Fantasy offers us a limitless expanse of realms within which to explore, and most artists choose their territory quite carefully. Steven Belledin, however, has chosen to roam far and wide across the infinite worldscapes, and offers us a variety a visions from many alternate pasts and futures.

High fantasy heroes fight beside bloodied Greek warriors, and seafaring pirates wield their muskets shoulder to shoulder with spacefaring soldiers. Whatever the age, these noble warriors and wizards stand tall against daunting odds with no small amount of determination.

Nobility, however is not limited to a particular size or shape. as Mr. Belledin celebrates exotic forms as well. Impossibly slender fey and broad dwarves convene amidst the mortals, adding yet another dimension of diversity to his collected works.

In each of these portraits, be they historical or fantastic, Steven realistically depicts the setting, wardrobe and figures of an unseen age with remarkable skill and clarity. Through his vision, he broadens our horizons.

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The human body has always been an important source of artistic inspiration, inspiring artists long before civilization or even spoken language. While many artists have captured the essence of the human figure, few can transform it into works of alien beauty. Chuck Lukacs is clearly one of those rare artists who fuse inspiration and imagination to wondrously fantastic effect.

Much of his work is boldly stylistic, with a classic comic art foundation with an edge of woodcut starkness, and a hint of the surrealistic. Mr. Lukacs’ appreciation of the human figure is evident even when twisted and stretched into muscular anthropomorphic beasts, sturdy dwarves and lithe elves. Even his non-fantasy characters have slightly superhuman proportions and posing, demonstrating a clear disregard of the physical limits imposed upon most.

Much of Chuck’s time is spent in worlds of high fantasy, but he occasionally visits science fiction and action-adventure realms as well. He explains his process and latest adventures on his blog, but wherever his imagination takes him, be sure to follow.

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The fairy tales we tell our children to calm their fears at night and ease them into gentle slumber still retain a hint of their original purpose: to warn us of the dangers of the unseen monsters around us. The original tellings of these tales reveal a far more visceral and dangerous world — a world Alice Duke illustrates in her works.

Subtly sinister, yet oddly comforting — like the warm light of a summer sun slowly fading into twilight — guarded idealists and jaded rouges encounter mischievous imps and unspeakable horrors in her colorful portfolio.

Taking inspiration from centuries of world mythology and adapting the symbols of spiritual art, Ms. Duke creates complex, organic tableaus rich in technical detail and deeper meaning. Through her art, we explore the burdens and obligations of a magical universe that modern beliefs so casually and fearfully deny.

When you are ready to relearn the exciting novelty and hidden dangers of life, Alice will help you remember.

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Many artists, over time, become comfortable with a particular theme or style, and settle into a predictable rhythm for the remainder of their careers. Other artists are always restless, and are constantly called to new territory, and happily experiment with new characters, genres and techniques. Hanie Mohd easily falls into this second, more energetic state of artistic vagabondry.

No female character is off-limits to Ms. Mohd, as long as there’s some element if fantasy to be found. Kick Ass’ sassy Hit Girl, The Venture Bros’ seductive Professor Girlfriend, Harry Potter’s studious Hermione, a wide assortment of comic book heroines, and even a defiant Slave Leia are honored by her illustrative attentions.

When not breathing new life into existing characters, Hanie’s pen still does not rest. Her original creations include a bevy of floral fairies, the rare wood nymph and the mysterious Octogirl, who’s only sartorial adornment is an octopus delicately perched atop her head.

Whatever the future brings for Hanie Mohd and her ever-expanding panoply of portraits, it’s certain to be equal parts strange and familiar… and unwaveringly heroic.

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Arthur C. Clarke is credited with the truism which states “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Alan Pollack‘s impressive portfolio of fantasy and science fiction works span three decades, and clearly demonstrates this delicate distinction. Adventurers from our magical prehistories and technologically enhanced futures call to us from his complex visualizations.

Mr. Pollack’s classic painterly approach is clearly inspired by the modern fantasy masters, yet he also eagerly embraces the digital age — in both subject matter and medium — in his ongoing stylistic evolution. Figures populate seedy spaceport bars and intergalactic marketplaces as well as treasure-filled dungeons and mighty castles.

