This Can Be Yours

Wanna own this piece of Elric original art? You can! And you can help a very good cause, at the same time. Microvisions 2012 is happening right now. It’s an auction featuring original art by an annual roster of artists. I’m part of this year’s lineup, including Julie Bell, Dan Dos Santos, Peter De Seve, Rebecca Guay, Brian Despain, Scott Gustafson, Scott Bakal, Scott Brundage, Brian Despain, Nathan Fowkes, Chris Rahn and Terry Whitlatch. Each artwork measures 5”x 7”. The Elric artwork you see here is pencil on illustration board. Bids have been going on for a couple of days now, and the auction ends on May 6 at 7pm. For those that live in the NYC area, the originals are all on display at the Society of Illustrators. Don’t wait around – get in there and claim this one for yourself. Bid high! All proceeds go to a good cause! Good luck!

LOCUS / April 2012 Issue!

Artists -- if you've never picked up an issue of LOCUS MAGAZINE or haven't picked one up in a long time, you should have a look at the April 2012 issue, which is available for purchase online or at US newsstands by now.

The entire issue is dedicated to SF&F art and features interviews with Brom, Boris Vallejo & Julie Bell, Michael Whelan, Todd Lockwood, Bob Eggleton, Irene Gallo, Charles Vess, Kinuko Y. Craft, Julie Dillon, James Gurney, Stephan Martiniere, John Jude Palencar, Gregory Manchess, Donato Giancola, and more. Editor supreme Liza Groen Trombi and design goddess Francesca Myman masterminded this issue, and I think they outdid themselves. It's a great read and there's a lot of insight in these little interviews and galleries.
And if you go to the back of the issue -- there's a decent conversation there with me too. :) Note -- the one hilarious quibble I had with this issue -- if you look at the print edition and even the online edition, my skin looks like the Joker's. Yikes. If I ever get that white, I think it's time to pull the plug and call the coroner. LOL But that's the vagaries of printing for you. (Color-tweaked back to reality below. :)) The interview and art is what matters, and it's a huge pleasure to be in such great company. 'Hope you enjoy the read.Artists -- if you wanna see LOCUS shine more spotlight on art, show 'em by buying this issue today (and buy another for a friend). Worth your time and money! :)

Elric for MicroVisions!

Here's my contribution to MicroVisions 2012 -- Elric of Melnibone! Pencil on illustration board, and as per MicroVisions challenge rules, it measures only 5" x 7". Worked on it during last week's World Horror Con in Salt Lake City, and finished it on the plane ride home. It can be yours and will be available for auction, with details coming soon. All proceeds benefit the Student Scholarship fund of the Society of Illustrators. Irene Gallo, Gregory Manchess, and Dan Dos Santos have organized this for the last several years. Worthy cause. Was honored to join Scott Bakal, Julie Bell, Scott Brundage, Brian Despain, Nathan Fowkes, Rebecca Guay, Scott Gustafson, Dan Dos Santos, Peter de Seve, Chris Rahn and Terry Whitlatch in support of this year's effort.

Shoutout to Seattle

I’ll be the Artist Guest of Honor at Norwescon 35 starting this Thursday, along with fellow GoHs Stephen Baxter, Bridget Landry and Betsy Wollheim (Daw Books). Had a blast when I first attended Norwescon back in 2008. Spent much of that one hanging out with Cherie Priest, Mario Acevedo, Richelle Mead, and Caitlin Kittredge, and I remember that weekend being very good times. I expect this year’s con will be even better.

Below is my programming and appearance slate. Memo to all fans of George R. R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Game of Thrones – I’ll have some special art surprises in the Art Show that you won’t want to miss. I think you'll like very much. :)

Will also have free art goodies to give away to all who attend the “Art of John Picacio” and “The Art of George R. R. Martin: Making the Calendar.” See you there!

Thursday, April 5

* Guest of Honor Banquet
5pm / Grand 2

* Opening Ceremonies
7pm / Evergreen 1 & 2

* Art Show Reception
8pm / Art Show

Friday, April 6

* Guest of Honor Autograph Session
10 am / Grand 2

* The Art of John Picacio
12 noon / Grand 3

* Art Show Tour w/ John Picacio
3pm / Art Show

Saturday, April 7

* The Art of George R. R. Martin: Making the Calendar
10am / Grand 2

* Official 2012 Hugo Nominees Announcement
(Co-presenter w/ Dave Gallaher)
1pm

* Autograph Session 1
2pm / Grand 2

* Autograph Session 2
3pm / Grand 2

* John Picacio Q&A
5pm / Evergreen 3 & 4

Sunday, April 8

* Book Covers: The State of the Art
12 noon / Cascade 11

* Becoming an Industry Pro Artist
2pm / Cascade 12

* Closing Ceremonies
4pm / Evergreen 1 & 2