(Cover for the 50th anniversary SFBC edition of The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester)
Today’s Friday Favorite features the exquisite paintings of Donato Giancola. His work deserves to be seen at the largest resolution possible, so if you click on each picture you can see a larger version. Like many of the artists featured here weekly, the work of Donato Giancola needs no explanations to justify its beauty; no emotion-laden speeches to inspire a connection. Of course that will not stop me from sharing why I find his work so incredible.
(Cartographer: Claudia Rodriquez)
One of my favorite Giancola images is the above Cartographer painting. I have always found Old World maps fascinating. There was a time when the sea was as much the ‘final frontier’ as space is today and for me this image captures both an ancient and modern feel. I love the way that the maps pour around the mapmaker.
(Cover to Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody)
One of the things one notices in Giancola’s work is the amazing effect he gets when painting clothing. He often has garments that flow, giving movement to the piece. I like how the flowing cloak in Obernewtyn contrasts with the hard wood and stone of the doorway. The detail in the wooden door and how it tells its own silent story reminds me of the doors that were created for Minas Tirith in Return of the King. If you have watched that portion of the appendix on the DVD you can see the craftsmenship that went into creating doors that represented the history of the city. This painting evokes that same sense of history.
On a side note, I reviewed the novel Obernewtyn a long, long time ago. The review is here and it has the distinction of being the most often revisted post. Every so often it will take on a life of its own which always fascinates me.
(Faramir at Osgiliath)
Speaking of Lord of the Rings, Donato Giancola has done a number of amazing paintings based on the books. Interestingly enough many of these works grace the covers of other novels. As can be seen when you click on the above picture, the detail that Giancola gets in these massive scenes is amazing. Donato Giancola’s art reminds me so much of the work of the classical romantic artists, especially in these sweeping battle scenes.
(Cover for The Nameless Day by Sara Douglas)
So many of Giancola’s characters, like in the painting above, seem to be plucked from centuries old masters and transplanted into fantastical, futuristic settings. I love the dichotomy between the ancient and modern.
(Traveler)
This painting is one of my favorites. The woman, the seat upon which she is sitting, the galaxy in the background…the whole piece is a set of curves that flow into one another and guide the eye through each part of the painting. The lighting in this piece is fantastic as well.
(Cover for the SFBC editon of The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov)
Donato Giancola’s skin tones are one of the things that I think make his work so unique. In fact his entire color palette stands out in its uniqueness. Again, there is an aged look to it and yet his work seems very timeless to me. His colors are so rich. Even the more earth tone paintings have a richness and texture to them. I would absolutely love to see the actual painted works in person. I cannot imagine how amazing they would look. Giancolo is one of those artists whose work stands out as I walk down the book aisles.
(Cover image for The Last Green Tree by Jim Grimsley)
This image is for Pat, who shares my great love of trees. As he does with the garments, Donato’s trees curve and flow in such a luxurious and magical way. I really like the way it wraps itself around the light pole, buildings, etc and appears to be very much alive and growing.
(Cover for The Thirteenth House by Sharon Shinn)
This painting fascinates me in the way that it captures such a specific moment in time. The way that her hair and dress is caught is a sweeping motion and the way that her hands are pressed up against the wall behind her. When I look at this painting I wonder just what her emotional state is. Is she running from somene? Who is she looking at and what is this person or persons intention towards her? It is a very interesting study. The way that Giancola has rendered the folds of the dress in such a way that you can almost feel the silken texture is incredible.
(Eric 3, from the Eric Bright-Eyes triptych)
Donato Giancola’s website is not only a fantastic place to visit to gaze at his amazing art, he has one of the best FAQ pages that I have seen for an artist. One of my favorite quotes from this section is in regards to achieving artistic success:
“Anyone who talks about god given talent hasn’t seen the hours labored to understand how to properly put an oil glaze on a painting. Practice, practice, practice. Create, create, create. One of the greatest lessons I learned at school: no art is perfect, keep moving onto your next project/vision with additional challenges.”
Although I believe that all the artists that I have featured on the Friday Favorites have gifted talent, it is refreshing when a person is so brutally honest about the hard work that they had to put into perfecting their craft.
His site also includes examples of the drawings that are the foundations for his masterful paintings, drawings that in and of themselves are amazing works of art.
In addition, his site features a store wherein prints, books, paintings, etc. can be found.
(Prometheus, cover for Spectrum 13)
Despite this being the end of the post it is far from the end of the stunning painted works of Donato Giancola. Go, visit his website. There are many more examples of science fiction and fantasy art (look at the large version of The Battle of Agincourt…wow!!!)
The month of January has been largely science fiction focused. As Friday Favorites are premiered throughout the year, works from the sci-fi and fantasy genre will continue to be a major focus. Featuring Donato Giancola today was not so much a happy accident as it was the perfect way to transition between science fiction art and some of the artists that I would like to share about in February.
