Hello, Everyone!
I wanted to give fans of the “Song of Ice & Fire” novels (aka “A Game of Thrones”), a small sneak preview of the art for the official calendar coming out on July 16th. Theses images are focused on the book series and not the HBO cable TV series.
I was honored to be included with the group of stellar artists that have created art for this wonderful ongoing calendar series, including Muddy Colors’ own Donato Giancola, Gary Gianni, Marc Simonetti, John Piccacio, Eric Velhagen, Didier Graffet.
It was also enjoyable to learn of the plot/character complexity and huge fandom that surrounds this monumental series. Count me amongst them now as well!
The following paintings are done in acrylic on hotpress Srathmore 100% ragboard. The original art sizes vary from 20”x 20” to 10” x 10”.
Whitewalker on Prehistoric Elk leading his army of undead.
Heart trees are almost always weirwoods, but other types of trees are used if weirwoods are not available. For instance, the heart tree of the Red Keep’s godswood in King’s Landing is a great oak.
Seven Faces of God – The Wanderer
A Crown of Gold
You can pick up your own copy of the calendar at the following places (release date July 16th):
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/2019-a-song-of-fire-and-ice-2019-calendar-george-r-r-martin/1128750808?ean=9781524797331
You’re still my second favorite acrylic painter John. You get better and better and even more inspiring.
Seems like a no-brainer of a purchase! Looking forward to seeing this up on my wall throughout 2019!
Hey Bill – Coincidence? You are my 2nd favorite acrylic artist too!
Thanks Bruce!
🙂
These are wonderful! I love the decorative rhythm created by the man and the leaves in the Wanderer-piece.
Thanks Staffan – Sometimes I do retreat too much into the decorative on my illustration. Using a decorative approach is a predictable less demanding method to render. I’m more organic in my personal paintings.
John, your art work is fascinating. For some reason, it reminds me of Japanese woodblock paintings. Meticulous, seemingly flat, yet filled with detail that communicate depth. Beautiful paradox.
Hi Colleen – Thank you – I studied under a Japanese Sumi Brush Master when I was ten years old… of course he a thousand miles away and appearing on our local PBS station. I learned so much painting along with him. I use to literally drool when he placed his deft brush strokes on the rice paper. His quiet way of explaining what he was doing made the learning process that much more magical. He showed how to paint birds, lobsters, bamboo stalks, foggy shorelines and of course Mt. Fuji with mist and snow. I had my first solo show with these sumi brush paintings being exhibited on the bulletin board in Ms, Galetovitch’s 4th grade classroom. From him, I learned to indicated form with suggestion and the importance of making meaningful marks. I cannot remember this sumi master’s name…
While the oak is a symbol of strength, I prefer the elm. Not because of its association with the Underworld, but because of the link to our Founders.
Finding out about the intricate plot and characters, as well as the enormous fan base surrounding this iconic series, was very enjoyable.