#40k

[gargoylegf]

[baedlingbf]

rest in peace john blanche, a truly incredible sci-fi artist. shaped not only the world of 40k, making it feel realer and more lived-in than it ever had, but the very concept of "grimdark sci-fi" as we know it. i still remember the feeling of leafing through the 7th ed codex chaos daemons at age 14, years later. that incredible sense of malaise and mystery that brought the realms of chaos to life is something that will always stick with me. it cemented my love of the otherworldly and unspeakable. his art brought all of that and so much more to life.

[oldschoolfrp]

Legendary fantasy artist John Blanche has died. He is known mostly for his long association with Games Workshop, where he served as art director and created many of the iconic images that shaped the Warhammer and 40K worlds. He was capable of working in diverse styles, but much of his art and his own creative miniature conversions made his name synonymous with the "grimdark" aesthetic, mixing elements of moody gothic architecture and body horror with a limited color palette.

He also contributed to GW's UK edition of Dungeons & Dragons, Fighting Fantasy and Sorcery! books, and other books and album covers. Wombat Games recently published an authorised biography, Blanche: The Rise of Grimdark. A skirmish game, John Blanche's En Garde, is in development with a setting and visual style based on his art.

[warhammersnippets]

Where Iron Father Feirros' sonorous voice rings out, the Iron Hands fight with redoubled fervour. - signage at Warhammer World

[warsmithbelashk]

So Trish Morrison found out from Lin Blanche that John passed away a few days ago.

The end of an era for Warhammer.

The man who gave us grimdark is gone.

He will never be forgotten

[artistapreguissosa]

What If Passion over Perfection was a person?

Rest in Piece, John Blanche.

[sneekykelepir]

Just an adorablely horrifying concept if lords of change had a chick phase under Tzeentch. I'll probably do an ink and color later.

In the nest, they'd all act like Honey Guide chicks. If you are not familiar with this type of brood parasite I recommend checking it out. Sweet nightmares everyone.

[mspepperfish]

Rest in peace John Blanche.

You we're one of my favorite artists and certainly my favorite painter. Your art defined what "grimdark" means in scifi as a whole. I cant day how much i love and appreciate your art, its style and the art and aesthetic it inspires and continues to inspire to this day. I cannot describe my appreciation for these cold tone missing detailed, over the top grimdark paintings and yet again i hope you rest in peace.