Published on April 3, 2026
At the November 4 Illustration Art Auction at Heritage Auctions, four notable paintings will be offered for sale. The auction promises to bring together art enthusiasts and collectors alike, showcasing a selection of works that reflect the evolution of illustration art.
Among the featured pieces is the comprehensive sketch for the cover of the 1983 science fiction novel “The Tartarus Incident” , published /Ace. This work, executed in oil on board, marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s career, being their first paperback cover as a freelance illustrator. After completing background paintings for Ralph Bakshi’s animated film “Fire and Ice,” the artist chose to embrace freelance opportunities rather than joining Disney Animation, leading to a significant shift in their artistic journey.
The story behind “The Tartarus Incident” involves a space shuttle stranded on a treacherous planet, leaving its crew of five in a perilous situation, reflecting themes often explored in science fiction.
Another pair of paintings, titled “Street scenes” from 1984, are also set to capture attention. These paintings serve as comprehensive sketches for commissioned cover illustrations, including a comp for “The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.” The influence of British and French academic painters, such as Lawrence Alma-Tadema and Jean-Leon Gerome, can be seen in these works, representing a blend of influences that shaped the artist’s style during their time residing in Los Angeles.
Another significant piece featured in the auction is titled “Companions,” an oil painting measuring 20 x 16 inches. This artwork not only graced the cover of the book “Life Lessons from Dinosaurs” but also appears on page 64 of “Dinotopia: The World Beneath,” highlighting its importance within the artist’s portfolio. In a humorous twist, “Companions” also gained viral notoriety as a meme, circulating widely with the tagline, “That wasn’t a microdose.”
The November 4 auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire works that not only showcase artistic skill but also carry rich narratives and cultural significance. For further details, prospective bidders can visit the Heritage Auction website for more information.
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