Artist Profile: Pino Daeni (1939–2010)

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

Pino Daeni was born in Bari, Italy and, because his father did not originally support his artistic interests, was originally a self-taught artist. Eventually, Pino did enroll in the Art Institute of Bari and then the Academy of Brera in Milan. After his paintings won several awards in Italy, he moved to New York. In the U.S., his work caught the attention of both Dell and Zebra Book Publishers and he was soon one of the most active and highest book illustrators in the business. Over the course of his career, he created over 3,000 book covers, movie posters, and magazine illustrations. A small sampling of his work can be found below.

Artist Profile: Edd Cartier (1914 — 2008)

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

Born in New Jersey, Edd Cartier studied art at the Pratt Institute. After his graduation in 1936, Cartier found work illustrating pulp magazines like The Shadow, Astounding Science Fiction, Doc Savage Magazine, Planet Stories, Fantastic Adventures, and Unknown. He later served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was severely wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. After returning to the United States, he continued to work as an illustrator until the 1950s when, frustrated by the low pay for freelance artists, Cartier retired from the pulps found work as a draftsman for an engineering firm. In 1992, Cartier was given the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Artist Profile: Ed Emshwiller (1925–1990)

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

After studying at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris and at the Art Students League of New York, Ed Emshwiller created covers and interior illustrations for dozens of science fiction magazines and paperbacks. Along with being a prolific illustrator, Emshwiller was also a pioneering experimental filmmaker. In 2007, he became the third artist to be inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

In Honor Of Memorial Day

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

I took this picture at the Pearl Harbor Memorial in 2003. It is dedicated to the men and women who have served and sacrificed.

Trailer: Peanuts 3D

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

I love all the Charlie Brown holiday specials so when I first heard that they were doing a Peanuts 3D film, I was worried. Would the film stay true to the innocent spirit of Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin or would it try to update Charles Schulz’s classic characters for the 21st Century?

After watching the trailer, I’m feeling better about it. It looks like the movie is going to let Snoopy be Snoopy.

Artist Profile: Vidan

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

Vittorio “Vidan” Dangelico was born in Italy and studied art at the Liceo Artistico di Milano and the Accademia delle Belle Arti. He moved to the United States in 1988 and studied under the direction of his uncle, the famous illustrator Pino. Since then, he has become one of the most prolific artists working in the romance field. His sensual paintings can also be found in several galleries worldwide. You can find more of his work at vidanart.com.

Artist Profile: The Godzilla Covers of Herb Trimpe

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

In the 1970s, Marvel Comics owned the comic book rights to Godzilla. For two years and 24 issues, Godzilla was a part of the Marvel Universe and met characters like Spider-Man, the Avengers, and SHIELD. With the exception of two issues, all of Godzilla’s adventures were drawn by the prolific comic book artist Herb Trimpe. Below are a few examples of Trimpe’s work on Godzilla.

Happy Easter From The Shattered Lens

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

Artist Profile: John Jude Palencar (1957– )

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

A 1980 graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design, John Jude Palencar is a prolific horror and fantasy artist who has painted over 100 book covers. In 2010, Palencar was nominated for the World Fantasy Art Best Artist category. You can see more of his work at his official site.

Song of the Day: Take Me Out To The Ballgame (performed by Edward Meeker)

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Dazzling Erin

This was a very special one for baseball fans like me. Today was opening day! Unfortunately, my team, the Texas Rangers, lost their first game of the season but the great thing about baseball is that there will always be a chance for redemption.

Ever since Edward Meeker first recorded it in 1908, Take Me Out To The Ballgame has served as the unofficial anthem of Major League Baseball. It’s also the perfect choice for today’s song of the day.