caught up now yay #ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP HARRY TURTLEDOVE Hary Turtledove is an American author, most known for alternate history. He has a PhD in Byzantine History, 565-582. My favorite short stories of his are "Nasty, Brutish, &... " & "Report of the Special Committee on the Quality of Life.” Looked up because I was just trying to remember things. 8 Feb 2025 SEM
February 8, 2025 at 11:36 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Another day another spelling error. Sorry #ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP CAPUCHIN MONKS The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. An order of Catholic monks, of Franciscan Friars. Named Capuchin after the hood they wear (the cappuccio, capuche). Followers of St. Francis of Assisi. Looked up because I was trying to remember if the monkeys were named after them. They are. 7 Feb 2025 SEM
February 8, 2025 at 11:15 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Catching up. How did I get to this guy in my wiki trawling? It’s complicated, sorry. #ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP SUN YAOTING Sun Yaoting was the last Imperial eunuch of Chima. He died in 1996. Eunuchs in China were emasculated– that is the penis & testes were removed. His father emasculated him when he was 8, hoping he would serve Puyi. Despite Puyi being deposed within months of this, Sun did serve the Imperial Family. He had kept his genitals but they were thrown out dung the Cultural Revolution. 6 Feb 2025 SEM A picture of a penis and testes in a jar. The jar says “not historically accurate” as I’m unsure how they kept and preserved their genitals.
February 8, 2025 at 10:54 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Please ignore the typo where I used the incorrect ware #ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP RAKU WARE Raku ware is a style of Japanese pottery. The pottery is taken out of the kiln while hot & cools in the open air. There is a Western style of raku ware, developed in the 20th century. This involves cooling it in water or air, or in a barrel with other materials to affect color. This leads to vibrant colors. Looked up because videos were recommended to me. 5 Feb 2025 SEM There is a drawing of a teacup in the corner
February 5, 2025 at 8:48 PM
thesem.bsky.social
I just like loons #ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP LOONS Loons or divers (apparently) are an aquatic bird. There are 5 species of loon. Loons are better at swimming than walking, & only come to land to mate & nest. Looked up because I just wanted to learn about loons. Gavia immer (scientific name of the loon drawing in the corner) 4 feb 2025 SEM
February 4, 2025 at 9:14 PM
thesem.bsky.social
My mom made a pun about calamarigraphy (calligraphy using octopus ink) and I had to be a killjoy. But a killjoy who checks facts #ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP SEPIA Sepia is a color that comes from Cuttlefish ink sacs. The cuttlefish are from the genus Sepia, hence the name. Sepia in was common in Greco-Roman civilizations, per Wikipedia. As best I can tell sepia toning in photography doesn't employ Sepia ink. Looked up because of puns. 3 Feb 2025 SEM
February 3, 2025 at 9:39 PM
thesem.bsky.social
#ArtBySEM #TodayILookedUp
TODAY I LOOKED UP GROUNDHOG DAY A Pennsylvanian Dutch tradition. According to Wikipedia, it ties to Candlemas traditions, as well as German weather lore related to badgers. Looked up because I wanted to learn the background. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, so we will have six more months of winter. 2 FEB 2025 SEM In the corner I see my shadow and say “well that sucks”
February 2, 2025 at 5:27 PM
thesem.bsky.social
#ArtBySEM #HourlyComicsDay maybe I should return to bed and try again tomorrow
9-10PM Panel 1: accidentally got the wrong snack :c Panel 2: considering sleep.
February 1, 2025 at 10:07 PM
thesem.bsky.social
#ArtBySEM #HourlyComicsDay oh look. Feeling bad time haha
8-9PM Panel 1: Started my Feb project Panel 2: Beratjng self for not painting & being bad at art
February 1, 2025 at 8:55 PM
thesem.bsky.social
My February project, #TodayILookedUp #ArtBySEM just talking about stuff I looked up daily because it’s what I do
TODAY I LOOKED UP MOLON LABE Molṑn labé is Greek for “Come & Take it." Attributed to Leonidas I of Sparta, in response to Xerxes’ I of Persia's request pre-Battle of Thermopylae for Leonidas to surrender & lay down their weapons. Also translated "When you come, take it!” Looked up because I told an American politian molon labe because I live in the UK now. Yes, I'm a sad nerd 1 Feb 2025 SEM
February 1, 2025 at 8:20 PM
thesem.bsky.social
#ArtBySEM #HourlyComicsDay got back to doing multiple panels haha
7-8PM Panel 1: yay pizza! Panel 2: Watching Willie Muses’s new Bones video
February 1, 2025 at 7:54 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Dinner time #ArtBySEM #HourlyComicsDay
6-7PM: Waiting for pizza.
February 1, 2025 at 7:26 PM
thesem.bsky.social
Here is a batch now #ArtBySEM #HourlyComicsDay
Panel 1: 1-3AM. Just says in all caps “insomnia” Panel 2: 3-4 AM. “I decide to book travel” Panel 3: 4-5 AM. “WvW time in GW2. Follow the comm” Panel 4: 5-6AM. “Drew these panels. Guess I’m doing 1 panel/hour” Panel 5: sleep attempt 2, 6 AM to…? Panel 6: 5-6PM. Took a shower after escaping bed. It needs cleaning.
February 1, 2025 at 6:18 PM
thesem.bsky.social
#ArtbySEM #HourlyComicDay
Three panel comic Midnight-1 AM First panel: stayed up for no reason Second panel: made a meal and watched a video Third panel: going to try to sleep
February 1, 2025 at 12:42 AM
thesem.bsky.social
A little late #portfolioday post! I'm a UK-based illustrator and aspiring comic artist. I love to work with watercolor #ArtbySEM
A watercolour painting of a pineapple A watercolour painting of two Andean Flamingoes. They are on the salt flats of the Atacama A black and white watercolour painting of my in-law's cat Big Ed A digital drawing of my two oldest characters, Lord and Phil. Lor is resting her arm on Phil
January 15, 2025 at 12:50 AM