Frank R. Paul To Be Inducted into SF Hall of Fame

via one of many news services, I learned today that Frank R Paul – the guy who painted science fiction cover art like this -

(which is my all-time favorite Paul cover – so much so that I used to have an unauthorized poster pasted to my bedroom door that my brother destroyed – but that’s another story) – will be inducted into the Science Fiction Museum’s Hall of Fame this year.

Upon learning this news I immediately emailed Frank Wu – multiple Hugo Award-winning artist and spiritual protege of FRP (he maintains the official Frank R. Paul website and gallery – which you can find at www.frankwu.com) – who is an online friend who’s personal acquaintance I hope to make in the relatively near future (invited if he is so inclined – unannounced if not, lol) – to get some commentary.

Here’s an image of Frank clutching one of his many Hugo Awards (and a bottle of water – what were you thinking Frank – or did the acceptance speech make you thirsty?) – so you have an idea of who’s speaking in the next bit:

Frank responded immediately (he must be between paintings) with the following:

Upon being told that FRP would be inducted -

“That’s awesome!? I’d been talking to Bill Engle, FRP’s grandson, and he told me that this was going to happen, a couple days ago.? It’s great to see the official announcement come out!

I’m going to be there at the ceremony -sounds great -?the ceremony will be almost exactly 70 years (to the week) that FRP was the (only) GOH at the first worldcon.? Also, one of the very few people still alive who attended that first worldcon (FRP’s?daughter), will also be at the SF muceum?ceremony.? (The others who are still alive are Ray Bradbury, Erle Korshak (who’s about to come out with?a book on FRP), FRP’s daughter, and David Kyle.? We?just lost Forrie, as you know.)

This is really exciting – great day to be an FRP fan!

Frank”

Frank included some interesting historical info in there – as well as some reveals on a few projects that will be of interest to Paul fans.

Go and take a look at the Paul gallery the next time you happen to wonder where the seminal inspiration for SF artwork comes from.? The go make the acquaintance of Guidolon the Giant Space Chicken, and realize that you are in the presence of genius…