George Barr’s art is influenced by Maxfield Parrish and his acolytes, Hannes Bok and Virgil Finlay. Like another influence, Arthur Rackham, Barr works in water colors and pen and ink rather than oils. Unlike the Frazetta-descended branch of art, George’s work has a softer more romantic feel that made him perfect to illustrate authors such as Thomas Burnett Swann and Tanith Lee. George has also done work for Dungeons & Dragons.
The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction described Barr as the least appreciated artist in Fantasy. I know for myself that is not true. His work is always welcome on a paperback. He was chosen for the Ballantine Fantasy Series alongside artists like Gervasio Gallardo. His run for the Thomas Burnett Swann books is a personal favorite. I think editors also appreciate his colorful style as he has graced magazines such as the inaugural issue of the new Weird Tales (1988), Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Fantasy Magazine and his illustrations and covers for Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction.
Virgil Finlay influence is obvious in this one.
Work for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons products:
