Published on March 24, 2026
At the November 4 Illustration Art Auction at Heritage Auctions, four notable paintings will be offered for sale, showcasing a blend of artistic evolution and seminal moments in the illustrator’s career.
One of the key pieces is the comprehensive sketch for the cover of William Greenleaf’s 1983 science fiction novel, *The Tartarus Incident*. This oil on board painting marks the illustrator’s significant foray into the freelance world after previously completing background art for Ralph Bakshi’s *Fire and Ice*. Opting to pursue independent projects, the artist began creating paperback covers, famously dispatching them via overnight mail to art directors in New York. The story revolves around a space shuttle crew stranded on a menacing planet, adding layers of intrigue to the artwork.
Another highlight includes a pair of street scene sketches from 1984, also painted in oil on board, demonstrating the artist’s early fascination with the detailed craftsmanship of British and French academic painters like Lawrence Alma Tadema and Jean-Leon Gerome. These sketches served as preliminary designs for commissioned covers, including an illustration for *The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction*, and reflect the illustrator’s dedication to meticulous detail and stylistic influences from the classic art world.
The third piece, titled *Companions*, is an important painting that measures 20 x 16 inches and is prominently displayed on the cover of *Life Lessons from Dinosaurs*, as well as inside the pages of *Dinotopia: The World Beneath*. This oil on board work also features the artist’s signature, solidifying its authenticity as a pivotal part of their portfolio.
Additionally, the artwork has gained unexpected fame, appearing as a viral meme with the caption, “That wasn’t a microdose,” showcasing how art can transcend its original context and find new life in the digital age.
The auction, featuring these captivating pieces, presents an exciting opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts to acquire original works that not only highlight the illustrator’s talent but also their impactful contributions to the genre of fantasy and science fiction art.
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