The Defenders, paperback cover 1992

John Conrad Berkey made this paperback cover illustration for *The Defenders* with oils, probably in his studio in Minnesota. The surface seems smooth, so he may have thinned his paints with turpentine or linseed oil, building up layers of color and detail. I imagine Berkey, totally immersed in the world of this science fiction novel, building up the layers of red, orange, and purple, like a cosmic fire. Look at how the thick strokes define the edges of the space station and the fighters, giving them weight and volume. What's amazing to me is the contrast between the chaotic, fiery sky and the cool, focused determination on the faces of the defenders. Each brushstroke feels deliberate, contributing to the overall sense of tension and drama. The red paint is not just a color but a feeling, a mood, a signifier of the drama and sacrifice of war. Berkey's work reminds me of other great painters, like Frank Frazetta, who also created these epic, imaginative worlds with such energy. He's part of a long conversation among artists. We inspire each other!