Gurney’s first illustrated children’s book, Dinotopia: A Land Apart From Time, had crossover appeal with both children and adults; the tome follows the story of an island inhabited by shipwrecked humans and sentient dinosaurs who manage to live together in a symbiotic relationship. A Land Apart From Time was followed by Dinotopia: The World Beneath; Dinotopia: First Flight; and Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara, Gurney’s most recent work, released in October 2007.

Tonight, Gurney speaks from 6:30 to 8 p.m. as part of the Denver Botanic Gardens’ “Cafe Botanique” Science and Art Lecture Series. In "Dinotopia: Behind the Scenes," Gurney will discuss the details of realistically portraying imaginary scenes in traditional media; he’ll discuss research, thumbnail sketches, reference maquettes, perspective, dinosaur reconstruction, step-by-step sequences, plein air painting, world-building and working as an author/illustrator. He’ll sign copies of A Land Apart From Time and Journey to Chandara after the event; tickets are $10 for members and $13 for the general public. Gurney will appear again tomorrow at the DBG, 1005 York Street, for a plein air workshop. Call 720-865-3580 or visit www.botanicgardens.org.
Thu., March 5, 6:30-8 p.m., 2009