Visitors

The interesting thing about the science fiction and space genre is that while they’re potential appears limitless, they also retain many of the same characteristics as any other work from the genre. Studying “Visitors” by Tobias Watzl (TWPictures) this realization comes to mind. While many science fiction creations may seem like echoes from past works, the beauty of sci-fi—or any work of fiction, for that matter—is to see the artist’s personal twists on the subject. The visitors in “Visitors” are the traditional large-eyed, grey extra-terrestrials, but I love the artist’s twist; the details are magnificent upon closer inspection. But the aspect of this piece that really draws the eye is the composition. The shading, colors, and setting are all extremely realistic; ushering in the viewer to a familiarly unfamiliar sight. The only part that lacks a bit is the alien on the stairs, almost looks as if he was thrown into the shot with CG effects. But that doesn’t even take much away from the skill seen in the rest of the piece. I can almost see this haunting scene move before me. Superb job, Watzl.

-Robert Barnett