Michael Whelan

Fine artist of Imaginative Realism. Illustrator of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Winner of 15 Hugo Awards. Inducted into the SF Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Last Notes

2024-11-17 15:04:32

This week's newsletter is an author spotlight on Tad Williams to celebrate the release of THE NAVIGATOR'S CHILDREN, the concluding volume of the Last King of Osten Ard.
https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/author-spotlight-on-tad-williams

2024-11-16 15:23:31

THE GUNSLINGER: MOHAINE (2005)
Oil on Canvas - 25" x 40"
Interior illustration for THE LITTLE SISTERS OF ELURIA by Stephen King
“The desert was the apotheosis of all deserts, huge, standing to the sky for what looked like eternity in all directions.
1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #darktower #gunslinger #rolanddeschain #stephenking
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/493/318/095/095/354/original/2e91f3fd21878290.jpg

2024-11-15 16:45:17

THIS ALIEN SHORE (1998)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 20”
A novel about an unusually talented outcast girl trying to make her way through a complex, hostile universe full of bizarre aliens and double-dealing humans. 1/3
#sciencefiction #scifi #sff #scifiart #illustration #csfriedman
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/487/977/386/096/153/original/c11d74630122b3fb.jpg

2024-11-14 16:25:59

THE DREAMING LANDS (2002)
Oil on Canvas - 20" X 30"
This painting is one of several works derived from my experiences at MSKCC in 2000.
That year I read a couple of books which mentioned a feeling I have experienced at night during camping trips... 1/4
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #cancer #mskcc
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/482/238/304/677/322/original/7c433d56cbeab856.jpg

2024-11-13 14:09:52

- reply

It was also a unique assignment coming in the first year of my career when I was almost exclusively paired with well established authors. 2/3
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/476/040/787/732/864/original/c3ffa2036df7cc5a.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/476/040/779/942/190/original/b975f1ac47d809c6.jpg

2024-11-13 14:09:09

GATE OF IVREL (1975)
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas Board - 17" x 18"
The context for this commission—quite possibly lost in the long arc of our careers—was as C.J. Cherryh's debut novel. 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #cjcherryh
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/476/037/669/427/566/original/43dfe7c11faef69e.jpg

2024-11-12 18:52:27

SILVER TIDE (2006)
Acrylic on Canvas - 60" x 36"
Painted as I was 55 turning 56 and pondering the intransigence of time. 1/2
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #fadedstar
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/471/489/457/557/439/original/490e3a1926173782.jpg

2024-11-10 15:31:37

Featured in this week's newsletter:
The making of a gallery painting from initial sketch on the back of a hospital pamphlet in 2000 to the final painting a decade later.
https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/lumen-9

2024-11-09 16:00:00

DANCING IN STRANGE SEAS (2023)
Acrylic on Canvas - 8" x 12"
The other day I woke from a vivid dream. I was stranded on a deserted island—but quite happy about it as I was swimming! 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #illustration #leftoversandpalettegremlins #dragon
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/453/823/520/424/976/original/7775bb52c69b3f37.jpg

2024-11-08 17:07:36

DELIRIUM'S MISTRESS (1985)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 22"
Tanith Lee was such a visual writer of fantasy. She gave the artist an inspiring painting concept on nearly every page, offering an inexhaustible supply of fascinating ideas. 1/4
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/448/428/938/615/681/original/892f0877bfb9fc1b.jpg

2024-11-07 17:37:51

THE SONGS OF DISTANT EARTH (1986)
Acrylic - 20" x 31"
After running through several preliminary concepts, I arrived at an approach to this book cover that felt perfect to me. The scene I imagined would be some time before the events described in the book. 1/8
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #arthurcclarke
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/442/885/260/481/774/original/931ea7a317a6e3db.jpg

2024-11-05 18:25:34

HOPE (1997), Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 13" x 10"
Ammonites have always been meant as a personal form of “memento mori” symbols in my art. They are cautionary reminders of our impermanence. 1/7
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/hope/
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #virtues
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/431/747/882/434/347/original/dfcab3069486e6f0.jpg

2024-11-04 15:37:53

WEYRWORLD (1990)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 27" x 36"
My schedule was booked up many months in advance, so Del Rey Books commissioned me to do this cover before the book was even written. 1/5
#sciencefiction #scifi #sff #scifiart #illustration #dragon #pern #annemccaffrey
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/425/426/302/602/287/original/a72a2c5920ccbf40.jpg

2024-11-01 01:42:16

CACOPHONY (1992)
Mixed Media - 24" x 24"
I had a good relationship with Road Runner Records and Sepultura after their Beneath the Remains and Arise releases. When they sent a sample of “Refuse/Resist”—which I loved—I was eager to be part of the project for Chaos A.D. 1/5
#horror #horrorart #illustration #albumcover
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/405/154/055/038/821/original/fcd9a838106bca48.jpg

2024-10-29 14:55:16

THE GHOUL WITH THE PEARL EARRING (2012)
Oil - 20” x 16”
A fun tribute to Vermeer’s masterpiece...executed with leftover paint. 1/4
#horror #horrorart #illustration
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/391/283/082/779/044/original/3c21ea836dbf7d16.jpg

2024-10-24 13:28:25

THE GLOAMING (1994)
Oils on canvas - 48" x 36"
I actually saw these clouds from my backyard late one summer evening, and they inspired me to come right inside and paint the scene. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/362/631/413/533/831/original/fe9c6a9f4a8244cc.jpg

