Wanted to thank the mighty io9 for sharing several process posts featuring my artwork for the 2012 George R. R. Martin / A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar. In recent weeks, I’ve shared the making of the artwork for Eddard Stark, Bran Stark, Sansa Stark and the Hound, Jon Snow and Ghost, Melisandre, and Arya Stark. If you missed any of these posts, check ’em out.

Here you go — for the first time anywhere — this is my full final cover art for Brenda Cooper‘s forthcoming Pyr novel, THE CREATIVE FIRE: BOOK ONE OF RUBY’S SONG. You’ll notice that this has been improved from the catalog version previewed on Amazon and elsewhere in recent weeks. (The final cover of the book will feature this art and not the previous.)

A few thoughts to pass along for those that enjoy peeking behind the curtain:

When you’re an illustrator creating a cover for a book, you’re working to connect a story with its audience. You’re trying to help books land in homes and hands (both traditional and virtual) where they will be adored and appreciated. But every once in a while, an artist is fortunate to have the opportunity to possibly connect a story with not just an audience, but a moment in time.

When I was illustrating this cover, I wanted to bring Brenda’s heroine Ruby to life, but there was an opportunity to push beyond just a character portrait.

Our news and social feeds record the weekly (sometimes daily) attacks on womens’ rights — upon the issues of reproductive rights, access to health care, equal pay and support in situations of domestic abuse. This stuff isn’t speculative fiction. It’s the world we live in, and I think, especially in America, we’re in a very fragile time regarding all of our fundamental rights, not just for womens’ rights but for all civil liberties — whether you be man, woman, or child.

The answers for most cover art questions are often right there in the manuscript, but sometimes a manuscript intersects with the world in which it’s birthed, and a character has the chance to transcend the bounds of the pages. THE CREATIVE FIRE will be marketed to an adult sf/f audience, but there’s a part of me that wonders what happens when teenage girls read this, and if the book might influence them even more because of their formative age. I look forward to both adult and teenage audiences finding this one.

So this cover is dedicated not just to mothers and daughters, but freedom fighters with tomorrow in their hands.

I see Ruby as a futuristic Rosie the Riveter, but this time, she’s not waiting until the men come home. I see her as Diana of war, and the birth of Venus.

She’s a call-to-arms to be strong and vigilant. She’s a revolution-in-the-making. She’s more than meets the eye.

In short, she’s probably not what you think she is on first glance — she’s a girl with a microphone.

Today is July 4th — our American day of celebrating independence and revolution — a day in 2012 when our rights to live freely are, frankly, in a dangerous place. My hope though, is that our world is full of Rubys.

Congrats to all of the 2012 Chesley Award finalists!

I’m honored to be a finalist this year in the Best Product Illustration category for my 2012 George R. R. Martin / A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar work. 🙂

Here’s the complete list. Voting by ASFA members ends July 7th. Winners will be announced at Chicon 7.

Best Cover Illustration: Paperback Book

* Mitchell D. Bentley for The Alamo and Zombies by Jean A. Stuntz (Yard Dog Press, Dec. 2011)

* Dan Dos Santos for My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland (DAW, July 2011)

* Justin Gerard for Heart of Smoke & Steam by Andrew P. Mayer (Pyr, November 2011)

* Lucas Graciano for The Goblin Corps by Ari Marmell (Pyr, July 2011)

* David Palumbo for God’s War by Kameron Hurley (Night Shade, January 2011)

* Matthew Stewart for The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells (Night Shade, February 2011)

* Jon Sullivan for The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man by Mark Holder (Pyr, March 2011)

* J. P. Targete for The Sword of Darrow by Alex & Hal Malchow (Ben Bella Books, May 2011)

Best Cover Illustration: Hardback Book

* Tom Kidd for Deathbird Stories by Harlan Ellison (Subterranean Press, March 2011)

* Stephan Martiniere for Prospero Regained by L. Jagi Lamplighter (Tor, September 2011)

* Lee Moyer for Two Worlds and In Between: The Best of Caitlin R. Kieran (Subterranean Press, Sept. 2011)

* Cliff Nielsen for The Tempering of Men by Sarah Monette & Elizabeth Bear (Tor, August 2011)

