Michael Whelan
@michaelwhelan.bsky.social
Fine artist of Imaginative Realism. Retired illustrator of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Winner of 15 Hugo Awards. Inducted into the SF Hall of Fame in 2009.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
If you thought Frankenstein's Tower in the Guillermo del Toro movie looked cool, check out the real-world inspiration behind it...
November 10, 2025 at 12:27 PM
If you thought Frankenstein's Tower in the Guillermo del Toro movie looked cool, check out the real-world inspiration behind it...
DRAGON FIRE (1989)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 32” x 20”
After I submitted my concept sketch for the cover of SUNRUNNER’S FIRE by Melanie Rawn, I realized that the anatomy of the dragon’s wings was inconsistent with the structure on the other covers I had done for the series. 1/3
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 32” x 20”
After I submitted my concept sketch for the cover of SUNRUNNER’S FIRE by Melanie Rawn, I realized that the anatomy of the dragon’s wings was inconsistent with the structure on the other covers I had done for the series. 1/3
November 10, 2025 at 2:16 PM
DRAGON FIRE (1989)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 32” x 20”
After I submitted my concept sketch for the cover of SUNRUNNER’S FIRE by Melanie Rawn, I realized that the anatomy of the dragon’s wings was inconsistent with the structure on the other covers I had done for the series. 1/3
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 32” x 20”
After I submitted my concept sketch for the cover of SUNRUNNER’S FIRE by Melanie Rawn, I realized that the anatomy of the dragon’s wings was inconsistent with the structure on the other covers I had done for the series. 1/3
In this week’s newsletter, we delve into legendary territory.
The year was 1977…with STORMBRINGER, I completed work on the Elric Saga and received my first World Fantasy Award nomination.
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/1977-year-...
The year was 1977…with STORMBRINGER, I completed work on the Elric Saga and received my first World Fantasy Award nomination.
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/1977-year-...
November 9, 2025 at 2:24 PM
In this week’s newsletter, we delve into legendary territory.
The year was 1977…with STORMBRINGER, I completed work on the Elric Saga and received my first World Fantasy Award nomination.
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/1977-year-...
The year was 1977…with STORMBRINGER, I completed work on the Elric Saga and received my first World Fantasy Award nomination.
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/1977-year-...
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Faerie seer for MTG. 20x16 oil on board.
I hope I’ll get a chance to paint more faeries for MTG someday! They’re a lot of fun.
I hope I’ll get a chance to paint more faeries for MTG someday! They’re a lot of fun.
November 8, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Faerie seer for MTG. 20x16 oil on board.
I hope I’ll get a chance to paint more faeries for MTG someday! They’re a lot of fun.
I hope I’ll get a chance to paint more faeries for MTG someday! They’re a lot of fun.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Another portrait of a gloomy dude with horns and beard 😺
November 7, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Another portrait of a gloomy dude with horns and beard 😺
The painting had to be done in a hurry, though after all these years I don’t recall why. Maybe some other artist was originally slated to do the assignment but muffed it? I don’t know... 1/6
I haven't read any of the Elric novels, so the answer might lie in them but: This Elric looks considerably more muscular than your other renderings of him. Is there a specific reason for this?
I am curious if it is a reflection of the stories, or an artistic choice on your part.
I am curious if it is a reflection of the stories, or an artistic choice on your part.
November 9, 2025 at 12:02 AM
The painting had to be done in a hurry, though after all these years I don’t recall why. Maybe some other artist was originally slated to do the assignment but muffed it? I don’t know... 1/6
HORN CROWN (1981)
Acrylic - 29” x 18”
Another long established series that I worked on early in my career. This was my third and final cover for Andre Norton’s Witch World, but the first chronologically detailing how humans arrived on the planet. 1/3
Acrylic - 29” x 18”
Another long established series that I worked on early in my career. This was my third and final cover for Andre Norton’s Witch World, but the first chronologically detailing how humans arrived on the planet. 1/3
November 8, 2025 at 2:12 PM
HORN CROWN (1981)
Acrylic - 29” x 18”
Another long established series that I worked on early in my career. This was my third and final cover for Andre Norton’s Witch World, but the first chronologically detailing how humans arrived on the planet. 1/3
Acrylic - 29” x 18”
Another long established series that I worked on early in my career. This was my third and final cover for Andre Norton’s Witch World, but the first chronologically detailing how humans arrived on the planet. 1/3
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Good morning! AI is being force-fed to you by a handful of billionaires who will lose a bunch of money if they fail to convince you that you need it. You do not need it 🫶
November 6, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Good morning! AI is being force-fed to you by a handful of billionaires who will lose a bunch of money if they fail to convince you that you need it. You do not need it 🫶
Reposted by Michael Whelan
I have several small paintings in my shop, including framed pieces. These are nice for gifting if you happen to be looking for gift ideas.
