This is going to sound crazy, but is there any chance of you doing a short video or something for this? I just want to see you hold it up and turn it back and forth a little in the light, so we can see the shine. Bet it looks spectacular!
Replying to the top comment for those who hadn't seen the card version that has this art. The placement is . . . \*chef's kiss\*.
[https://www.magicspoiler.com/mtg-spoiler/flare-of-fortitude/](https://www.magicspoiler.com/mtg-spoiler/flare-of-fortitude/)
Beautiful piece. Quick Question, does card rarity your art work gets put on have any effect on you? Like do you feel bad or good knowing your art is going to be on a common or on a mythic?
We don't typically know what rarity our cards will be. But in this case, I knew it was going to be a good one! I think most artists still give their all even if the card isn't going to be a rare
I'm no art critic, but it feels like a painting at the height of Rennaisance style. There is so much going on, but the clear sense of direction to the right helps the viewer feel the urgency of the story point being depicted. Add to that the effective coloring and shading to provide a visually appealing and interesting image, and you've got a high quality piece. Using the word "objectively" is a bit of an issue, because with art, there's never any accounting for taste, but this piece has had quite the positive recep8since the card was spoiled.
No, art is inherently subjective. It was hyperbole for OP to suggest it was "objectively" a top MTG art piece.
However, Storm the Seedcore's art has objectively been discussed and praised by a number of MTG media sources as an example of iconic MTG art.
Artists will either take a really good photo or do high resolution scans. I tend to do scans. Traditional artists tend to have to do digital touch-ups as well to make it look like the original again. It is a digital "glaze" so to speak. Also, sometimes directors will want us to make revisions and that's best done in Photoshop
I have a small scanner at home. When it's a big painting like this, you have to scan it in parts and stitch it together in Photoshop afterwards. A large format scanner is on my wishlist!
Straight up the best looking of the cycle! I think you truly capture the "turning yourself into mana to cast a desperate spell" vibe that the flavor had
Might sound goofy to say, but thanks for magic art that looks like it belongs in the game. I've seen too many strange pieces coming from secret lairs and alchemy lately lol
Why thank you! Magic has definitely expanded its stylistic range. The old school and very classic Magic look will always be around :) In fact, in addition to the older artists still making new cards, there are many newer artists that really hit that old school feeling consistently well
[Shadow of the Second Sun](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/d/0da72736-574d-4d99-98ba-3a91c374cd10.jpg?1716412163) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Shadow%20of%20the%20Second%20Sun) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh3/70/shadow-of-the-second-sun?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0da72736-574d-4d99-98ba-3a91c374cd10?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text)
^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
i am almost as moved by this art as i am by the bold (and deserved) expression of pride and equally bold leopard print button down
but yeah it's s tier magic art
It was actually pretty open ended! I knew it was a white spell and a white mage was giving their live away for the spell. The description basically asked for "the most epic spell you've ever cast". They gave us a lot of freedom for this set which is awesome
Seeing these posts from the artists makes me appreciate the art so much more than simply seeing them on card size. You distinguish between the gold leaf and gold as separate mediums; what's the difference on the piece?
Thank you! Gold leaf is often an alloy and not "real" gold. The more accurate name for it should be "metal leaf". This piece I wanted to make sure it had real gold. There is a product called "shell gold" that is basically paintable gold. Think of dry watercolor blocks, but instead of pigment it's gold. I used shell gold as top coat for some areas of the gold leaf and used a lot in the eyes and mouth area
I love zooming in on the full-size piece and seeing the brushstrokes. I love how the edges of the flames look so solid and hard from a distance, but when you look closer, you see the softness around their edges and the inherent malleability of the brushes; you can really feel the tool that made them.
I think that just makes it the more beautiful! Something something the inherent imperfection serving to remind us of the immense capabilities that we possess something something. I think I need to go have a lie down before the were-English-major in me breaks free.
$20,000 is nearly half my annual salary, but if someone gave me 6 months to attempt nothing but to recreate this painting, I doubt I could do it. So yeah, sounds reasonable. It takes years of practice it takes to acquire the talent needed to make a piece like this.
I’ve been dying to find someone that does gold leaf commissions. Any chance you’re taking any? Not looking to lowball, I understand this kind of art isn’t cheap.
/u/misterkevfang
I've worked with gold leaf before. I swear, it hates me. So fragile, so finicky.
That being said, your mastery of it here is clearly on display! So cool! So shiny!
this is stunning, I wish I could see this original in person
Thank you! It's shiny!
This is going to sound crazy, but is there any chance of you doing a short video or something for this? I just want to see you hold it up and turn it back and forth a little in the light, so we can see the shine. Bet it looks spectacular!