* Greg Staples for The Horror Stories of Robert E. Howard (Subterranean Press, Feb. 2011)

Best Cover Illustration: Magazine

* Facundo Diaz for Clarkesworld #57, July 2011
* Laura Diehl for Fantasy #53, August 2011
* Lee Moyer for Weird Tales #357, Winter 2010/2011
* Carly B. Sorge for Apex Magazine #28, September 2011
* Dariusz Zawadski for Fantasy #50, May 2011

Best Interior Illustration

* Julie Dillon for “The Dala Horse” by Michael Swanwick (Tor.com, July 2011)

* Scott Gustafson for Eddie: The Lost Youth of Edgar Allan Poe by Scott Gustafson (Simon & Schuster, Aug. 2011)

* Ryohei Hase for “Narco Americano” by T. J. English (Playboy, February 2011)

* Greg Staples for The Horror Stories of Robert E. Howard (Subterranean Press, Feb. 2011)

* J. P. Targete for The Sword of Darrow by Alex & Hal Malchow (BenBella Books, May 2011)

Best Monochrome Work: Unpublished

* Justin Gerard for St. George and the Dragon, pencil
* Stephen Hickman for Siegfried, ink on toned paper
* Joāo Ruas for Migration, graphite on paper, vellum & acetate
* Raoul Vitale for The Yeti, pencil
* Allen Williams for Wood Nymph, pencil

Best Color Work: Unpublished

* Stephen Hickman for The Hero of the Apotheosis, acrylic
* David Palumbo for Through a Blood Red Veil, oil
* Omar Rayyan for The Dragon and the Nightingale, watercolor
* Eric Velhagen for Fantasy Feast, oil
* Raoul Vitale for Turin and Glaurang, oil

Best Three-Dimensional Art

* Gil Bruvel for Dichotomy, cupro nickel
* Thomas S. Kuebler for Baba Yaga, mixed
* Michael Parkes for Moonstruck, bronze
* Virginie Ropars for Autumnnalis Venenata, mixed
* Vincent Villafranca for Robobike, bronze

Best Gaming-Related Illustration

* E.M. Gist for Wandering Elf (Magic the Gathering: Tactics), Sony Online, January 2011

* Lucas Graciano for Pathfinder Player Companion: The Humans of Golarian, Paizo Publishing, July 2011

* Michael C. Hayes for Distress (2012 Core Set Magic card), WotC, July 2011

* Chris Rahn for Glissa, the Traitor (“Mirrodin Beseiged” Magic card), WotC, Jan./Feb. 2011

* Matt Stewart for Creepy Doll (“Innistrad” Magic card), WotC, September 2011

Best Product Illustration

* Stuart Craig for production design for the Harry Potter films, Warner Brothers, 2011

* Lee Moyer for Check These Out, 2012 Literary Pin-up calendar, Worldbuilders, 2011

* John Picacio for George R.R. Martin: A Song of Ice and Fire, 2012 Calendar, Random House, July 2011

* William Stout for Zombies 2012, calendar, Andrews McMeel, 2011

* Michael Whelan for Gift from the Sea, Dragon*Con 2011 promo art & program book, 2011

* Michael Zug for IlluXCon 2011 promo poster, 2011

Best Art Director

* Matt Adelsperger for WotC
* Lou Anders for Pyr Books
* Irene Gallo for Tor
* David Palumbo for Night Shade Books
* Jon Schindehette for WotC

Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement

* Jim Burns
* Jean Giraud (“Moebius”)
* Charles Vess

Shoutout to all George R. R. Martin / A Song of Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones fans — I’ll be appearing at DeepSouthCon 50 next week in Huntsville, Alabama. I’ll have some ASoIaF goodies for sale in the Art Show — and I’ve got a special giveaway for you too.

One lucky DeepSouthCon attendee is going to walk away with a signed artist’s proof print of my Bran Stark artwork from the 2012 George R. R. Martin / A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar. Here’s how it can be you:

I’ll be presenting a full one-hour slideshow on the making of the 2012 George R. R. Martin / A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar on Friday, June 15th at 8pm in the Madison room at DSC50. Attend this event. Bring your friends. Everyone who attends this slideshow will be eligible for a free raffle giveaway. Numbers will be assigned at the top of the hour. The winner will be announced at the end of the slideshow, and snags the print (and of course, winner must be present to claim the prize).

