My earlier reverie on the weekly magazine Speed & Power made mention of the gorgeous artwork and fabulous stories that featured every week in the magazine, introducing me to the world of Arthur C. Clarke and his great collection of stories. Clarke's informative and scientifically accurate style was always a pleasure to read and the early stories were always accompanied by gorgeous splash page artwork. As the series progressed, Michael Whittlesea took up the reigns and produced some of the best images I had seen for some time. As Mish commented on the earlier post, Whittlesea seemed to favour a style very like Sci Fi veteran Chris Foss, who illustrated the Lensman and Foundation series of paperbacks.
Whittlesea's art appeared with the first story from Clarke's 'Journey to Jupiter' series, depicting the devastating airship crash, which affects the protagonist Howard Falcon, before his mission.
Strangely enough Michael Whittlesea is a classically trained painter, whose style is generally far removed from sci-fi.
It would appear that Whittlesea wanted some technically accurate depictions for the stories, so he has obviously referenced an illustration in Philip Bono and Kenneth Gatland's excellent book, 'Frontiers of Space' for the Hyperion launch vehicle, which I immediately recognised, having got a copy for my birthday a couple of years earlier.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Frontiers-pocket-encyclopaedia-spaceflight-colour/dp/B000OP9642
His depictions of spacecraft always had a vey 'toylike' feel to them, as well which appealed to me greatly.
Clarke's stories were always entertaining, with authenticity, pathos and humour and good deal of drama and adventure!
I haven't heard of this guy before, but his work's a real find. Thanks for introducing us to him.
ReplyDeleteThough some of his work is Foss influenced, it's more painterly and less airbrushed, giving it a grittier more graphic look, which I like.
His personal work is utterly different again, varying from the abstract to the pastoral. A very gifted artist.
DeleteThis is some of the most beautiful space art I've ever seen. Wow. SFZ
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