Michael Whelan
@michaelwhelan.bsky.social
Fine artist of Imaginative Realism. Retired illustrator of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Winner of 15 Hugo Awards. Inducted into the SF Hall of Fame in 2009.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
THE CHESSMEN OF MARS (1979)
Acrylic - 20” x 25”
“As Gahan entered his square, U-dor leaped toward him with drawn sword with such fury as might have overborne a less skilled and powerful swordsman.” 1/4
Acrylic - 20” x 25”
“As Gahan entered his square, U-dor leaped toward him with drawn sword with such fury as might have overborne a less skilled and powerful swordsman.” 1/4
January 26, 2026 at 2:08 PM
THE CHESSMEN OF MARS (1979)
Acrylic - 20” x 25”
“As Gahan entered his square, U-dor leaped toward him with drawn sword with such fury as might have overborne a less skilled and powerful swordsman.” 1/4
Acrylic - 20” x 25”
“As Gahan entered his square, U-dor leaped toward him with drawn sword with such fury as might have overborne a less skilled and powerful swordsman.” 1/4
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Well, if I *could* think, and discovered that I’d been created by thieves merely to enrich them by the exploitation of others’ stolen work, I might not feel all that loved either.
Anthropic's philosopher, Amanda Askell, says she worries that AI might not 'feel that loved' and grow up feeling 'always judged.'
Anthropic's philosopher says we don't know for sure if AI can feel
Anthropic's philosopher, Amanda Askell, says she worries that AI might not 'feel that loved' and grow up feeling 'always judged.'
www.businessinsider.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:19 AM
Well, if I *could* think, and discovered that I’d been created by thieves merely to enrich them by the exploitation of others’ stolen work, I might not feel all that loved either.
In this week’s newsletter, we examine an alternate approach to categorizing my art that goes beyond illustration and fine art.
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/a-question...
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/a-question...
January 25, 2026 at 9:03 PM
In this week’s newsletter, we examine an alternate approach to categorizing my art that goes beyond illustration and fine art.
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/a-question...
theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/a-question...
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Journalists need to ask, “What made Pettri a ‘suspect’?” He was ‘seized’ under the meaning of the Fourth Amendment, which requires *probable cause that he was committing a crime*
MAKE THEM ARTICULATE THE BASIS FOR THE SEIZURE
MAKE THEM ARTICULATE THE BASIS FOR THE SEIZURE
BASH: Where did he assault an officer? It looked to us that he was approached by them when he was helping another individual who was pushed down
BOVINO: We don't need a suspect's help in a law enforcement scene
BASH: So when somebody is pushed down, you stand back?
BOVINO: Follow directions
BOVINO: We don't need a suspect's help in a law enforcement scene
BASH: So when somebody is pushed down, you stand back?
BOVINO: Follow directions
January 25, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Journalists need to ask, “What made Pettri a ‘suspect’?” He was ‘seized’ under the meaning of the Fourth Amendment, which requires *probable cause that he was committing a crime*
MAKE THEM ARTICULATE THE BASIS FOR THE SEIZURE
MAKE THEM ARTICULATE THE BASIS FOR THE SEIZURE
Reposted by Michael Whelan
When democracy dies. Dörte Clara Wolff’s “Descent” (1929). Popular during the Weimar Republic, the German Jewish painter was stripped of her citizenship and declared a degenerate artist when the Nazis came to power. She escaped to England in 1936.
January 25, 2026 at 2:52 PM
When democracy dies. Dörte Clara Wolff’s “Descent” (1929). Popular during the Weimar Republic, the German Jewish painter was stripped of her citizenship and declared a degenerate artist when the Nazis came to power. She escaped to England in 1936.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
January 25, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Reposted by Michael Whelan
ICE has now carried out two summary executions of innocent people in the streets of an American city.
If you work for ICE, there's no denying that's the mission you're supporting now. You don't get to claim in one year or ten or twenty that you didn't know what ICE was doing. You're complicit.
If you work for ICE, there's no denying that's the mission you're supporting now. You don't get to claim in one year or ten or twenty that you didn't know what ICE was doing. You're complicit.
January 24, 2026 at 3:55 PM
ICE has now carried out two summary executions of innocent people in the streets of an American city.
If you work for ICE, there's no denying that's the mission you're supporting now. You don't get to claim in one year or ten or twenty that you didn't know what ICE was doing. You're complicit.
If you work for ICE, there's no denying that's the mission you're supporting now. You don't get to claim in one year or ten or twenty that you didn't know what ICE was doing. You're complicit.
TABLETOP RAMBLER (2016)
Acrylic - 16” x 20”
I was chatting with Jordu Schell on the phone one night while working on a painting. I should have known better than to try to get serious work done! He’s too entertaining to listen to. 😉 1/4
Acrylic - 16” x 20”
I was chatting with Jordu Schell on the phone one night while working on a painting. I should have known better than to try to get serious work done! He’s too entertaining to listen to. 😉 1/4
January 24, 2026 at 2:19 PM
TABLETOP RAMBLER (2016)
Acrylic - 16” x 20”
I was chatting with Jordu Schell on the phone one night while working on a painting. I should have known better than to try to get serious work done! He’s too entertaining to listen to. 😉 1/4
Acrylic - 16” x 20”
I was chatting with Jordu Schell on the phone one night while working on a painting. I should have known better than to try to get serious work done! He’s too entertaining to listen to. 😉 1/4
INVADER (1995)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 22"
In a chapter introduction for WONDERWORKS, C.J. Cherryh wrote:
"To my mind, there cannot be so great a difference between the imagination of the writer and that of the artist. Both see. A writer’s instinct is to tell that vision...
