Boris Vallejo is perhaps the best known fantasy painter working today. He was born January 8, 1941 in Lima, Peru. He emigrated to the United States in 1964, and currently resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He frequently works with his wife, painter and model Julie Bell.

Vallejo works almost exclusively in the fantasy genre. His paintings have graced the covers of dozens of science fiction paperbacks, including Robert Heinlein's last novel To Sail Beyond the Sunset. His paintings are also featured in a series of best-selling calendars. Some of his male figures were modeled by Vallejo himself, and many of his later female characters were modeled by his wife.

Vallejo started painting at the age of thirteen, and had his first illustration job at the age of sixteen. After emigrating to the United States in 1964, he quickly garnered a fan following from his illustrations of Tarzan, Conan The Barbarian, Doc Savage, and various other fantasy characters. This led to commissions for movie posters, advertisements, and artwork for various collectibles. Along with Bell, Vallejo presents his artwork in an annual calendar and various books.

Vallejo has created film posters for numerous fantasy and action productions, including what is perhaps Jane Fonda's finest movie, Barbarella (1968), as well Knightriders (1981), Q (1982), and Barbarian Queen (1985). He has also illustrated posters for comedies, notably National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), and European Vacation (1985).

Boris Vallejo Official Web Site

-- Xapz, Sept. 21, 2007