This incident happened about 10 years ago.)
I'd like to relate a quick Frazetta story. A few weeks ago Frank began working on a revision to the STRANGE CREATURES FROM SPACE AND TIME cover. The original oil has a hunter in the foreground menaced by a wide variety of creatures in the background. It's a nice oil. Frank took out the hunter many years ago because he always thought a sexy girl would be more effective in the composition. Well, he finally painted-in a girl. Ellie and the kids were thoroughly impressed (and believe me they are Frank's harshest critics). It was done, finished. The next day Ellie walked into the studio and the oil was back on the easel...WITH THE GIRL REMOVED!! Ellie was furious. "Frank, what's wrong with you? It was great. Why didn't you just leave it alone?" The children all were aghast that this incredible oil was changed. Remember that Frank is working left-handed because of his strokes. It is VERY difficult for him to achieve great results these days. When a success comes along, they all want him to leave it alone. I was talking to Frank on the phone about this whole incident and his response was quite illuminating: "Dave, I did do a good job on the girl. The painting really looked good. Something bothered me and I couldn't put my finger on it. But then it occured to me: I HAD PAINTED THAT GIRL BEFORE! I didn't want to just imitate myself. I had to come up with something new. That's why I wiped her away." For me, that says it all.
Dr. Dave Winiewicz (c)2008
