Vallejo, Bell, Kelly, the
whole tradition of barbarian fantasy begins here. Frazetta set the standard
for this entire genre, and then surpassed it. The hideous monsters, the
savage landscapes, and especially the awesomely muscled fighters. For dedades
his name has been THE trademark of fantasy art, and his influence continues
today. Do yourself a wonderful favor, check out Frazetta's Illustrated
Fantasy Magazine and his new art book "Icon".
Nothing fascinates me about this mans art so much as his depiction of women. There isn't anything like them that I know of in all art, and nothing could be further from the images today's fashion industry throws at us without end. Frazetta's girls are short, generous in the thighs and hips, and occasionally slim breasted. In addition, there faces have an unearthly roundness that evokes a sense of fantasy better than any other element in his painting.
