“As a young kid four years old, ... I was drawing on the walls of my mother’s kitchen.”
Boris Vallejo, Artist.

Introduction

Boris Vallejo's journey begins in Lima, Peru, where he was born on January 8th, 1941. His father, a lawyer, and his mother, a teacher, provided him with a comfortable middle-class upbringing, nurturing his interests in music and art. His youthful imagination was exited early on by Chesley Bonestell’s illustrations in Masaya Magazine, igniting a lifelong passion for illustration, and invoking daydreams of becoming an illustrator himself.

Childhood and Schooling:

Boris's drawing skills were evident from the beginning, starting as an infant drawing on the kitchen walls while his mother prepared the families meals, developing so much that by the age of thirteen he was proficient enough to be engaged as an illustrator. At fifteen, he earned a five-year scholarship to the Escuela Nacional Superior Autónoma de Bellas Artes in Lima, a prestigious art school. This marked the beginning of his formal artistic education, where he honed his skills and explored his creative potential.

Around this time, Boris was presented with the opportunity to study art in Florence, however, he chose to continue his studies in Lima. His rigorous schedule during these years included attending regular school, pursuing music studies, and dedicating himself to art education. His days were a constant juggle, from morning school sessions to music lessons and art school in the evenings. Despite the demanding routine, Boris's commitment to his artistic growth remained unwavering.

Life Choices and Transition:

Towards the end of his adolescence, Boris took up an interest in bodybuilding, embarking on a three-year journey of self-improvement, adding significant muscle mass to his physique. This physical pursuit ran parallel to his artistic endeavors, showcasing his multifaceted nature.

After completing high school, he spent two years studying pre-med in college, fulfilling the idea of becoming a doctor as his father had hoped. However, when his father fell ill circumstance forced a re-evaluation of his destiny. Balancing his artistic calling and the need to support himself, he ventured into a full-time career as an illustrator, working with advertising agencies. The experience widened his artistic skills introducing him to layout, design, lettering and importantly working to deadlines.

Despite achieving recognition and success as a prominent illustrator in Peru, Boris found that financial rewards were elusive. At the suggestion of an American Art Director, he considered seeking opportunities in the United States, particularly New York. Although the prospect initially rattled him due to his lack of the English language and the unfamiliarity that goes with leaving ones home country, he eventually embraced the idea. Having prepared a portfolio, he embarked on a new chapter, attempting to join-up with an artist friend who had preceded him to America.

Self Portrait

Arriving in America

Demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. On September 13th, 1964, Boris took a leap of faith, purchasing a one-way ticket to New York with just eighty dollars to his name. The initial days in New York were marked by financial challenges, riding the subway for days to save money, eventually after a chance encounter with fellow Peruvians finding permanant lodgings. It was they who spoke of another Peruvian artist working in Connecticut, none other than Jorge Vera, the friend he was searching for.

This connection led to a job opportunity in the advertising department of 'Interstate Department Stores. Within six months of starting, the department relocated to New York, taking their highly treasured Peruvian artist with them.

Banter between colleagues is commonplace, so it was when a friendship between Boris and fellow illustrator Doris Maier was noticed. ‘Boris and Doris’ their colleagues would jibe, despite the teasing the friendship developed into a romantic relationship and soon they were married.

Comic Covers and Artistic Breakthrough:

Bored with the drudgery of bread-and-butter technical illustrations, ignoring complaints from his wife, Doris that he should meet his deadliness and focus on the freelance assignments, Boris's acted upon an idea for a "Monster" painting. Her attitude changed however when the painting was accepted and published as a comic cover.

This marked the beginning of a prolific career, beginning with comic cover art, his work gracing numerous publications, a distinctive style, characterized by muscular figures, alluring heroines, and otherworldly landscapes, quickly became his trademark. His mesmerizing artwork graced the covers of numerous fantasy and science fiction novels, creating visual representations of the epic stories within. Through his illustrations, Vallejo breathed life into the fantastical realms imagined by authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, and H.P. Lovecraft.

The family teamed together on numerous assignments, collaborating with his spouse Doris they published several of their own titles, Enchantment, Mirage and Ladies: Retold Tales of Goddesses and Heroines , Boris supplying the illustrations and Doris, the text, their two children Dorian and Maya acting as models. The long marriage with Doris lasted for over twenty-five years, however by the end of 1993 the marriage was concluded with divorce.

Alpnu
Alpnu - Julie Bell's first modelling session

Meeting Julie Bell and Continued Growth:

In 1989, as the marriage to his first wife Doris was drawing to an end. Boris's path intertwined with that of Julie Bell, a bodybuilder and model with a keen interest in art. Through their collaboration, mentorship, and shared artistic pursuits, their relationship deepened, eventually leading to marriage. The pair continued to expand their artistic horizons, creating diverse works for movie posters, video game covers, music albums, and more.

Vallejo's art has garnered immense acclaim and recognition throughout his career. His numerous accolades include multiple Hugo Awards for Best Artist and Spectrum Awards for Fantastic Art. His artwork has been exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide, enchanting audiences with his mastery of form, color, and composition.

Boris Vallejo's artistic legacy is not only evident in his vast body of work but also in his dedication to nurturing talent in others. He generously shared his expertise with his own children and stepchildren, many of whom have become successful professional artists. Boris and Julie continue to create art together, sharing a studio in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of illustration and creativity.