2024-10-22 13:02:34

LUMEN 5.1 (1999)
Acrylic on Canvas - 30" x 20"
The shape of the opening admitting the glare of light is somewhat like a diagram of an eye, with the circle held by the figure representing the iris. 1/2
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #lumen
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/351/204/837/889/859/original/15d50d15b379c300.jpg

2024-10-18 15:40:28

NIOBE (1985)
Oil on Panel - 29" x 19"
Since 1975, I have worked almost exclusively in acrylics, but I still love to paint in oils. Not long before doing this cover, I moved to a new studio that was larger and better organized than my old one. 1/4
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #incarnationsofimmortality #piersanthony
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/329/176/436/733/649/original/ad2eb35a8679c686.jpg

2024-10-17 23:25:15

Other Mike here...Do you have questions for Michael?
Send them in! We'll be posting our monthly Q&A soon. We had some excellent questions that Michael answered in September. ICYMI follow the link.
https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/september-q-and-a-with-michael

2024-10-17 15:22:55

BLUEBIRD (2001)
Acrylic on Panel - 12" x 12"
I don't know where this came from. It started out being part of my Faded Star series, but after painting the sky and distressed architectural details, I felt more inclined to "inhabit" the foreground space... 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/323/444/927/469/880/original/7063e4dda2a76afe.jpg

2024-10-15 14:58:55

LANDING (2004)
Acrylic on Panel - 30" x 24"
This piece was born of a digital image from PASSAGE TO SANCTUARY, a series of three limited edition prints produced by Mithril Publishing in 1994. 1/4
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/312/026/349/589/997/original/97e242b08f0edd89.jpg

2024-10-12 15:04:46

NEITHER A BOY NOR A BOY-SIZED SPIDER (2022)
Acrylic on Canvas - 11" x 14"
At an exhibition some years ago, Jordu Schell and I were comparing notes on work that truly made us shudder. Jordu is a master VFX artist and sculptor who has a long history in the "horror" business. I wondered if there were things that really scared him.1/5
#horror #horrorart #mordred #darktower #stephenking #leftoversandpalettegremlins
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/295/060/529/550/935/original/5ae46cac8dcf461c.jpg

2024-10-07 16:50:45

DESCENT (1989)
Acrylic on Canvas - 28" x48"
When I was asked to do a new cover for Ray Bradbury's classic THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, I reread it and found I was deeply moved by the sense of inevitable tragedy that permeates the first half of the book. 1/5
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #illustration #raybradbury
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/267/167/966/443/926/original/14a5a88df0451adc.jpg

2024-10-06 22:18:51

Slipping into spooky season with the making of LOVECRAFT'S NIGHTMARE and behind the scenes perspective on a new cover for AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS.
Plus a coupon for the prints!
https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/the-nightmare-unfolds

2024-10-05 14:56:08

BONE OF CONTENTION (2008)
Oil on Panel - 10 ½" x 22"
Based on a quote from Hearts in Atlantis by Stephen King. This was created for Baby Tattooville, an artist gathering centered around the theme "Youth is wasted on the young."
1/2
#horror #horrorart #sff #stephenking
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/255/371/189/742/663/original/291f7a98e2f729ca.jpg

2024-10-01 13:11:11

LE CHEMIN ALLUMÉE (2008)
Acrylic - 36" X 36"
"The very meaninglessness of life forces man to create his own meaning. The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent...
1/5
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fadedstar #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/232/331/026/893/682/original/8d30cc1509608396.jpg

2024-09-28 16:55:15

THE DARK TOWER: ROLAND X (1998/2010)
Oil on Panel - 18" x 14"
There’s a complicated history behind this image. It was first painted in acrylics to accompany the novella THE DARK TOWER: THE LITTLE SISTERS OF ELURIA by Stephen King. 1/4
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #stephenking #darktower #gunslinger #rolanddeschain
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/216/225/247/981/748/original/21c93a4b1dc6855a.jpg

2024-09-23 18:16:19

FAHRENHEIT 451 (2020)
Acrylic on Gessobord - 24" x 36"
Often the path to a successful cover isn't a straight line. That was certainly the case illustrating Ray Bradbury's iconic novel. 1/7
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #raybradbury
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/188/231/228/830/411/original/d15e6f20582d2aff.jpg

2024-09-20 14:40:23

OTHERLAND: CITY OF GOLDEN SHADOW (1996)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 24" x 18"
A sophisticated blend of science fiction and fantasy by Tad Williams. 1/4
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #tadwilliams #otherland
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/170/395/920/784/610/original/30eeb98bc02f4aac.jpg

2024-09-20 14:40:23

2024-09-19 17:00:32

SANCTUARY (2019)
Oil - 24" x 18"
This painting rose from my desire to revisit thematic ground that inspired my first gallery show at Tree’s Place back in 1997. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #passage #portals
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/165/284/583/450/057/original/9ad2affd4887b4c5.jpg

2024-09-16 15:27:42

WHITE WOLF (1977)
Oils and Acrylic on Illustration Board - 26" x 17"
Elric derives his strength and magical powers from his sword Stormbringer, which feeds on the souls of those it kills. 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #elric #stormbringer #michaelmoorcock
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/147/932/226/541/510/original/178e459069ffee9a.jpg

