The editor of “Prehistoric Times” magazine sent team members at Everything Dinosaur a preview of the front cover of the next edition of the quarterly magazine. The dramatic front cover artwork, which features a South American “Terror Bird” attacking a sabre-toothed cat, was created by southern California artist Kurt Miller.
The front cover of Prehistoric Times magazine issue 145 (Spring 2023). Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.
Picture credit: Mike Fredericks
“Prehistoric Times”
The spring issue features artwork and information on two prehistoric animals, the dinosaur Hypsilophodon and the giant Kelenken (K. guillermoi) a “Terror Bird”, that we suspect was the inspiration behind the stunning front cover artwork.
Kelenken is known from the Middle Miocene of Argentina. Standing more than 3 metres tall, it is the largest member of the Phorusrhacidae to have been described to date. Body mass estimates vary, but some palaeontologists have suggested that this giant flightless bird weighed around 200 kilograms.
Spring 2023 Edition
The next edition of “Prehistoric Times” is due out in a few weeks. The magazine will also feature an article from the distinguished Canadian palaeontologist Phil Currie. Professor Currie will examine the key dinosaur discoveries that took place more than a century ago.
“Prehistoric Times” magazine (issue 144 winter 2023) is reviewed by team members at Everything Dinosaur and what a jam-packed edition it is! Canadian artist Julius Csotonyi provided the illustrations for a new publication that features 1,200 dinosaurs. This immense volume was written by Evan Johnson-Ransom and in an interview Julius explains that virtually all the illustrations contained in the book were especially commissioned and new. Magazine editor Mike Fredericks conducts an interview with the artist and this piece is accompanied by many examples of Julius’s work.
The front cover artwork is supplied by Daniel Navarro, and it features the Chinese tyrannosauroid Dilong. Dilong is one of the featured prehistoric animals in issue 143, the other being the super-sized, prehistoric snake Titanoboa.
The front cover image of the latest edition of the quarterly publication “Prehistoric Times”.
David Navarro also provided the artwork to be found on the back cover of the magazine, a stunning illustration of a T. rex family feeding on the carcase of a mosasaur.
Tracy Lee Ford
Inside the magazine Tracy Lee Ford concludes his series on how to illustrate dinosaur integumentary coverings with an examination of the feathers and bristles associated with ornithischian dinosaurs. John Lavas continues his profile of the highly influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. In this issue, he focuses on the projects and volume of work produced by Burian from the end of war until his death in 1981. Look out for the stunning gouache prints contained within this in-depth article.
Randy Knol and Mike Fredericks bring us up to date with new model introductions from CollectA and Safari Ltd, the editor has had a busy month as he also interviews palaeoartist John Conway about his new book “A History of Painting (with Dinosaurs).” John explains that he wanted to create an art book that explores how famous painters from the past, each with their very own painting style, would have depicted dinosaurs. The article includes numerous examples such as a portrait of Lambeosaurus done in the style of Pablo Picasso and a stunning pterosaur reflecting the impressionist painters such as Monet.
Titanoboa
As well as covering Dilong, Phil Hore presents a short history of Titanoboa and proposes that amongst the enormous reptiles that existed in north-eastern Columbia during the Palaeocene, the most fearsome predator of all might have been a giant, prehistoric turtle. Reader submitted artwork is prevalent including illustrations by Esther Van Hulson, James Gurney and M. Elliott Massion who also contributes a drawing to the Dilong article.
The recently introduced Rebor museum-quality Titanoboa maquette is also featured in the Titanoboa article.
The Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Monty Resurgent. An image of this model features in a Titanoboa article in “Prehistoric Times” magazine issue 144.
To view the range of Rebor prehistoric animal figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur, including Titanoboa figures (whilst stocks last): Rebor Replicas and Figures.
Mike Howgate follows up his article from issue 142 and examines the casting in bronze of a pair of European bison by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, prior to the creation of the famous Crystal Palace prehistoric animal sculptures. This provides a convenient segue into the extensive Mesozoic Media section providing reviews on lots of new prehistoric animal publications including the “Art and Science of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs” by Mark Witton and Ellinor Michael. Amongst the cornucopia of new publications, Mike Fredericks explores new fiction, reviewing “Liopleurodon: The Master of the Deep” by M. B. Zucker as well as two new publications from Gregory S. Paul and published by Princeton University Press which documents Mesozoic Sea Reptiles and Pterosaurs respectively.