Spread the word, GRRM and ASoIaF fans of the Deep South. See you there. 🙂

A while back, I was invited to contribute a perspective on “Gender Parity on SF/F Convention Panels” for the forthcoming issue of JOURNEY PLANET. It’s caused me to consider my own role as a panel participant at conventions, and as an artist at convention art shows.

I’ve written my essay on the subject, and I’m proofing it right now. Will submit it to JOURNEY PLANET very soon here. More on that in a minute.

In the meantime, I’ve got some good news.

Many of you already know that this year’s Dragon*Con and Worldcon both happen on Labor Day weekend. So theoretically, pros and fans have to choose one or the other to attend, right?

Well, as it turns out, I’ve chosen both. I’ll be attending Atlanta’s Dragon*Con all day/night Friday, August 31, and the initial part of Saturday morning, and then I’ll jump on a plane, gain one hour in the process, and attend Chicago’s Worldcon for the last half of its run, until it closes.

Hellacious? Yes. Suicidal? Let’s hope not.

Anyway — that’s the plan. Two major cons in one weekend. Why? A lot of reasons, both professionally and personally. I’ve regularly attended Worldcon around the world for many years now. I have many, many friends there and love seeing them. Meanwhile, Dragon*Con is a much larger event, and I wish to continue building a professional presence there.

It’s unfortunate that both events occur on the same weekend, but I’ve decided it’s best to try to attend both this year.

In my essay that will soon be published by JOURNEY PLANET, I’ve announced that I’m foregoing all programming participation and art show presence at this year’s Worldcon. By doing so, I hope it opens up my chair, and my art show space, to new female artists who will hopefully present new viewpoints and perspectives. The call for “Gender Parity” has been a controversial one as seen here and here. Admittedly, I’m still unsure to what degree my gender and participation on sf/f panels and art shows has prevented females from participating in the same. Did I have opportunity that they did not because I’m male? Did my gender, and not my fifteen years of hard work, make the programming directors and the art show directors select me over an equally-deserving female? It seems more than a bit far-fetched, to be honest. But that being said, I’ve heard the discussion, and I’m willing to think beyond myself, and offer a self-imposed experiment. Let’s trust the process and see what happens.

In the spirit of big-picture thinking, I’ll offer my chair for one year at Worldcon during Saturday and Sunday’s prime programming real estate, and see if this outcry for new female voices produces new blood, and if/when it does, I think we all win from that. And that goes for the art show too. Hopefully this will be a proactive and positive step toward allowing more female artists into Worldcon discussion panels and into its art show. I’m confident that the powers-that-be of Chicago’s Worldcon, and the advocates of this process, will capitalize on this opportunity.

Do I think all pros should follow suit and do the same? I wouldn’t say that. I think what I’m doing is a gesture and an experiment. I want to see what happens. I’m curious. It’s my choice — not a mandate imposed upon me, or a choice that I expect anyone else to follow.

So there you have it — good news all around. And definitely some frequent flyer miles that weekend. 🙂

As fast as this last two months has zoomed by, I don’t think I ever got time to acknowledge the 2012 Hugo Award nominations on my blog here.

So let’s fix that right now. While I was on the road at Spectrum Live last week, the Chicon 7 admins released the 2012 Hugo Award packet. What is this? Read more here, but basically if you’re a supporting or attending member of this year’s Worldcon in Chicago, you can vote and decide the Hugo Award winners. And with that voting right, you get the majority of the nominated novels, stories and works as a downloadable electronic set, at no additional charge after registering for membership.

So yes — I’m a 2012 finalist in the Best Professional Artist category, along with Stephan Martiniere, Dan Dos Santos, Bob Eggleton, and Michael Komarck. And very proud to be in their company. This is my eighth Hugo nomination, and no, I have not won one of these yet, even though I think some folks assume I have because I’ve been nominated eight years now. LOL Will this be the year? You folks get to decide. All I do here is work. 🙂 Here’s my body of work for the 2011 year, including the 2012 George R. R. Martin / A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar.