2024-09-15 14:04:35

For your Sunday morning reading pleasure, an interview about what illustration and fine art mean to me. This followed the Tree's Place exhibition in 1997 but is still relevant today.
https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/michael-whelan-in-conversation-1997

2024-09-13 13:19:11

KILLASHANDRA (1985)
Acrylic - 28" x 20"
When a book has a character as interesting and well delineated as Killashandra, the best cover approach is simply to render an accurate portrait of her. 1/4
#sciencefiction #scifi #sff #scifiart #illustration #annemccaffrey
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/130/440/183/486/909/original/4e42e91cb86269b3.jpg

2024-09-12 13:31:09

ELLIE'S DREAM (2010)
Acrylic - 40" x 30"
The vision came to me exactly as you see it here. I was thinking about the Moon Race and the clear cloudless skies of my childhood days in California. 1/4
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #carlsagan
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/124/825/248/839/272/original/445b055bd5ae9b61.jpg

2024-09-11 14:44:15

QUESTION AND ANSWER (1977)
Acrylic on Masonite
Early in my career, I had the great privilege of illustrating the work of legends, among them Poul Anderson who shared his thoughts in my first art book WONDERWORKS: 1/5
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #poulanderson
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/119/451/424/746/300/original/b53091626de33f0a.jpg

2024-09-10 15:15:02

PASSAGE: THE AVATAR (1988)
Acrylic on Canvas - 48" x 48"
Initially inspired by a few notes from a Pink Floyd instrumental track, this came to me while floating in a sensory deprivation tank. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #passage
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/113/909/373/265/079/original/dd6aafb604619a7d.jpg

2024-09-09 17:14:08

THE TREE OF SWORDS AND JEWELS (1983)
Acrylic on Illustration Board - 30" x 22"
An old fan favorite! 1/2
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/108/715/641/412/148/original/b351e55ece5451cb.jpg

2024-09-08 14:23:05

In this week's newsletter, we revisit Michael's 1st one-man fine art exhibition.
See the paintings from that show, learn how it came about, and what it meant in the greater arc of Michael's career.
https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/trees-place-1997
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/102/376/245/143/432/original/8d4add25c8e7253c.jpg

2024-09-06 16:03:04

2061: ODYSSEY THREE (1987)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 20"
I've been fascinated by the story and the implications of the 2001 series ever since I saw the original movie in 1968. 1/3
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #arthurcclarke
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/091/448/894/956/193/original/b445f1ae65dcf86e.jpg

2024-09-04 15:00:16

CHAOS ABIDES (2024)
Acrylic - 13” x 5 ½”
The prompt for this came while working on concepts for WIND AND TRUTH earlier this year. 1/3
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/2024-leftover-1/
#fantasy #fantasyart #elric #leftoversandpalettegremlins #stormbringer #originalart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/079/330/911/976/608/original/6c3248ad46fd610e.jpg

2024-09-03 14:19:59

ORBIS SCIENTIARUM (1997)
Acrylic on Panel - 24" x 36"
It is frequently assumed that if we try hard enough, there are no limits to our understanding of the universe. 1/4
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #fadedstar
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/074/055/838/824/360/original/4a48d9d263bee669.jpg

2024-09-01 15:05:15

WIND AND TRUTH is now available to view over on Substack. This is the first look at the full cover painting, plus an announcement about a new Elric original:
https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/wind-and-truth-art-unveiled
#brandonsanderson #windandtruth #fantasy #fantasyart #illustration
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/062/894/534/962/656/original/0127ca18c5b76b07.jpg

2024-08-31 15:18:44

ELRIC AND THE COLD DRAKE (2018)
Oil on Canvas - 11" x 17"
With Payne's Grey and white left on my palette while working on an HP Lovecraft painting, I sketched this scene. 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #elric #dragon #leftoversandpalettegremlins
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/057/301/338/549/583/original/6409dfc53ac77fa1.jpg

2024-08-30 16:10:09

THE GUNSLINGER: THE TEMPLE OF THE ORACLE (1982)
Acrylic on Illustration Board - 20" X 30"
In this double-page spread from The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger, the hero has just taken Mescaline. 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #gunslinger #darktower #rolanddeschain #stephenking
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/051/840/968/270/666/original/ce9d6cbf8d84d627.jpg

2024-08-29 15:05:58

A QUESTION OF BALANCE (2014)
Egg Tempera on Panel - 12" x 9"
This is pair of paintings was done as an experiment to see how readily my acrylic painting style would work in the egg tempera medium. Both paintings are compositions using the same symbolic elements. 1/2
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/045/926/134/864/136/original/c16fbd84ea830b8d.jpg

2024-08-28 15:34:29

THE FINAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (1984)
Acrylic on Primed Masonite - 30" x 22"
I used myself as a model for this. Audrey took my picture on the driveway with a Polaroid as I posed for the figure. 1/4
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #gordonrdickson
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/040/375/366/671/157/original/ba155e68a36a8f3d.jpg

2024-08-27 13:31:50

IN A WORLD OF HER OWN (2016)
Acrylic on Canvas - 36" x 48"
This painting arose from musing on an interview that Stanley Kubrick gave in 1968, a source of inspiration I have gone back to over the years, revisiting comments made by the director. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #fadedstar
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/034/231/243/671/515/original/ca7c6b2f1aaf7530.jpg

2024-08-25 14:27:42

The cover art for WIND AND TRUTH has been turned in!
Don't miss the first look at the concept work now up on Substack:
https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/wind-and-truth-is-complete

