If forced to categorize Eric Fortune's illustration style one might label it with an oxymoron—surreal realism. His illustrations invite the viewer into another world; it looks like ours, but not quite.

An avid reader of fantasy and science fiction since childhood, Eric followed the path a lot of boys take into the art world—drawing robots and weapons based on his favorite comic book and cartoon heroes. Fortunately, Eric was able to develop his style further. At first it was just a hobby. He knew he had talent but practicality, eating, for instance, led him to consider architecture as a career. It didn't seem possible to earn a living doing something that you have always loved to do for fun. A high school art teacher saw his potential and encouraged Eric to pursue his dream by enrolling in the Columbus College of Art and Design. After all, the book covers that influenced Eric as a child had to be painted by someone so why not take a stab at it?

Eric's dramatic sense of lighting and color lend his paintings a feeling of serenity, often with a degree of mystery beneath the surface. His work continues to earn him attention and accolades. Eric was one of only three students to be printed in "Spectrum 6: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art". He has been honored on three occasions with acceptance into the "Society of Illustrators". The Shadow Thieves is one of two pieces that will be featured in the 2006 Society of Illustrators juried show. Eric's talent has also been recognized by "Blue Cube", and he was presented with "Best of Show" two years in succession for the "Art of Illustration" competition.

Recent clients include Simon & Schuster, Tor Books, Harcourt Publishers, Washington National Opera, Realms of Fantasy and more. Eric Fortune is still early in his career but keep an eye out, you'll be seeing a lot of him at your neighborhood bookstore.

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