While many of his meticulous illustrations were commissioned for a particular collectible card game, do remember Terry Pratchet’s corollary: “any sufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from technology.”

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While inner strength can most easily be measured through action, this powerful combination of raw power and sheer determination can also easily be seen in the works of David Revoy. How else can we explain the sheer forcefulness and determination in his otherwise slender and delicate figures?

Stylistically, Mr. Revoy enjoys a wide variety of approaches; from quick color sketches and loosely tinted linework to fully airbrushed images and painterly portraits. Nearly all, however, are graced with the smooth tones and gentle curves of the female form. Be they human, sprite or elf, their playful determination serves as their weapon and armor, though many also have actual weapons and armor as well.

Whatever other tools these young women have at their disposal, inner strength is what unifies them, and what will ultimately lead them to victory in whatever battles they encounter.

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History does not concern itself with the tranquil years devoid of conflict. No, it is the epic battles and personal conquests that are celebrated. Thanos Tsilis handily demonstrates his understanding of history’s love of conflict with his chaotic assortment of edgy renegades and unbalanced antiheroes.

Ranging from ancient Amazon tribes to futuristic computerized soothsayers, Mr . Tsilis captures the precise moments in time that shape past and future events. His off-kilter, oddly-capable protagonists seethe with a vibrant calm, ready to change the world with purposeful violence.

As civilizations rise and fall — or fall and rise, the world will be in a constant state of change, but Thanos seems at home with gritty, badass antiheroes of any age.

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Some artists, despite their best intentions, are drawn to the darkness. Jeffrey Thomas is — to all appearances — perfectly suited for the bright and cheerful world of childrens’ cartoons, but some inner demon seems to take wicked delight in corrupting these charming characters, twisting beloved icons into slathering, bloodthirsty beasts.

With many a macabre flourish, Mr. Thomas has amassed quite a collection of “Twisted Princesses,” re-imagineering nearly every cherished Disney heroine into decrepitly distressed damsel. Even their charming song-filled companion animals are rendered rabid and wild by his unrelenting vision.

While these peculiar princesses are a special delight, Jeffrey is not completely consumed by his demons. His portfolio also offers an extensive collection of character designs from several personal projects, as well as a few fan favorites.  There may be some hope for his soul after all, but rest assured that the quality of his creations will continue to be excellent… whatever the outcome

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For ages mankind has employed many tools to unravel the secrets of the universe. Ancient alchemists relied on magic more than material science, while today’s quantum physicists lean on science more heavily as they add their pinch of paradox. Scott Fischer too seeks the perfect balance between the otherworldly and the orthodox to illuminate his spiritual subjects.

In his works, we find superficially calm and composed characters brimming with nervous energy just below the surface of their skin — lit from within by a savage, crackling light. The source of this radiant energy is never fully revealed, but tinges of symbolic, surrealistic imagery describing methodical clockworks are often suggested.

A challenging assortment of intricate, yet abstract environments with overlaid strokes, washes and screens further reinforce this mechanical motif. So, while the true source of Scott’s inspiration may remain a mystery, it is safe to say that his creative gears are always in motion.

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Those unfamiliar with fantasy and science fiction works may have the impression that these genres offer a simplistic escape from a world of complexity, but Mark Winters‘ compelling, yet conflicted characterizations tell a different tale.

What at first might seem to be simple warriors and wizards, reveal themselves to the patient viewer as somber, nuanced expressions of archetypal heroes and villains. Rendered in rich colors and deep shadows, Mr Winters reveals high fantasy and science fiction settings dominated by introspective, thoughtful souls.

These war-worn men and women engage in epic battles and dramatic confrontations seemingly as a byproduct of their fierce inner struggles. Whatever their intentions and actions, each seems convinced that their battles are just. Mark does not appear to judge their intentions, leaving that to the viewer alone.

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The only true distinction between accounts of historical events and the great works of literature are that scholars believe the former are truthful, where the latter are merely stories. After witnessing the works of Eric Braddock, you may come to understand that the true history of civilization lies somewhere between fact and fable.

