Gallery 5 - ERB's MARS
My work on Edgar Rice Burroughs MARS series.
Here are samples of the work I did while illustrating Edgar Rice Burroughs, "A Princess Of Mars". I'll be changing them around so that in time, you'll see everything that I did, including much of what was not published and a few that I added later on. I've repainted many pieces, so they'll be seen here for the first time. I am in the very early stages of illustrating "Gods Of Mars" and will be adding those works to this page in time.
You'll note that many of these works are done in a monotone. This was due to the fact that they were published in black and white. My painting them this way gave them a more realistic look like that of the great masters of illustration.
The first three images have links that will bring you to the ERBmania site. There you'll find may of my works on this series as well as some essays written by Burroughs scholars concerning my groundbreaking work on this series. The last three images have links that will bring you to Wild Cat books, publishers of the edition of "A Princess Of Mars" that featured my work. They'll also be publishing, "Gods Of Mars". They've got a lot of pulp related books and books featuring the works of Robert E. Howard and others. Please check them out.
Some of the things that have been said concerning my work on this series:"Its about d*mn time that somebody got it right!" - Al Williamson, Legendary comic book artist of countless EC titles,Flash Gordon, Secret Agent x and Star Wars.
"I first saw David's sketchbook designs at a comic convention, and I was amazed to see the care and attention he'd focussed on his designs. Weaponry, costume, Martian aircraft, and even details like the running gait of an eight-legged Martian animal were there. As someone who tries to cover all the "bases" artistically speaking, I was staggered..." - Mike Hoffman, Comicbook writer/artist, muscian.
"When it comes to accurately depicting the creatures that inhabit Edgar Rice Burroughs' worlds, David Burton stands as one of ERB's most conscientious interpreters. his thoroughness is staggering and deserves to be lauded. David really does his ERB homework!" - William Stout, Artist, Film Production Design, Conceptualist, Designer, Producer and planner for EuroDisney, Disneyland, TokyoDisneyland and Walt Disney World, Lucasfilm/Industrail Light And Magic, Author (Dinosaurs, Penquins and Whales - The Wildlife of Antarctica, Lost World - Modern and Prehistoric Life in Antarctica)
"Burton imparts a wonderful sense of tenderness and romance in his work. These aspects are often overlooked by other artists in the science-fiction and fantasy genres." - Gary Gianni, Artist (The Shadow, The Savage Tales Of Solomon Kane, The Bloody Crown Of Conan, Prince Vailant)
"Just as Edgar Rice Burroughs stories have vividly sparked the readers imaginations, now David Burton brings those mental images to life with a flair of exotic wonder and high adventure in his wonderful illustrations to "A Princess of Mars." - Guy Davis, Comic book Artist (Baker Street, Hellboy: B. P. R. D., The Marquis)
"Based solely on the evidence of his illustrations for A PRINCESS OF MARS, I would be tempted to believe that David Burton was born in thelate 19th century. He not only has become one of only twoillustrators who have managed to create a convincing visualization of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom, but he has done it in the style of the periodwhen PRINCESS was first published. Of course I know that David is a fine contemporary illustrator who is investing all his talent and a knackfor research into this project just to create a masterful illusion thattime has been turned back and that it is 1912 once again." - Mark Wheatley, Comic book Artist/Writer (Hammer Of The Gods, Frankenstein Mobster)
"David Burton's artwork on the Edgar Rice Burroughs MARS series draws an admirablenew chapter in the long, rich history of imagery associated with the classic series. His use of a limited, yet very evocative, palette in many of his images adds a sophisticated contrast to some of the more comparatively garish renditions I've seen in the past. This, combined with a strong picture sense, actually adds its own Ã…’color to Burroughs words in a personal and interesting way." - Joe DeVito, Artist, Skulpter
"David Burton's evocative, poetic vision of Edgar Rice Burrough's Barsoom and its creatures is both refreshingly unique, as well as comfortably traditional. David loves and understands the power of the great illustrative tradition associated with Burroughs, while at the same time offering a carefully developed, naturalistic approach to his constructions of the Martian lifeforms. He carries the romantic science fiction of Burroughs in an exciting new direction." - Mark Schultz, Comic book Artist/Writer (Xenozoic Tales, The Adventures Of Superman), writer (Prince Valiant)
E-Mail: info@davidburtonart.net
Woola The Calot
"Sola's Mother". I found much of what Burroughs wrote to be very soulful. Not what most artists who've worked on this series have found. Though I did action pieces, I thought that this time around, it should be known that there is more to this wonderful series.
"Charging Thark". Out of many of the works that I have done, this is the one that is requested for the most. Prints are available. E-Mail me at: info@davidburtonart.net
Tars Tarkas as he leaves a meeting with the leader of the Tharks, and the one who killed the woman he loved, contemplates murder.
From the early part of, "A Princess Of Mars". John Carter is talking to his friend and partner, Capt. James Powell. I used a young Edgar Rice Burroughs for the model of Powell. The brightest star above John Carter's head is Mars...
"A Friend Is Found". John Carter, finds himself alone on a strange and very alien world. After being saved by his "watchdog", Woola, the Calot, he realizes that though alone, he has found a friend. Personally, I thought that this part of the story was one of the strongest and most important. I recently repainted this piece.
