Last night, Wizards of the Coast announced a new Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair product featuring limited-edition cards with alternate-art illustrated by the legendary Seb McKinnon. Today, McKinnon took it to Twitter to share the behind-the-scenes story of how he illustrated new art for the four cards included in the new Secret Lair: full-art Swamp, Sower of Temptation, Damnation, and Enchanted Evening.
McKinnon revealed that Art Director AD Tom Jenkot reached out to him last year, and the idea was to let the artist choose four MTG cards they wanted to illustrate the most, "carte blanche", total freedom to do what they want. Describing it as a "dream commission", McKinnon said he wanted to tell a story in his Secret Lair. Each card features art connected to the story, and it begins in the swamp, where a knight-errant is wandering under an old tree.
He continues with the "Sower of Temptation" part: "In the swamp, the knight-errant hears a beckoning voice... One of the Fae Folk, luring him deeper into her realm, but to what end? This sketch here was the first exploration of the concept."
McKinnon said that the faerie enters the knight-errrant's mind, and becomes a witiness of his tormented soul. "All his past evil deeds weigh onto him, torture him, his fractured mind a hellscape" (Damnation).
As for the fourth chapter (Enchanted Evening), "In torment, in darkness, the Faerie offers the Knight a way out of hell: rebirth. The Knight accepts... and is transformed, living in the reflection of the world, at peace, symbolized by the glowing tree."
McKinnon also notes that he is forever a fan of artist Rebecca Guay.
I was already astonished to see the wonderful new artworks by Seb McKinnon, but hearing the behind-the-scenes story behind his creation made me appreciate them even more. He is truly one of the best Magic: The Gathering artists, and I'm always looking forward to see what other stunning illustrations he will create.
The Seb McKinnon Secret Lair will be available for preorder from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14.
Related: MTG is Getting A Bob Ross Secret Lair Drop
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