CHILDREN OF THE THUNDER (1988) by Michael Whelan, cover for the book by John Brunner
There’s a delicate transition of color in the sky here that I didn’t appreciate until I saw the painting in person. These blends are a subtle mark of Michael’s skill that I observed frequently while sorting through originals in the studio.
Someday I’ll have to chart the surfaces Michael used by year. I’m fairly certain there was a point in the 80s when he started to use watercolor boards frequently. I’m willing to bet those dates correlate to his most productive years when he leaned on his mastery with the airbrush to keep up with a busy schedule.
Source: michaelwhelan.com