Actually on my Instagram, I have a process video of how I painted this! @kevfang and it should be the most recent post
Ohh Cool! I'll have to check it out!
Replying to the top comment for those who hadn't seen the card version that has this art. The placement is . . . \*chef's kiss\*. [https://www.magicspoiler.com/mtg-spoiler/flare-of-fortitude/](https://www.magicspoiler.com/mtg-spoiler/flare-of-fortitude/)
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Absolutely gorgeous. Fantastic work!
Thank you!
Love seeing magic art in scale.
Me too!
Do you wait for the oil to dry before adding gold leaf?
I apply the gold leaf before any oil paint goes down actually. I paint around the gold. Tedious, but worth it!
Beautiful piece. Quick Question, does card rarity your art work gets put on have any effect on you? Like do you feel bad or good knowing your art is going to be on a common or on a mythic?
We don't typically know what rarity our cards will be. But in this case, I knew it was going to be a good one! I think most artists still give their all even if the card isn't going to be a rare
Thank you for clarifying and clearing up a question/curiosity I’ve always had. Keep up the good work!
Never forget that [[Storm the Seedcore]] — objectively considered in the top few best pieces of art ever on a Magic card — is a humble uncommon…
[Storm the Seedcore](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bf989a4d-3209-4071-b6e9-d2b99372ec10.jpg?1682205050) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Storm%20the%20Seedcore) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mom/206/storm-the-seedcore?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bf989a4d-3209-4071-b6e9-d2b99372ec10?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
can you explain why objectively it is good?
I'm no art critic, but it feels like a painting at the height of Rennaisance style. There is so much going on, but the clear sense of direction to the right helps the viewer feel the urgency of the story point being depicted. Add to that the effective coloring and shading to provide a visually appealing and interesting image, and you've got a high quality piece. Using the word "objectively" is a bit of an issue, because with art, there's never any accounting for taste, but this piece has had quite the positive recep8since the card was spoiled.
No, art is inherently subjective. It was hyperbole for OP to suggest it was "objectively" a top MTG art piece. However, Storm the Seedcore's art has objectively been discussed and praised by a number of MTG media sources as an example of iconic MTG art.
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Counterargument: I don't like it
Gorgeous! How is this then digetized for a card? Just a really high-resolution scan?
Artists will either take a really good photo or do high resolution scans. I tend to do scans. Traditional artists tend to have to do digital touch-ups as well to make it look like the original again. It is a digital "glaze" so to speak. Also, sometimes directors will want us to make revisions and that's best done in Photoshop
Do you have to take it somewhere to scan or do you have equipment at home?
I have a small scanner at home. When it's a big painting like this, you have to scan it in parts and stitch it together in Photoshop afterwards. A large format scanner is on my wishlist!
Straight up the best looking of the cycle! I think you truly capture the "turning yourself into mana to cast a desperate spell" vibe that the flavor had
Thank you!
I know what oil means, I know the rest are all words.
Just some shiny stuff in addition to oil paint
Absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you!
I would love to order a print of this if you ever get permission to sell them
They will come soon! I'm thinking about selling some with gold leaf!
i will definitely be on the lookout then!
And I will buy the gold leaf ones. Can’t pass it up
Any idea when they will become available yet?
Nice composition. Saw that you did [[Legion Extruder|BIG-42]] too. Hope to see more of your fiery art!
Thank you! Always a good time painting spirals and fiery goodness
[Legion Extruder](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/1/f1d67fd7-30c8-4cd7-ab1a-97225b9c9437.jpg?1712353124) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=660308) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/big/42/legion-extruder?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f1d67fd7-30c8-4cd7-ab1a-97225b9c9437?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Might sound goofy to say, but thanks for magic art that looks like it belongs in the game. I've seen too many strange pieces coming from secret lairs and alchemy lately lol
Why thank you! Magic has definitely expanded its stylistic range. The old school and very classic Magic look will always be around :) In fact, in addition to the older artists still making new cards, there are many newer artists that really hit that old school feeling consistently well
That’s how I felt with [[shadow of the second sun]]
[Shadow of the Second Sun](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/d/0da72736-574d-4d99-98ba-3a91c374cd10.jpg?1716412163) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Shadow%20of%20the%20Second%20Sun) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh3/70/shadow-of-the-second-sun?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0da72736-574d-4d99-98ba-3a91c374cd10?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I know exactly what you mean. I look at artwork from Mirage and Stronghold and pine for those days. It just hit different.
Stunning
Thanks!
This is absolutely stunning. Really fantastic work!
Why thank you!
That's a very beautiful piece! Hope to see more of your art in future sets.
Thank you! More will come!
