I met one of the finest artists in the world at the recent Illuxcon Fantasy Expo, painter Michael Whelan. He is, by far, my very favorite horror artist, and I am very fortunate to know him. Many years ago, I sent him a sculpture of a vampire I had done (1993, I think!). He was generous enough to send me a gorgeous print of a Sepultura album cover he had done, as well as a t-shirt with the same image on it. What a guy. While at the Expo, I gave him a sculpture I had done as a demonstration, and a few weeks later, he sends me an amazing painting of the same sculpture, but done in the style that only Michael Whelan can do—colorful, vivid, perfectly composed and beautifully rendered. I am honored and awestruck that he used a piece of mine as a subject, and I consider it a true sign that I have ‘made it’. An original Michael Whelan!!!!
Now I suppose I have to up the ante, and send him something that will make him pass out. Here’s hoping I’m up to the task.