The Empress of Earth

In 1986, I left the New York City area, for Arizona. One of my biggest concerns, was being able to find suitable models (I used professional models) for my book covers.

Fortunately, I regularly attended Sci-Fi cons, and, I found some very friendly substitutes, from the local SCA -The Society of Creative Anachronism.

Rebecca Davies, was one of my favorite models. Like many SCA members, she designed and wore her costumes (SCA specializes in medieval period costumes), and, she was able to come up with the costume in this art.

During the restoration of this 1987 Baen book cover, from the story by Melissa Scott, I was able to find the original photos I shot of her pose. Considering the number of paintings I've done of female figures these days (I hardly did any back then), I went back and improved the original oil painting, with Photoshop, and, Rebecca's likeness is more accurate than the original.

The original story is the conclusion of the Silence Leigh trilogy (Five-Twelfths of Heaven, Silence In Solitude) of the star pilot and mage, returning to Earth, from the stars-along with her two husbands!

Photoshop 6 w/Wacom tablet, Oil on masonite