The Art of Michael Whelan

The Art of Michael Whelan

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Tilted horizon perspective through ruins to a mountain peak bathed in golden light in the distant background. Pillars are set at diagonals in uneven intervals with some holding up in support of a roof draped with burgundy and white cloth torn with age. From left to right—a bald man holds a silver orb as he floats above the ground trailed by a trio of green ray-like alien creatures. The pillar next to him is marked with symbols: the yin and yang symbol, a long-necked sea monster, a bat with wings spread, and a unicorn head. A wrecked car and a series of gravestones fill the gap to the next pillar, which is marked with a female angel holding a flaming sword, a spider, and the Indian goddess Kali. At the base is a jumble of machinery topped with a box, one side cover with steel trim and mesh, the other yellow with two circles set vertically. One circle suggests a headlight, the other a subwoofer. Two white chess pieces—a king and queen—sit unevenly behind a black pawn lying on its side. A vibrant rose stands out among the earth tones of a stone well. Across a gap to the next pillar stands a man with a spear angled down. A humanoid robot sits next to him gripping its knee. The pillar there contains a spiral galaxy, many playing cards, a rapier, and a chalice. To the far right, worn stone steps lead up to a girl wearing a yellow tank top, shorts, and knee high boots. She's seated with her knees up in front of her while she leans back on one arm. A broken pillar angles over her containing a drawing of Alice in Wonderland facing a disembodied skull, a pair of flowers, and a scarab. The head of a large statue rises in profile with square turban on its head and a long beard seemingly made of beads as it is composed from smaller chiseled elements.
Z-WORLD (2008), cover illustration for The Collected Stories of Roger Zelazny

A Legendary Artist

Michael Whelan is one of the world’s premier painters of imaginative realism.

For nearly 50 years, he has created iconic book and album covers for authors and musicians like Isaac Asimov, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Brandon Sanderson, the Jacksons and MeatLoaf. His clients have included every major U.S. book publisher, the National Geographic Society, CBS Records, and the Franklin Mint.

As the most honored artist in Science Fiction, Michael has won an unprecedented 15 Hugo Awards (SF’s Oscar), 3 World Fantasy Awards, and 13 Chesleys from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists.

In 2009, Michael was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in Seattle, the first living artist to be named to the distinguished list that features such luminaries as H.G. Wells, Steven Spielberg, Rod Serling, and Ursula K. Le Guin.

Sepia tone high definition photograph of Michael Whelan leaning against the doorway in his studio. An assortment of knick knacks decorate the walls. To the right, shelves are full of art books.
Photo by Greg Preston from The Artist Within: Book 2

Daily Art and a Weekly Newsletter

Join Michael for an exploration of his craft with in-depth breakdowns from concept to finished painting. We post a new painting every day of the week, so you’ll never lack for art to inspire, startle, and captivate you.

We’ll take you behind the scenes in the studio like never before with feature stories leading off each weekly newsletter. Get background on how your favorite covers came to be—from WIND AND TRUTH, Michael’s latest painting for the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson, to eternal fan favorites like the Dragonrider’s of Pern by Anne McCaffrey and the Dark Tower by Stephen King.

Imaginative new worlds await you in daily art posts with a recap conveniently making its way to your email inbox, or the Substack app, just in time for your weekend reading pleasure so you don’t miss a single image.

Subscribe now to receive to our free newsletter and get access to our publication archives.

Additional Perks for Paid Subscribers

Paid supporters will receive rewards including:

  • Unique autograph and chat opportunities with Michael Whelan

  • Exclusive content and previews of original art listings before they drop

  • Monthly art giveaways, digital goodies, and special promotions in our shop

Founding members will receive their choice of a free pair of bookmarks, which includes THE WAY OF KINGS and WIND AND TRUTH before they release in stores!

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Fine artist of Imaginative Realism. Illustrator of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Winner of 15 Hugo Awards. Inducted into the SF Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Michael Whelan 

@theartofmichaelwhelan
Michael Whelan's avatar
Fine artist of Imaginative Realism. Illustrator of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Winner of 15 Hugo Awards. Inducted into the SF Hall of Fame in 2009.

Michael Everett 

@stateofgrays
Michael Everett's avatar
In another life I was a purveyor of books. Now I manage the website of Michael Whelan, including original art sales & social media.
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