Concept Art Spotlight: Marc Simonetti

Marc Simonetti is one of the better known SFF illustrators creating today. A prolific artist who has done work for fantasy stalwarts like George R.R. Martin and Terry Pratchett, Simonetti might be considered something of a transitional figure in the realm of SFF illustration. Though elements of his style harken back to gentler fantasy illustrators like Darrell K. Sweet and the Brothers Hildebrandt, Simonetti primarily works digitally, employing software to paint his compositions. The result is an excellent blend of old school color and CG scale. His Song of Ice and Fire illustrations, for example, definitely reveal the influence of classic 1970s book covers, yet he broadens the scope of those classic tropes by fixing his characters in larger fantasyscapes associated with contemporary concept art. Though his Iron Throne is certainly his most famous illustration, Simonetti is the "brush" responsible for a lot popular fantasy images that pop up on sites like Pinterest, Tumblr, and Facebook (though he is not always credited). Here are some of his most inspiring pieces.  

You can find more of Marc Simonetti's profile here