Fuzzy Fire Cover Study Prelim by Michael Whelan (1984)

Never heard of this but this is pretty well finished. I think the subject matter might make one overlook the incredible artistic skill. 

There are a few different ways to interpret what is happening in this scene on top of the rock - some innocent and some less so.

Great story Rick! thanks for sharing.congrats on your first Whelan piece, but surely not your first "furry adjacent" piece ;-p - P.S. excellent inks for a prelim/study and it looks great framed!

Had a collector friend visit recently who is also a huge Whelan fan.  We spent a lot of time talking about the artist and I reminisced about getting my very first Graphics Collectibles catalog from Mitch (back in 1985 I think) that had all these gorgeous Whelan and Jeff Easley pieces for sale.  Which reminds me, I'm supposed to send him scans of those catalogs.  Anyway, cool coincidence and cool piece.  Congrats on your first Whelan buddy!

This is why Mrs. Fuzzy was never invited back to OAX.

"These furries are exactly what we need at OAX for FAX." - CAF CEO

I am a big fan of both H. Beam Piper and Michael Whelan. This is a fabulous pick up!

Ewoks eat Fuzzies for breakfast, which is why they need the Fuzzy Fire for their delicate tummies, congrats!

Lots of lovely brushwork on display here, with great rock shading, and the composition is classic fantasy art.

Wow, this is wild. It's like the next Ewoks adventure!