DUNE 7 BLOG

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

More Cover Paintings

Our cover artist Stephen Youll called me a few days ago to discuss his upcoming painting for SANDWORMS OF DUNE. Even during the writing process, Brian and I had a clear idea of what would make the most compelling cover image for the book. I had mentioned it in an earlier conversation with Stephen, and he was also enthusiastic. Stephen passed the concept to the art director at Tor Books and then to Tom Doherty, who also loved it.

Stephen wanted some specific details for staging the scene, and after we discussed possible ways to show it, I e-mailed him the specific chapter from our Draft 7 of SANDWORMS.

In the meantime, Stephen has completed a brilliant cover painting for my "Saga of Seven Suns #6" METAL SWARM. I had described the scene for him on the phone back in February, and since he's read all the other novels in the series, he immediately knew what I wanted. This painting shows a cluster of Roamer skymines in the clouds of a gas-giant planet.

Stephen also told me he's been chosen to do the new covers for the Frank Herbert classic reissues (described in the May 18 blog). At the same time he sent the cover art for METAL SWARM, he also included his gorgeous illustration for HELLSTROM'S HIVE.

For more of his artwork, see Stephen's website at www.stephenyoull.com.

-- KJA