Entrapped Conan The Barbarian Illustration 1990

Ken Kelly made this wild Conan the Barbarian illustration, and it’s a great example of art that just goes for it, you know? Kelly’s painting has this killer texture, from the fire licking the monster tree to Conan’s bulging muscles. It’s all about the physicality of the paint. The colors are intense, almost hyper-real. Look at the way the light hits Conan's arm – it’s so dramatic! I love how Kelly isn’t trying to hide his brushstrokes; they add to the overall energy and rawness of the piece. It’s like he’s saying, "Here it is, the paint, the process, the story," all in one go. Reminds me a little of Frazetta, but with its own unique twist. It's a great reminder that art can be an ongoing conversation, building on what came before while adding something new. It doesn't have to be subtle to be effective!