I am absolutely delighted to launch the new limited edition ❤️ collection, the: 'Glen Orbik - Pulp Noir Series,' which is taken from his renowned 'Vintage Book Cover Collection.' This is an evocative and thought provoking new series of images for the UK from the late artist's estate, whose book covers are recognised all over the world and indeed both sides of the Atlantic. - 28th Febru
I am absolutely delighted to launch the new limited edition ❤️ collection, the: 'Glen Orbik - Pulp Noir Series,' which is taken from his renowned 'Vintage Book Cover Collection.' This is an evocative and thought provoking new series of images for the UK from the late artist's estate, whose book covers are recognised all over the world and indeed both sides of the Atlantic. - 28th February 2020
Glen Orbik (1963 - 2015) was very much in the genre of established figurative artists such as: Jack Vettriano & more recent best-selling painters: Richard Blunt and Mr. Controversial, but this American artist was also a world famous illustrator (in duality with his original painting work).
This posthumous collection of four cinematic inspired limited editions blends Glen's love of the cinematic Film Noir of 1940s (having a Dick Tracey feel to them) with early American TV detective shows, created with Chiaroscuro black and white contrasts to give the art a moody, emotive feel.
Glen Orbik (1963-2015) was a much loved illustrator known for creating a plethora of book and comic book covers and remembered fondly for his noir designs. He would later go on teach figure drawing classes in California, keen to pass his artistic skill on to others.
While still a child in the 1970s, Glen moved with his mother to Nevada and would go on to graduate from the Douglas High School (DHS) in Minden, Nevada.
Glen would continue his studies at the California Art Institute & became a student of its founder Fred Fixler (1923-2010), classes the Orbik would end up taking over…until his untimely passing. Under the legendary illustrator Fixler, Glen was really able to fully develop as an artist and arrive at a stylisation that he felt comfortable with.
**Clip from one of Glen's head drawing classes:
He had some famous followers: fellow illustrator Alex Ross, author Stephen King & screenwriter Ray Bradbury owned various paintings; he actually created many of Stephen's book covers and 'Joyland' springs to mind, which he created jointly with Robert McGinnis.
Orbik has left an important legacy in Comic Books, doing covers for Superman, Batman and various imagery for both DC and Warner Bros Comics.
The artwork has an interesting backstory, to create each Glen would use his stable of friends (e.g. for lighting) & models (for the scene) from screen & fashion; he would scour Los Angeles prop houses for the outfits and any objects needed for the scene.
Glen would take various photos and drawings, making sure the scene fitted with the story within any book cover he was creating and only then would he begin the final oil painting. Such care and attention to detail was undoubtedly a key factor in his artistic success.