With characters and concepts that live both in the Middle Ages and Middle Earth, Mr. Braddock’s vibrant, moody characters are at once both powerfully epic and fallibly human. Here, warriors from many epochs marshal their courage and ply their trade with cunning and ferocity. Even his learned sorcerers seem particularly well-versed in the arts of combat, with magical spells more than a match for any man-made weapon.

Vibrant colors and lush landscapes are in clear conflict with the somber, even dire circumstances faced by these mighty figures. It’s almost as if these environments are directly influenced by the inner strength that radiates from Eric’s characters. When you visit his gallery, you’ll most certainly feel the power for yourself.

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From the first roll of the die around a paper dungeon, fantasy roleplaying has transported participants to far away lands to pursue magic and adventure. In keeping with this fine tradition, Howard Lyon adeptly illustrates these fantastic feats of noble heroes and mighty foes.

With the fierce gazes of valiant warriors and the introspective faces of disciplined sorcerers, Mr. Lyon deftly captures the elusive spirit of high fantasy combat. A myriad of races and classes can be found in his portfolio, but they all share the determination and skill to complete their quests.

That a few of Howard’s most stalwart combatants stand no more than a few inches high should be no cause for concern, for even these adventuresome rodents clearly have the blood of heroes coursing through their tiny hearts.

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Fantasy has been called an escapist genre, but the escape route illuminated by Jeff Himmelman is fraught with danger at every turn. His alternate realities are not filled with idyllic scenes of pastoral beauty, but of garishly illuminated cityscapes, foreboding forests and war-torn battlefields.

Mr. Himmelman’s gallery presents many clear visions of incredible unhistories and fantastic futures, each highlighting a stalwart hero at odds with an indifferent or hostile environment. With grim determination, fiery sorceresses cast incendiary spells, and grizzled warriors contend with menacing metropolises.

However dire the situation, Jeff’s protagonists seem well prepared for victory… whatever the cost.

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A certain kind of fantasy aficionado is constantly on guard for the telltale signs of sudden intrusions of mischievous magic, mythological monsters, or other extradimensional mayhem. It seems that David Palumbo also waits patiently for such otherworldly occurrences with a keen eye, ready to capture every detail in his illustrations.

From dragons and detectives to punks with pistols, Mr. Palumbo has a knack for realistically depicting the decidedly unreal. Each of his subjects are given life through the expert application of detail and lighting, daring the viewer to disbelieve what is so clearly seen to be true.

Nearly all of David’s fanciful creations exemplify the warrior spirit, and wield a wide variety of lethal items. Swords are far and away the weapon of choice, but more than a few firearms can be found at the ready. Raw energy itself is at the beck and call of mighty mages. Whatever the adversary, these compelling characters certainly come well equipped.

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For those intimately familiar with the complexities of the natural world, it is only a small step into the realm of mythological fantasy. Brenda Lyons takes obvious delight in imbuing exotic, wondrous creatures of the mundane world with magical abilities, and honoring their rich mythological traditions.

Gryphons and unicorns feature prominently in Ms. Lyons’ gallery, as do terrestrial birds of prey. Each of these creatures, however, seem equally enchanted in her colorful visions. Almost all of her humanoid figures are given animal aspects as well. While winged women are no stranger to fantasy, angels and fairies here are far more grounded and naturalistic that would otherwise be expected.

Expect a lush, verdant landscape and flights of feathered fantasy when visiting Brenda’s gallery, with spiritual creatures of all shapes and sizes.. and species.

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In a world so oppressively dominated by gravity, it is so surprising that our dreams are filled with sensations of flying, floating, and falling? Jon Foster molds the raw stuff of these dreams into haunting images of disturbing clarity and dark mystery.

Within Mr. Foster’s powerful compositions, figure and environment interact in empowering, unsettling ways. Deceptively familiar settings are torn asunder by the sudden appearance of malevolent forces or seeming fluctuations in gravity itself. Valiant hero and unwitting victim alike struggle bravely in the face of such unrelenting elemental chaos.

Truly the only constant in Jon’s works seems to be change itself, and the guarantee of another thrilling glimpse into the mind of a slightly mad artistic genius.

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