Another of science fiction’s greats — an artist rather than a writer this time — passed away on 29 April 2008. John Berkey is recognisable to anyone who reads SF — in particular those who did so during the 1970s and 1980s — for his iconic spaceships, such as this one:
But others might be more likely to remember him for the renditions of King Kong he did for the 1976 version of the film. One of his pictures was used as the key image in advertising for the film:
Berkey is also known for his Star Wars paintings and other work that formed the basis of various film advertising campaigns.
But seeing as the Backbrain is obsessed with giant monsters, here are some more of his Kong pictures, first the original “rough” artwork for the poster image. Changes were demanded, in particular removal of the shadow on the far tower of the World Trade Center, as executives — concerned for realism as they always are — wanted to make it look more like Kong was leaping between the buildings rather than straddling the impossible distance.
Source of King Kong paintings and more information on their creation: John Michlig and his articles KongisKing.net and KongisKing.net
More of Berkey’s space paintings can be viewed here.
thank john your art inspirers me to work harder with my art may u travel though the universe for ever.
R.I.P. Thank you Mr. Berkey .