Dave Stevens' Nosferatu

[Illoman]

I received a really nice art book entitled A Brush with Passion: The Art and Life of Dave Stevens. He sadly passed away before the book was completed, but Underwood Books did their usual fabulous job of publishing this. Having been a fan of Dave's work for many years, I recall seeing a Chaney Phantom of the Opera portrait he did that Pure Images published years ago. I know he did a King Kong cover, but not much else in the way of classic monsters. In this book is a gorgeous Nosferatu painting that was the last painting he did. A promotional bookmark was issued to promote the book, and has a part of the painting in it:



Apparently Dave started studying oil painting late in his life, and this was done just a few years after he began working in oils. It's a shame he left us so soon, if this was an indication of things to come...

Mike

[GAKENSTEIN]

Just finished that book  -- amazing.  And, more than a little heartbreaking.  How sad to realize this incredible talent was taken away from the world at such an early age.  To read Dave's own words about his influences, triumphs and tragedy is deeply moving.  I had the pleasure of meeting him at a Chiller Con right after the Rocketeer movie came out.  What a wonderful guy.  Friendly, humble, and he must have signed at least thirty or more items for me with nary a complaint.  Seeing that last Nosferatu painting at the end of the book, with all it symbolizes, blew me away.  His talent knew no bounds.  I know he's happy in heaven drawing, with Betty Page posing for him, but he will be greatly missed here on earth.  God bless you Dave.

[Jscareshock]

That is a beuatiful piece of work.  Dave was an incredibly talented and gentle man.  He was so enthusiastic to talk to at conventions.  He was far too young to have been taken away from us.