Michael Whelan is a renowned American artist and illustrator, best known for his work in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Born on June 29, 1950, he has created cover art for numerous books, magazines, and album covers, contributing significantly to the visual identity of these genres. His distinctive style often features vibrant colors and imaginative landscapes. Whelan has received multiple awards for his artwork, including the prestigious Hugo Award and World Fantasy Award. He has collaborated with famous authors such as Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury, helping to bring their literary worlds to life through his illustrations.