When creating a book cover I work to capture the emotion of the text, and translate that into images which relay to the viewer the authors intent.

Several sketches are turned in according to specific guidelines.

In this example, the brief was for the Military Historical Fiction novel, Today Is Sunday by Dennis Ely, front and back cover. I was working with the concept of the juxtaposition of good and evil.

The art director and I may discuss the needs of the project. After we have agreed on a way forward, I will proceed to render the final piece.

I added a sky that was dark and gloomy on the left with rays of sun shining through to the right. When the final is turned in there may be a need for some small changes. The client was very happy with this painting.

The finished book cover with the publisher’s added type and design elements.

Today Is Sunday by Dennis Ely