(Art Heart. All images copyright Greg Spalenka)

This is a fantastic image. The depth of color, texture, and imagery fascinates and excites me. This inspiring image is the work of artist Greg Spalenka. As with many of the artists I have featured here I discovered the work of Greg Spalenka through the Spectrum book series. I have since seen his work on various fantasy/science fiction books, a few of which I own and one of which I reviewed here.

(Messenger)

Spalenka uses a process of sketch and collage to create the foundation of an image. He then coats the entire piece with an acrylic medium and begins painting in acrylics over this. He then scraps away parts of the paint to reveal parts of the collage underneath. A series of painting and scraping occurs which then moves to oils. Eventually Greg scans this into the computer and adds to it using photoshop. It is a fascinating process. You can see some step by step of this process for the Art Heart image by going to this page of his site and clicking on the bouquet medallion. You need to see this, it is an amazing process.

(Apocrypha)

Apocrypha is one of my favorite images. It was the call for entries poster for Spectrum 12. I love the use of primarily blue and orange hues that make up the image. There is also so much going on along the shore line and I think the woman is so simply painted and yet beautiful. Spalenka did a great job with this one.

(Lotus Love)

Greg Spalenka is one of the rare artists who has an extensive autobiography on his site (click on the interior catherdral button). In it he talks about the early influence that Frank Frazetta had on his life. This coupled with his Catholic upbringing and the religious iconography therein and a love of science fiction inspired him to create at an early age.

(Commutatio)

Greg Spalenka’s art graces many book covers and his illustrations are featured in many magazines. His site has a plethora of images to peruse. I chose the ones for this post mainly because they are among the larger images on his site, giving you the opportunity to see the rich detail in his work.

(Blind Tech)
I first became aware of the collage style or medium of art while reading Neil Gaiman’s Sandman comics. The genius of Dave McKean’s mixed media work led me to notice more of this style of work. I also began to see various found art/collage pieces online and at art fairs and I have to say that this is one of my favorite mediums of artistic expression. There is a sense of nostagia and a flavor of the past that permeates the work when an artist uses two and three dimensional items as part of their creative process.

(Enchantment)

In addition Greg Spalenka’s process of covering and stripping away layers gives his work an aged, time worn quality that I especially love.

What about you, dear reader? Does this type of work do anything for you? Are there other artists who work in this medium that you would like to share?

I hope you enjoyed the work of Greg Spalenka and I encourage you to check out more of his site. There is so much more to be seen. He also has various prints and posters and cards for sale. You can also go, as I did recently, to the Duirwaigh Gallery site and pick up an inexpensive set of greeting cards featuring the Apocrypha image as well as other Spalenka images. Greg is a terrific artist who I really enjoy. Have a great weekend everyone.