In my previous writings about collecting Magic art (a broad introduction and a more focused article), I discussed basic principles of buying the paintings used to illustrate the game we all love. Think of this as the advanced course: a detailed look at a single artist’s inventory, examining what paintings are still available (or not) and why, the reasons a collector would acquire a given illustration, and what the best deals are.
The artist I’m focusing on is Steven Belledin, based out of the Northeastern U.S. He made his debut with a pair of Coldsnap illustrations, contributed to the Planar Chaos, and has been a staple artist since Lorwyn (which saw seven of his pieces published). As of this writing, he also has 47 of his original Magic illustrations available for purchase, listed in this handy online document.
Part of the reason I’m using Mr. Belledin as my example artist is because he makes it so easy to look at his inventory at-a-glance and keeps his lists fresh. Another part: he name-checked me on his blog, and I’m a vainglorious creature who is easily swayed by flattery. (P.S. I do think that song is about me.) I only wish I’d been the first to notice the “other” Sensory Deprivation; then I would’ve been as perceptive as he made me out to be!
I’ve also had a really good personal experience buying from Mr. Belledin, picking up his Forest illustration. I don’t remember his inventory list being on the website at the time I picked it up, but he kept meticulous records and gave me a quick turnaround on all the information I wanted (dimensions, media, and so on). It’s one of the big reasons he made the sale. I haven’t checked with him about disclosing my price paid, so I won’t, but looking over the price list can give you a fairly good idea.
You only want what you can’t have…
Speaking of “things you can’t have,” let’s take a look at what else isn’t available for purchase:
The Award-Winners
Treacherous Urge (Spectrum 14 selection)
Seedcradle Witch (Spectrum 15 selection)
Surgical Extraction, called Surrender (Spectrum 18 selection)
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Awards only confirming what we already knew: awesome art.
Spectrum is an annual publication that showcases illustrations that have made it through a jury that is looking for “the best in contemporary fantastic art.” Three of Mr. Belledin’s Magic: The Gathering pieces have been chosen; not coincidentally, all three are either sold or not for sale. The prestige of a Spectrum selection lends an artwork instant credibility in the eyes of collectors; not only has a jury picked it out, but the artist himself or herself had to choose that work as one of his or her best for the year (entries aren’t free).
The Landscapes
Mr. Belledin has only done four landscapes, and he has none left for sale. In many respects, it’s a pity that he hasn’t had more; he obviously has a talent for them, and landscapes are far easier to sell than, say, the “Your Head A’splode” genre so often called for by the spells of Magic.
The Popular Cards (Most of Them)
Among Mr. Belledin’s nasty-spell-in-action illustrations, the most prominent works—newer Deathmark and Duress, as well as his original for Unmake—are all gone. Less grim but no less strange, his Vedalken artwork for Grand Architect is no longer available for purchase; also unavailable is his re-imagining of Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker for From the Vault: Legends.
Just-Plain-Pretty Pieces
There is some overlap between this category and others, such as the “landscapes” and “award-winners.” The overarching criterion of the “just-plain-pretties” is simple: “Would the average non-Magic-playing significant other object to this illustration hanging in the front hall?” Magic players that are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on an illustration are more likely than average to be older and have established family lives, though this is not always the case (I got my start collecting Magic art in college, and I’ve yet to escape the Friend Zone).
But that’s enough about things we don’t have or can’t have. Let’s take a look at what’s within reach. Again, here’s the inventory document with the latest details. I’m going to rank each painting (as of the date of publication) on a star system, as follow:
(*) – One star. Of little interest outside of a person who’s absolutely fanatic about the card it illustrated, compounded by a high price-to-dimensions ratio. (Larger paintings usually cost more.) For one-star illustrations, the star alone may serve as my comment. Owning a one-star painting is not necessarily a bad thing; if you love a piece of art, go for it! Just expect others not to be impressed beyond “it’s a piece of Magic art.”
(**) – Two stars. Niche-interest like a one-star painting, but with some sort of redeeming feature. While I’ve said repeatedly that a cheap price is the worst reason to buy a piece of Magic art, a low price-to-dimensions ratio has the potential to bump a painting up to two stars.
(***) – Three stars. Of broad interest, whether for aesthetic reasons or its place on a popular card, but hampered by some factor, usually a high price-to-dimensions ratio.
(****) – Four stars. Of broad interest, and priced reasonably. A work I would not be surprised to see sell in the next six months to a year.
(*****) – Five stars. If I had money to burn, this painting would not still be available.
The Paintings
Archon of Redemption – (***) One of the larger illustrations Mr. Belledin has done, at 14″ x 11″, and an appealing work as well. The overtly fantasy theme of the griffin and the moderate price tag limit interest, but this wouldn’t be a bad painting to own.
