Michael Whelan As an avid reader of Anne McCaffrey, I couldn't help but fall in love with Michael Whelan's cover art depicting her dragons. I spent a lot of time studying the covers, understanding the physical image of the dragons. Whelan is still my favorite artist of any field, for many of the characters (especially dragon characters) are no longer faceless. Whelan's art has become more commercialized in the last few years and has been easier to find.  Some of the same works of art that have graced the covers of sci fi/fantasy's greastest novels, have shown up on bookmarks (I have at least 4) and bookplates (the stickers you put your name on and stick in your books).  All of my Anne McCaffrey novels have Whelan's "The White Dragon", that was on the Anne McCaffrey's novel of the same name, bookplates in them.  The bookmarks can be found in most book stores and the bookplates I found at Atlantic Book Warehouses in DE & MD. The Franklin Mint, which has in my opinion, the most prized collectibles in all of fantasy art, has proudly reproduced pieces based on Whelan's work or pieces designed by Whelan for the Franklin Mint.  Among them are a series of dragon sculptures, as well as an amazing chess set.  The chess set's pieces are sculpted from many characters in previous works, including McCaffrey's Pernese dragons.  The base looks  like a castle, the board itself the courtyard.  To me, this chess set is the ultimate fantasy piece/collectible to own, especially for a Whelan fan, but alas, I'm too poor and can not afford it! My most recent and exciting find I stumbled on when I ran out of checks.  I looked up Styles Checks knowing they had a fantasy set consisting of Pegasus, Fairies, and a Castle in the Clouds.  When I found the main page I was blown away by the images of "Whelan's Dragons" and of course purchased those checks as well as the leather checkbook cover immediatley. (Address labels and calling cards/business cards are also available!)  All four images are from bookcovers for Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series.  I get to see Pern every day in my purse! There is little more I can say.  Copyright issues prohibit me from even using thumbnails to pique the interests of someone new to his works.  But please let me say that Michael Whelan is an unbelievable artist and no doubt you reading this have seen or are already aware of his artwork.  His gallery is available for viewing online, as well as purchasing prints.  Images for your desktop are also available for download on the official sites. Please visit one of the two official sites: www.michaelwhelan.com               www.glassonion.com Or one of the sites mentioned above: Anne McCaffrey                         The Franklin Mint                         Styles Checks Or these other links I believe to be legally supportive:   Snailmail:  Glass Onion Graphics, P.O. Box 88, Brookfield, CT  06804

Since Feb. 11, 2002

Try My Fast URL: http://clik.to/Brennalin Fast URL provided free by      Please sign my new Guestbook! Visit my other page!     Copyright 2001-2002, Brenna Lin McAlister, WebMaster.  All rights reserved.