Friday, June 12, 2020

A Sci-Fi Cover with Classic Vibes

Here's a cover painting for The Pandora Stone, a science fiction paperback novel by William Greenleaf about the search for a powerful amber crystal of alien origin. 


I spotlit the bottom edge of the power cone and let the top half fall into the shadow. That way, the glowing orb could read as light over dark. I also introduced the blue and gold smoke on the sides of the cone, and carried the blue and gold theme throughout the picture. 

9 comments:

Tom C. said...

Hi James,
When you are hired for a job such as this how much information are you given by the publisher or author?
Are they very specific? do you read the book? Does it take a long time for idea generation? I am sorry for the barrage of questions when I’m asked to do an illustration getting started is a stumbling block for me.

James Gurney said...

Tom, quick answer is that I get sent the manuscript, with no specific suggestions from the A.D. I generate three rough sketches after reading it. Art director chooses favorite, perhaps with a minor suggestion. Reading and sketches usually take two weeks, final another couple of weeks.

A Colonel of Truth said...

Terrific!

Jim Douglas said...

The final printed book cover can be seen at the link below:
https://www.abebooks.com/products/isbn/9780441650897/575504502&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-PLP3

André Mata said...

That's such a great cover, it really makes me want to buy the book and read the story.
I think the physical quality of traditional painting triggers a more intense emotional response, I simply love the magical atmosphere the colors give with the smoke coming through the sides, the abstract shapes in the background, and the feeling of nostalgia this painting gives.

Harlock said...

Very nice Illustration James, did you paint it in Gouache? Thank you for keeping up your amazing Blog.

alex said...

I can feel the influence of John Berkey on this piece.

markmors said...

Is it more difficult to think up images if you don't like the book?

James Gurney said...

Mark, what makes it hard for me to think up images is if the author is either non-visual or they describe scenes that, if painted literally, wouldn't make a strong visual statement. I liked this book, but the moment when the main character is standing there with the crystal, the author described the cone thing as much smaller. I felt I had to exaggerate the size of the cone to make it impressive. I don't think the reader minds if you make such changes as long as you don't alter the genre of the book or give away key plot details.