When the Hugo admins asked the artists to submit a few sample works for the packet, I included four, including the one pictured above — Bran Stark from the aforementioned ASoIaF Calendar. Since I was traveling when the packet was released last week, I only downloaded my own copy this morning. Looking forward to seeing what my fellow pro artists sent along for their own choices.

If you haven’t registered for Worldcon, now’s a great time to do so, even if you can’t attend in Chicago in September. Here’s the complete Hugo Award nominations ballot. I still need to fill out my own ballot, so I’m grateful that the Hugo packet is finally here!

If you attended Spectrum Live in Kansas City this past weekend, then you know what I’m about to say. If you didn’t, then this post is for you. The event was historic, and that’s no overstatement. In terms of scale, scope, ambition, and quality, Spectrum Live was the most gratifying art gathering I’ve ever experienced. Arnie and Cathy Fenner, the founders of the Spectrum Annual, organized this (along with their dynamite team), and they should all take several bows, with encore applause.

Michael Whelan said it best — this is the convention where the artist and the art are at the top of the pyramid. Not the author, the agent, the publisher, the movie studio, the licensed property or the high-end collector. That difference sets this event apart from others. And so does the ambition for this event — to reach beyond art as an auxiliary feature, or art for the consumption by an exclusive few – and instead toward fantastic art of all forms for an all-inclusive audience — a gathering of all tribes, as the Fenners stated in the event’s official program book. I admire and support that ambition all the way — from traditional, to digital, to hybrids, to 3D, and all forms and modes of fantastic art. All were welcome. All were celebrated equally, and with vigor.

It’s impossible to list all of the quality conversations and encounters with amazing artists and artlovers that I had at this con. On the way out of Kansas City, I ran into Mike Mignola in the airport, and he couldn’t get over how all of the artists were so energized and had each other’s backs from booth to booth. I’ve seen that same camaraderie happen at IlluXCon, but the two events are designed for different scales, and this was intended for a much larger one. And all of this was happening in a room where arguably you had the most artistic talent and firepower in science fiction and fantasy, housed in one place.

There are larger conventions like San Diego Comic Con and Dragon*Con, but Spectrum Live cuts away all of the other trappings, and is about the art all the way. I had a blast, and I don’t know anyone who attended who didn’t feel the same. Will an event like this happen again? Time will tell. If so, I’ll be one of the first to sign up, and dream it all over again.

If you missed this year’s, and you love sf/f art – you owe it to yourself to do the same.

Shoutouts to Allen Williams, Stephan Martiniere, Eric Fortune, Joao Ruas, Lauren Panepinto, Kristina Carroll, Brom, Maria Cabardo, Bud Plant, Lauren K. Cannon, Zelda Devon, Jon Schindehette, Dan Dos Santos, Cody Tilson, Vincent Villafranca, Mike Mignola, Greg Spalenka, and Michael Whelan for meaningful, inspirational chats. And I know I’m forgetting people. So much amazing, and so many amazing people. Huge thanks to Carl Anderson, Jeff Smith, Sara Felix, Mair Daliessio, and Jimmy Simpson for helping me with my booth.

For now, here are a few photos of SFAL 2012.

(Group photo at top by Silvia Acevedo.)

Wanna own this piece of Elric original art? You can! And you can help a very good cause, at the same time. Microvisions 2012 is happening right now. It’s an auction featuring original art by an annual roster of artists. I’m part of this year’s lineup, including Julie Bell, Dan Dos Santos, Peter De Seve, Rebecca Guay, Brian Despain, Scott Gustafson, Scott Bakal, Scott Brundage, Brian Despain, Nathan Fowkes, Chris Rahn and Terry Whitlatch. Each artwork measures 5”x 7”. The Elric artwork you see here is pencil on illustration board. Bids have been going on for a couple of days now, and the auction ends on May 6 at 7pm. For those that live in the NYC area, the originals are all on display at the Society of Illustrators. Don’t wait around – get in there and claim this one for yourself. Bid high! All proceeds go to a good cause! Good luck!

