Found out late Monday that the art world had lost yet another legend, internationally famous fantasy artist/illustrator Frank Frazetta passed away after suffering a severe stroke in south Florida....he was 82 years old.
I had never met Mr. Frazetta but his work was a major inspiration to me and was a key motivator in me wanting to become an artist. In my youth I collected the now valuable posters of his works, and later on his original art book series which not only featured his now famous lushly colored portrayals of beautiful, voluptuous women but also detailed black and white plates also depicting fantastic creatures, exotic settings, and hardened heroic figures. Frazetta got his start in the comics field in the late 40's mainly illustrating westerns and science fiction subjects, even at an early age his painstakingly detailed hand was apparent. His work, especially his fantasy paintings were a huge hit in the late 60's through the 80's and made his work instantly recognizable making him a rarity in the field...highly successful and recognized.
His cover art for the paperback series of Robert E. Howard's infamous barbarian; "Conan" not only expanded his popularity but also introduced a new generation of readers to Howard's work. Over the years and to this day his work has not only inspired generations of would be artists but also art directors and film makers who have delved into the fields of fantasy and science fiction.
The master is gone but his countless masterpieces live on in museums, art books, posters, and comics to further inspire us all and to leave an indelible impression on generations to come.
R.I.P Frank Frazetta 1928-2010
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