10 Comments
User's avatar
Jeffolas's avatar

It will be a great tragedy when this legend passes

Almost as tragic is the question: "where is the next generation of fantasy artists?"

Frazetta

Vallejo

Hildebrandt brothers

Howe

Bell

Royo

Whelan

Elmore

Caldwell

Easley

Parkinson

Lockwood

Brom

There are probably a dozen others I'm forgetting, but point is, we used to have an embarrassment of these guys (and a couple girls).

I'm pretty sure every one of those names were making art at least 35-40 years ago, Brom being the youngest I think I mentioned. What the heck happened?

Am I completely out of the loop, or are we just not blessed with these kind of artists anymore?

Richard Davis's avatar

There will never be another Frazetta, but we do have a new generation of fantasy artists including Justin Sweet, Tyler Jacobson, Chris Rahn, Ryan Pancoast, Greg Staples, Chris McGrath, David Palumbo, Greg Rutkoski, Mike Hayes, Cynthia Sheppard, and many more. I had the honor to study with Tyler Jacobson, Mike Hayes, Eric Gist and Lucas Graciano at the Watts Atelier of the Arts. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that illustration is where the REAL artists of the 20th and 21st century went when "modern art" displaced beauty from the fine arts.

Jeffolas's avatar

Thanks for the list!

I'll have to run some of those names down.

I agree, fantasy, sci-fi, and "pulp" are what the real 20th and 21st century artists made, unlike the frauds and hucksters like Jackson Pollock and Yves Klein who smeared paint on canvases and made millions.

Anonymous Dude's avatar

He was an interesting guy, did bodybuilding as well as painting, much like his wife and Frazetta, which means in a sense he was what he painted.

DemsAreTrash's avatar

Sadly, I thought he had passed away some time back. I hope he can enjoy his retirement.

Jeffolas's avatar

As did I.

Glad he's still with us, although sad to hear the news.

Andrea de Ferrara's avatar

I have read plenty of books over the years just because of the Boris Vallejo cover. Even the poor ones were worth it for the art. A great artist — his work will be remembered.

Captain Jack's avatar

He did some great album art as well. I'm thinking of Molly Hatchet . . .

User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jul 23
Comment deleted
Joshua's avatar

He didn't die. Although, honestly, I'm surprised to find that he was still working. I can't think of anything new I'd seen of his in decades. Not that I was specifically looking, but, y'know.

Cyborgjustice's avatar

Sorry. Misread the title. I deleted my comment.