Boris Vallejo was born on January 8, 1941 in Peru, and immigrated to the United States in 1964. He is married to Julie Bell and has two children from his previous marriage to Doris Vallejo, as well as two step-sons. Julie Bell, and his step-sons, Anthony Palumbo and David Palumbo are all painters. His daughter, Maya Vallejo is a professional photographer, and his ex-wife, Doris Vallejo is an artist and a writer.
Vallejo works mostly in the Science Fiction and Erotica genres, painting them almost exclusively. He began painting at only thirteen and gained his first job as an illustrator at sixteen. After his immigration he soon gained fans from his illustrations of Tarzan:
Conan the Barbarian:
Doc Savage:
and several other fantasy characters, which led to commissions for movie posters, advertisements and artwork for many collectibles, including Franklin Mint paraphernalia, trading cards, and sculpture.
Vallejo paints a lot of erotic pictures, often using Julie Bell for a model, though he is known for using female body builders as well.
His paintings are always full of life and color, unlike most fantasy artists. Not only is he a master of his art, but he has touched both ends of the science fiction spectrum. From heroic barbarian warriors, to beautiful landscapes, and strange alien beasts he has done it all.
His preferred medium is oil paints, however he has done several graphite and pen drawings, as well.
Even in black and white his drawings come to life.
Despite his astounding paintings and magnificent drawings, Vallejo can be considered a jack of all trades, as he is also an accomplished violin player. He began playing as a child, but put this passion aside for a long time. After really getting his foot in the door with several illustration companies he began to play again and enjoys it to this day.
