The California artist proof exhibition Magic in Miniature III is now underway through February 15th! We previously spoke with its organizer, Donny Caltrider. Now, we turn our attention to three of its 111 total artists: Carl Critchlow, Donato Giancola, and Drew Tucker!

A huge thank-you to these artists for taking the time to let us interview them! And now, without further ado, here's what the three artists had to say about the event and the evolution of Magic art in the world of fantasy art overall.

Interview With Three Featured Magic in Miniature Artists

What motivated you to contribute artist proofs for this exhibition? Why are you involved in it?

Carl Critchlow: I got involved through the curator Donny Caltrider - he got in touch with me a few years ago enquiring about purchasing some artwork for his collection. During the subsequent email exchanges, we discovered we shared an interest in antiques, and we have been corresponding regularly ever since. He has acted as my agent when selling many pieces of Magic art and invited me to participate in many of the Magic events he has organized.

Darksteel Colossus, an artist proof by Carl Critchlow

Donato Giancola: I have been creating paintings on the backsides of Artist Proofs on a regular basis ever since first tackling a painted approach at the end of 2018.

There was a specific motivating moment in 2018, which pushed me into finding a solution to create ’sketches’ on the blank proofs, but not create them with pencils or pens (line-based drawings). I was never that great of an anatomical draftsman working from my imagination, thus pencil sketches at conventions were a very hit and miss (mostly miss) issue for me, with scores of poorly drafted figures.

Mark Aronowitz, an artist representative, collector, and friend, had been after me for years to create a sketched proof for him. Thus, I forced myself to technically find a way to provide that ’sketch’ for him. Thus was born my approach to using monochromatic water-based paintings as my ’sketch’ solution.

I have continued with that approach these past 7+ years, modifying the media slightly, but always using a strong mass/silhouette structure to the designs and leaning into my skills as a painter, designer, and narrator.

As I attend various events and conventions throughout the year, Donny Caltrider and I eventually crossed paths, and he invited my participation in numerous live sketch events and shows at the IX Arts convention these past handful of years.

A Shivan Dragon artist proof, by Donato Giancola

Drew Tucker: I like to share the artist sketch cards, and I like that people get to have the opportunity and to see the work that is done by me and so many other Magic artists. I am involved in it specifically as I am one of the many Magic artists. However, I am proud to say I am one of the 49 original artists in Magic.

An artist proof of Forbidden Orchard, by Drew Tucker

What is your experience with art showcases? How does this one compare with them?

CC: I haven't really had much experience with art showcases, but Donny always makes things super easy, and I enjoy seeing the contributions from fellow Magic artists.

An artist proof of Wurmcoil Engine, by Carl Critchlow

DG: I have participated in scores of gallery, museum, and convention group exhibitions through the decades. I am not sure how to assess and compare so many different ‘fruit’ to each other, for each exhibit truly presents unique gatherings of talent. What I prefer to do is look at what they have in common - the celebration of diverse styles and artistic voices!

It is natural for me to seek participation in shows, themed and open-ended, where I can share my artistic expressions and passions, representing numerous aspects of my work. The diminutive nature of artist proof paintings recalls for me the amazing miniature paintings of manuscript illuminators from the Middle Ages and early Renaissance. It is a pleasure to continue on in a tradition celebrating beautifully crafted small works of art, and to see how other artists bring their own talents to bear on visual and narrative solutions!

An artist proof of Tolsimir Wolfblood, by Donato Giancola

DT: I believe I have contributed to approximately 5 exhibitions for Magic. Three for Nucleus; that is, including this one, and at least two for art shows at Magic conventions. Although, I have frequently shown Magic art at the IX Illuxcon as well as many old-school Magic events.

An artist proof of Decimate, by Drew Tucker

From your perspective, how has Magic: The Gathering shaped the overall visibility of fantasy art?

CC: Magic: The Gathering has certainly elevated the profile of fantasy art. When I started out in my career, fully painted fantasy artwork was only really found on book covers, so the popularity of games like Magic has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for artists who want to produce fantasy images.

Sakura-Tribe Elder, an artist proof sketch by Carl Critchlow

DG: The game of Magic has certainly provided a continuing outlet and mode of expression for scores of artists working under their thematic umbrella these past 30+ years. I am happy to see that over the past decade, Magic has sought to expand the diversity of styles and voices in what could be defined as "traditional fantasy art". So many new artists, such a range of stylistic expression.

I hope that Wizards' upper management recognizes the importance of what artists are bringing to their brand and re-engages with the commitments to fostering positive artistic outreach, community, and support to those working on their commissions.

An artist proof of Lyra Dawnbringer, by Donato Giancola

DT: In the beginning (being the early 90s), most of us were coming directly out of school or were still in school, and as the years progressed, the work got better, and the talent got better as well as more refined. When we speak of it being cast into a greater public light, part of this is its worldwide distribution and simply the mass enjoyment so many people have for the game. Its artwork is hard to ignore, and people who started playing in the beginning, many of whom were children, are now adults. Magic, for a large portion of players, contains elements of nostalgia; they grew up playing the game and looking at the art. Nostalgia is a powerful force. With so much exposure and millions of players around the world, it becomes hard to ignore.

If we think about movies and writings, we’ve always had fantasy and horror, but it was never quite taken seriously until now. I say that lightly because, of course, the people creating the work, the movies, the stories, it was serious to them. But if I think about it prior to today, you go to art school, and you’re like, "I want to do work for fantasy art or comic art," which is also serious. It was often looked at as a dead end. This, at least, was my experience.

In the beginning, fantasy and comics were generally looked at as things only for children. Now we have directors like Peter Jackson, and we have graphic novels. We have a whole generation of adults hanging on to Marvel movies and Star Wars, et cetera.

It is time that these examples of nostalgia [are regarded] more as a type of art. For example, let’s look at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel or the Roman Catholic Sistine Chapel, one of the finest pieces of art, which was easily and often forgotten and overlooked, and now we view it as fine art. For Magic and many other things that affect its viewers, and for this, its players, 30-plus years does a lot. 100 more years and it may be considered fine art as well.

So Shiny, an artist proof by Drew Tucker

So Shiny

Conclusion

Another huge thanks to Carl Critchlow, Donato Giancola, and Drew Tucker for their invaluable insights into the world of Magic art and their experience with Magic in Miniature III!

And now, we'd like to hear from you, dear readers! What are your favorite pieces of Magic art by these three artists? Are there additional Magic artists you'd like to hear the perspectives of? And, will you be present at Magic in Miniature III before it closes on February 15th? Sound off in the comments below!

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