The front cover of The Princeton Field Guide to Mesozoic Sea Reptiles by Gregory S. Paul, a comprehensive overview of Mesozoic marine reptiles. This excellent publication is reviewed in the latest issue of “Prehistoric Times”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Our congratulations to the team behind “Prehistoric Times” and to all the contributors to issue 144.
The next edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine (issue 144) is on its way and should be with readers in a couple of weeks. Our thanks to magazine editor Mike Fredericks who sent into Everything Dinosaur a preview of the front cover artwork which was created by Daniel Navarro, a very talented artist from Spain.
The front cover image of the next edition of the quarterly publication “Prehistoric Times”.
“Prehistoric Times”
We are reliably informed that this issue (winter 2023), will feature an interview with the Canadian palaeoartist Julius Csotonyi. We suspect that the interview will feature his new book “Dinosaur World”, a publication eagerly anticipated by fans of his artwork as it includes over 1,200 different dinosaur illustrations. Fans of palaeoart on this side of the Atlantic get to hear from John Conway about his latest projects including his own book, which is due out shortly entitled “A History of Painting (with Dinosaurs)”.
Visit the “Prehistoric Times” website to subscribe to this quarterly magazine: “Prehistoric Times”.
Featured Prehistoric Animals
The featured prehistoric animals in issue 144 are the Chinese early tyrannosauroid Dilong and the biggest snake known to science – Titanoboa. Readers can expect to see lots of amazing artwork.
A drawing of Titanoboa commissioned by Everything Dinosaur for a fact sheet on Titanoboa for a Rebor model.
The Titanoboa illustration (above) was commissioned by Everything Dinosaur so that the UK-based company could produce a scale drawing of the giant prehistoric snake for the fact sheet that was despatched with Rebor Titanoboa figures.
To view the range of Rebor models including museum class Titanoboa maquettes (whilst stocks last): Rebor Models and Figures.
Prehistoric Times reviewed by Everything Dinosaur team members.
Celebrating thirty years since the first issue of “Prehistoric Times” magazine, it is time to review the latest edition of this quarterly magazine for fans of prehistoric animals and dinosaur models. The stunning artwork on the front cover was supplied by Jaime Chirinos, whose illustrations have adorned the front cover of this popular magazine on previous occasions. In this issue, magazine editor Mike Fredericks interviews the Peruvian-born illustrator and there are lots of fantastic artwork by Jaime included in the article.
The front cover of Prehistoric Times issue 143 (fall/autumn) 2022. The front cover illustration an Auriornis – a controversial Chinese, crow-sized theropod. The superb illustration is by Jaime Chirinos.
Feathered Dinosaurs
It is fitting to have Jaime depict a feathered theropod on the front cover of issue 143 as inside Tracy Lee Ford continues his series of highly informative articles on dinosaur feathers, whilst John Lavas provides part 2 of his biography of the influential Zdeněk Burian. There are no feathered dinosaurs to admire in the artwork associated with this article, but plenty of illustrations produced by Burian associated with other types of commission he received. If you are a fan of Jules Verne, you are in for a treat.
The classical depiction of Styracosaurus albertensis by Burian (1941), one of several oil canvases incorporated into the article written by John Lavas. The illustration depicts two horned dinosaurs emerging into a clearing. This image has inspired many other artists and box art packaging designers. Picture credit J. R. Lavas.
Kunbarrasaurus and the Tasmanian Tiger
Aussie Phil Hore provides a conducted tour of the armoured Australian dinosaur Kunbarrasaurus, and the article includes some amazing, armoured dinosaur artwork, our congratulations to Wade Carmen, Anders Bang, John F Davies and the other contributors. Phil Hore stays in Australia to discuss the enigmatic and recently extinct Thylacine, otherwise known as the Tasmanian Tiger. Thanks to Daniel Navarro, Andreas Forrer and Marcus Burkhardt for their reader-supplied artwork with a special mention for Jaime Martinez for sending in a picture of his Thylacine models, complete with a female with offspring in her pouch.
