Don Greer (American, 20th Century). Down in the Dungeon, paperback cover, 1981. Gouache on board with acetate overlay. 1...

Description

Don Greer (American, 20th Century)
Down in the Dungeon, paperback cover, 1981
Gouache on board with acetate overlay
12 x 9-1/4 inches (30.5 x 23.5 cm) (image)
Signed and dated lower center

This was illustrated on the cover of Down in the Dungeon by Don Greer and Rob Stern (Squadron Signal Publications, 1981).

Down in the Dungeon History:
Down in the Dungeon is a book of fantasy art by Don Greer with text by Rob Stern, published by Squadron/Signal Publications in 1981. Squadron/Signal is mostly known for books about historic military vehicles for model builders. Down in the Dungeon is presented as alternative history, documenting the discovery of Zarakan's dungeon filled with long-snouted orcs, undead, and other monsters. There are a couple of dungeon cross-section maps that make it easier to adapt the book as the basis for a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Some of the images stand alone, but they all fit together like a collection of memories of favorite Dungeons & Dragons role playing adventures. In that sense the book really does tell part of the history of dungeon exploration by game players.

Don Greer Autobiography:
I was born an artist. My parents used to tell me that I was drawing before I could walk. I'm not sure about that, but I do remember sitting at the kitchen table drawing images of what I could see from the window.
As a child during WWII, the events and armaments used during the war were particularly fascinating to me. I would spend hours drawing the airplanes, tanks and ships that were the pride of our country. I guess that's when my passion for drawing military machine began. One of my favorite airplanes to draw was the P-51 Mustang, a true workhorse of the war.
After high school, I went to work at a small art studio and eventually got a job with GM Trucks as an artist apprentice. I learned a lot from the talented artists there as I observed the technical skills necessary to become an illustrator. I was hired by AMT, a model company in Troy Michigan, to illustrate the cars and trucks that were used on the boxes. It was there I met Al Borst, a veteran of WWII who became an inspiration to me. He was incredibly talented, and he taught me many tricks of the trade.
I worked at AMT for eight years before I met Jerry Campbell at Squadron in Highland Park, Michigan. He hired me as am illustrator in 1970 where I worked on the company catalogue as well as Squadron Signal Books. My first book cover was the P-47 Thunderbolt in 1975.
Throughout my years as an illustrator for Squadron Signal Publications I have illustrated hundreds of books, from aviation, tanks, ships and more. I also have done many Box Art for model companies like Monogram Models, Ertl Toys, Atlantis Models and Classic Airframes.
I retired from Squadron in 2015 after a career of over sixty years.
It's said that an artist is only departed, for the artist never dies. I hope that my art will continue to educate and inspire long after I am gone.
As Bob Ross said, "It's so important to do something every day that will make you happy."
I am a happy man.
Don Greer


More information about Greer, Don Artist.

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