Greg G. :: Ken Kelly

Thor Rules! (2020)

Artist: Ken Kelly (Painter)

7 Comments - 2,429 Views - 4 Likes

Additional Images:

Early rough with Loki’s army

Earliest of roughs

Rough of Thor and warrior

Early rough of Thor

Rough of Loki

Thor Rules with artist

Previous Item:
Thor Rules! Painted Rough (2019)

Next Item:
KISS Love Gun (2018)

Artwork Details

Title:	Thor Rules! (2020)
Artist:	Ken Kelly (Painter)
Media Type:	Paint - Oil
Art Type:	Commission
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	2,429
Likes on CAF:	4 5
Comments:	7
Added to Site:	9/19/2020
Comic Art Archive:

Description

In the fall of 2018 I began conversations with Ken Kelly about creating an original piece of artwork featuring my favorite comic book hero of all-time, The Mighty Thor, but still giving Kelly the creative freedom to paint the piece more in the style of his fantasy work vs. a comic book style.

At the beginning of the process, I discussed my perspective about the 1960-70s Marvel Comics character versions of Thor and the god of mischief - Loki. We also brainstormed that Loki would be directing an army of warriors against Thor (originally discussed as undead warriors which changed during the course of the painting) and finally our discussions lead to the inclusion a version of the Fenris Wolf (based on the wolf Fenrir from Norse mythology). The warriors around Thor and the legions of soldiers in the background were all sprung from the creative genius of Ken Kelly! I just love the details! On the onset of the commission I forwarded several Illustrated versions of Thor/Loki from Marvel Comics for costume references and Kelly got to work bringing the characters to life!

From the onset of this commission I told Ken Kelly that I wanted his best work and that I would wait for however long necessary for him to complete the painting to his satisfaction. I also stressed that I understood that any commercial work would come before his work on this painting. The results speak for themselves and I cannot fully articulate my level of satisfaction with his work. Kelly’s first rough was actually a painted version forwarded to me on 12/31/18. The final painting was completed in September 2020.

When I received the HD image of the painting Ken labeled it “Thor Rules” and this that is what I‘ll consider the name of the painting moving forward.

My last comments about the process of commissioning this painting is that I was able to interact with Ken differently, more collaboratively, than when I commissioned the KISS Destroyer and Love Gun paintings. He was a true professional throughout the process, allowed me some input and then I was smart enough to get out of the way and let the master painting work his magic. I will always be grateful for the extra effort that my friend Ken Kelly put into creating a truly spectacular painting! “Thor Rules” will be cherished by me for decades to come!

Oil on canvas - 29 3/8” x 36”.

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About the Owner

	Greg Gross
Joined:	January 2006
Last Login:	August 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Greg's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008

1 - Posted on 9/19/2020

Congrats on this working out so well!!!

Tim F
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 9/19/2020

Awesome piece and story. Grats!

The Gweese 2
Member Since 2019

1 - Posted on 9/20/2020

Beautiful painting, i love the blend of fantasy and superheroes

Jared Simmons
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 9/21/2020

Great piece. The colors really pop.

Davide G.
Member Since 2009

Posted on 9/21/2020

Kelly at his absolute best. Magnificent painting!

Filmore W. Bedwick
Member Since 2003

1 - Posted on 9/21/2020

This collaboration between Mr, Kelly and yourself staggers the imagination! The end result is glorious in terms of image, perspective and colors. Thank you for sharing!

K Gearon
Member Since 2011

1 - Posted on 10/7/2020

Thanks for sharing the process in getting this - glad it worked out so well for you! What a great result. Love the colors and from a design sense a nice mix of the Marvel comic look with a more Viking aesthetic. Sweet. Congrats!

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