Ian Miller: what can I say? Anyone familar with the fantasy genre, and Warhammer Fantasy Battle in particular in the 1980's will recognise his artwork. Like John Blanche he was very much a part of the art used at the time (1970's/80's/early 90's). I'm not going to critique or analyse his artwork, I did'nt for John Blanche and I'm not going to here, but I feel I will let the art speak for itself. I will say that I like his artwork. It's full of detail, and can be both bright in colours, yet very dark and brooding in subject matter.
I will consider two things however.
First, I think that his artwork had an influence on the design of the Slaves to Darkness era Chaos Renegades, as some of his artwork and the range look very similar in design (perhaps a post for another day!). Also, I always wondered if Bob Olley's sculpting style in the Iron Claw ranges was influenced by Ian Miller? Bob Olleys sculpting has the same high level of detail as Ian Miller's artwork, something I cover briefly a little later in the blog post.
Secondly, the following photographs do not really do justice to the depth and feel of his artwork. I am fortunate to own this book so I can see them properly, 'in the real'. Also, I am doubly fortunate enough to have seen many of his original artworks in real life, and actual size, at a gallery viewing a few years ago. I also met Ian Miller, and he is a lovely person.
A link to that blog update is here:
http://goblinlee.blogspot.com/2016/10/meeting-ian-miller-at-corridor-gallery.html
Enjoy :)
"My images are the stuff of dreams and apparitions, the tremors that touch the skirt of the day. Unspoken thoughts, stored memories, drawn up to be aired and then twisted by fancy."
'Spring's Bane'.
Throughout the book there are several pieces of art with a 'British Redcoat' or 'Toy Soldier' theme. This is because are linked by pieces of text throughout the book taken from a story which Ian Miller wrote entitled 'The Revenge of the Tin Solider'.
There is a link to an interview Ian Miller gave on the subject in 2014 here:
https://talkillustration.com/interview-british-illustrator-ian-miller/
Throughout the book there are several pieces of art with a 'British Redcoat' or 'Toy Soldier' theme. This is because are linked by pieces of text throughout the book taken from a story which Ian Miller wrote entitled 'The Revenge of the Tin Solider'.
There is a link to an interview Ian Miller gave on the subject in 2014 here:
https://talkillustration.com/interview-british-illustrator-ian-miller/
Close up.
It always reminded me of 'The Cure', and their song 'Lullaby'.
It always reminded me of 'The Cure', and their song 'Lullaby'.
The text at the side reads: " With the death of Kaspar 'the Unwelded' last of the Gottencogs, the Empire known by that name succummed to the wiles of evil men."
The vivdness of the red really stands out.
I think a converted (or Bob Olley sculpted) army of miniatures in this style would look pretty good.
Eureka Miniatures produce a nice line of Toy Town Soldier miniatures:
http://www.eurekamin.com.au/index.php?cPath=87_126_716&sort=3a
I love the deep, nocturnal feeling of the blue.
He is a character from 'The Revenge of the Tin Solider'.
I like how it all looks bright and pleasant, yet otherworldly and unsettling, especially the rocking horses.
The cliffs and view in 'The Beach' remind me of a view, looking West, from a place called Saltdean, on the East Sussex coast, not far from where I live in Brighton and Hove. As Ian Miller is based in Brighton and Hove, I wonder if it inspired him?
Quite a frenetic feel to 'The Maypole', just as you get from dancing around one (which I have done a couple of times).
There's a passing resemblance to 1980's UK Prime Minister Margret Thatcher.
Famously used in the eponymous Warhammer Fantasy Battle scenario, and on the cover of the Citadel Journal Spring 1987.
I have one the original Lichemaster (and the other Skeleton Characters) to paint, so I might go for this style of paint scheme for them, and the entire army.
Sweet dreams, hope you've been good, otherwise this Santa Claus will make you pay!
I am sure that Citadel based their LE16 Sanity Claws miniature on this artwork:
http://www.solegends.com/citle1990/numbered/le16sanityclaws/index.htm
Playful she turn'd that he might see
The passing smile her cheek put on;
But when she mark'd how mournfully
His eyes met hers, that smile was gone.
Lalla Rookh'Lalla Rookh', is a Poem written by Thomas Moore, and this a except from it.
I'm struck how much like a fish this looks.
Below this is written:
"With a mighty shout he rose brighter than the sun and more fierce. In his hand he held a rod of twisted bone, crossed and double crossed to form the sign of his dark Lord, a symbol of his power and fruit of mortal longings well fulfilled."
both used in the Slaves to Darkness book: 'The Marcher Fortress' (left); and 'Temple of Khorne' (right).
Also interestingly (to me anyway), just past Saltdean there is a place called 'The Bastion Stair'.
However this is taken from a double spread of art works entitled 'Warp'.
I always liked the creepy story which accompanied this in Slaves to Darkness.
This reminds me of Bob Olleys Goblins, especially a standard bearer which he sculpted, below:
Again, both used in Slaves to Darkness.
The text beside is a nursery ryhme and reads:
The North Wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
and what will the Robin do then?
Poor thing.
He'll sit in a barn.
And keep himeslf warm,
And hide his head under his wing,
poor thing.
Used in the scenario of the same name.
I like the more earthy colours he's used, seems unusual for Ian Miller.
Based on the Battle from the Lord of the Rings, the artwork used in 'A Tolkien Bestiary' by David Day.
This is untitled but there is a section of text from 'The Compleat Angler' adjacent to it.
This has all the feeling of something from HP Lovecraft.
These are of course 40k Space Marines, and this was used in the 40k Rogue Trader rulebook.
No prizes for guessing on who this is based.
A different take of the Redcoated Tin Soldiers as well.
This is the artwork directly below 'Iron Lady'.
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