Warrior and Maiden, paperback cover 1980

Ken Kelly made this paperback cover, ‘Warrior and Maiden’, using oil paint. It’s like a scene from a dream, where the forms emerge from a moody, atmospheric haze. Kelly was all about process; the way he laid down the paint feels so natural, so intuitive. You can really see his hand in the work, especially in the swirling blues and grays that make up the monstrous figures. The paint isn't trying to hide anything; it’s thick and textured, adding to the raw, visceral feel. Take a look at the archway in the background – notice how the light seems to emanate from within the painting itself? It’s like Kelly is showing us that light and shadow aren’t just about what we see, but how we feel. I’m reminded of Frank Frazetta. Both of them invite us to lose ourselves in a world where anything is possible, celebrating the power of imagination. This isn’t just a painting, it’s an invitation.