Bill Harris’s work is a little hit and miss, as well as a little scattered, but that’s the way it goes when you’re as prolific as he is. Nevertheless, when he’s on, he’s fucking ON. His portraits are seemingly mundane snapshots of everyday life, but it doesn’t take too long before you realize the weight of what’s happening in these scenes. You know a painting is good when the story starts telling itself in your head.

Something I’ve been obsessing over lately in the visual arts realm is the ability to capture subtle gesture. Sedat Girgin’s illustrations are sometimes a little scratchy for my tastes, but he’s got a knack for showing a character’s tiny movements in a single frame. Kind of reminds me of the Triplets of Bellville and this:

Harper Collins wishes they had the balls to release a book cover like this.

Last week Keith Phipps of the AV Club posted this review of Theodor Sturgeon’s classic sci-fi novel More Than Human. Before you click through I will forecast your reaction: You will shake your head and whisper, “Damn, if sci-fi novels from back in the day didn’t have the tightest covers.”

So now I’m obsessed with these things. One google search and few clicks later and I unearthed a goldmine of the illest book covers ever drawn.

A few favorites:

Tales of the Cthulu Mythos

The Bull and the Spear

The Beast the Shouted Love at the Heart of the World

Those were the days. All it took to have the sickest job was to have some drawing and painting skills and a shitload of LSD.

After spending a good half an hour browsing these things, the book shelf at your local Borders will look about as stimulating as the pamphlet rack at the doctors office.

NY artist Erika Somogyi is doing some inspiring things with watercolor and gouache. A lot of artists lately have been trying to capture that magic of finding yourself in nature. Erica nails it without veering into the realm of corny myhtological creatures and co-opted indian imagery. Also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a painting recreate the look of staring directly at the sun. Very impressive. Well done, Erika.

Check out the wicked creatures created by Omar Arcega Morales.

Australian artist Melissa Haslam draws pictures of gorgeous females accompanied by exotic animals. So, naturally, I’m a fan.

Stumbled upon this note-perfect animated short by super talented Russian-born illustrator, animator and story artist Vera Brosgol. Definitely worth your two and a half minutes.

Beautiful creepy crawlies from beneath the sea await you at Ben Lawson’s portfolio site.

Illustrator Aleks Sennwald does a lot of kick-ass freelance work, but his drawings are something to stop and take a look at.

Okay, I’ve been feeling like a douche for doing a lot of re-posting lately. Things have been somewhat quiet on the magazine front since the launch. I’m gonna get off my ass and show you some good original stuff soon. Just you wait.

This week’s entry is a little bit biased. I’ve known some of the Featherproof guys and gals for a little bit and Mr. Zach Plague had a novel excerpt in issue #3 (which is on sale btw).

Amelia Gray’s first book, AM/PM, is a semi-connected collection of flash pieces, one per page, each of them packing a huge punch in each paragraph. My favorite so far is an entry that tells of a PDF file that is a symbol for love. Keep an eye on this book and this author. Both are poised for blow-up status.

The aforementioned Mr. Plague is responsible for the pen-and-paper cover drawing. Simple, effective, charming, interesting, and accessible. Well done Zach.