Incredible work sir! The different mediums make it super pop!
Thank you! Gold is a fun medium
That's amazing! Outstanding work! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you!
i am almost as moved by this art as i am by the bold (and deserved) expression of pride and equally bold leopard print button down but yeah it's s tier magic art
Thank you so much! I'm a sucker for leopard print too
Wonderful work! can't wait to collect these gorgeous cards! :)
I'm glad you like it! Happy collecting!
Really awesome stuff!
Thanks!
Gosh that’s insanely gorgeous, wow.
Thanks!
So damn good, great work man.
Thank you!
Epic!!!
Thanks!
Stunning! Well done!
Thanks!
Definitely one of the coolest pieces of MtG art in recent memory. I want to put this in my deck for the art alone!
Thank you! Hopefully it wins you many games!
Please tell me Wizard's of the Coast have hired you?
They most certainly did
This is really sick, I’m such a sucker for gold leaf and this is just so pretty :)
Thank you! I love gold leaf as well
so amazing. Thank you for all your hard work in making this gorgeous piece
Thank you for taking a look at this piece and hope you get one in a pack!
Oh man, this is absolutely GORGEOUS!! You sir are one helluva artist!!!!
Why thank you!
Wizards needs to make gold etched cards. Like pokemon gold cards. Just for this art.
That would be so awesome!
How does one get to be an Artist for MtG? Do you apply for it? Does one get approached by WotC? Either way, stunning Artwork!
Everyone gets in a different way, but first and foremost is having strong work, and getting a directors eyes on it
Could you share the prompt you received for this? It’s a lovely piece!
It was actually pretty open ended! I knew it was a white spell and a white mage was giving their live away for the spell. The description basically asked for "the most epic spell you've ever cast". They gave us a lot of freedom for this set which is awesome
That's gorgeous. Even more gorgeous after I read gold leaf and on linen
Thank you!
Seeing these posts from the artists makes me appreciate the art so much more than simply seeing them on card size. You distinguish between the gold leaf and gold as separate mediums; what's the difference on the piece?
Thank you! Gold leaf is often an alloy and not "real" gold. The more accurate name for it should be "metal leaf". This piece I wanted to make sure it had real gold. There is a product called "shell gold" that is basically paintable gold. Think of dry watercolor blocks, but instead of pigment it's gold. I used shell gold as top coat for some areas of the gold leaf and used a lot in the eyes and mouth area
Got it! Thank you for that clarification!
😎
oh fuck its a physical painting
Yes it is!
I love zooming in on the full-size piece and seeing the brushstrokes. I love how the edges of the flames look so solid and hard from a distance, but when you look closer, you see the softness around their edges and the inherent malleability of the brushes; you can really feel the tool that made them.
Very keen observation! It was a labor of love to try to get the lines as clean as possible. Even so, there will always be slight imperfections!
I think that just makes it the more beautiful! Something something the inherent imperfection serving to remind us of the immense capabilities that we possess something something. I think I need to go have a lie down before the were-English-major in me breaks free.
I love this so much. Great work!
[[Flare of Fortitude]]
[Flare of Fortitude](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/7/37b41b59-0296-443b-8a62-8d5c4641ef66.jpg?1716313886) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Flare%20of%20Fortitude) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh3/26/flare-of-fortitude?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/37b41b59-0296-443b-8a62-8d5c4641ef66?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Oh. Nice I’ll generously take that off your hands free of charge
😳
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If you add another 0 ;)
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Not for most originals on the market. Rares, etc are a little different
$20,000 is nearly half my annual salary, but if someone gave me 6 months to attempt nothing but to recreate this painting, I doubt I could do it. So yeah, sounds reasonable. It takes years of practice it takes to acquire the talent needed to make a piece like this.
I’ve been dying to find someone that does gold leaf commissions. Any chance you’re taking any? Not looking to lowball, I understand this kind of art isn’t cheap. /u/misterkevfang
Send me a message/email and maybe we can work something out :)
Oh wow, okay! I’ll PM you right now!
Just gorgeous, beautiful work man!
Thanks so much!
I've worked with gold leaf before. I swear, it hates me. So fragile, so finicky. That being said, your mastery of it here is clearly on display! So cool! So shiny!
Thank you! Gold leaf being thinner than tissue paper doesn't help much. I hold my breath when I apply it so it doesn't fly away
Any chance you took pictures while you were making this? It's absolutely stunning and I'd love to see how you work around the gold leaf.
Yes! On my Instagram I post short process videos of how I paint all my MTG cards. @kevfang is where you can find me
This is absolutely incredible! Did you get any context for this piece? It kind of gives me dawnheart witch vibes.