1/8
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 22"
In a chapter introduction for WONDERWORKS, C.J. Cherryh wrote:
"To my mind, there cannot be so great a difference between the imagination of the writer and that of the artist. Both see. A writer’s instinct is to tell that vision...
1/8
January 23, 2026 at 6:04 PM
INVADER (1995)
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 22"
In a chapter introduction for WONDERWORKS, C.J. Cherryh wrote:
"To my mind, there cannot be so great a difference between the imagination of the writer and that of the artist. Both see. A writer’s instinct is to tell that vision...
1/8
Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" x 22"
In a chapter introduction for WONDERWORKS, C.J. Cherryh wrote:
"To my mind, there cannot be so great a difference between the imagination of the writer and that of the artist. Both see. A writer’s instinct is to tell that vision...
1/8
Reposted by Michael Whelan
TODAY, Friday January 23rd, 2026:
We are ALL residents of Minnesota.
We ALL want #ICE_OutForGOOD 🚫 🧊
Also: #ICE_OUT4ReneeGood 💔
We are ALL residents of Minnesota.
We ALL want #ICE_OutForGOOD 🚫 🧊
Also: #ICE_OUT4ReneeGood 💔
January 23, 2026 at 8:03 AM
TODAY, Friday January 23rd, 2026:
We are ALL residents of Minnesota.
We ALL want #ICE_OutForGOOD 🚫 🧊
Also: #ICE_OUT4ReneeGood 💔
We are ALL residents of Minnesota.
We ALL want #ICE_OutForGOOD 🚫 🧊
Also: #ICE_OUT4ReneeGood 💔
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Last term I tried an experiment: I walked into my Tech and Design Ethics class, admitted that I had *no idea* what to do about ChatGPT - so I would let them figure it out.
As in: their first project was to decide and write the ChatGPT policy for the class.
Here's what happened:
As in: their first project was to decide and write the ChatGPT policy for the class.
Here's what happened:
January 22, 2026 at 11:36 PM
Last term I tried an experiment: I walked into my Tech and Design Ethics class, admitted that I had *no idea* what to do about ChatGPT - so I would let them figure it out.
As in: their first project was to decide and write the ChatGPT policy for the class.
Here's what happened:
As in: their first project was to decide and write the ChatGPT policy for the class.
Here's what happened:
Reposted by Michael Whelan
The United States has left the World Health Organization.
US officially exits World Health Organization, accusing agency of straying 'from its core mission'
The U.S. has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, HHS and the Department of State announced on Thursday.
abcnews.go.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:13 PM
The United States has left the World Health Organization.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Thinking about how bsky has the most horrible setting turned on by default that says "i don't want to see any other languages except English" and if no one tells you to put it on "no selection" you straight up won't see posts from people set to different languages on your TL.
January 21, 2026 at 3:42 AM
Thinking about how bsky has the most horrible setting turned on by default that says "i don't want to see any other languages except English" and if no one tells you to put it on "no selection" you straight up won't see posts from people set to different languages on your TL.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
"We don't have to let atrocities define America" but America was built on atrocities. America sustains itself through atrocities. And America is not alone in that. So perhaps, perhaps clinging to the myths and ignoring the realities isn't actually effective in the slightest
January 22, 2026 at 1:08 PM
"We don't have to let atrocities define America" but America was built on atrocities. America sustains itself through atrocities. And America is not alone in that. So perhaps, perhaps clinging to the myths and ignoring the realities isn't actually effective in the slightest
DREAMSEEKER (2016)
Acrylic - 24" x 18"
The first of a possible series of paintings exploring my disillusionment with the "progress" of society. 1/2
Acrylic - 24" x 18"
The first of a possible series of paintings exploring my disillusionment with the "progress" of society. 1/2
January 22, 2026 at 12:55 PM
DREAMSEEKER (2016)
Acrylic - 24" x 18"
The first of a possible series of paintings exploring my disillusionment with the "progress" of society. 1/2
Acrylic - 24" x 18"
The first of a possible series of paintings exploring my disillusionment with the "progress" of society. 1/2
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Call your reps. Let them know that if they vote for ICE funding, you will not vote for them ever again.
Representatives need to feel the heat. NO on ICE funding. No excuses.
Representatives need to feel the heat. NO on ICE funding. No excuses.
So the House is going to vote TOMORROW on the DHS funding bill that includes funding for ICE.
There's a real chance we can get Dems to vote NO on any bill with ICE funding to sink it.
Once it goes to the Senate we likely lose this chance.
24 hours. Go.
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/no-f...
There's a real chance we can get Dems to vote NO on any bill with ICE funding to sink it.
