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Michael Whelan
@michaelwhelan.bsky.social
Fine artist of Imaginative Realism. Illustrator of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Winner of 15 Hugo Awards. Inducted into the SF Hall of Fame in 2009.
6.7k followers100 following1.7k posts
MWmichaelwhelan.bsky.social

THE GUNSLINGER ON THE BEACH (1982) Acrylic on Illustration Board - 28" x 18" The winter months of 80-81 were tough. My wife and I became parents with the arrival of our daughter in Nov, and I needn't tell anyone who has children what that means in terms of lifestyle changes...like lack of sleep.1/4

Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, stares contemplatively across the sea as waves gently lap the shore. Footprints can be seen in the damp sand leading to where he sits, pistol unstrapped at his hip and bedroll at his side. The sun hangs low but intense, blazing a line of orange across the horizon. Over a low stretch of wispy clouds, the silhouette of an asymmetrical tower rises dream-like in the sky. Odd projections mark the sides while spires of varying height sit atop the peak like chaotic crenelations.
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Scsimmons21.bsky.social

I absolutely loved every illustration in that book. Really added to the experience. So nice to stumble upon you here.

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Ssidvicio.us

this is one of my absolute favorite pieces of art i have ever seen, i had a near death experience and saw Gilead when most people claim to have seen heaven (not even kidding i have “died” twice)

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DHdreamerhyena.bsky.social

This brings back so many memories for me. This series and artwork were my best friend in cold Montana winters as a teen.

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AQwerewolf.pizza

Not hyperbole: when I first saw this image at age eight in 1990, it directly affected how I would grow to think about loneliness, mystery, longing, serenity, and the shape of the universe. I am so grateful for it, and for the chance to thank you. _Thank you._

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I love this

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AUthatbeardoadam.bsky.social

Goddamn. I forgot how great these covers are. The Dark Tower series are a set of very important books for me.

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DCdanielwcarlson.bsky.social

This picture cast a hold on me in middle school that never let up.

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TRislandgoth.bsky.social

Your work is so beautiful and the fact that it's an illustration for one of my favorite novels makes it so much more special. Thank you 💗

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NJnonajabiznez.bsky.social

Those of us who saw this beautiful, peaceful image while reading the first book, but before reading the second book, had no idea what we were in for! Dad-a-chum? Dum-a-chum? Ded-a-chek?

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Jfoxylustygrover.bsky.social

I have an overwhelming desire to yell at Roland "Move further up the beach before you fall asleep!"

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MW
Michael Whelan
@michaelwhelan.bsky.social
Fine artist of Imaginative Realism. Illustrator of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Winner of 15 Hugo Awards. Inducted into the SF Hall of Fame in 2009.
6.7k followers100 following1.7k posts