I discovered Justin Sweet‘s work by accident a couple of years ago. I don’t remember how it happened, what site I browsed or which piece specifically enamored me–it happened too long ago–but I am a dear fan. Somehow the darkness in his paintings attracted me, still do, actually, but for me it is a mixture of sorrow and dark. There is gloom in his work and it pervades the worlds he paint. It is something I have trouble explaining, because I fear my perception is wholly subjective, based solely on my background and experiences. And yet, his talent is undeniable.

I’ve tried to find more about Justin Sweet, but believe it or not, there isn’t all that much information available online, unless you are stubborn like me and you keep searching. Apart from his own website, which is sparse, there are a few places Sweet contributed to, gave lectures or tutorials on art where he used his own work as examples, and I even found a video interview from Schoolism with him and fellow collaborator and friend, Vance Kovacs.

This is what I know about Justin Sweet: He is a concept artist, illustrator and gallery artist. He also works for various game and book publishers, including production companies. He is a well known and respected fantasy artist and some of his clients include Disney, National Geographic, Wizards of the Coast, Tor, DelRey, and Wandering Star. Justin also did concept work for Magic: The Gathering, Avengers, Guardians of the Universe, John Carter, Prince Caspian, and Game of Thrones.

As usual, below are a few choice samples of his work.

I trust you enjoyed today’s edition of #Art of Fantasy. Next week I will feature… Hehehe

No, wait. It’ll have to be a surprise.

Woelf