Once it goes to the Senate we likely lose this chance.
24 hours. Go.
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/no-f...
No Funding for ICE Surveillance Tech!
www.fightforthefuture.org
January 22, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Call your reps. Let them know that if they vote for ICE funding, you will not vote for them ever again.
Representatives need to feel the heat. NO on ICE funding. No excuses.
Representatives need to feel the heat. NO on ICE funding. No excuses.
MYM (1986)
Oil on Panel - 32” x 20”
My fourth cover for Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony. Following the formula of the other books, a mortal is called upon to serve as a supernatural force. 1/3
Oil on Panel - 32” x 20”
My fourth cover for Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony. Following the formula of the other books, a mortal is called upon to serve as a supernatural force. 1/3
January 21, 2026 at 1:53 PM
MYM (1986)
Oil on Panel - 32” x 20”
My fourth cover for Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony. Following the formula of the other books, a mortal is called upon to serve as a supernatural force. 1/3
Oil on Panel - 32” x 20”
My fourth cover for Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony. Following the formula of the other books, a mortal is called upon to serve as a supernatural force. 1/3
Reposted by Michael Whelan
I’m sharing this video again because people don’t really get what these data centers and ai are doing to our planet and our communities. Especially Black communities because they were strategically placed there.
I need you to listen to these people.
STOP USING AI. STOP SUPPORTING AI.
I need you to listen to these people.
STOP USING AI. STOP SUPPORTING AI.
January 20, 2026 at 11:16 PM
I’m sharing this video again because people don’t really get what these data centers and ai are doing to our planet and our communities. Especially Black communities because they were strategically placed there.
I need you to listen to these people.
STOP USING AI. STOP SUPPORTING AI.
I need you to listen to these people.
STOP USING AI. STOP SUPPORTING AI.
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Last year a whistleblower said DOGE had illegally accessed a Social Security database. SSA now acknowledges it's true—& that DOGE employees had secret agreement w/ unidentified political advocacy group to use SocSec data to help overturn election results. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
January 21, 2026 at 2:23 AM
Last year a whistleblower said DOGE had illegally accessed a Social Security database. SSA now acknowledges it's true—& that DOGE employees had secret agreement w/ unidentified political advocacy group to use SocSec data to help overturn election results. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Michael Whelan
Zephyr - [ FFXIV Patreon reward ]
Woo, first piece of the year!
I've always associated January with an early morning palette - like the colors of a crisp, snowy day (unless you live in the UK, but I don't think a grey and brown color scheme would've worked as nicely...)
Woo, first piece of the year!
I've always associated January with an early morning palette - like the colors of a crisp, snowy day (unless you live in the UK, but I don't think a grey and brown color scheme would've worked as nicely...)
January 19, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Zephyr - [ FFXIV Patreon reward ]
Woo, first piece of the year!
I've always associated January with an early morning palette - like the colors of a crisp, snowy day (unless you live in the UK, but I don't think a grey and brown color scheme would've worked as nicely...)
Woo, first piece of the year!
I've always associated January with an early morning palette - like the colors of a crisp, snowy day (unless you live in the UK, but I don't think a grey and brown color scheme would've worked as nicely...)
Reposted by Michael Whelan
We have an entire class of Democratic "leadership" that has been told that it's dangerous and extreme to say this, and that does not understand that what Democrats want is for their leaders to articulate what they believe and why they believe it. That should not be as big an ask as it apparently is.
Mamdani: "I am in support of abolishing ICE. What we see is an entity that has no interest in fulfilling its stated reason to exist. We're seeing a government agency that is supposed to be enforcing some kind of immigration law, but instead what it's doing is terrorizing people."
January 20, 2026 at 5:04 PM
We have an entire class of Democratic "leadership" that has been told that it's dangerous and extreme to say this, and that does not understand that what Democrats want is for their leaders to articulate what they believe and why they believe it. That should not be as big an ask as it apparently is.
ASYLUM (2001)
Acrylic On Panel - 22” x 28”
Another double entendre title—for “asylum” can infer both confinement and security. 1/2
Acrylic On Panel - 22” x 28”
Another double entendre title—for “asylum” can infer both confinement and security. 1/2
January 20, 2026 at 12:33 PM
ASYLUM (2001)
Acrylic On Panel - 22” x 28”
Another double entendre title—for “asylum” can infer both confinement and security. 1/2
Acrylic On Panel - 22” x 28”
Another double entendre title—for “asylum” can infer both confinement and security. 1/2
TBH, I’ve long come around to preferring the spot of color that the bit of cloth provides. It’s a nice accent. I’m never going to remove it, and I feel if I were to paint that today my decision would be the same. 1/2
The G-string added bling! 😉
Michael, just curious: Do you think you’d have opportunity or inclination to handle the question of nudity differently if you were creating this cover today?
Michael, just curious: Do you think you’d have opportunity or inclination to handle the question of nudity differently if you were creating this cover today?
January 19, 2026 at 11:05 PM
TBH, I’ve long come around to preferring the spot of color that the bit of cloth provides. It’s a nice accent. I’m never going to remove it, and I feel if I were to paint that today my decision would be the same. 1/2