Description
Title: Counterbalance (Prelim Sketches)
Artist: John Zeleznik
Year: 2005
Medium: Graphite on paper
Title: Counterbalance (Color Study)
Artist: John Zeleznik
Year: 2005
Medium: Water color and graphite on paper
Created for the Magic: The Gathering Coldsnap set, Counterbalance is a legendary piece by noted fantasy artist John Zeleznik. Released in 2006 by Wizards of the Coast, as a late addition to the Ice Age block, Counterbalance has seen heavy play in Legacy as the basis for dominant CounterTop and Miracles strategies.
During the Magic: The Gathering art creation process, artists usually create a preliminary sketch of their idea for the direction of the artwork, and then forward this preliminary work to the art director of the project for approval. After the art director’s approval, the wheels are set in motion for the final artwork (traditional or digital) to be created. This preliminary artwork is a unique look in to what the artist originally envisioned for the piece, which sometimes changes before the final product takes shape. This lot for sale includes both the preliminary sketches, as well as the artist’s preliminary color study for the piece, done in watercolors.
Every piece of original artwork purchased from MTGKingpin includes a Certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing its authenticity and legitimacy as advertised. Most original artwork was purchased directly from the artist, and has a short chain of custody, and trackable provenance. For questions about the artwork presented here, shipping, or our Concierge In-Person Delivery services, please email us at mtgkingpin@gmail.com.