Artwork of the Day: Dead Lion (by John Fernie)


by John Fernie

Six women wanted to kill him! I wonder what he did? According to the plot synopsis that I found online, Dead Lion was first published in 1969 and it is about the murder of a London literary critic “whose viperous pen destroyed many a reputation.”

This cover was done by John Fernie, a Scottish illustrator who also designed the posters for several Broadway shows and who was an avid car racer in his spare time.

Artist Profile: John Fernie (1919 — 2001)


John Fernie was born in Dundee, Scotland and received his first formal training in art at Manchester University and Glasgow University.  After serving in World War II and spending five years as a pilot in the Royal Air Force, Fernie embarked on his career as an illustrator.  He began his career in Canada before eventually moving to New York City and then, in his later years, to Vermont.  Along with being a popular illustrator, Fernie was also an acclaimed painter and raced in Alfa Romeo with Sports Car Club of America.  You can find more information about the life and work of John Fernie at his website.

Here is a small sampling of the work of John Fernie: