theartofmichaelwhelan:

THE INEXORABLE EQUATION (1997) by Michael Whelan

Acrylic on Canvas - 48” x 36”

The window contains a beautiful but threatening view, seen from a place of illusory refuge.

theartofmichaelwhelan:

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.

theartofmichaelwhelan:

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.