Content Warning

A FIGHTING MAN OF MARS (1979)
Acrylic - 24" x 32"

Since I was endeavoring to be the illustrator most faithful to Burroughs' descriptions, Lester del Rey and I had a lengthy discussion about whether the white lizard I wanted to show had six or eight legs. 1/4

#sciencefiction#scifi #scifiart #sff #edgarriceburroughs #johncarter #barsoom

Menacingly, a white, six-legged lizard grips pale rocks rising well above the floor in an expansive cavern. Distant stalactites extend from the ceiling washed in dark pink and purple providing contrast. The lizard perches above twin Barsoomian warriors opening its maw to expose its teeth. As if caught by surprise鈥攅vident by the sword still in its scabbard鈥攐ne of the men is standing upright and poised to attack with just a dagger in hand. His companion crouches warily with a basket-hilt sword held out, tip up. His shoulder length black hair swings forward with motion. A massive bone protrudes from the floor, the ball joint of a femur seemingly larger than the lizard itself. The foreground around it is littered with human bones, swords, and shields.
Menacingly, a white, six-legged lizard grips pale rocks rising well above the floor in an expansive cavern. Distant stalactites extend from the ceiling washed in dark pink and purple providing contrast. The lizard perches above twin Barsoomian warriors opening its maw to expose its teeth. As if caught by surprise鈥攅vident by the sword still in its scabbard鈥攐ne of the men is standing upright and poised to attack with just a dagger in hand. His companion crouches warily with a basket-hilt sword held out, tip up. His shoulder length black hair swings forward with motion. A massive bone protrudes from the floor, the ball joint of a femur seemingly larger than the lizard itself. The foreground around it is littered with human bones, swords, and shields.

Content Warning

CHANUR'S HOMECOMING (1986)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" X 18"

This is one of my all-time favorite cover paintings. 1/3

#sciencefiction#scifi #scifiart #sff #illustration #cjcherryh #hani

A tall alien in dark hooded robes points across a cavernous, futuristic space, giving directions to a group humanoids with cat-like heads. The Kif has gray skin, a long dragon-like snout, and red eyes. The Hani have muzzles like lions and ears pointed back. The hair draping from their cheeks forms modest manes, falling flat at shoulder length. The most prominent Hani stands with regal bearing while the rest of the group is poised for action on the ramp behind it. Exposed from the waist up, the lithe musculature of the Hani is covered in short golden fur. Its red pants are cuffed above the calf, and it holds a snubbed nosed laser pistol at its thigh. Accents of gold can be seen in a simple thin band around its upper arm and a thicker bracelet around its wrist. A dark furred ape-like humanoid stands above the pack with eyes lost in thought, closely following the directions of the Kif, while a bearded blonde human glances sideways toward the viewer.
A tall alien in dark hooded robes points across a cavernous, futuristic space, giving directions to a group humanoids with cat-like heads. The Kif has gray skin, a long dragon-like snout, and red eyes. The Hani have muzzles like lions and ears pointed back. The hair draping from their cheeks forms modest manes, falling flat at shoulder length. The most prominent Hani stands with regal bearing while the rest of the group is poised for action on the ramp behind it. Exposed from the waist up, the lithe musculature of the Hani is covered in short golden fur. Its red pants are cuffed above the calf, and it holds a snubbed nosed laser pistol at its thigh. Accents of gold can be seen in a simple thin band around its upper arm and a thicker bracelet around its wrist. A dark furred ape-like humanoid stands above the pack with eyes lost in thought, closely following the directions of the Kif, while a bearded blonde human glances sideways toward the viewer.