2024-08-24 15:16:37

THE DARK TOWER: THE WHITE COMMANDS YOU (2003)
Oil on Panel - 28" x 18"
Interior illustration for THE DARK TOWER
1/3
#horror #horrorart #sff #illustration #darktower #stephenking
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/113/017/655/209/788/168/original/7d26a48b5f74f332.jpg

2024-08-20 13:30:50

WINGING IT (2008)
Acrylic - 36" x 24"
American history is full of examples of artists who were illustrators and became recognized fine artists—Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer come to mind—but I didn’t know whether I’d be able to pull off that transition. 1/4
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #selfportrait
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/994/590/996/167/543/original/b1eb72e6851bebf9.jpg

2024-08-19 16:17:37

DRAGON LORD (1991)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 32" x 20"
What goes into a compelling cover? Obviously the majestic portrait of hero and dragon would be enough to intrigue any fan. 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #melanierawn #dragonstartrilogy
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/989/584/562/242/106/original/e926f6ec86a9cb75.jpg

2024-08-18 14:01:11

AUGURY (2015)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 8" x 8"
She seeks an augury (omen) of good fortune.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/augury/
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #ammonite #amethyst
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/983/381/751/325/121/original/b0267596d6a21cdd.jpg

2024-08-17 14:05:27

THE DARK TOWER: WALTER'S END (2003)
Oil on Panel - 28" x 18"
I found this scene from THE DARK TOWER VII so horrific that it was a real challenge to see if I could nail it. 1/2
#horror #horrorart #sff #illustration #interior #stephenking #darktower #walter #mordred
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/977/740/016/090/531/original/1dc45c7c4dccb83f.jpg

2024-08-14 15:04:37

ROYAL ASSASSIN (1997)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 23"
Over the years, fans have asked why I depicted Fitz wielding a sword on the cover. 1/4
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/960/986/354/049/201/original/2b232894fe08e1e8.jpg

2024-08-13 13:40:45

THE END OF NATURE III (1998)
Oil on Canvas - 14" x 44"
One in a series of paintings concerning our relationship with nature. The people portrayed represent humanity as somewhat oblivious to the support that nature provides for them. 1/2
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #endofnature
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/954/993/319/305/122/original/73969257adb22a67.jpg

2024-08-10 12:30:22

AUDREY ON ZARATHUSTRA (1978)
Acrylic on Masonite - 24” x 36”
Someone once said, "There are but two boons in life: the love of art and the art of love." What a pleasure to combine the two! 1/2
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #fuzzies
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/937/728/955/795/782/original/b7cc555fadad7e13.jpg

2024-08-09 14:00:18

THE DARK TOWER: THE ARTIST'S DOOR (2004)
Oil on Panel - 28" x 18"
Patrick Danville, the magical artist, draws the door into existence. Note the 2 brushes on the doorknob. 1/2
#fantasy #sff #fantasyart #illustration #gunslinger #darktower #rolanddeschain #stephenking
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/932/420/568/493/737/original/b551a2386ca91f41.jpg

2024-08-08 15:05:42

TOTEM II: NAUSET (2012)
Acrylic - 12" x 9"
When I think of Nauset beach, I am reminded of early mornings walking the sands wrapped in dense fog. One late afternoon, however, a fog rolled in slowly off the ocean, something I had never experienced outside of Northern California. 1/2
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/927/015/948/590/085/original/0751ed72ce5f88cb.jpg

2024-08-07 13:26:17

DRAGONSDAWN (1987)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 25" x 36"
This was the first cover in the Dragonriders of Pern series to feature the beloved fire lizards and I really enjoyed painting them. 1/5
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/920/962/418/962/545/original/a16d5ebe126aff47.jpg

2024-08-06 13:54:16

Some time after cancer surgery, I experienced compelling waking dreams. I didn't know what they were about, but I felt I had to paint them.
EBB and FLOOD (2000) were done on faith-it didn't matter if anyone—even myself—understood what they were about, they had to be made real. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #fadedstar
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/915/408/780/887/512/original/28fa299de4cc92c5.jpg

2024-08-05 13:51:13

SHONTO'S GARDEN (1990)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 25" x 36"
For his novel THE INITIATE BROTHER, Sean Russell draws from both Chinese and Japanese lore for the fantasy this painting illustrates. 1/4
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/909/735/964/399/458/original/f31cd7cdf998efa8.jpg

2024-08-04 15:58:36

Some characters stay with you over the long arc of a career. Such is the case with Michael Moorcock's tragic anti-hero.
I painted this untitled Elric piece back in 1992.
#fantasy #sff #fantasyart #illustration #elric #michaelmoorcock
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/904/563/606/974/972/original/0ce8754a9facb3da.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/904/565/395/413/639/original/9c7d013ed030827a.jpg

2024-08-01 17:34:24

We're reducing Michael's footprint on Instagram and Threads
in response to Meta's declared intent to vacuum up all content for AI training from back in June.
We'll only be sharing previews of daily art posts there from now on as we transition that audience to better places. ~ME
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/887/962/885/275/266/original/b173a6cf3b177285.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/887/963/177/745/845/original/45bf571d6c0134f1.jpg

2024-08-01 16:50:33

SEAWALL (2009) Oil - 36" x 24"
In my personal work, I often use the faded star as a symbol of despair and disenchantment. But this painting offers hope. We find the possibilities of a brighter future in our children. 1/4
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/887/792/557/121/307/original/94dfb773b934be38.jpg