Tisha Mark ©2025, To Dream by the Sea No. 2503, oil on gessobord, 4"x4"
Available:
tishamark.com/product/to-d...
#art #painting #bsnm #SciArt #TraditionalArt
Tisha Mark ©2025, To Dream by the Sea No. 2503, oil on gessobord, 4"x4"
Available:
tishamark.com/product/to-d...
#art #painting #bsnm #SciArt #TraditionalArt
November 7, 2025 at 9:03 PM
I have several small paintings in my shop, including framed pieces. These are nice for gifting if you happen to be looking for gift ideas.
Tisha Mark ©2025, To Dream by the Sea No. 2503, oil on gessobord, 4"x4"
Available:
tishamark.com/product/to-d...
#art #painting #bsnm #SciArt #TraditionalArt
Tisha Mark ©2025, To Dream by the Sea No. 2503, oil on gessobord, 4"x4"
Available:
tishamark.com/product/to-d...
#art #painting #bsnm #SciArt #TraditionalArt
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Happy birthday to @fondalee.bsky.social's "Jade City," B1 in The Green Bone Saga! I went nuts painting a huge montage of characters and moments from the series, for @orbitbooks.bsky.social's box set.
Now, for 7 days only, oversized prints of the art are available here: www.tommyarnoldart.com/prints
Now, for 7 days only, oversized prints of the art are available here: www.tommyarnoldart.com/prints
November 7, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Happy birthday to @fondalee.bsky.social's "Jade City," B1 in The Green Bone Saga! I went nuts painting a huge montage of characters and moments from the series, for @orbitbooks.bsky.social's box set.
Now, for 7 days only, oversized prints of the art are available here: www.tommyarnoldart.com/prints
Now, for 7 days only, oversized prints of the art are available here: www.tommyarnoldart.com/prints
ELRIC OF MELNIBONÉ (1976)
Oil on Canvas Board - 24” x 18”
Originally published in 1972 as THE DREAMING CITY, this novella was later reprinted by DAW and would be the first of my Elric covers. 1/2
Oil on Canvas Board - 24” x 18”
Originally published in 1972 as THE DREAMING CITY, this novella was later reprinted by DAW and would be the first of my Elric covers. 1/2
November 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
ELRIC OF MELNIBONÉ (1976)
Oil on Canvas Board - 24” x 18”
Originally published in 1972 as THE DREAMING CITY, this novella was later reprinted by DAW and would be the first of my Elric covers. 1/2
Oil on Canvas Board - 24” x 18”
Originally published in 1972 as THE DREAMING CITY, this novella was later reprinted by DAW and would be the first of my Elric covers. 1/2
We were asked about the legitimacy of a remarque being discussed in a collector group. It's clearly a fake, which should be obvious by the line work and messed up signature. The eBay seller has been notified. ~ME
November 7, 2025 at 11:53 AM
We were asked about the legitimacy of a remarque being discussed in a collector group. It's clearly a fake, which should be obvious by the line work and messed up signature. The eBay seller has been notified. ~ME
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Hey illustrators/agents!
I’m a #kidlit art director starting work on a new picture book—we’re looking for: expressive, commercial, human characters; texture (printmakingish); AND BATS! Lively, active, swarming BATS!
Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.
💙❤️ #artcommissions
I’m a #kidlit art director starting work on a new picture book—we’re looking for: expressive, commercial, human characters; texture (printmakingish); AND BATS! Lively, active, swarming BATS!
Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.
💙❤️ #artcommissions
November 6, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Hey illustrators/agents!
I’m a #kidlit art director starting work on a new picture book—we’re looking for: expressive, commercial, human characters; texture (printmakingish); AND BATS! Lively, active, swarming BATS!
Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.
💙❤️ #artcommissions
I’m a #kidlit art director starting work on a new picture book—we’re looking for: expressive, commercial, human characters; texture (printmakingish); AND BATS! Lively, active, swarming BATS!
Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.
💙❤️ #artcommissions
As I’ve mentioned before, I usually work from background to foreground.
It requires a lot of care
when working on the forward elements because mistakes are then more difficult to correct in a way that escapes detection — though not impossible. 😉
It requires a lot of care
when working on the forward elements because mistakes are then more difficult to correct in a way that escapes detection — though not impossible. 😉
How on earth did you manage to paint the sky after laying in the landscape on the left? Did you mask it off?
November 7, 2025 at 11:08 AM
As I’ve mentioned before, I usually work from background to foreground.
