George Barr, an innovative and influential illustrator in the fantasy and science fiction field from the 1960s through the 1990s, passed away this past April at the age of 88. He once said, “If there is a popularity for what I do, it’s probably because I paint pretty pictures, because that’s what I’m trying to do. I don’t shock or startle; I basically paint things that are pretty, that people can get pleasure from.” And he was right: almost everything he painted or drew was, indeed, extremely pretty. And memorable.

A gorgeous collection of his art, Upon the Winds of Yesterday and Other Explorations, was published by Donald M. Grant in 1976 in a hardcover edition of 2,500 copies; unsurprisingly, it quickly sold out. What is surprising, to me anyway, is that there was never a sequel.

George largely retired from illustration following the death of his partner and fellow artist James Bearcloud in 2009 and had been living quietly in an assisted living home for the past decade or so prior to his passing. Though he may have been out of the limelight, he and his work was never forgotten. William Rotsler once wrote “The truth is that George has a unique talent and a lot of it. His style is composed of careful, even painstaking craftsmanship, some excellent ideas, a sense of humor, and a dash of madness,” while Jon Gustafson once observed, “George Barr is too humble … [I] am convinced that he simply doesn’t realize how good he is.”

I’m happy to report that Doug Ellis and Robert Garcia have put together a—finally!—second collection of his work, Joy to the World: The Fantasy Christmas Card Art of George Barr, and currently have a Kickstarter campaign to fund it. I was flattered to be asked to provide an introduction for the book, which was really one of the easiest things for me to write: it’s never been difficult to express my enthusiasm for Barr’s art. With a modest goal of $5000 they’re a little over halfway there with about two weeks to go. Hit this link to learn more and, hopefully, pledge to help bring this beautiful celebration of George’s art to life.