THE DEVIL’S BRIDGE (2017) by Michael Whelan painted for Lucca Comics & Games.
I found this painting in studio for a different reason than most. It wasn’t in storage; Michael just finished it earlier this year for his appearance in Lucca, Italy in November. There he will be exhibiting 35+ of his painted works. Obviously this presents a great opportunity for European fans to see his originals in person.
The bridge that lends the painting its title is a famous landmark. Like similar bridges found in Europe, there’s a legend behind it that involves tricking the devil to get across. Here we see kids and a teenager tricking skirting around the bridge on their way to the comic festival.
Michael was asked to add another detail to the illustration…a maze. Cleverly he added it to the girls shirt.
So excited that Michael will be joining us at Lucca Comics & Games! It’s such a fantastic show, with so much love for art, stories, games, and the people who make them.
And it goes without saying that Michael is pretty much the standard every last one of us aspires to. I’ve only had the chance to chat with him a few times, at Spectrum Live, but his friendliness and insight is as fantastic as his art. I know the attendees of LC&G will love him. And they’re such incredible hosts and fans, it’s hard not to love them back.
Also I’ve walked over that bridge! (Thanks Lucy!)
Well, I had to paint the bridge using photos as reference, never having been there before. I’m looking forward to visiting it in person finally!
Michael