AMAZONS 2

Cover illustration for the DAW anthology edited by Jessica Salmonson

Mar 24, 2025

Balanced on the bow of a slender boat, two dark haired Amazon warriors stand poised to attack. The point of the bow has splintered the rails of another vessel. The armored men aboard lurch back with the impact as the Amazons surge forward. One grips a spear two-handed overhead, ready to stab downward. Holding a round shield for defense, the other draws back her sword arm ready to swing. Her long green cape drapes down over her leanly muscular body as she pivots. Billowing mist obscures all but the tip of their ship. The sky above is gray, clouds tinged with red by a bloody gibbous moon. — AMAZONS 2 (1981), Acrylic on Crescent Illustration Board - 24" x 16"

Cover for a DAW anthology featuring women characters written (mostly) by female writers. I based my illustration on a story about pirates. Through dynamic lines and lean, powerful musculature, I conjured into battle a pair of tough, aggressive fighters worthy of the Amazon name.