Take a Norman Rockwell painting, beam it with “Gamma -rays” and what do you get? A Frank Frazetta original…
Frank Frazetta, legendary illustrator of comics, movie posters and book covers, died yesterday (May 10, 2010) at the age of 82. He was known as the definer of the fantasy art genre with his illustration of heroes such as Conan, Tarzan and John Carter of Mars.
Having started his career drawing comic strips in the 1940’s and ‘50’s, his most prominent work came about in 1966 with his cover of “Conan the Adventurer,” a collection of fantasy short stories written by Robert E. Howard and L. Sprague de Camp.
Conan the Adventurer
This depiction of the Conan character created a signature look for the fantasy and adventure genre that has lasted until this very day.
Frazetta’s Impact on Me Personally
Frazetta’s work greatly influenced my own illustration style from as early as my high school days creating fliers as a teenager on up to today with some of my digital paintings.
A flier I created in high school inspired by Frazetta's work.
Now, I’ll be honest, much of Frazetta’s work was racy and I’d be embarrassed to display it on the wall of a bible study class. So what still makes me consider him one of my favorite and most impactful illustrators? I guess the answer has to be as simple as this: his work was extraordinary. The energy that his characters generated made me see Frazetta as sort of a “Hulked-out” Noman Rockwell. Awe-inspiring craftmanship.
Dark-Kingdom
One of my paintings directly influence by Frazetta's style.
I’m not sure if Frazetta was a Christian or not, but I always wondered what he would come up with if he illustrated “Gideon vs The Midianites”, “The War In Heaven” or any other action-packed biblical battle scene. I guess that’s what intrigued me about his style and why an artist with a gift such as his will be missed.
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Thanks, Devin.
Yes, his work inspired many comic artists especially. I love the way he was able to bridge the gap between comic-type themes and fine art.
Dude definitely had mad skill. My biz partner has mentioned him as one of his inspirations. I really hope to one day have stuff out there that makes people feel that way; not for my glory, but for God’s.
Hey Gimel-
Yes, this was long ago in the the days of the old Republic (1982, to be exact!)
Notice also from this ancient flier that this was created in the “PDTP Era” (“Pe-Desktop Publishing”)!
Christopher-
Wow, I had NO idea that Frazetta did work like that overnight! That’s amazing.
Thanks for commenting!
Tony, I thought I was the only one that inspired you?
That’s real cold, fam.
Seriously, I understand what it is to find someone that has a style that really speaks to you and it influencing your personal expression of art.
P.S.
Y’all really had a DJ named “Dr. Funk?”
Wow, that must have been a while ago, huh?
Amen! Frazetta’s work inspired me as well early on. What was most amazing about him as an artists is that many of his works were painted over night, and not over days nor weeks (wow!?!). He was fast and prolific, and inspired several generations of painter / illustrators. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray to do the same for Christ centered visual art. Thank you for this post, and be blessed.
Christopher Marion Thomas