From marsupials we move to monsters with Bruce Horton’s submission recreating a King Kong versus Allosaurus model diorama by combining two replica kits into a single, stunning display. Mike Fredericks interviews palaeontologist and author Steve Brusatte, who has taken time away from his research based at the University of Edinburgh to pen a sequel to his acclaimed “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs” entitled “The Rise and Reign of the Mammals”. The piece is peppered with some illustrations from this new book charting the rise of the Mammalia created by the famous palaeoartist Todd Marshall. This beautifully illustrated book is highly recommended.
Prehistoric Times Reviewed
The regular features such as a section covering recent fossil discoveries, classified advertisements, book reviews in “Mesozoic Media” are all included, and Randy Knol provides an update on new model introductions too. The autumn edition provides a fitting tribute to thirty years of magazine publishing.
The editor of “Prehistoric Times” magazine sent Everything Dinosaur a preview of the front cover of the next edition (issue 143). The stunning illustration is by Jaime Chirinos, a celebrated palaeoartist who has provided artwork for numerous media releases associated with scientific papers.
The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” issue 143 (fall/autumn) 2022. The front cover illustration depicts an Auriornis – a controversial Chinese, crow-sized theropod. The superb illustration is by Jaime Chirinos.
Auriornis xui
The small, feathered animal attempting to catch an insect on the cover of the magazine is the controversial Auriornis (A. xui). This theropod measured around fifty centimetres in length and it was formally named and scientifically described in 2013 (Godefroit et al).
The fossil material was acquired from a local dealer who claimed that the specimen came from exposures of the Tiaojishan Formation. This geological formation has been dated to the Late Jurassic (Oxfordian faunal stage) and it was proposed that Auriornis lived approximately 160 million years ago. This would make Auriornis one of the earliest avialans known to science, pre-dating the famous Archaeopteryx by around 10 million years.
Unfortunately, the provenance of the fossil material is difficult to prove. It has been suggested that this fossil is much younger than previously thought. The holotype may have come from exposures of the Yixian Formation which would suggest that this little hunter lived in the Early Cretaceous around 130 to 112 million years ago.
Perhaps issue 143 of “Prehistoric Times” magazine or a future edition will examine in detail the evidence relating to the dating of the Auriornis fossil material.
“Prehistoric Times” Magazine
We do know that the next edition of this popular quarterly magazine will include an in-depth interview with Steve Brusatte. Following on from Steve’s highly acclaimed book “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs”, he has produced a follow-up looking at the success of the Mammalia. The new book is entitled “The Rise and Reign of the Mammals” and in the latest edition of the magazine Steve talks about what inspired him to produce this new book and his work as a vertebrate palaeontologist.
Mike Fredericks, the editor of “Prehistoric Times” magazine has paid tribute to Anthony Beeson the inspiration behind the CollectA range of prehistoric animal models and figures. Sadly, Anthony passed away on April 1st this year (2022).
On page 5 of the latest edition (issue 142), Mike Fredericks included a short obituary and also remarked on the passing of John Lanzendorf.
Mike Fredericks the editor of “Prehistoric Times” magazine pays tribute to Anthony Beeson who sadly passed away in April (2022).
A Great Friend of “Prehistoric Times” Magazine
Anthony was a great find of the magazine. He enjoyed writing articles and submitting them for publication. He often spoke to team members at Everything Dinosaur about his contribution to this quarterly magazine.
In paying tribute to Anthony, Mike Fredericks, the editor wrote:
“There is nothing I hate to have to report more than the death of great people that had a positive influence on this magazine or the world of dinosaurs or both. Anthony Beeson passed on April 1st, 2022. From his home in England, Anthony designed the prehistoric animal figures that CollectA produced.”
Examples of the huge range of prehistoric animal models designed by Anthony Beeson. There are around 160 models in the CollectA Prehistoric World model range.
Mike Fredericks went onto add:
“You would read his comments whenever Randy or I reviewed their new figures because he was always kind enough to send us descriptions which we often repeated to you. He was talented and a great friend to this magazine.”
