Another artist whose book cover art I really like to collect is fantasy and sci fi illustrator ROWENA (full name Rowena A. Morrill). Most of her work, like Boris Vallejo’s (see that blog entry), features photorealistic characters in brilliant color paintings that jump off the page and catch the eye, with sexy and alluring women and men, menacing dragons, famed storytellers and wicked wizards among the many characters she has brought to life.

To me, her style is instantly recognizable, and the books her paintings grace have a favored, facing-front position on my shelves. I love to enjoy the detail and care that appear to go into each one. (Plus it doesn’t hurt that her art features prominently on many of my favorite authors’ books: Anne McCaffrey, Piers Anthony, Terry Brooks, and more…. A double bonus!)

Here are just a few examples of my favorite works of hers, both book cover art and posters (not to mention she does gorgeous fantasy trading card art, too):

FOR LOVE OF EVIL – Piers Anthony
(Book Cover Art)

ON THE SURFACE…

(Painting/Poster)

Her black and white illustrations are just as striking and almost step off the page (this one reminds me of Vargas’ airbrush work with its perfect skin rendering and amazing face and hair detail):

SCHEHERAZADE
(Pencil/Pen on Paper Drawing)

You can check out more of her work and buy signed posters & paintings of your own at her official website: ROWENA

Find books with Rowena Morrill art at Amazon.com
Find posters & books with Rowena Morrill art at eBay.com