Will Davies, a Canadian artist, created hundreds of romance covers. I was fortunate to purchase one of his works of art, albeit a smaller version.
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Investing in Romance Cover Artwork (Sort Of)
As a lover of romance cover art, I decided to become an art collector and invest in some artwork from my favorite authors. For my first purchase, I started small—very small. It was a stamp edition of a Will Davies Harlequin Romance cover.
At only $2.50, it was too good a price not to ignore, so I splurged and got two.
Although they may not dazzle seasoned collectors, the purchase holds a special place in my heart as it marks the inception of my exciting new hobby.
Will Davies was one of my favorite cover illustrators of Harlequin’s category romances, particularly the Romances and Presents lines. Born in Ontario, Canada, he was a natural fit for Harlequin, a Canadian-based institution.
Also, during his 50-year-long career as an artist, Davies designed nine stamps for the Canadian Post Office. In 2018, the Post Office honored him and five other Canuck artists with stamps featuring their own original artwork.
The stamp design chosen to celebrate Davies depicted the image from one of his Harlequin covers, Neptune’s Daughter by Anne Weale.
Will Davies, A Canadian Icon
Canadian artist Will Davies illustrated 500 book covers, fashion layouts, advertising campaigns, and magazines in his lifetime.
It was an honor for his family to see him recognized. However, it was bittersweet as Davies passed away in 2016 and could not witness it himself.
“He was recognized by his peers, but at the same time, he was very unpretentious… Today, he would be amazed at all the attention.”
Pam Davies, Will Davies’ daughter
Davies was known for his hard work, humility, and dedication to his craft. He mentored young artists and taught a popular art class that helped aspiring artists find their footing.
The stamp served as a tribute to artist Will Davies’ iconic style and his contributions to the field of illustration, particularly romance novel covers. It was also a testament to the enduring appeal of old-school romance novels and the artists who brought their covers to life.
More Art to Come in the Future
Did my modest purchase of Will Davies’s “original” work impress any enthusiasts? Granted, the stamp is very small and simple, but it is quite lovely.
However, there’s more original artwork to come!
As mentioned, the stamp purchase was my first foray into art investment. Recently, I have acquired some beautiful pieces that I am amazed and delighted to possess. I will be displaying paintings from my (tiny) collection in a series of upcoming blog posts, so please keep an eye out for them.
Your Opinion
Have you ever considered buying some romance cover art? It can be a really exciting endeavor!
If the opportunity comes your way, I recommend not passing up on the chance to own an original painting of a romance cover. It is such a thrilling experience to own a piece of art created by a beloved illustrator!
As always, please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance.
Links
CBC: He designed over 500 harlequin romance covers; now there’s a Canada Post stamp in his honour
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I wish more romance covers had artists rather than photographs with models.
I want artists like authors to work and get as many opportunities as possible!
Canadian artist Will Davies is a true master of his craft, having contributed his extraordinary talents to numerous creative endeavors. With an impressive portfolio that spans across various mediums, Davies has left an indelible mark in the worlds of book cover design, fashion layouts, and advertising campaigns. His artistic prowess shines through in the 500 book covers he has meticulously illustrated, each capturing the essence of the stories they represent. From gripping thrillers to whimsical children’s tales, Davies has the remarkable ability to bring words to life through his captivating visuals. In the realm of fashion, his imaginative layouts grace the pages of esteemed magazines, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend colors, textures, and shapes to create visually stunning compositions. Furthermore, his artistic vision has been sought after by numerous advertising campaigns, where his skillful interpretation of concepts and attention to detail have propelled brands to new heights. With a career defined by versatility, creativity, and a dedication to his craft, Will Davies continues to leave a lasting impact on the artistic landscape of Canada and beyond.
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