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that a reader had suggested that the magazine provide short obituaries to commemorate the passing of influential figures in the world of palaeontology, palaeoart and prehistoric animal model collecting. Anthony was a fan of this publication, and he enjoyed reading the comments about the models that he had designed.
Everything Dinosaur team members have received the latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine and issue 142 proves to be a jam-packed edition. Phil Hore provides details on the feathered, Chinese tyrant Yutyrannus as well as documenting the fearsome, prehistoric fish Xiphactinus and the front cover features one of a series of remarkable illustrations by the very talented Fabio Pastori.
The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” issue 142 (Summer 2022). The front cover artwork was supplied by Fabio Pastori, an exquisite illustration of Velociraptor mongoliensis entitled “Mongolian Swift Seizer”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Fabio worked with the famous American palaeontologist Jack Horner, and both were generous enough to permit examples of their collaboration to be highlighted in issue 142, the artwork is simply stunning.
A stunning image of the bizarre theropod Citipati featured in issue 142 of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. Picture credit: Fabio Pastori.
Further artistic endeavours are highlighted, this time using a different medium as Paul McFarland demonstrates how to cast a figure of a European bison in bronze and of course, there are lots of examples of reader submitted artwork to admire too. We liked Wade Carmen’s very exotic looking Xiphactinus and the Yutyrannus themed diorama depicted by James Gurney. Naturally, Fabio Pastori couldn’t resist getting in on the action too. Take a look on page fifteen for his beautiful Yutyrannus and juvenile artwork.
Zdeněk Burian – The Early Years
John Lavas departs from cataloguing the artwork of influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian and focuses on his early life and upbringing. The piece includes some fascinating photographs of Burian as a young man. Randy Knoll updates readers about what is new in the world of prehistoric animal model collecting and Tracy Lee Ford focuses on feathers in part four of his series on integumentary coverings.
The magazine’s editor Mike Fredericks casts his eyes over the latest book releases including “Dinosaurs: 10 Things You Should Know” by our chum and talented author Dean Lomax and the “Paleonews” section features an explanation as to why the fearsome T. rex had such small arms – an interesting new theory sent direct to the editor by palaeontologist Kevin Padian (University of Berkeley, California).
The summer issue of this quarterly magazine does not disappoint. It is highly recommended.
Mike Fredericks, the editor of the wonderful “Prehistoric Times” magazine has sent Everything Dinosaur a picture of the front cover artwork for the next edition (spring 2022). The illustration, depicting some of the feathered members of the Dinosauria associated with northern China in the Early Cretaceous was created by renowned British palaeoartist John Sibbick.
The front cover artwork for the next edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. John Sibbick has depicted some of the feathered dinosaurs associated with the famous Jehol Biota. Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.
“Prehistoric Times” Issue 141
The magazine is sent out 4 times a year and John Sibbick has produced several front cover artworks for “Prehistoric Times”. His latest contribution highlights the diversity of the feathered dinosaurs associated with the Yixian and Jiufotang Formations of north-eastern China that existed between approximately 130-120 million years ago (Hauterivian through to the early Aptian faunal stage of the Cretaceous).
Tracy Lee Ford continues the feathery theme by providing another section of his highly informative series on how to draw integumentary coverings.
The spring 2022 issue will also feature the bizarre sauropod Bajadasaurus that was named and described in 2019 and the massive Triassic ichthyosaur from the western United States – Thalattoarchon.
With the recently produced scientific paper published in “Evolutionary Biology” postulating that Tyrannosaurus rex fossils actually represent three species of closely related tyrannosaur: Are there three tyrannosaurus species? One of the co-authors, American palaeontologist Gregoy S. Paul provides a summary of the paper’s findings.
Jam-packed with fascinating articles and features, plus of course, lots of reader submitted artwork, team members at Everything Dinosaur are really looking forward to the arrival of the next edition of “Prehistoric Times”.
The autumn edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine has arrived (issue 139). It features a close-up view of the head of a Suchomimus, artwork created by the talented American palaeoartist Chuck Egnaczak on the front cover and inside Phil Hore profiles this enigmatic African spinosaurid.
