"The Hour of the Dragon" by Ken Kelly (1978)
Artist: Ken Kelly (Painter)
22 Comments - 4,043 Views - 16 Likes
Additional Images:
Framed
Published cover
Artwork Details
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DescriptionI saw a Kelly piece sell on the latest HA (Fall 2020). I thought- wow, I know I loved early Kelly. So I did a deep dive and discover I only really 'loved' Kelly's earliest Berkley work in the 1970’s. I found his “Hour of the Dragon” on CAF and was pretty elated as it is my favorite painting (along with a few Frazettas) of the 70's. I found out lots of cool information I did not know. Ken Kelly is Frank Frazetta’s nephew (on his wife’s side). Some 3rd hand hearsay is a collector talked to Ellie (Frank’s wife) and she said that Frank did help get Ken the Berkley cover gigs and ‘helped him’ with some of the early paintings. Is that true, who knows? Regardless, that helped me solve why I loved his early work so much. If I, as an artist, could look at Frazetta's originals how could I not be inspired and elevated in my own craft? I personally don't think Kelly's work looked like he was imitating Frank's style, as some critics said, but has a wonderful energetic look all its own. I wish he had kept this more 'earthy' palate but artists grow the way they grow. All that said I looked at my 'Hour of the Dragon' mini-poster, that came in the paperback book, on my desk wall that I have had since 1978 and asked Griffin (my 18 year old) "should I seriously try to buy this?" He said, "How long have you had that little poster?” I told him "Since before I was your age." He said "Then you HAVE to buy it." As a 15 year old, I was just as enamored with this image as any Frazetta so- call me foolish, as that is a hell of a lot of money, but this is a true Grail to me. I don't use that word much but there you go. Thank you Jack- it has been a true pleasure getting to know you and thank you for letting this masterpiece sit on my wall for the foreseeable future. I will enjoy it for the decades to come and every time I look at it, I will go back to being that 15 year old fully absorbed in Conan's greatest adventure!Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Kirk Dilbeck (3-Wishes and Patron-of-art) 
Member Since 2006
Posted on 12/30/2020
Amra The Lion wrote:
GRAIL...so jealous!!! Congratulations!!
Thank you!!! Coming from you that means alot!
Ryan M
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 12/30/2020
Congrats on an amazing addition! And a great story to boot!
Kirk Dilbeck (3-Wishes and Patron-of-art)
Member Since 2006
Posted on 12/30/2020
Ryan M wrote:
Congrats on an amazing addition! And a great story to boot!
8 )
Steven Filosa
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/30/2020
Great piece. No matter what you paid for it, it is worth it.
I have a lot of paintings and no matter how much I love black and white art, I get a much bigger rush when I purchase a painting. Can't wait to frame, put on my wall and tell everyone how cool it is. I'm sure it's the same for you.
Congrats!
Kirk Dilbeck (3-Wishes and Patron-of-art)
Member Since 2006
Posted on 12/30/2020
Steven Filosa wrote:
Great piece. No matter what you paid for it, it is worth it.
I have a lot of paintings and no matter how much I love black and white art, I get a much bigger rush when I purchase a painting. Can't wait to frame, put on my wall and tell everyone how cool it is. I'm sure it's the same for you.
Congrats!
100% yes!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 12/30/2020
Sincere congrats on picking up this awesome personal grail! Must be so gratifying, to say the least!
Kirk Dilbeck (3-Wishes and Patron-of-art)
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/30/2020
K Gearon wrote:
Sincere congrats on picking up this awesome personal grail! Must be so gratifying, to say the least!
Totally is- thanks!
Jonathan Mueller
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/30/2020
Nice... enjoyed your description as much as the stellar art. Congrats on aquiring a personal grail, I'm lucky enough to know the feelings that can accompany achieving such a feat, and they're oh so so amazing, elusive, and satisifying. Thanks for sharing.
Kirk Dilbeck (3-Wishes and Patron-of-art)
Member Since 2006
Posted on 12/30/2020
Jonathan Mueller wrote:
Nice... enjoyed your description as much as the stellar art. Congrats on aquiring a personal grail, I'm lucky enough to know the feelings that can accompany achieving such a feat, and they're oh so so amazing, elusive, and satisifying. Thanks for sharing.
Thank YOU!
Rick W
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 12/30/2020
One of the more memorable Conan images. Fantastic!
Comic Art Channel
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 12/31/2020
Must be amazing to get your favorite painting. Congrats! It's a beauty.
Nick Katradis
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/31/2020
Kirk, a superb Ken Kelly masterpiece. Kelly's 1970s oils were all breathtaking, and this one is no exception. Hang it up on the wall and enjoy it. Bravo and congrats!
Jeremy Radisich
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 12/31/2020
Love the story and agree completely--Kelly's earlier, looser, more painterly work was really beautiful. His later, tighter, more detailed stuff didn't have the same life to it, in my opinion. I also had that little fold out poster on my wall, along with the others that Kelly did for several REH collections. So glad that this piece has ended up in its forever home!
Byron Hamm
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/31/2020
Absolutely amazing piece! I totally get what you are saying. This has that defining feel of the Swords and Sorcercy paintings anyone would be priveledged to own! Congrats buddy!
Monty B
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 1/1/2021
Wonderful painting!!! It must look breathtaking to see in person...
Nate Schultze
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 1/3/2021
WOW Kirk! I love the depth in this painting. Those hordes just keep coming.
It must be thrilling to admire it in person.
Arrick Un Rama
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 1/30/2021
WOW! I can't imagine anything better. The cover to the book that introduced all 50-somethings to Conan. The crown of any collection.
steve staszower
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/12/2023
One of my favorite Kellys - just tons of energy in this one.
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 3/11/2025
BY CROM that is iconic! The kind that never leaves you, and that's a great thing, just love this one, big congrats!!
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