Science Fiction and Fantasy
There was a time when the idea of a world-wide system linking people and computers might have been straight out of the pages of the latest science fiction magazine. No surprise then, that science fiction and fantasy fans, writers, editors, artists, and more have taken to the Internet in large numbers from the time of the early bulletin board discussion groups to the instant messaging, blogs, and chat rooms of today. Whether you're new to science fiction and fantasy and want to know more, have a favorite writer you'd like to know more about, are looking for information on actors, movies, and TV shows, or would like to meet people who share the same interests in science fiction and fantasy as you do, the Internet is the perfect place to find out what you need to know.
Expand All Guide SectionsFantasy and Science Fiction History and News
Over the years, a whole culture has grown up around people's love of and appreciation for fantasy ... read more »
Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazines and Books
For science fiction and fantasy writers, magazines, whether in print or online, are a place to try ... read more »
Sci-Fi TV
Science fiction has been on the screen since television was first born. Classic shows like The ... read more »
Fantasy and Science Fiction Films
Science fiction and fantasy in movies have a huge following. Every summer blockbuster season seems ... read more »
Science Fiction and Fantasy Art
As soon as science fiction and fantasy began to be published, books needed cover art and stories needed illustrations. Since then, a whole world of fantasy and science fiction-inspired art and artists has come into being. The Internet is the perfect gateway for introducing yourself to a new realm of art that comes not from what's real, but instead from what's fantastic.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Science fiction and fantasy art isn't often exhibited in galleries or museums. One place you can see this art in exhibit form is at a science fiction convention. For more about conventions see the Science Fiction Conventions section of this guide.
- Artists don't always confine themselves to one style. It's possible that a particular artist you're looking for won't appear in the general guides or specific artist sites that follow in our Picks. A good way to find an individual artist whose work has caught your eye is to find his or her name on the cover flap or credits in a book, magazine, comic, or graphic novel, and search for them individually.
- Keep in mind that the art and graphics you'll find on these sites is all copyrighted. Don't download or copy anything unless it's explicitly made clear that it's available for free. If you would like to download or copy art, you should visit the findingDulcinea Free Use Guide to learn what's available-and what's legal.
Dulcinea's Picks
For fantasy and science fiction art ...
Fantasy Fine Art
is a beautifully laid-out site with sample galleries from well over a hundred artists, along with links to the individual artist's Web sites and information as to how to contact them.
Speculative Vision's Science Fiction and Fantasy Art Gallery
is a little smaller than Fantasy Fine Art, and has more of a science fiction flavor to its favored galleries. Clicking on thumbnail images easily accesses artwork, and registered members can freely post their work on the site.
The Elfwood Project
is a popular site with lots of fantasy and science fiction art, advice for budding artists, and busy discussions and bulletin boards. The homepage features a display of "moderator's choice" artworks and selected art from the member of the day.
The Ultimate Guide to SF, Fantasy, Space and Surreal Art
is the project of artist Slawek Wojtowicz. The links are arranged alphabetically, but click on them and you'll find over 1,100 artists and galleries. If you don't like one, there are plenty of others to choose from.
The Vintage Paperbacks & Digests
art gallery is for those who fondly recall the covers of old-time Vintage paperback books. There are links to cover art by artists and by genre, and the subjects are not limited to fantasy and science fiction. But all the covers evoke the style and look of an era long gone by.
Worlds of Wonder
is a gallery and distribution site featuring more than 30 artists and works from estates and private collections. Run by Jane Frank, a longtime collector of science fiction and fantasy art, Worlds of Wonder is a good place to start if you're interested in purchasing or collecting this kind of art yourself. Simply browsing through the catalog is a good introduction to the high quality of art that is available, and what it costs.
For sites devoted to individual artists ...
The Art of Michael Whelan
is the official site for the man who may well be the most famous science fiction and fantasy artist in the world. The site has galleries with Whelan's work, a biography, and news about his appearances and projects. You can buy prints on the site.
The Frank R. Paul Gallery
is for all those who fondly recall the old pulp magazines with their lurid covers featuring monstrous aliens, mad scientists, and imaginatively designed spaceships. Frank R. Paul drew many of those covers for magazines like Wonder Stories and Amazing Stories, and his brightly colored illustrations seem to almost jump off the page to this very day. In addition to the artwork, the Web site contains a short bibliography of Frank R. Paul and an introduction to his work.
Spiderwebart Gallery
is the Web site of Greg Hildebrandt, who, along with his brother Tim, is best known for his artwork based on Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings. This site also features art by several other artists, including comic book illustrators, children's book illustrations, and art inspired by Star Wars.
The Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists
features galleries by the artists who belong to the association, promotes science fiction and fantasy art throughout the world, and provides services including discussion forums and help with copyright infringements for its members.
Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
Just because the content you produce will be imaginative and often unreal doesn't mean you don't ... read more »
Author Web sites
On their Web sites and blogs, writers use the opportunity to talk about subjects beyond what they ... read more »
Sci-Fi Fandom
Since the Internet began, fantasy and science fiction fans have used e-mail lists, bulletin boards, ... read more »
Science Fiction Conventions
While you may see some fans dressed up in costumes, the average science fiction or fantasy ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