Armament Master – (**) Currently priced the same as Archon of Redemption, but a smaller and less appealing painting to me. The card never made waves, either. That said, it does depict a person in a calm pose (i.e. no heads exploding), and this Kor is human-like enough that he should “pass” for human among casual viewers.
Barkshell Blessing – (*)
Benalish Veteran – (**) I have a personal soft spot for this gray-ponytailed gent, but as the most expensive painting in the list so far, it leaves something to be desired despite 12″ x 9″ dimensions.
Bog-Strider Ash – (****) Whimsical enough to fit a wide audience, including those who might sniff at Magic but have an interest in folklore, and reasonably priced at $400. I sense gift-giving potential, if you’re the sort of person who hands out $400 paintings as gifts.
Bonds of Quicksilver – (**) The presence of a dragon, albeit one getting tangled up in mercury, keeps this from the one-star category. I just don’t see this one selling at $800, though.
Cenn’s Heir – (**) The Kithkin were designed to look “squished” compared to human dimensions. Unfortunately, success in illustration means that success in selling the painting is less likely. May sell down the road to a person interested in folklore, likely at a discount.
Cenn’s Tactician (Gateway Promo) – (***) Much like Cenn’s Heir above, but with extra appeal thanks to the older subject (an adult Kithkin looks less “wrong” than a youth) and the vaguely Napoleon-in-Wales look of blue coat and whitish gloves.
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary – (*****) This would be $700 well spent for many collectors who have that sort of money lying around. (My “win a lot of money on a game show” project, sadly, has yet to come to fruition.) It has a wealth of beautiful detail, both in the portrait of the rebel and in the landscape details around and behind him. At 14″ x 10 1/4″, it is also a great size for display. So far, nobody has taken Mr. Belledin up on this painting, and I’m not sure why. Maybe you’re the one to do it?
Dichotomancy – (*)
Ego Erasure – (*)
Etched Monstrosity – (**) $850 is a lot of money for this piece, though at 14″ x 11″ it is a decent size for the price. Certainly not a painting for everyone, and the lack of play does hurt a grim, industrial illustration such as this.
Fuel for the Cause – (**) There is something striking about this piece—not pretty, but striking. I can’t put my finger on what draws me to this piece of art. There is a limit to the potential market for it, but it only takes one person to pony up the $650.
Glistening Oil – (**) I’ll let Steven Belledin, via blog post, speak for himself on this painting: “Despite the joy I have in painting some truly awful imagery, there is a downside. These are not usually the kind of pieces people want on the walls of their home. No matter how beautifully painted, no matter how much the palette matches their couch, the subject matter (not surprisingly) just isn’t something most folk are into.”
Grimoire of the Dead – (***) If you’re into art like this in any context outside of Magic, you’re kind of sick. There, I said it. If you’re sick, this is a great way to spend $700. It comes with a funny story, and as a successful gallery owner will tell you, the story matters just as much as the work itself, perhaps more.
Hearthfire Hobgoblin – (*)
Ichor Wellspring – (*) $300 is just too much for a small (9″ x 7″) painting that is effectively a blob of ugly being ugly.
Kabira Vindicator – (**) A larger-scale piece and well-composed, but heavy on Magic’s fantasy flavor. It’s difficult to justify spending $800 on this piece when Cho-Manno, Revolutionary is available for less.
Leonin Armorguard – (****) Nobody has to know Magic—the nacatl and Naya and the rest of Alara—to make up a great story on seeing this piece. It’s well-composed and attractive, and even though there’s a heavy fantasy flavor, this is a painting that should be selling at $650. There’s someone to buy it.
Loxodon Wayfarer – (**) For a time in college, I was looking for Elephant/Loxodon illustrations in Magic to go with the theme of my campus; though Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s teams are the “Fighting Engineers,” the mascot is “Rosie the Elephant.” There are better ways to spend $700, unless you’re as elephant-obsessed as I was then (and richer than I am now).
Magister Sphinx – (***) Hypergenesis players and Commander fanatics, take note! Semi-niche but with solid appeal within that band of possible owners, this painting could find a new happy owner, though I’m not sure about the $700 price tag despite the sizable dimensions (14″ x 10 1/4″).
Meadowboon – (****) Again, the Lorwyn (in this case, Morningtide) whimsy shines through, and at $400, the price is fair. Depending on my financial situation, I could see myself saving up and buying this after my planned Alaska cruise (I’m aiming for the Magic Cruise 2012).
Mikaeus, the Lunarch – (*****) Let’s get the price tag out of the way. Yes, it’s $1000, the most expensive painting in his price list. No, I don’t think that’s too much for a 16″ x 12″ painting of a card that represents a legend and has seen appreciable Constructed play. Also note that you’ll be getting a version with about 250% more candle. I’m surprised no original art collectors have seen past the sticker price to the painting. Maybe it will take more adoption of the card in Standard, but it shouldn’t.