Donato Giancola is that rare artist who has married futuristic and fantastical imagery with that of romanticism. It is almost as if he is channeling the ancient masters. February being the month of love I am planning on revisiting some of the art that so captivated me in my college humanities classes. As we look at those I hope you can look back at Giancola’s work with a renewed appreciation for just how incredible his work is.
Happy Friday everyone!
! As soon as I clicked “more” I fell in love with that Cartographer image. I love old maps.
I too am intrigued by Thirteenth House girl. What, or who, COULD she be looking at? This is cover art that does the job of making you want to read the book very well.
These are kinetic and lovely…they remind me of those “drawing the head and figure” books by Jack Hamm. I think there was one that was all about how to draw fabrics, too…I had to study them for my theatrical drawing and rendering courses and ever since have been fascinated by the way artists capture texture and luminosity and flow…
I’m not a natural draftsman, but I have a lot of respect for those who are.
Yet another great, interesting Friday favourite! Thanks for sharing Carl.
I love the Cartographer painting, the effect of the maps flowing around her is beautiful.
The Last Green Tree would have to be my favourite though, that’s a great image.
Looking on the website, I found a print that I simply have to get – from the LoTR paintings – The White Rider. Gorgeous.
Thus are, this was probably the most difficult artist from which to choose examples. He has so many fantastic paintings. The White Rider is indeed great.
I was thinking the same thing about The Thirteenth House, RB.
Wow, very life-like!
What extraordinary images! I love the Cartographer painting, and for some reason, I can’t stop returning to that tree. They are so tactile and flowing. Amazing!
For some reason that Cartographer image puts me in mind of Mirrormask, not quite sure why.
And you are right, that Battle of Agincourt is fab.
Oh, the places I go when I stop by your site, Carl. I followed your link from the Thirteenth House simply because I love the artwork and the mandala-type design she is lying on….After reading the reviews at Amazon, I think I’ll need to pick this one up for a not-so-quick read…Thanks, as always.
Now if only I could get some kick back for making these sales… 😉
Thank you for the tree. I do truely love trees. I still miss mine. His quotation about the work involved in being an artist created an image for me of the long process involved for Cecilia from the first sketch to the actual oil painting, which I frequently watched – step by step. What a thrill that was. When I see paintings like his they take my breath away. Thank you.
Great choice and another of my favorite artists. I loved the images when I expanded them open like you suggested with my favorite of those above being the Cartographer. I also love old world maps. I think they just give you that feel of a romantic time period where the world still harbored unknown continents and the lettering used at the time was so cool, too. I checked out his store and I MUST buy those art books in the near future. I also would love to see this work in person. What are great way to start my weekend. thanks, Carl. Lastly, his work feels like Frazetta’s to me in a way too. It’s the way they both seem to paint a scene where they capture a moment in motion. It’s like we get a snap shot in the middle of the action and they draw us in. truely amazing.
I can’t wait to look at Cecelia’s paintings tomorrow, Pat! The ones I have seen are amazing.
I too think of Frazetta whenever I see an artist’s work that seems to capture movement like his paintings do. I was thinking the same thing about the art books. I would like to get at least one to see what kind of reproduction quality they are since they are kind of pricey for the number of pages each contains.
The Cartographer is my favorite! Carl what is new on the March Fantasy Challenge? Have you decided on any guidelines yet?
These are absolutely beautiful – and you’re right about the skin tones. I almost thought the first couple were photographs.
I wonder if The Cartographer is available as a print? (I’ll have to go to the website to look!)
I have some big plans for the Fantasy/Fairy Tale challenge but nothing that can be revealed yet. I’ll probably post about it sometime towards the end of February.
Yes K, the Cartographer is available as a print. I think there are 3 sizes and the prices seem very reasonable to me. Also sounds like they are a nice quality print.
You picked out so many of my faves from Donato. I was so happy that he won the Hugo this year. His work is amazing and he has been such a huge influence in the field.
Thanks for another inspiring profile!
Thanks Irene. Donato’s site is such a treasure trove of amazing art. I love the picture you featured on your Illustrators post, The Battle of Agincourt. The way that the partially finished painting illustrates his process is so interesting.
I love these paintings. Another great one is “The Serpent and the Rose”. What great composition, with the tree framing them. Those prices are incredible, especially for Giclees.
You’re right Pat, that painting is great. Love the way the tree really does look like a serpent with a gaping mouth off in the distance. Here is the link if anyone wants to look at it.
First, nice site. Second the picture of Kirra (Twelve Houses Sharon Shinn) looks better on your site than it does on my book. I believe she has actually fallen to the ground and is pushing herself up. I can’t quote the scene in the book exactly but she does fall, shortly after she bumps into the man she loves, whom she cannot have. It’s a great book and a good depiction by the artist. From the book I gathered That Kirra is completely heart broken at this point. She cast a spell on her former lover to make him completely forget her. He is married and expecting his first child. She did this for him, so he could be happy with his wife and because he was in love with her. She chose not to do the same for herself. I hope that answers your curiosities. Have a good night! -Bree