A Frank Frazetta color study by Dan Lawlis

Getting geared up to do a Conan cover for Chuck Dixon’s new novel, “Caravan of the Damned“, I decided to do a study of one of my favorite Frazetta Conan paintings. I still remember being a wee lad reading the Howard stories and marveling at this painting for a long time.

It freaks me out to think that Frank painted over the figure. Although looking at it closely now with experienced eyes, I think that maybe he thought the head was a bit large for the body? I think I heard he wanted more action in it.

I loved Conan looking up to the heavens! It was sooo dramatic and powerful. I wish I could have talked him out of painting over it!

In my study I made his head a little more in proportion with the body, but maybe it loses something in that. Franks has more power and drama. But that’s why he’s the master and I’m the student!