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RIP Frank Frazetta (1928-2010)

13 comments
This was the first image I ever saw by Frank Frazetta, only it was painted on the side of a van in the mid 1970s.

By 1978 I found out who had painted this image when I stumbled across a Betty Ballentine book that featured much of Frank's artwork. I was about 13 years old, and didn't have the eight dollars to buy the books, so I would memorize the subjects and attempt to draw them at home.

Years later I had the privilege of seeing Frank Frazetta at the San Diego Comic book convention, but he was swarmed with fans so I couldn't get close enough to thank him personally for his contribution to Sci Fi art and his influence on me. It was one of those pinch-me moments, and I said to myself, "There he is."

Not only was Frank an amazing storyteller, painter and designer, but he had a tremendous imagination that always provided a unique perspective about the worlds he was envisioning. Most of all I believe was his imagination that set him apart from his contemporaries.

RIP Frank Frazetta.

13 comments :

Armand Serrano said...

I'll do the honors of doing this comment in memory of one of the few defining masters in art. Sad... art flags all over the world should be in half mast...

Henry Elmo Bawden said...

I read about it today as well. We lost a great and influential artist.

-Henry

Kendra Melton said...

I bet Frazetta is one of those few artists that left such a huge impression that a lot of people could recall their first image too. It's just one of those memorable events, for whatever nostalgic reason, I know I can! It was the Death Dealer from the Molly Hatchet cover. My First year in college, my favorite teacher was showing us tons of inspirational art to get us pumped about the class and funny enough that image is the one I really remember distinctly from the whole lecture. I even remember what he said about the piece and the techniques Frazetta painted it with. It's a sad day in the art world for sure. Armand put it perfectly with the half mast analogy. But this should also be a day of celebrating the life and legacy. Sharing stories of his impact and his art. Wonderful Post! :]

Craig said...

Ah man...definitely a huge loss. What an amazing artist and a heck of a guy too. A true inspiration in pressing on through thick and thin. He overcame a lot of obstacles with a bang, and left a giant footprint on every artists path. (Flag now set at half mast)

abhishek singh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
abhishek singh said...

you saw him ,you are truly blessed!
his art would live in us all,
, unable to encompass the master,
we stare endlessly at the wonders he created
RIP sir!

samwilliams said...

I think one of Frank Frazetta's best traits was his perseverance. He was never happy to settle for where he was in his work; he kept pushing himself to new heights. It was his desire for self improvement that allowed him to reach such seemingly unattainable heights. Rest in peace Frank.

Marcos Mateu said...

He certainly did the hard work already, Rest In Peace now Frank.

Marc said...

As a teen, I spent many hours obsessively studying and trying to reproduce his paintings. His powerful compositions and confident brushwork greatly contributed to my lifelong love of painting.

He left such a legacy of amazing art. We are all richer for having been exposed to his work.

Ed Lee said...

Hi Marcello -

Yeah, I heard about his passing and it didn't surprise me - he was ill for a long time. But, yeah..it was jolting for sure. I thought he would outlive everyone because he was such a super human being. I had the priviledge of meeting him in person at his home in East Stroudsburgh back in '95. I prayed (not in a religious way - more spiritual) that I meet him before he leaves us.



Anyway, it was great experience since seeing his image in 1972 (first time I came across his image) in one of the ads in now defunct "Monster Times" - it was black and white ads of his painting and I was riveted by the power of his images even at tiny post stamp sizes. Few years after that I discovered the famous Warren Magazines..you know Eerie, Creepy, Vampirella...and saw more of his images.

I'll try to write a short story about my visit to his house if I ever come out with a book of my own. He had tones of stuff that the public has never seen...he had some images that were little on the 'pornographic' side but done in a Frazetta way..they should really print them in a book under an 'adult' title.

Anyway, keep up the good work and hopefully to run into you in Culver City. ^^

Ed--

PS. I'm still in Korea - but, no Mrs. Lee yet. LOL

Milio said...

Que mala noticia!!! No me había enterado hasta que entré a tu blog (viste como es, aca no le dan mucha pelota al arte del comic)Era un genio este hombre y justo una de las ilustraciones que mas me gustan es la que posteaste.Abrazo y un recuerdo para Fran.

Louie Escauriaga said...

The master's gone....

Ken said...

Another great inspiration gone... but his legacy will live on. RIP Frank