In worlds of magic and myth, a mirror is never just a mirror. It can reveal distant lands, hidden truths, and glimpses of realms beyond reach.
Today, we're honored to welcome an artist who has long captured such mysteries in paint - David O'Connor joins the roster of world-class talent contributing to Sorcery: Contested Realm.
Renowned for his oil paintings, rich with atmosphere and fine detail, David brings his traditional touch to our upcoming Gothic set. It's a homecoming in many ways not only for the artist, but for the timeless traditions he's helped shape.
And he arrives with a vision forged in the golden age of fantasy illustration...
A Storied Career
David’s professional journey began in the 1970s and quickly blossomed into a celebrated career. His evocative covers for Stephen Donaldson's fantasy novels became iconic, while his 17-piece project on Egyptian mythology for publisher Peter Lowe revealed the scope his his mythic imagination. Later, he lent his talents to Magic: The Gathering during its formative years, before the rise of digital tools reshaped the landscape of fantasy art.
Back to the Brush
With Sorcery: Contested Realm, David returns to the tactile realm of traditional illustration.
“It is such a delight to be painting again,” David shares. “I now combine illustration and graphic work very happily and I hope to produce paintings for as long as there is demand for my work.”
We know fans of Sorcery, and fantasy art alike, will be eager to see what he brings to the realm next!
From Donaldson to Displace
Today's particular illustration is stepped in story and legacy. Originally commissioned in 1987 as a book cover for A Man Rides Through, the second novel in Stephen Donaldson’s fantasy duology, it now finds new life in Sorcery: Contested Realm as "Displace."
A striking blend of mystery and classic fantasy grandeur, in many ways David's work reflects the soul of Sorcery's vision of hand-painted art that evokes the spirit of fantasy's golden age.
See how illustrations like David's become foil cards in Sorcery: Contested Realm.
Welcome to Sorcery!
We’re proud to feature one of David’s classic works today, and Sorcerers can look forward to more of his art woven throughout Gothic.
Welcome to the realm, David!
Looking to find out more about Sorcery's talented artists? Explore our full roster of artists here!
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