2024-07-31 12:54:00

RED AS BLOOD (1982)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 22"
I have fond memories of the cover art for Tanith Lee's novel RED AS BLOOD simply because the act of creation was so enjoyable. I still regret selling the painting. 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #horror #horrorart #sff #illustration #tanithlee
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/881/199/670/031/766/original/452d41fa7c1d2419.jpg

2024-07-30 13:23:21

MISTY PATH (2002)
Acrylic on Panel - 24" x 18"
Based on an experience I had while hiking in a local park on a very foggy day. There was a path that runs through an overhanging mass of vines and other foliage near a lake... 1/2
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/875/652/354/886/087/original/5cfeb57c10e4880a.jpg

2024-07-29 13:53:16

WEYRWORLD (1990)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 27" x 36"
My schedule was booked up many months in advance, so Del Rey Books commissioned me to do this cover before the book was even written. 1/5
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #annemccaffrey #pern #dragon
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/870/108/089/665/431/original/f745ed8faa01fc0d.jpg

2024-07-28 15:16:58

LOOKOUT (1988)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board
"There, high on the watchtower
Keeping the peace
Whatever that means"
Bonus points if you know the lyric without googling.
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/864/775/767/348/512/original/eeb8c87c740dfcbd.jpg

2024-07-27 14:26:20

THE DARK TOWER: THREE KINGS (2003)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board
Interior illustration for THE DARK TOWER (book 7) by Stephen King. It's getting kind of meta in here.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/dark-tower-three-kings/
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #darktower #stephenking
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/858/892/450/507/900/original/0dbc6566209b2543.jpg

2024-07-24 15:23:15

THE NEW SPRINGTIME (1989)
Acrylic on watercolor board - 30" x 20"
I couldn't wait to begin the artwork for Robert Silverberg's The New Springtime because the novel was a sequel to a book that I had really enjoyed. 1/4
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #robertsilverberg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/842/150/573/526/119/original/95b842e6f54e8396.jpg

2024-07-23 13:48:21

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"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent... but if we can come to terms with this indifference, then our existence as a species can have genuine meaning. However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light."
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/big-question/
3/3
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/836/114/726/725/135/original/a426836ff728be52.jpg

2024-07-23 13:47:35

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There are two Stanley Kubrick quotes which are relevant to this painting:
"The very meaninglessness of life forces man to create his own meaning."
2/3
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/836/112/262/530/110/original/2b8bdcf5060c9c89.jpg

2024-07-23 13:46:40

THE BIG QUESTION (2007)
Acrylic on Canvas - 60" X 48"
I've done a number of paintings which have taken their symbolic cues from letter forms. "Eye" is one example, eye = "I". As with many of my works, this one employs light as a symbol of knowledge and affirmation. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #stanleykubrick
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/836/107/529/971/448/original/eff35a25717eecff.jpg

2024-07-22 15:03:33

THE WARLORD OF MARS (1979)
Acrylic - 20" x 25"
Since Barsoom is a desert planet, it seemed likely that most of my cover art would feature scenes in arid locales. 1/4
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #illustration #edgarriceburroughs #johncarter #barsoom #woola
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/830/746/023/190/898/original/b3073d60338d557c.jpg

2024-07-21 17:26:59

I TRAVEL BY NIGHT (2013)
Acrylic - 22" x 15"
I've had the opportunity to provide covers for authors well established in their careers, and that was the case when Subterranean Press approached me about a cover for Robert McCammon. 1/5
#horror #horrorart #illustration #robertmccammon #coverillustration #originalart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/825/649/191/320/346/original/b0af25d9c647b16f.jpg

2024-07-18 14:55:36

LIGHT BEHIND THE STAR (2001)
Oil on Canvas - 24" x 24"
For me, the faded star is a symbol of despair and disenchantment, but in our children we find the possibilities of a brighter future, a light beyond the negatives of day to day existence.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/light-behind-star/
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #fadedstar
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/808/067/518/564/592/original/f81dc30904502437.jpg

2024-07-16 13:23:24

THE WAYFARER AND THE EVENING STAR (1997)
Acrylic on Panel - 24" x 36"
I was trying to learn the technique of Lucid Dreaming, but I have only had limited success. A self-portrait.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/wayfarer-and-evening-star/
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #luciddreaming
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/796/380/646/527/891/original/3229d8b4e4667667.jpg

2024-07-15 13:47:53

BACK INTO HELL (1993)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 20"
Like everyone else in the world, I was aware of the epic piece Rich Corben had done for the first BAT OUT OF HELL cover—so my first feeling was a sinking one. 1/5
#horror #horrorart #illustration #albumcover #meatloaf
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/790/814/692/118/431/original/8ba019addf636964.jpg

2024-07-14 15:10:44

DEAD END (1980)
Acrylic on Illustration Board - 30" x 20"
In the late 70s all my clients were situated near each other in midtown Manhattan. To get there, I would take a train or bus to town and walk through the seedier parts of Times Square. 1/4
#horror #horrorart #sff #illustration #anthology #yearsbesthorrorstories
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/785/477/965/205/942/original/0e1c6b7f51ad7522.jpg

2024-07-11 14:12:25

EYE (2002)
Oil on Linen - 72" x 36"
Painted almost exactly as I envisioned it in a dream.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/eye/
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/768/258/391/257/164/original/54041da91b14486b.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/768/262/632/507/413/original/1e5291caeab2837e.jpg

