HIGHGATE MIST (2010) by Michael Whelan
Acrylic - 10” x 8”
Looking for sketching subjects, I started to seek out sculptures of angels and enjoyed using them as models. Not knowing why they particularly attracted me, I guess you could say I went ahead and painted them on faith, knowing that the deeper meaning would become more apparent to me as time went on.
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THE GODS OF MARS (1979) by Michael Whelan
Cover illustration for the book by Edgar Rice Burroughs
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EMPIRE OF DREAMS (2005) by Michael Whelan
Acrylic on Gessoboard - 28” x 22”
A world of concrete works in disarray, thrown about by some unknown cataclysm. The figure in the image realizes that safety lies not in hiding in darkness but in facing reality, seeking light, and acquiring knowledge. It is only with knowledge and the advantages of a greater perspective that one can hope to overcome obstacles.
This personal work can be seen as the cover of ECLIPSE ONE, an anthology of new science fiction and fantasy stories, edited by Jonathan Strahan, Night Shade Books.
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DRAGONSDAWN (1987) by Michael Whelan, cover for the book by Anne McCaffrey
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EPHEMEROS (2002) by Michael Whelan
Oil on Canvas - 48” x 36”
Another meditation on Prudence.
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STUDY OF BOWIE (1976) by Michael Whelan
Many years ago in a galaxy far, far away I was faced with painting works to use as portfolio pieces, hoping to secure a commission from a national magazine like Time. Being an early and enthusiastic fan of David Bowie, I decided it was a good opportunity to combine my interests in SF and his music in one piece.
In the end, I believe it never was used for a publication, but I don’t regret taking the time to create it. (Needless to say, I was thrilled to learn that he was cast as the lead in the film THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH!)
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PRUDENCE (1996) by Michael Whelan
Acrylic on Panel - 12” x 11”
The classical notion of Prudence is an important theme to me, as it was to the ancient Greeks: Possessing knowledge of the Past, and a desire and ability to order the Present so as to bring about a more ideal Future.
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PEGASUS IN FLIGHT (1990) by Michael Whelan, cover for the book by Anne McCaffrey
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TIME PASSING (2007) by Michael Whelan
Oil on Panel - 26” x 16”
As a native Californian, I really enjoy the change in seasons that I experience living in New England. There is even beauty to be found in the shadows of the leafless trees against the pale gray winter sky. However when I finished this Portals painting in March, I was definitely ready to start seeing more of the sun!
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WILD MAGIC (2003) by Michael Whelan, cover for the book by Jude Fisher
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