Bryon Wackwitz

Notable Achievements

My notable achievements span a rich tapestry of artistic contributions across various mediums and platforms. I had the privilege of being one of the first 49 founding artists of Magic: The Gathering, setting the stage for my prolific career in gaming illustration. Serving as the art director for the Doomtown card game at Wizards of the Coast further solidified my influence in the gaming industry.

My airbrush work gained recognition on Netflix's "Worn Stories" documentary which led to my presence on IMDb.

I'm happy with all the "Sorcery" art I've done so far, but if I have to choose, three come to mind immediately: "Druid," "Shelly Coat," and "Famine." Each holds a special place in my heart, not just for their artistic achievement but for the personal stories and passions behind them.

Favorite Pieces in Sorcery

"Druid" was my first commission after a 24-year break from illustration. It was an incredible opportunity to demonstrate my skill with oils and explore the mysterious world of druidic culture, which has always fascinated me. This piece allowed me to showcase the evolution of my style and technique over the years, proving that my artistic journey is still very much alive. My main goal with this work was to capture a sense of mysticism and nature while maintaining an intriguing design layout. I enjoyed the atmosphere I was able to create in this one.

"Shelly Coat" was a delightful opportunity to indulge my love for the fey and the unseen. As a self-professed nerd, I revel in portraying the playful and sometimes malevolent nature of fairies. It was a chance to experiment with intricate details like the shells on her coat and the delicate interplay of light and shadow, pushing my boundaries as an artist. I had to change this one a few times, as I originally painted her looking very frightening and maliciously playful, making her resemble a drowned, black-eyed child. Erik suggested using seaweed instead of hair and asked if I could make her look less like a drowned child and more like a faerie.

"Famine" holds a deeper personal resonance for me. Drawing from my own experiences of hardship and hunger, this piece aimed to capture the raw emotions of desperation and hopelessness. The figures of the peasant and priest amidst a medieval town symbolize the stark realities I've faced, and it was a challenge to convey these themes with both emotional depth and artistic precision.

Each of these artworks represents a chapter in my artistic journey—a journey marked by growth, introspection, and a passion for storytelling through visual art. While I take pride in all my "Sorcery" pieces, these three resonate with me on a deeply personal level, reflecting both my artistic evolution and the emotions and experiences that have shaped me as an artist.