2024-07-09 14:46:27

BLUE WHALE (1999)
Acrylic - 24" x 16"
The light she is hauling has a little blue whale on it, as a sort of decal. The name and concept comes from a mountaineering term. 1/2
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/757/070/683/612/395/original/ffaa340312a4c036.jpg

2024-07-08 15:13:26

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Cover illustration for THE SNOW QUEEN by Joan Vinge (Warner / Questar)
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/snow-queen/
3/3
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/751/514/856/778/963/original/13d3ff7768fdbdf6.jpg

2024-07-08 15:11:29

THE SNOW QUEEN (1988)
Acrylic on Panel - 36" x 24"
Joan Vinge provided plenty of inspiration in the pages of this book, and in fact, my first response was that there was way too much epic quality to capture in one illustration. 1/3
#sciencefiction #scifiart #sff #illustration #joanvinge
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/751/507/015/601/526/original/8641fbfee0bd6500.jpg

2024-07-07 15:49:14

TRIPOD WALKER (2016)
Acrylic on Watercolor Paper - 19" x 13"
Painted on the back of a misprinted Dark Tower image I was using as a mixing palette of mostly white, yellow ocher, and raw umber. The print was on such a fine grade of heavyweight watercolor paper that I was loathe to throw it away. 1/4
#leftoversandpalettegremlins #horror #stephenking
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/745/992/483/963/378/original/5aa40e55155c65a7.jpg

2024-07-06 17:39:16

YOUNG CASSANDRA (2016)
Acrylic on Mat Board - 13" x 13"
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/week-36/
#leftoversandpalettegremlins
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/740/762/202/460/454/original/e41b643aa32b6c46.jpg

2024-07-05 14:06:05

ARISE (1990)
Mixed media - 20" x 20"
I took the opportunity with this commission—an album cover for Sepultura—to experiment and have fun.
After completing a small stack of tone renderings of textures and distorted faces, I photocopied them, cut them out, and recombined them. 1/3
#horror #horrorart #illustration #sepultura
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/734/263/289/655/534/original/0a4b05895d3dc510.jpg

2024-07-04 17:09:17

OUT OF THE SHADOWS (2014)
Acrylic on Panel - 12" x 24"
With this painting I revisit themes developed in my "Passage" series, featured heavily in my first couple of one-man shows at the Tree’s Place gallery. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #passage #fadedstar
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/729/321/659/798/197/original/fcc6de08a4e41fc8.jpg

2024-07-03 15:46:45

SHE (2004)
Oil on Linen - 48" x 36"
A private commission for the book by H. Rider Haggard. 1/4
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #hriderhaggard
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/723/333/696/255/558/original/efac05ecf5ff2a64.jpg

2024-07-02 13:33:20

HARBINGER (2015)
Acrylic on Canvas - 36" x 54"
My initial inspiration, I believe, grew out of concern for the destabilizing and immense effects of global climate change, a sense of nature out of control and giving birth to unnatural and cataclysmic phenomena. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/717/147/360/113/585/original/f2b4336da56880c7.jpg

2024-06-30 18:17:42

Preliminary concept for ELRIC AND THE SINKING CITY
Acrylic on Illustration Board - 9" x 6"
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/elric-and-sinking-city/
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #preliminaryconcept #elric #michaelmoorcock #stormbringer
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/706/940/432/701/460/original/6d45b7bfad18043e.jpg

2024-06-29 17:24:07

To the man, the maestro, the legend...please join me in wishing Michael the happiest of birthdays!
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/701/066/416/279/298/original/bdae2ba68d10a471.jpg

2024-06-28 15:55:30

2010: ODYSSEY TWO (1982)
Acrylic on Illustration Board - 30" x 20"
When legendary publisher Judy-Lynn del Rey asked me to do the cover to the sequel to 2001 by Arthur C. Clarke she said, "What we're looking for here is a 'big book look'." 1/3
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/695/055/317/465/111/original/176e7eb2bcdbd234.jpg

2024-06-26 17:06:12

New privacy policy is in place for Meta today so we've switched our Instagram and Threads accounts over to Private to prevent use of Michael's art in training AI.
We're considering next steps which includes deleting existing content there and leaving the platform altogether. ~ME

2024-06-25 13:03:09

SUSPENSION (2008)
A small oil study done as a warmup one morning, later finished off in some limited color as seen here.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/suspension/
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/677/387/118/281/403/original/1031fda869a5d6d6.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/677/387/152/379/751/original/894d27d8ca772501.jpg

2024-06-23 13:56:10

THE UNINVITED (1974)
Oils on illustration board
When I first moved to the East Coast in search of illustration jobs, I had to prepare a portfolio with a selection of the variety of work I was able to do. This was the 'horror' piece that I took around to the art directors.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/uninvited/
#horror #horrorart #illustration
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/666/276/676/427/547/original/45555e25b5cebbd8.jpg

2024-06-22 14:08:06

BLACK STAR RISING (1984)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 22"
Cover illustration for the book by Frederik Pohl (Del Rey)
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/black-star-rising/
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/660/658/005/393/194/original/246d1440843c1260.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/660/658/394/186/961/original/ddb1ebd23806911e.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/660/658/721/548/099/original/13a09e590d4fea7e.jpg

