I’m so picky when it comes to art. Just like I’m picky when it comes to horror. NO, I didn’t say I had a refined palate when it comes to horror! Just that I’m picky about what I like. It’s not my fault that what I like is often campy, kooky, and well… crappy.
So what could be better for me than mixing art and horror?
It’s rare that I see a current artist whose work is so incredible that I want to talk about it. That’s not saying there aren’t a lot of great artists out there painting today. There absolutely are. Tons of them. But as I just said, I’m pretty picky when it comes to art that I like. Recognizing good art and eagerly tipping your hat to the talents of an artist isn’t the same as liking what the artist creates.
In keeping with the October Halloween spirit here on Seeker of Truth, I want to introduce you to one of my favourite current artists. He paints a variety of subjects, but it’s his horror-themed masterpieces that leave me practically speechless.
The artist is Jason Edmiston. I admit that I enjoy having my own distinctive style of painting, but Edmiston is one of the few artists in the world whose work makes me say, “Geez, I wish I could paint like that!”
You can learn more about him here, but for today, I just want to show you some of his amazing horror paintings. They’re insanely colourful and superbly executed. His style is incredibly unique and immediately recognizable. Rendered in the most exquisite detail, Edmiston’s paintings somehow blend high realism with caricature, and the result is portraits simply glowing with life and full of character. He has the flair of Basil Gogos, with a much more refined execution. I love it.
And like Gogos, he’s done some cover art for “Famous Monsters of Filmland”. Which as far as I’m concerned, is way more prestigious than having your art hanging in any fancy gallery in the world.
Jason Edmiston “Famous Monsters of Filmland” #254, #261 Covers
My favourite of Edmiston’s pieces is “The Bride”. This is also one of my favourite paintings of all time. She’s amazing. Also very fitting considering I’ll be featuring my own brand spanking new Bride of Frankenstein painting in Saturday’s Halloween post, celebrating Bride of Frankenstein‘s 80th anniversary.
Jason Edmiston, “The Bride”
And be sure to visit JasonEdmiston.com to see some of his other fantastic pop culture creations.
Until next time, unpleasant dreams . . .
^..^
His Bela Lugosi is just marvelous!!
Yes! My number 2 pick!
Reblogged this on thepageofdaniel and commented:
Interesting samples ! I’m going to have to google this guy ! The world needs a new H.R. Giger !
Thanks for reblogging!
My pleasure !
I like the Bride. She looks like she has stars in her hair ! I always wondeed how she got that ‘do, anyway.
I used to have a bunch of calendars displaying sci – fi, fantasy, horror art. I sold them on eBay in the mid 90’s. The shipping via UPS cost more than what I received for them.
Another regret….. sigh.
Oh, what a bummer! Those would be amazing to have. And don’t even get me started on the outrages prices of shipping! :P
It was as big a mistake as tossing my Hot Wheels, G.I. Joe paraphernalia, View – Masters, Big Little books, comic books, etc., after turning 15 ! Waaaaahhhhhh ! :(
Thanks for introducing us to this artist. This isn’t my kind of art, but I enjoy looking at any art that is well done and this certainly fits that description. As always, your presentation, facts, examples and personal insights make this very easy and enjoyable to read Wendy. Good job!
This isn’t your kind of art…..? O_o
Kindly leave the blog now, Dan.
No, no, no, I’m just teasing!
I know exactly how you feel. It’s just what I was describing in the post. It’s one thing to appreciate a piece or style of art, but something entirely different to LIKE it. Too many people (especially in the art world — speaking mostly of critics here) don’t understand that difference. And the same thing applies to writing too. You can’t judge the talents of an artist or a writer by the subjects they choose to paint/write about. You have to look past that at their style, techniques, how well they execute, etc. But many get tripped up on the fact that they don’t like the subject matter, and they dismiss the artist for no good reason. Ugh, sorry, going off topic onto another topic that I enjoy talking about a little too much. :P
Anyway, glad you could still enjoy the post, Dan, and that you’re NOT one of those people I just described. Thanks for the comment and like!
I think I could join you on writing about that Wendy. I frequently leave comments with the caveat that “while I don’t agree/like/support/understand the topic, I appreciate the research conducted, the evidence presented and the writing style.” I am usually uncomfortable commenting on intimate or erotic posts some of the women I follow put out there, but some are exceedingly well done, so I try to mumble through some kind of qualified support. I like horror movies (the none-gore variety) but I’ve never paid much attention to the artwork. I did today, because of the way you presented it, and I have a richer understanding of the world around me as a result. If we only read/view what we already like, we aren’t growing. Hmmm, I sense a blog post coming :)
Another great Hallowe’en post, Wendy! Thanks for doing this (again)!
Lost Boys–one of my favorite movies! I love Kiefer’s character and acting in that film, and this artwork of him beautifully captures that character!
“Now you know what we are. And now you know what you are. You’ll never grow old, Michael. And you’ll never die. But you must feed.”
Thanks, Frank! It was fun to look at a more classic film this time rather than the colourful, gory Hammer-esque stuff I usually swoon over. And “The Lost Boys” is one of my favourites too! Kiefer’s David is definitely one of the best vampire characters from any movie. Hmm, that might make a good post… the best movie vampires!
The fellow in the middle with the Chinese food carton almost looks like Rutger Hauer as Roy Batty from ” Blade Runner “. while technically not a horror / monster movie, it’s one of my favorites. Roy was an antagonist I could feel sympathy for, because as a Replicant, he only wanted a longer life span.
That DOES resemble Roy.
I actually haven’t seen Blade Runner, even though it’s a favourite of one of my best friends. But I AM a huge Rutger Hauer fan, so I’ll have to check this one out!
Blade Runner IS iconic, & it was made at a time before almost everything was CGI. Harrison Ford was great as Rick Deckard, & Roy Batty, while not exactly Frankenstein, was an artificial being like Frankenstein & The Bride ( & the ” Maria ” robot from Metropolis, the Golem ).
My WordPress feed is on the fritz or something.
Oh, and that guy with the Chinese food carton is Kiefer Sutherland (vampire David) in “The Lost Boys”!
I THINK I saw that one during a Halloween marathon on AMC or the Syfy ( Oh, that name….. Gak ) Channel. Sometimes I just leave the TV on because the light is good for my plants, & the sound is reassuring at 3 a.m. in the morning. :)
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