Gouache painting 9×12 on 140lb watercolor paper
This is a fun one. Part UFO story, part Cryptid, and not a small amount of horror. Well it doesn’t sound like horror until you read the police reports and realize how terrified these people were.
Anyway. I thought it would be a fun scene to draw, and because Flatwoods has such interesting coloration I thought doing it in gouache would be the thing to do. I hope you enjoy.
Here is a fake newscast about the incident.
Breaking news- alien spotted in Flatwoods.
Good evening, and welcome. Tonight, we delve into a tale that has fascinated and mystified for over seven decades—a tale of a small town, a strange encounter, and the legend that emerged from it. Join me as we explore the enigmatic story of the Flatwoods Monster.
It was September 12, 1952, in the quiet town of Flatwoods, nestled in the hills of West Virginia. The day began like any other, but as the sun dipped below the horizon, something extraordinary occurred. At around 7:15 PM, a group of boys, playing in the local schoolyard, witnessed a bright object streak across the sky and crash into a nearby hillside. Intrigued and perhaps a little scared, they raced to investigate, joined by Kathleen May, a local beautician, and Eugene Lemon, a National Guardsman.
What they discovered has become the stuff of legend. As the group approached the site, they were met with a strange, pulsating light. According to their account, they saw a bizarre creature—ten feet tall, with a red, glowing face and green, claw-like hands. It was said to have a head shaped like an ace of spades, with eyes that glowed an eerie orange. The creature emitted a nauseating mist that caused the group to feel ill and retreat in terror.
But the story doesn’t end there. Within hours, the news spread, and the small town of Flatwoods was abuzz with curiosity and fear. The local newspaper reported the incident, and soon, people from all over were flocking to the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious visitor. The encounter was investigated by local authorities and even drew the attention of the United States Air Force, as part of its broader investigation into unidentified flying objects, known as Project Blue Book.
While skeptics quickly dismissed the encounter as a misidentification—perhaps an owl or some other animal, combined with the effects of the meteor—those who were there that night were convinced they had seen something extraordinary. The description of the creature was unlike anything anyone had ever heard of, and the physical effects reported by the witnesses added a layer of credibility to their account.
Over the years, the story of the Flatwoods Monster has become a cherished local legend, inspiring books, documentaries, and even a festival celebrating the encounter. The mystery remains, with some believing it was an alien visitor, while others see it as a fascinating case of mass hysteria or mistaken identity.
Whatever the truth may be, the Flatwoods Monster has left an indelible mark on the town and the world of the unexplained. It’s a story that reminds us of the mysteries that lie just beyond the edge of our understanding, waiting to be discovered.
Thank you for joining us tonight as we explored the legend of the Flatwoods Monster. Until next time, this is the news, reminding you to keep your eyes open and your mind curious. Good night.