2024-06-19 16:01:55

DARKNESS OVER HAYHOLT (2016)
Acrylic on Gessobord - 24" x 36"
When DAW contacted me 35 years ago about illustrating the cover for a high fantasy novel by Tad Williams, an amazing relationship began with THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR. 1/4
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #tadwilliams #ostenard @dawbooks
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/644/121/472/952/182/original/408475f518638bcd.jpg

2024-06-18 14:24:13

A WORLD OF LIGHT AND SHADOW (2011)
Acrylic on Gessoboard - 20” x 40”
I’m as surprised as the next person when some of these ideas come to me and tell me that they need to be painted, especially the ones that come in my dreams. 1/3
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/638/075/381/476/740/original/1882b8fae03e9a4f.jpg

2024-06-14 14:22:31

KING OF THE DEAD (1977)
Gouache on illustration board - 24" x 14"
I had the good fortune of working on Elric early in my career. The books by Michael Moorcock have proven to be enduring classics in fantasy. 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #michaelmoorcock #elric
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/615/417/221/974/147/original/ca521e419e0524e7.jpg

2024-06-11 12:55:11

THE INEXORABLE EQUATION (1997)
Acrylic on Canvas - 48" x 36"
The window contains a beautiful but threatening view, seen from a place of illusory refuge.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/inexorable-equation/
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fadedstar #fineart
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/598/083/528/926/823/original/36ca496370cb1153.jpg

2024-06-10 14:59:58

ELISTE (1991)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 28" x 38"
I'm used to being pigeonholed by my clients, who often hire me to paint only certain kinds of subjects. So I admit I was thrown when I started reading Paula Volsky's novel ILLUSION. 1/5
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #paulavoslky
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/592/917/901/029/005/original/382349b3ddccc1ed.jpg

2024-06-08 14:23:54

THE GUNSLINGER FOLLOWED (2005)
Oil on Canvas - 25" x 40"
The second painting based on the famous opening line of The Dark Tower books by Stephen King: "The Man in Black fled across the desert and the Gunslinger followed." 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #stephenking #darktower #gunslinger
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/581/450/778/106/108/original/45db394189f879eb.jpg

2024-06-05 14:30:04

DAETRIN (1990)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 21" X 29"
The most unusual aspect of this commission is that it was largely painted while I was being videotaped for a local TV show. I was taking a big risk in allowing this to happen. 1/5
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #illustration #csfriedman
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/564/468/637/499/763/original/d7c3e50638244e9a.jpg

2024-06-01 14:14:44

BEE TAXI (2016)
Acrylic on Gessobord - 12" x 16"
The painting HARBINGER had a lot of yellows in it. When I finished, I covered the palette with a yellow ocher gesso so I could use it again. 1/2
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #leftoversandpalettegremlins
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/541/779/276/867/959/original/8b52628b0f171ae0.jpg

2024-05-29 13:43:09

DRAGONSBANE (1985)
Acrylic - 28" x 18"
I loved this book—the protagonists and dragon are very engaging and held my interest right from the start. 1/4
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/524/667/863/488/016/original/0023c5837558a585.jpg

2024-05-23 16:16:19

WING (1992)
Acrylic on Canvas -42" X 60"
I was the Artist Guest of Honor of the Australian National Science Fiction Convention in Sydney in 1992. After the convention, my family and I spent some time traveling around the country. 1/4
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #ayersrock
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/491/296/805/310/253/original/df4a53132f78b418.jpg

2024-05-22 18:17:20

THE NONBORN KING (1983)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 28" x 18"
Once or twice a year, for a change of pace, I work in watercolors as I did in this painting. 1/4
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #julianmay #plioceneexile
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/486/109/050/868/931/original/6eeb6af19e114a27.jpg

2024-05-21 13:11:38

PASSAGE: THE RED STEP (1988)
Acrylic on Canvas - 44" X 33"
I was probably clinically depressed when I painted this. Stymied by the first serious artistic block in my illustration career, I felt helpless to do anything but fret for a couple of weeks. 1/2
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #passage
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/479/244/738/819/388/original/91cdb4300d534512.jpg

2024-05-20 14:21:08

DRAGON LAKE (1988)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 20"
"Some come easy, some come hard," said Norman Rockwell, when someone asked him how long it took for him to complete a painting. Like him, I'm somewhat of a perfectionist. 1/4
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #melanierawn #dragon
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/473/813/347/459/868/original/70c6abe5710eafa6.jpg

2024-05-19 15:27:08

EYE OF THE NEEDLE (2015)
Acrylic on Canvas - 10" x 8"
Preliminary for a future painting. I was inspired by a trip to Southwest and saw many of rock formations as vantage points for imagining.
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #preliminaryconcept
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/468/452/413/484/178/original/c475badb71cb5363.jpg

2024-05-17 15:17:30

ELRIC AND THE SINKING CITY (1984)
Acrylic on Canvas - 36" X 20"
Unlike all the other Elric paintings I have done, the cover for Michael Moorcock's ELRIC AT THE END OF TIME is not an action scene. 1/3
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #michaelmoorcock #elric
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/457/055/892/908/337/original/5335ae2bb82f19d4.jpg

2024-05-14 14:00:17

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I saw my daughter Alexa a few times when she was between the ages of 5 and 10, standing in the glow as if spotlit on a stage, and each time I would tell myself, "Remember this, this is a gorgeous moment you don't want to ever forget." 2/4
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/439/800/453/214/926/original/93cb481248ac6edf.jpg

