The Fantastic Worlds of Boris Vallejo

Boris arrived in New York City speaking no English, with plans to be an ad man, but hoping, in his heart, for an art career. He first slept in the subway, then supported himself illustrating appliances for newspaper ads until 1970, when he couldn’t face drawing another refrigerator. In a fit of rebellion, he bought a set of oil paints and a Creepy magazine with a Frank Frazetta cover. Working through the night he made his first fantasy oil painting, looked up the Creepy publisher’s address and showed up in his office, painting in hand.So began one of the greatest careers in fantasy art, a career spanning 55 years, resulting in thousands of magazine and pocketbook covers, calendars, product ads, film posters, sculptures, collector’s cards and more. In his prime Boris worked on five paintings at once, running from one to the other while the paint dried. He learned to paint as if drawing, with the thinnest paint, the finest brush, for the incredibly lifelike detail that marks his anatomically perfect heroes and heroines. This book collects hundreds of Boris works, from that first rebellious outburst to the final calendar before his 2026 retirement at age 85. Interviews with friends and family, including his artistic partner and soulmate Julie Bell, create an intimate portrait of the artist for this ultimate celebration of his life, work, and legacy.