(Cover image for the new Stardust hardcover)

The results may not always reflect it, but I have been planning various aspects of the Once Upon a Time challenge for many months. One of the things I have done in preparation was to hold off on posting about artists whose work I thought would be more appreciated during this challenge. What I didn’t plan on was the way that Stardust would dominate my mind this week. How perfect is it that my desire all along was to present the work of Charles Vess as the inaugural Friday Favorite artist for this challenge period?

I can point to two seminal periods in my life that have had far-reaching effects on the person that I am today in regards to my art, film, and literature preferences: the childhood access I had to my uncle’s science fiction books (discussed here), and that first solo trip to NYC, when Scott handed me Sandman. Though I am guilty of oversimplification here, Sandman really did open up a new world to me. I discovered the wonder that comics could be, I was introduced to the work of Neil Gaiman, and also to the work of Charles Vess.

(Thomas the Rhymer)

One of the best, if not the best, storyline/art combinations in the Sandman series is the A Midsummer Night’s Dream sequence drawn by Charles Vess. I was blown away by how perfect his art was for representing faerie. Interestingly, that comic storyline won the World Fantasy Award for Best Short Story in 1991. It was the first comic ever to do so. The committee further cemented its legendary status by ammending the rules so that a comic could never win in this category again!

(a page from Stardust)

In 1999, Charles Vess won the World Fantasy Award for Best Artist for his work on Stardust. If you have read Stardust in novel form, then you know the prose paints a beautiful picture. You owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of Stardust with Charles Vess’ illustrations. They are truly wonderful.

(I Would Bring You the Moon and Stars)

Over the years Charles Vess has become the quintessential artist in interpreting the realm of Faerie and all its denizens. I truly believe that he is the Arthur Rackham of this generation.

(Strayaway Child)

The intricacy and detail of the work of Charles Vess is what sets him apart from so many other artists. On any given work you can look around and see so much going on, things you may miss on the initial viewing.

(A Sorceror and a Gentleman)

In so many of his works one can see fairies flitting from place to place on gossamer wings, giving the work an ethereal, magical quality.

(New art for Stardust)

Some artists are at their best in only one medium. Charles Vess’ initial pencil sketches are as gorgeous as his finished work.

(Illustration from Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke)

His inked illustrations are equally as fantastic. In addition Charles Vess is a skilled painter and sculpter (you can see work-in-progress images of his sculpt of Yvaine of Stardust beginning here).

(Illustration from Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall)

Charles Vess’ use of color is phenomenal. Whether it is the soft hue of his Stardust watercolors or the more rich, vibrant colors like the ones above, his use of color is genius. He not only captures the look of these magical, mythical lands and cultures with his drawings, his colors captivate you and intoxicate you and evoke the kind of enchantment one should have when ushered into Faerie.

(Another image from Fables)

Knowing Charles Vess has done the illustration for a book or comic causes that item to rocket ahead to the top of my wishlist. His work is enchanting and it ignites in me the kind of passion that stays with me for days after seeing it.

On many occasions fans of artists are given few opportunities to enjoy their work. Thankfully that is not the case with Charles Vess. In addition to the new edition of Stardust that will be arriving in May, there is:

The Book of Ballads is the hardcover collected edition of illustrated fairytales and folktales featuring writers like Neil Gaiman, Jeff Smith, Charles de Lint, Jane Yolen. This new edition also contains an introduction by the wonderful Terri Windling. This is a must-own. These fully-illustrated tales contain some of the most amazing pen and ink art that I have ever seen.

And speaking of Charles de Lint, Vess has collaborated with him on a number of his projects, creating special editions of de Lint’s work that can be seen, and purchased, here.

Marvel has recently released this inexpensive treasure in their Modern Masters series. This book features a plethora of black and white Vess illustration, a few color plates, and a wonderful interview with the man himself that runs throughout the book. This is another must-own.

In August of this year, Dark Horse will release what all Charles Vess fans have been waiting for: a comprehensive book of art. Drawing Down the Moon: The Art of Charles Vess will be a hardback book featuring 200 pages of Vess goodness. I cannot wait for this. Thanks Jeff for pointing this out to me last night!

(Print of cover image for The Faery Reel, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling)

Duriwaigh Gallery features many excellent and inexpensive prints of the work of Charles Vess, like the image featured above.

I love the work of Charles Vess and can rattle of for hours as to why this is. But I don’t know the man. From all accounts he is a gentlemen of the best quality in addition to being a fabulous artist. I highly encourage you to read this wonderful appreciation of Charles Vess written by Terri Windling.

As we go about our Once Upon a Time journey together, I hope you are transported to wondrous places by the artists that will be featured on the Friday Favorites. Have a great weekend everyone.

(Beyond the Fields We Know)