2024-05-14 13:59:44

WARMING HER WINGS (2012)
Acrylic on Panel - 11" x 14"
In fall, the sun sets on the west side of our property to shine through the trees. On a humid day, the light seems suspended in the thick air, spreading against the dark shapes of the trees, fanning golden brilliance across the green lawn. 1/4
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #fineart #portals
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/439/797/421/847/311/original/d59811f0c32637a3.jpg

2024-05-13 14:18:58

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I did a tight preliminary and was ready to launch into the full-size painting when I had a dream of dragons holding conference high up in the clouds. Anne liked the idea so much that she wrote the scene into her story and that became the cover. 2/3
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/434/212/185/897/011/original/164a78fa962a8c39.jpg

2024-05-13 14:18:30

DRAGON ABOARD (2013)
Acrylic - 18" x 24"
Anne McCaffrey often reminded readers that her Pern novels were science fiction. This scene from ALL THE WEYRS OF PERN did exactly that and was originally chosen for the cover. 1/3
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #annemccaffrey #pern
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/434/210/151/063/460/original/d6a9e62de3c3aafa.jpg

2024-05-12 15:45:12

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Can you tell I had a lot of fun on this project?
I only provided interior art. The cover art was done by the great John Berkey.
3/3
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/428/887/679/174/684/original/8e6c1c03fe6cb1c5.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/428/888/226/493/933/original/cf64b47f827d038f.jpg

2024-05-12 15:44:17

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JOVIAN ATTACK
FISHES ON TITAN
VENUSIANS
2/3
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/428/883/090/294/514/original/bed589610029a52e.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/428/883/493/283/329/original/0900f3a9928e517e.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/428/883/855/868/630/original/f6201d91db5d37f6.jpg

2024-05-11 14:43:23

THE DARK TOWER: CALLAHAN (2010)
Oil on Panel - 10" x 8"
A portrait of Father Callahan for Discordia: A Dark Tower Online Experience by Stephen King.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/dark-tower-callahan/
#horror #horrorart #sff #illustration #stephenking #darktower #discordia
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/422/926/471/537/824/original/834d1b96ee96a713.jpg

2024-05-10 15:03:04

SARRA (1994)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 22"
For an epic book, a simple approach is often best as was the case for my cover for EXILES: RUINS OF AMBRAI by Melanie Rawn, a painting rich in symbolic detail. 1/4
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #melanierawn #exiles
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/417/396/938/475/871/original/a49286d06cb5ab02.jpg

2024-05-08 13:51:35

NOR CRYSTAL TEARS (1981)
Acrylic - 30" x 19”
A favorite theme of mine is the depiction of human-alien interactions. This book deals with the subject so wonderfully that I wanted to make it the focus of attention for the cover painting. 1/4
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/405/776/770/364/336/original/7997cff937f7deb9.jpg

2024-05-06 14:26:30

STORMBRINGER (1977)
Acrylic on Masonite - 30" x 20"
This is probably my most famous painting of Michael Moorcock's legendary anti-hero Elric of Melnibone. 1/4
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #michaelmoorcock #elric
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/394/605/580/414/271/original/249760df7aeb37d5.jpg

2024-05-05 15:09:40

THE LOST CITY (2017)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 14" x 7 ½"
A board used as a palette which became a scene reminiscent of a Lovecraft story...not so much of a palette gremlin as a palette snowscape.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/2017-leftover-8/
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #leftoversandpalettegremlins
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/389/112/350/702/077/original/e65e04f089724082.jpg

2024-05-04 13:32:47

SHOWDOWN AT END WORLD (2005)
Acrylic on Canvas - 8 ¼" x 12"
Alternate cover concept for THE DARK TOWER by Stephen King
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/showdown-at-end-world/
#fantasy #fantasyart #sff #illustration #stephenking #darktower
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/383/062/863/649/433/original/9c20c80d4113f286.jpg

2024-05-02 14:01:03

RUST NEVER SLEEPS (2010)
Acrylic on Panel - 10" x 12"
Move along. Nothing to see here.
https://www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/rust-never-sleeps/
#personalvisions #imaginativerealism #signofthetimes #firstamendment #freedomtoassemble
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/371/850/604/509/359/original/8b90bb27fb2eb6fb.jpg

2024-05-01 16:10:16

THE LONG WAY HOME (1978)
Acrylic - 24" x 16"
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #poulanderson
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/366/698/865/078/084/original/b5ce0856840e5858.jpg

2024-04-29 13:27:25

CRYSTAL SINGER (1981)
Acrylic - 20" x 30"
Most of my sketches for this cover dealt with the interrelationship between the protagonist Killashandra and the black crystals she has a special affinity for. 1/4
#sciencefiction #scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #annemccaffrey
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/354/736/325/890/575/original/70804fea7a48c339.jpg

2024-04-25 14:04:09

CLIMBER (1992)
Acrylic on Canvas - 42" X 31"
On the day I finished this, I brought the painting to the frame shop to show it to Audrey. She was busy with a client, so I left the painting on a table and went to get some lunch.
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/332/232/127/259/020/original/061500618bcb9e75.jpg

2024-04-21 16:16:21

Remarque in the Archival Press edition of THE VANISHING TOWER by Michael Moorcock.
#fantasy #fantasyart #illustration #remarque #elric #michaelmoorcock
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonart/media_attachments/files/112/310/101/608/972/854/original/f404a7cf209271ec.jpg