We all know Michael Whelan… or not!
Michael Whelan is one of the world’s premier painters of imaginative realism. For 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.
Michael Whelan has published 4 art books as well as numerous limited edition prints, posters, calendars, and licensed products such as greeting cards, t-shirts and sculptures
We all know the current cover of Victory (with or without the dove) and Michael Jackson chose Michael Whelan to paint the cover of the The Jacksons’ album Victory after seeing his painting for the cover of Isaac Asimov’s book, Foundation’s Edge. The galaxy in that image was what drew Jackson to Whelan’s work and he wanted a similar effect for the album painting. Whelan was given very specific instructions regarding the poses and positioning of the Jackson brothers as they would appear in the scene. At Michael Jackson’s request, Whelan positioned Michael behind his brothers but made his trademark glowing glove and socks shine forth
In a recent KickStarter, Whelan is planning to release a new book about his art and this book will include some of the concepts for the album cover and here the pictures:
Michael Whelan KICKSTARTERÂ / Michael Whelan WEBSITE
