Jesper Ejsing works as a freelance fantasy artist and hails from Denmark. While Tolkien served as his gateway to fantasy initially, Dungeons & Dragons unfurled a path to a destiny in fantasy illustration. Jesper went on to study Danish Literature and Art History at university but ultimately the call of that unfurled path became too strong to ignore.

The road was a long one, pitted with traps and aches, but after twenty years of toiling as a freelance artist, Jesper eventually received his first assignment for a Dungeons & Dragons project. His stubbornness and determination had paid off. He had traveled full circle. Today his list of clients includes Magic: The Gathering, Paizo Publishing, Fantasy Flight Games, and World of Warcraft to name but a few. Along with painting, he has written many books, including “Jarvis – the Sorcerer’s Apprentice“ which has been translated into English.

Below is a small sampling of this talented artist’s work. Each image links back to the site of origin. Enjoy!

As you folks know by now, I grew up reading a variety of comics from both the US and the UK. I also read Tolkien, ERB, Robert E. Howard and a host of other fantasy authors. The art and stories of both mediums inspired me, made me fantasize and dream, and cultivated in me the desire to become a writer. My love of illustrative fantasy is partly why I’ve started this weekly series on fantasy artists. It’s my humble way of paying back the endless hours of living in worlds created by other people.

Jesper’s style reminds me so much of the comic illustrators I adored years ago. There is a youthful excitement in the way he paints his scenes and characters. His illustrations crackle with an energy that draws you in, almost like they invite you to become part of the story, and I love that.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and remember to check out this week’s Art of Science Fiction over on Kosa Press.

Enjoy!

Woelf