This past weekend at JordanCon 6, I had many fun adventures, but one of the most special events for me was getting the opportunity to meet Larry Elmore. Larry is a long-time professional artist who’s best known for his art used for Dungeons and Dragons, Dragonlance, and other fantasy-themed worlds.
When I was in junior high school, I used to collect magazines and books that featured his art. Often, I would buy a book simply because it featured his work on the cover. I subscribed to Dragon magazine back then, and I tended to keep the issues with his artwork on the front. Anytime I saw his stuff inside the magazine, I would clip it out and save it somewhere. (I’ve seen lost most of those old magazines. Ugh….)
(click each image below to enlarge)
Dragonlance Chronicles (top), Dragon magazine #200 (left), and 2 of my D&D rulebooks
One of the first things I did when I got to Atlanta for the convention was to introduce myself to Larry. I was delighted to see that he was a kind man, quick to smile, and as friendly as could be. He gladly signed a few of my old D&D and Dragonlance books (shown above), and was more than happy to pose for a photo with me. In fact, when I asked him if we could take a picture together, he threw his arm around my waist like we were old buddies.
Larry Elmore and myself
Signed copy of my old D&D rule book
Of course I couldn’t leave empty handed. Larry had much of his art available for sale, and I gladly purchased a signed print for this gorgeous painting called, “Circle of Death.” What I love above it is the tension between the dragon and the warrior. I especially love the detail of the warrior’s sword, as it’s magical power carves a line in the snow. On his website, Larry comments on this painting:
I enjoyed painting this piece, it reminds me of the old Red Dragon painting, the Basic D&D box cover, but at a much more mature level. The dragon and the warrior appear to be much older, in this painting, and much more experienced. — Larry Elmore
“Circle of Death” by Larry Elmore
Check out the sword tip
When I got home, I framed the print (which is numbered 97/1,500) and hung it on the wall in my office. Click each image below to see a larger version.
Thanks, Larry, for your wonderful art, and for taking the time to chat with me.
I’m starting to run out of room on my walls!
I agree with you 100%, Jason. Larry was so down to Earth and lovely to chat with. Such a great–and humble–talent. It was definitely a privilege to meet him.
And yay for running out of wall space! 🙂