CITY by Clifford D. Simak is an all time classic of science fiction writing.
This drawing was presented for the cover of the Centennial Edition published by Old Earth Books and the project moved along very well from start to finish. I started out re-reading CITY and soon realized I hadn't read it since my teens and so, it definitely felt like I was reading it for the first time. I started taking notes, I doodled images as I read and the cover quickly developed in my mind.
The image is inspired by one of my favorite golden age illustrators, Franklin Booth with the large shape of trees and smaller figures as a focal point. I worked with a straightforward design and composition and I feel it is very fitting for the subject matter. Also, I'm sure I was tempted to do the cover in pen and ink! In fact I had two different color palettes in mind; one very cool palette (and very contemporary) and one in a warm palette (and retro). After discussing the options with designer, Robert Garcia we decided the warm palette was suitable for the new edition and that was what I painted. I know I will soon do the pen and ink version and I have a strong feeling I will eventually do the same painting in the cooler color palette. Because I keep working that over and over in my mind and on paper. Just for my enjoyment and the celebration of a great subject.
1 comment:
Doug,
This is a great drawing and really captures my memories of the book as well. It's nice to hear your description of how a picture like this comes together, and nice to hear you actually read the book to get your inspiration. Thank you for drawing it and doing such a beautiful job with it.
best regards,
Stephen
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