First of all, I appreciate your comments about the cover art for "Green Futures of Tycho" and it's always a high to see someone enjoy my work as much as you do. I've been in the illustration business for over 20 years and it can become nothing but deadlines and dollar signs if not for art fans such as yourself.
A few words to answer your questions:
I was born in Tulsa, OK, raised on a farm, went to high school in Phoenix, Arizona and graduated from Oral Roberts University with a commercial art degree. My interest in cover art kindled in my last year of college when several people gave me biographical books on Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, and Frank Frazetta. I'm still a Parrish fan to this day, and much of my earlier work reflects his style. My "big break" came when a friend's brother introduced me to Richard Corben, an established illustrator in the sci-fi and fantasy fields whose work is simply remarkable. I'm sure you're probably familiar with his work; but if you're not, then you're in for a real treat - look his work up on the net and local sci-fi/fantasy "fanzine" networks and bookstores. I'm not too hip on some of his subject matter, but his style and technique is incredible. My first published work was a joint project with Richard; a "Heavy Metal" cover in '89.
I admire other cover artists ( M. Whelan, Hildebrant bros., Rowena, to name a few ) but Richard's style has always intrigued me. Although children's literature ( retail & educational ) have been my bread and butter for the last 15 years, I did quite a few covers for various publishers from '79 through the 80's and early 90's ( I'm represented by an artist agency in New York ) and was fortunate enough to have my name & art on literature by Alistair MacLean, Phillip Dick, Asimov, Ursula LeGuin, John Varley etc. But as my style evolved, I found my niche in the juvenile market.
When I was growing up on a farm in Oklahoma, I always had my eye to the sky watching for UFOs and tornadoes. Saw plenty of tornadoes, but no luck on the UFOs. I'm a rabid OU Sooner fan ( how 'bout them Sooners winning the national champ. in football? ) and I like to think of myself as a normal soul in an obscure midwestern town making an ok living at what he likes to do. I'm especially blessed with family - most notably my wife ( she's a heck of a lot better artist than I, by the way ) and my kids. None better in the world...
Thanks for your interest -
Rick
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