THE WAY OF KINGS
Cover art for Brandon SandersonFor more than 40 years he has created 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.
A graduate of San Jose State University with a BA in Painting and a President’s Scholar, Michael went on to attend the Art Center College of Design also in California, but he dropped out to accept his first book cover assignment. He soon became known for his dedication to bringing an author’s words to life and Whelan covers dominated the science fiction and fantasy field throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. He was largely responsible for the realistic style of genre covers of that era, and his stunning color and composition have influenced many artists to this day. He continues to do cover art for bestselling authors, but since 1995 he has also pursued a fine art career. His non-commissioned works are in established collections throughout the world.
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. The readers of Locus Magazine (for SF insiders) have named him Best Professional Artist 31 times in their annual poll and the Spectrum Annual of the Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art named him a Grand Master in 2004. Other noteworthy awards include a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators, a Vargas Award, a Grumbacher Gold Medal, and the Solstice Award from the Science Fiction Writers of America.
In 2009, he 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.
Whelan paintings are rich in symbolism and offer many layers of meaning to be explored, but Michael Whelan’s lifelong passion has been to live up to his favorite quote from G.K Chesterton: “The dignity of the artist lies in his duty of keeping awake the sense of wonder in the world.”
For more than 40 years he has created 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, he 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.
FEATURED WORK
RAISING A MOUNTAIN
The concept Tad Williams pitched for Otherland was different. Approaching science fiction like epic fantasy, he set out to tackle an ambitious story to follow his groundbreaking Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy.
Starting in 1996 with City of Golden Shadows, Williams spun out a complex tapestry with Virtual Reality as the backdrop. Remarkably, he threaded the needle and delivered four hefty tomes in five years.
Set in the late 21st century, the worldbuilding plays on stratification of wealth and technology to create a dystopic vision of the future that has resonated well in the decades after publication.
MICHAEL WHELAN NEWSLETTER
Get a Free High Res Wallpaper!
Want to stay up to date on Michael’s work? Subscribe to be the first to see new original art in our shop. Get exclusive promotions on prints, books, and more.
GUNSLINGER BACK IN STOCK!
Ever since the Limited Edition print sold out years ago, THE GUNSLINGER ON THE BEACH has been one of our most requested reproductions. This iconic vision of Roland staring across the sea at an ethereal Dark Tower is finally back in our shop!
Printed in the Whelan studio on 18” x 24” museum quality paper (standard size for framing), this open edition giclée is hand signed by the artist. Available to order now at a special introductory price of $95!
Plus don’t miss our newest prints SHOWDOWN AT END WORLD and COLD AND ALONE. Mix-and-match with select Dark Tower prints for discounts up to 20% off.
