The Defenders, paperback cover 1992

This paperback cover, called The Defenders, was painted by John Conrad Berkey, who was great at envisioning the future. Look at the way he uses a limited palette dominated by fiery reds and oranges, setting a dramatic, almost apocalyptic tone. It reminds me how much color can drive the emotional content of a piece. The paint application is both precise and expressive. He used a thin wash for the background but built up layers in the foreground. Notice the texture on the spaceships and machinery. Berkey contrasted the smooth surfaces of the astronauts' helmets with the rough, gestural strokes that make up the explosions in the background. It gives a sense of depth and dynamism. The way he renders light and shadow adds a level of realism to a scene that’s entirely imagined. Berkey reminds me a little of Syd Mead, who did concept art for Blade Runner. Both artists created believable, lived-in worlds that felt gritty, yet technologically advanced. There's a conversation going on between these artists, pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible.