Two new paintings by Jim Burns

Jim has recently been working on two new paintings inspired by sketches from his book Imago.

Wilbur Smith paintings for sale

In the 1980's John Harris was commissioned by Secker and Warburg to produce covers for all the Wilbur Smith novels. This was the perfect opportunity for him to show his ability to paint evocative landscapes, and with many set in Africa this was going to involve some wonderful strong colour. The covers were felt to be one of the most successful sets produced, and now John is offering the originals for sale. Some are already on the website, and more will follow.

There are some examples above and if there are any other titles in particular which you'd be interested in seeing do let me know. He is asking for £400 per painting. They're painted in acrylics on board, and they measure 12 x 17 in. (30 x 43 cms)

Mervyn Peake Exhibition

Anyone interested in the work of Mervyn Peake should visit the new exhibition of his illustration in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland. There is a marvellous collection of work from Treasure Island, Alice, Grimm's Household Tales and from books written by Peake, including Gormenghast.

Here is one of Mr Pye, sitting on his cannon on Sark. Many people came to the opening of the exhibition, including someone who travelled from Sark. It seems that the appeal of Peake's work, both writing and illustration, is eternal. I was pleased to be involved with some of the preparations and felt almost moved to see such a huge collection, so beautifully presented.

For more information on the show, and to see how easy it is to travel to Yverdon from the UK, go to the Mervyn Peake blog.

Arena's online shop

Arena have now put some original artwork and prints into an online shop. You'll find paintings and prints by John Howe (concept artist on the Lord of the Rings films) on there, Susan Hellard's delightfully French line drawings for the successful Madame Pamplemousse series for Bloomsbury are included, and Adam Stower is offering some political cartoons - as well as some line drawings from the Spymice series.

The illustration shown is of Bob, the Man on the Moon from the series of successful picture books and short novels by Simon Bartram. You'll find references to the books in the Arena shop as well. Bob goes to the moon every day in his rocket to tidy up and to show the tourists round. He doesn't notice that his dog looks a bit peculiar - and he doesn't think that aliens exist but in fact a few sneak back to Earth with him each day in his rocket, unnoticed. So watch out for them both in the Arena shop - and when you're next out and about.

Gordon Crabb goes 21st Century

Gordon Crabb's covers for British sagas have been in every bookshop for many years now but recently he's been less involved with Victorians and the 1940's, and more in demand for vampires and urban fantasy. More illustration here. And more stock photography here.

Jim Burns cover for John Meaney

Orion are publishing Absorption, the first of a new trilogy by John Meaney. Jim produced covers for John's previous books, To Hold Infinity, Context, Paradox and Resolution when he was with Tansworld and he was pleased to be asked to illustrate this new cover for Orion. More of his illustrations here.

Paul Hess illustrations for StoryWorld

Paul Hess has produced ten illustrations for StoryWorld, the innovative new card game originated by John and Caitlin Matthews and published by Templar Publishing. To see the cards more clearly click on the image above. More of Paul's illustrations here.