2 Serpent's Reach Sketches (#3 and #2)

This one is a sketch I bought directly from the Artist, but an additional image is attached of a Sketch which came from the Sketchbook.

As an Aside, there is a website out there which claims to post the worst sci-fi covers of all time. The have posted the published version of Mattingly's "Serpent's Reach". Other than the color, the composition of the final cover closely matches this sketch. Mattingly has done so many stellar works that, sure, perhaps this isn't among his best. Yet, I don't think it's so bad as to fall under "the worst" category. Sheesh, people! Get some perspective.
Besides.... sometimes, things are so bad, that is why they are so good. I'm not speaking about this one, but we all love some crazy-kitsch, right?