Red Sonja #5; Against the Prince of Hell Paperback Cover 1983

This paperback cover from Red Sonja #5, against the Prince of Hell, was painted by Boris Vallejo, and it’s so dynamic, a real rollercoaster of action! The color palette, all greens and reds, creates a sense of drama; a real push and pull. You get a sense that Vallejo is building this from the ground up, trusting his instinct. The materiality of this work is so interesting, especially when you consider the slickness of the image. This feels like a dream space, all shadows and highlights, that makes it feel almost sculptural. The eagle, poised to strike, is rendered with such detail, each feather meticulously painted. It’s so visceral, you can almost feel the wind from its wings. Vallejo is known for this hyper-real style, he always goes big! It’s the kind of art that invites you into another world, one where anything is possible. And ultimately, isn’t that what art is all about?