Here’s my contribution to MicroVisions 2012 — Elric of Melnibone! Pencil on illustration board, and as per MicroVisions challenge rules, it measures only 5″ x 7″. Worked on it during last week’s World Horror Con in Salt Lake City, and finished it on the plane ride home. It can be yours and will be available for auction, with details coming soon. All proceeds benefit the Student Scholarship fund of the Society of Illustrators. Irene Gallo, Gregory Manchess, and Dan Dos Santos have organized this for the last several years. Worthy cause. Was honored to join Scott Bakal, Julie Bell, Scott Brundage, Brian Despain, Nathan Fowkes, Rebecca Guay, Scott Gustafson, Dan Dos Santos, Peter de Seve, Chris Rahn and Terry Whitlatch in support of this year’s effort.

I’ll be the Artist Guest of Honor at Norwescon 35 starting this Thursday, along with fellow GoHs Stephen Baxter, Bridget Landry and Betsy Wollheim (Daw Books). Had a blast when I first attended Norwescon back in 2008. Spent much of that one hanging out with Cherie Priest, Mario Acevedo, Richelle Mead, and Caitlin Kittredge, and I remember that weekend being very good times. I expect this year’s con will be even better.

Below is my programming and appearance slate. Memo to all fans of George R. R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Game of Thrones – I’ll have some special art surprises in the Art Show that you won’t want to miss. I think you’ll like very much. 🙂

Will also have free art goodies to give away to all who attend the “Art of John Picacio” and “The Art of George R. R. Martin: Making the Calendar.” See you there!

Thursday, April 5

* Guest of Honor Banquet
5pm / Grand 2

* Opening Ceremonies
7pm / Evergreen 1 & 2

* Art Show Reception
8pm / Art Show

Friday, April 6

* Guest of Honor Autograph Session
10 am / Grand 2

* The Art of John Picacio
12 noon / Grand 3

* Art Show Tour w/ John Picacio
3pm / Art Show

Saturday, April 7

* The Art of George R. R. Martin: Making the Calendar
10am / Grand 2

* Official 2012 Hugo Nominees Announcement
(Co-presenter w/ Dave Gallaher)
1pm

* Autograph Session 1
2pm / Grand 2

* Autograph Session 2
3pm / Grand 2

* John Picacio Q&A
5pm / Evergreen 3 & 4

Sunday, April 8

* Book Covers: The State of the Art
12 noon / Cascade 11

* Becoming an Industry Pro Artist
2pm / Cascade 12

* Closing Ceremonies
4pm / Evergreen 1 & 2

Left artwork: Hellboy by Mike Mignola. Artwork © Mike Mignola.
Right artwork: Sansa Stark and the Hound by John Picacio. Artwork © John Picacio. Characters © & TM George R. R. Martin.)

The preliminary 2012 World Horror Convention programming schedule is here, and wow — it is LOADED with goodness. Below is where you’ll find me.

Thursday, March 29th:

* 6pm / Opening Ceremonies — I’m a Special Guest of this year’s World Horror Convention, along with Guests of Honor Sherrilyn Kenyon, Mike Mignola, Scott Allie, P.N. Elrod, Joe R. Lansdale, Robert McCammon, and more.

Friday, March 30th:

* 12 noon / The Art of Mike Mignola — I’ll be interviewing Mike and bringing along a slideshow of his artwork that I’m assembling for the event. It’ll be big, bold Mignola art with live commentary by Mike about the ‘why’s and ‘how’s of what he’s created over the years. Should be a revealing look into one of the most influential minds in comics.

* 8pm / Mass Autographing

Saturday, March 31:

* 4pm / The Art of John Picacio — I’ll be presenting a slideshow focusing on the making of my artwork for the 2012 George R. R. Martin / A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar; Michael Moorcock’s Elric; and more.

Memo to all fans of George R. R. Martin and A Song of Ice and Fire — I will be world-premiering a very special new set of art surprises at this convention. WHC will be the first public place where these items will be available.

