Via the Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts, this article by Ursula Le Guin on how fantasy is not just for children: To conflate fantasy with immaturity is a rather sizeable error. Rational yet non-intellectual, moral yet inexplicit, symbolic not allegorical, fantasy is not primitive but primary. Many of its great texts are poetry, and its prose often approaches poetry in density of implication and imagery.
As a cover art fanatic (and aren’t we all?), I love visiting the websites and blogs of those who work with paints and pencils to bring books to life. Some of my favorites—both old, and recently discovered (many through Irene Gallo’s wonderful blog)—are:
Frank Frazetta
John Picacio
Dan Milligan
Eric Fortune
Stephan Martiniere
Scott Fischer
James Jean
Michael Whelan
Charles Vess
John Jude Palencar
Hopefully, in the coming year, I’ll find many more to obsess over. Any suggestions?
From the art of James Jean