:: Paolo Rivera

Ms Marvel 38 Cover

Artist: Paolo Rivera (Painter)

3,827 Views - 23 Comments - 4 Likes

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Artwork Details

Title:	Ms Marvel 38 Cover
Artist:	Paolo Rivera (Painter)
Media Type:	Paint - Acrylic
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	3,827
Likes on CAF:	4 5
Favorited on CAF:	2
Comments:	23
Added to Site:	2/13/2012
Comic Art Archive:

Description

(2009, Acrylic gouache on 3-ply comic art board, 10.5�x16� Live Area)
Wolverine Appreciation Month (Ms Marvel 38 Cover)

So excited to acquire this painting by Paolo Rivera! An unexpected purchase, but one I couldn�t resist because of the emotion it stirred in me. There�s so many elements that work together that give this piece a sense of realism, and that make this such a wonderful piece of art. The actual brushwork on the art is a bit more subtle than the scan. Won�t bore members ...ah what the heck ;)

The most overwhelming emotion felt is the feeling of vulnerability. The scene set at dusk in the cold remote forest, away from any form of backup. Wave after wave of Sentinel are approaching relentlessly. I get the feeling that Wolverine and Cyclops are futilely seeking some temporary cover behind the slumped and defeated, but to no avail, with it�s stoic look and chilling humanistic features, eyes glowing soullessly with it�s murderous intent, even in death.

But there is no reprieve from the fight, Wolverine is caught in the Sentinels�s light, brow furrowed, in a moment where he is caught in concern for his fallen comrade, with the realization he must continue the fray. This emphasized by the juxtaposition of his splayed claws on one hand, much smaller, realistic, and less fearsome than usually portrayed, and the fingers on the other, portraying the tenderness of his concerned touch to the injured Cyclops.

The way Wolvie is illuminated harks back to so many classical works (in particular Goya�s - The Third of May 1808). Your eye is drawn directly to his face. Only after following your way circularly around the painting - to the direction of his gaze through the haze, to the upper Sentinel�s eyes, around to the left and other Sentinels, and down to the bright illuminated blood stained snow, it is noticed in the shadow that he is badly wounded, the shredded flesh revealing his slight Adamantium skeleton, the core of his indestructiveness, yet so thin compared to his muscular frame.

Another element that adds realism is the state of Cyclops, we are unaware of his condition because of his position, his warm weight crushes the soft snow, and is illuminated masterfully by the glow from his mutation. With Cyclops injured, and the other X-Men no where in the scene, it is implied that they are also casualties?

Paolo also captures the diffusion of the bright light in the cold mist perfectly, the limited detail of the background adds to the focus of Wolverine�s face. The high contrast of the claws against the illuminated snow adds to their crispness, and implies that these blades are the only thing standing defiantly between victory and their demise.

...Or not! Not sure if it was Paolo�s intent with the piece, but it�s what I see, I love this work :)

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About the Owner

	Peter P Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	April 2009
Last Login:	January 2026
Country:	AUSTRALIA
On CAF:	Peter's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About PeterP

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Comments on this Artwork

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Frank L
Member Since 2008

Posted on 2/13/2012

Awesome. It has the feel and look of those old pulp magazines.

C J
Member Since 2010

Posted on 2/13/2012

Wow, just an incredible piece to look at, it really brings you into the whole scene! Congrats, truly spectacular!

Jonathan Mueller
Member Since 2005

Posted on 2/13/2012

Lovely art... wonderful write-up... thanks for sharing both!

George H
Member Since 2009

Posted on 2/13/2012

It's an amazing feeling when you are able to purchase a piece you truly connect with. Congrats! This is an amazing cover.

Matt S
Member Since 2009

Posted on 2/13/2012

Excellent piece. You can tell from here how detailed it is, but I suspect it really has to be seen in person. Love the little details you don't see straight away, like Wolvie's shredded hand, and the implication of the next Sentinel's chest beam. This piece needs more Views than it's getting!

Andrew Van Embden
Member Since 2006

Posted on 2/14/2012

Matt S wrote:

I've been staring at this amazing painting for several minutes, taking in all the subtle details that are there, but not obvious on first look. Yet again, Paolo Rivera pushes his artistic strengths to new levels, proving to me, and many others that he is one of the best artists on the planet working for Marvel. Congratulations Peter on selecting a perfect piece for your collection.

Crees Tyler
Member Since 2008

Posted on 2/14/2012

WoooooW ! That's amazing ! This si really great ! Congrats Peter

J L
Member Since 2005

Posted on 2/14/2012

Ok...between you and Andrew taking down these great Rivera paintings...I definitely am inspired to find myself one. BTW, this is great. Love it. Congrats!!!!

Maria Coppola
Member Since 2011

Posted on 2/14/2012

I love the mood depicted in this beauty, fantastic!

Mike W
Member Since 2007

Posted on 2/14/2012

A cover I've admired since I first laid eyes on it!!! An excellent pick-up, my friend!! Congratulations!!

Davide G.
Member Since 2009

Posted on 2/14/2012

Wonderful and so significant piece, Peter! Paolo is really demonstrating his mastery with every medium, and what a knowledge of the modern and old masters!

Justin Porter
Member Since 2003

Posted on 2/14/2012

Fantastic cover! Congrats!

Mike Blanchard
Member Since 2003

Posted on 2/15/2012

Gorgeous piece, Peter!

Joseph Melchior
Member Since 2005

Posted on 2/18/2012

It's wonderful how additional details are revealed as you study it. Great score.

Alex B
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/12/2012

This is absolutely breathtaking ! I love everything about it : from Wolverine's expression to the dangerous background, from the contrast to the colors used. Congrats for this stunning score !

Jared Simmons
Member Since 2004

Posted on 4/3/2012

I love this piece. Your description is equally good. Congratulations!!

Mario B.
Member Since 2004

Posted on 4/5/2013

damned,damned good cover............

Francis Dayao
Member Since 2011

Posted on 11/25/2013

Paolo Rivera is a great artist!! Congrats on this!!!

Vincent VP
Member Since 2011

Posted on 12/8/2013

Incredible!

Vartan Dadian
Member Since 2012

Posted on 2/7/2014

This one's for you Morph! If Wolverine retracts his claws will they fall on the ground?

Pastor Juarez
Member Since 2011

Posted on 4/23/2014

Stellar painting!

Adam Ianbarry
Member Since 2010

Posted on 11/28/2015

A masterpiece! Logan's expression... Down but definitely not out...

Bill J
Member Since 2009

Posted on 6/17/2019

Phenomenal! Fantastic pick-up!

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