theartofmichaelwhelan:

LANDING (2002) by Michael Whelan

Acrylic on Panel - 24” x 30”

This piece was born of a digital image from PASSAGE TO SANCTUARY, a series of three limited edition prints produced by Mithril Publishing in 1994. Created entirely on the computer, the prints were an experiment in new media. To maintain the integrity of the print run, the source files were destroyed after the images went to press, leaving no original art only fine reproductions of the images.

Unfortunately Mithril Publishing went out of business before the prints were fully distributed. Far less than the original print run of 555 ever made it to collectors.

Michael came back to the idea in 2002, producing a new painting of LANDING in more traditional media (acrylic on panel). Most notably he changed the figure in the foreground, which can be seen here in detail.