* 6pm / Artists’ Reception

Sunday, April 1:

* 10am / The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly — Joe R. Lansdale, Mike Mignola, Scott Allie, P.N. Elrod and I discuss some of our favorite horror/dark fantasy cover artwork, as well as some of our not-so favorite. Will be good times. 🙂

Hey, People of the Great Northwest & Beyond: don’t miss Norwescon 35 this year. I’ll be the Artist Guest of Honor there along with fellow GoHs Stephen Baxter, Bridget Landry and Spotlight Publisher Daw Books. Should be an amazing con. I attended Norwescon in ’08 as a regular guest, and it was high-energy dynamite. Expect it to be even better this year.

Heads-up: Preregistration for the con is available through the end of day Wednesday and costs $65. As of this Thursday (March 1), preregistration will be closed and you’ll be required to register at the door for full price. And if you haven’t registered yet, you’re in luck as two more hotels have opened up for attendees.

As for me, I’m bringing some art surprises that George R. R. Martin and A Song of Ice and Fire fans won’t want to miss. Will be unveiled at the con. 🙂

I love Seattle and am really looking forward to being back. Shoutout if you’re gonna be there!

Here’s my interior artwork for UNDER THE MOONS OF MARS: NEW ADVENTURES OF BARSOOM, a new John Carter of Mars anthology edited by John Joseph Adams. Thanks to the great Joe Monti for bringing me aboard the project and huge congrats to JJA on the book’s release day today, courtesy of Simon & Schuster. Well-done, folks. 🙂

Joe knew that Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s run on UNCANNY X-MEN was a favorite of my childhood, so he paired me with Claremont for this antho. His story, “The Ghost That Haunts the Superstition Mountains” was the springboard for my artwork above.

Back from Chattacon in Chattanooga, TN this past weekend. Was a Guest of Honor there, along with Rachel Caine, Laura Anne Gilman, Mark Van Name, Sharon Lee, and Steve Miller. Had a blast with all of them.

Top five things I’ll remember from this con:

1. The Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel: Sf/f conventions and old railway stations are a match made in geek heaven. LOVED this site. Can’t imagine a cooler place to have a convention. Was it the most state-of-the-art facility with mega-soundproofing and swank finishouts in every room? No, but sometimes, you have to trade a few things for vintage cool. And in this case, it was hella worth it. Aging train cars and flaming torches lining the route from your hotel room to the Art Show is made of win, every time.

2. The parties: Chattacon loves its cosplay and loves its parties. Saturday night, there was a moment in the Building 3 courtyard that felt like a Piranesi drawing layered with party on all levels. If you don’t know who Sean O’ Shea is, know this – he throws a very mean party. And the DeepSouthCon party on Saturday night was always just right – great people, great drinks, full of energy, and yet never claustrophobic. Good times with Mark Van Name, Jennie Faries, Tara Smith, Tina Worley, Tony Gowell, Toni Weisskopf, Lee Martindale, Grant Cooley, Everette Beach, Brenda Tackett, Paul & Mike Bielaczyc (which I now know how to pronounce: buh-LAH-chik), Andy Hendee, Ann Robards, Lee Sessoms, and more.

3. The people: Thanks to the hard-working Art Show staff – Ann Robards, Christine Chapin, John Chapin, Faelan, and all who busted their tails to make this show happen. Chattacon joins the list of cons that cut Art Show checks to their artists as they check out. Way to go, Ann and company. ‘Appreciated. Thanks to the entire con com and staff.

4. Regina Kirby: There’s one name I saved for last here. I could mention the first-class way all GoHs were treated, thanks to her. I could mention how she did the work of three con com positions, and then some. I could mention how skillfully she rebooked my return flight home when the first was cancelled (and drove me two hours to Atlanta to do so). All of that is surface detail. The true picture requires a wider vision. If you ever find yourself in a foxhole with enemy fire all around, you’d better have a Regina Kirby with you. She’s a warrior who fights for her friends, her causes, her con, and her people. I would fight for her.

5. #1 Highlight of the weekend: a US soldier thanked me for creating the cover artwork of Mark Van Name’s NO GOING BACK (releasing from Baen / May 2012). He said the artwork expressed how he and many of his brothers-in-arms feel everyday while battling PTSD, after returning home from war. The truth is he (and they) deserve all of the thanks. Baen’s Toni Weisskopf gave Chattacon the permission to use the artwork on the front of the program book (see above). I’m glad she did.