It requires a lot of care
when working on the forward elements because mistakes are then more difficult to correct in a way that escapes detection — though not impossible. 😉
It requires a lot of care
when working on the forward elements because mistakes are then more difficult to correct in a way that escapes detection — though not impossible. 😉
RISING (2007)
Acrylic on Watercolor board - 36” X 24”
This image came to me while I was working on THE RIVER in 1996. 1/3
Acrylic on Watercolor board - 36” X 24”
This image came to me while I was working on THE RIVER in 1996. 1/3
November 6, 2025 at 1:54 PM
RISING (2007)
Acrylic on Watercolor board - 36” X 24”
This image came to me while I was working on THE RIVER in 1996. 1/3
Acrylic on Watercolor board - 36” X 24”
This image came to me while I was working on THE RIVER in 1996. 1/3
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Sam Altman: Give me billions of dollars and I’ll destroy the world
US Government: Don’t you mean “OR” you’ll destroy the world?
Sam Altman: I said what I said
US Government: Don’t you mean “OR” you’ll destroy the world?
Sam Altman: I said what I said
BREAKING: OpenAI is requesting US government support to help guarantee financing for the massive investments in AI chips and data centers it needs for expansion, per Bloomberg.
November 6, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Sam Altman: Give me billions of dollars and I’ll destroy the world
US Government: Don’t you mean “OR” you’ll destroy the world?
Sam Altman: I said what I said
US Government: Don’t you mean “OR” you’ll destroy the world?
Sam Altman: I said what I said
Reposted by Michael Whelan
It's 20 years since @seanphillips.bsky.social and I exchanged a sketchbook back and forth in the mail, a drawn &painted call and response. INTERSECTIONS may be out of print but here is a flip through that sketchbook. You can still find the book out there :)
November 5, 2025 at 2:46 PM
It's 20 years since @seanphillips.bsky.social and I exchanged a sketchbook back and forth in the mail, a drawn &painted call and response. INTERSECTIONS may be out of print but here is a flip through that sketchbook. You can still find the book out there :)
PASSAGE TO SANCTUARY: ARRIVAL (1994)
Digital
In the early 90s, Michael began experimenting with digital painting. Rendering was painfully slow on his Mac back then, so he brought in textures through scans of his brushwork.
1/3
www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/pa...
Digital
In the early 90s, Michael began experimenting with digital painting. Rendering was painfully slow on his Mac back then, so he brought in textures through scans of his brushwork.
1/3
www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/pa...
November 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM
PASSAGE TO SANCTUARY: ARRIVAL (1994)
Digital
In the early 90s, Michael began experimenting with digital painting. Rendering was painfully slow on his Mac back then, so he brought in textures through scans of his brushwork.
1/3
www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/pa...
Digital
In the early 90s, Michael began experimenting with digital painting. Rendering was painfully slow on his Mac back then, so he brought in textures through scans of his brushwork.
1/3
www.michaelwhelan.com/galleries/pa...
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Got a batch of oldie but goodies! $30 shipped, US
DM if interested
DM if interested
November 4, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Got a batch of oldie but goodies! $30 shipped, US
DM if interested
DM if interested
Reposted by Michael Whelan
The billionaires can buy the newspapers and buy social media and buy attack ads, but they can't buy their way out of how much we fucking hate all of them.
November 5, 2025 at 5:27 AM
The billionaires can buy the newspapers and buy social media and buy attack ads, but they can't buy their way out of how much we fucking hate all of them.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
We're all going to write pieces about what you can learn from tonight but it's actually pretty simple: The frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward.
November 5, 2025 at 4:34 AM
We're all going to write pieces about what you can learn from tonight but it's actually pretty simple: The frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
thank you for the outpouring of support!
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
Donate to Help Laid-Off Teen Vogue Staffers Recover, organized by Lexi McMenamin
More than half the team at Teen Vogue was laid off this week by our parent co… Lexi McMenamin needs your support for Help Laid-Off Teen Vogue Staffers Recover
www.gofundme.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:17 PM
thank you for the outpouring of support!
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
#dailyart 60, study
I joined in over at r/birds with their protest, as the subreddit allows AI generated birds. Original photo by u/finchplease1
I joined in over at r/birds with their protest, as the subreddit allows AI generated birds. Original photo by u/finchplease1
November 3, 2025 at 10:24 PM
#dailyart 60, study
I joined in over at r/birds with their protest, as the subreddit allows AI generated birds. Original photo by u/finchplease1
I joined in over at r/birds with their protest, as the subreddit allows AI generated birds. Original photo by u/finchplease1
For this Whelan Wednesday, we have a large charcoal study for ARRIVAL from Passage to Sanctuary.
This original will be available in our shop Nov 5 at 11am ET. A preview is now available for our paid supporters on Substack:
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/passage-to...
This original will be available in our shop Nov 5 at 11am ET. A preview is now available for our paid supporters on Substack:
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/passage-to...
November 4, 2025 at 8:24 PM
For this Whelan Wednesday, we have a large charcoal study for ARRIVAL from Passage to Sanctuary.
This original will be available in our shop Nov 5 at 11am ET. A preview is now available for our paid supporters on Substack:
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/passage-to...
This original will be available in our shop Nov 5 at 11am ET. A preview is now available for our paid supporters on Substack:
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/passage-to...