Order of Whiteclay – (*) If the price were about $300, I’d bump this one up to a two-star. There is no cuteness to these creepy Kithkin, and at $450 he’ll be storing it for a long, long time.
Overwhelming Stampede – (**) Great drama, but at $800 I’ll pass. That Overwhelming Stampede did not replace Overrun really hurts its potential price.
Perimeter Captain – (***) While $750 for a 12″ x 9″ is steep, I can see this painting being worth the price. My favorite detail is the variety in the helmets of the individuals under the Captain. There are also two great stories about this piece, related to reference and how not to do a process sequence.
Phyrexian Hulk – (*)
Puppet Conjurer – (**) Decently priced, but not a painting for most living rooms. If it’s what you want, at $350, go for it!
Putrefax – (***) A higher-profile card, even if it did not end up seeing much Constructed play, and for those who are into ichor and other ickiness, this is a worthwhile $750 painting. Insist on his sketches (done in the margins of a meeting agenda) as a throw-in.
Quicksilver Gargantuan – (*)
Relic Crush – (***) Sees considerable Commander play, and priced well at $300. If you use this card in your favorite Commander deck, this is a good first piece of original art to buy.
Revive the Fallen – (****) The card was little-played, and the weirdness of Lorwyn’s Elves is a trifle off-putting, but this is an elegant card that seems underpriced for a lot of possible buyers at $400. I would not be happy owning this piece, due to my personal aesthetics; that’s the only reason it doesn’t get five stars.
River’s Grasp – (*)
Roughshod Mentor – (*)
Scornful Aether-Lich – (**) Well-documented in its creation, but it only has appeal to collectors of more macabre art, and even then, I’m not sure at $500.
Sensory Deprivation – (*) I don’t see the market for this one at $650. The two-star range would be $500.
Shield of the Oversoul – (**) A few people have fond memories of this card from Shadowmoor Limited. Others loathe, loathe, loathe it. If you’re in the former camp, this is a decent opportunity at $400. It isn’t one of his all-time great illustrations, but it’s far from the worst.
Sinew Sliver – (****) At $400, I’m surprised this is still available, given the number of Sliver fanatics out there. Granted, Sliver fans like the mechanics over the art as a rule, but Sinew Sliver is one of the “new classics” of the Slivers. If I’ve described you here, this is a painting worth buying.
Slithermuse – (*) At $250, this is the lowest-priced painting in Mr. Belledin’s inventory. I can’t recommend it even at $250. At $150, the effective “base price” for any Magic illustration, I could see this selling.
Springjack Knight – (*) I’m guessing Mr. Belledin didn’t get much to work with in this art description. It’s a funny painting, and it does let you make “I’m on a Goat” jokes, but at $400 it feels like an expensive privilege.
Sylvan Basilisk – (**) You could do worse for $350, but as a weird illustration on a Limited-fodder card, there’s not much of a market even at that price.
Temporal Extortion – (*****) How is this still available at $400? Yes, it’s a niche card. No, it’s not “hang on your grandmother’s wall” pretty. I don’t care. This is one of the most powerful paintings Steven Belledin has done for Magic. It tells a story and does so pleasingly. All that and at $400 too? If you don’t buy this one, I just might.
Trollhide – (*)
Wilt-Leaf Cavaliers (Gateway Foil) – (**) A larger painting at 12″ x 15″ and attractive to those of a fantasy bent. Even so, $900 feels like too much money in a way that $1000 for Mikaeus, the Lunarch does not.
Yavimaya Wurm – (*) Nice landscape. Too bad about the Wurm.
Zealous Guardian – (**) The Shadowmoor Kithkin are incredibly creepy, and this one takes it up to eleven. That is one of this painting’s two saving graces. The other is a price of $400, which is reasonable, provided you’re into paintings like this.
In Summary, and a Special Bonus Offer
Here are the four- and five-star buying opportunities from above:
I feel strongly that these eight paintings should be placed with new owners. How strongly? I’ll make you an offer. If you buy any of these paintings between now and December 31, 2011, e-mail me at [email protected] with your purchase confirmation from Mr. Belledin. I will refund your standard shipping charges and send you a foil copy of the card (bought from the StarCityGames.com store, naturally).
I genuinely hope I lose money on this article because it will have been worth it to see some great art go to a good home. If you like his work but can’t afford original art, you can contact him about prints and artist’s proofs. (Project for Mr. Belledin: list prices for prints and proofs on your website! You’ll make many more sales.) As it is, though, he does a good job of giving potential buyers of original art the information they need to make an informed purchasing decision, and in that respect, many of Magic’s other traditional illustrators would do well to emulate him.
As always, thanks for reading.
— JDB
@jdbeety on Twitter