The front cover of the next issue of “Prehistoric Times” magazine (issue 139) features a close-up view of the head of the spinosaurid Suchomimus. The artwork is by talented palaeoartist Chuck Egnaczak.
Drawing Feathers
Tracy Lee Ford has dedicated the next few installments of his “how to draw dinosaurs” feature on how to draw feathers and other fancy integumentary coverings associated with the Dinosauria. In part 1, he covers different feather types and explains the differences between them. This is a handy technical guide which will aid illustrators as well as providing assistance when it comes to deciphering scientific papers which focus on feathered theropods.
Mike Howgate weighs in with not one, but two articles in this issue. He examines the fossil fish models created by 20th century model maker Vernon Edwards and in a separate piece, discusses the contribution of sculptor Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock who took up the reins for Gregory, Bottley and Co. after the sudden death of Edwards.
Jon Lavas continues his long-running series highlighting the work of the influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. In this issue the focus is on one of the most famous dinosaurs of all – Stegosaurus.
The classic depiction of a Late Jurassic scene by Burian (1950). In issue 139 (autumn/fall 2021), Jon Lavas looks at how Burian depicted Stegosaurus.
Remembering the Contribution to Palaeontology by José Bonaparte
José Bonaparte regarded as the “Father of Argentinian Palaeontology” passed away last year. His long and distinguished career is remembered in a special article written by CONICET staff members Agustin G. Martinelli and Analia M. Forasiepi. These two scientists along with colleague Guillermo W. Rougier (University of Louisville, Kentucky), contribute a second article looking at some of the early mammals of the Mesozoic.
José Bonaparte (1928-2020) the “father of Argentinian palaeontology”. A tribute is paid to his decades of work in the Earth Sciences in the latest edition of the magazine Picture credit: Télam.
Placodonts, Palaeontology News and Book Reviews
Issue 139 is crammed full of news, book reviews and features. There is more on the Marx collector models, editor Mike Fredericks provides an article and Randy Knol looks at new prehistoric animal model releases. Placodonts, specifically the bizarre Henodus are coverred by Phil Hore and look out for the article on the film “Quest for Fire”, which examines some of the perils of making films with prehistoric themes.
There is a lot to be admired in the latest issue of “Prehistoric Times”.
The latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine has arrived and once again it is jam-packed with fascinating features, informative articles and lots of amazing reader submitted artwork. The highly respected palaeoartist Mark Hallett has provided the front cover, a piece entitled “Venus of the Steppes” as it features a female Neanderthal and inside the magazine Mark provides an update on Neanderthal research and examines how our perception of our “close cousins” has changed.
The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” magazine edition 138 (summer 2021). The artwork is entitled “Venus of the Steppes”.
The in-depth article looks at how Neanderthals hunted, examines evidence of a “Neanderthal culture” in the form of art, ornaments and a belief in an afterlife. Mark also considers the cause of their extinction and reviews their legacy in terms of the genes that parts of the modern human (H. sapiens) population have inherited.
The famous Chapelle aux Saints Neanderthal skull.
Tenontosaurus and Plesiosaurus
The featured prehistoric animals in issue 132 are Tenontosaurus and Plesiosaurus. Phil Hore provides plenty of information and the articles include lots of reader submitted artwork. Stand outs for us when it comes to Tenontosaurus include Kurt Miller’s striking Tenontosaurus pair and Diane Ramic’s colourful geometric pastiche. When reading the Plesiosaurus feature, we admired the big-eyed plesiosaur illustration reminiscent of “Nessie” by Anders Bang and the silhouetted plesiosaurs and other Mesozoic marine life depicted by Jacob Micallef.
The talented Tracy Lee Ford focuses on Hypsilophodon (H. foxii) in his regular “How to Draw Dinosaurs” piece. As well as providing detailed views of skeletal anatomy including evidence of an “opposable toe”, he also demonstrates how Hypsilophodon has been depicted over the last 110 years or so, concluding his well-written article with a modern H. foxii life reconstruction.
Burian’s Ornithopods
John Lavas continues his long-running series on the remarkable career of the influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. The focus is on the Ornithopoda and some stunning images are reproduced including an illustration of Iguanodon (I. bernissartensis) that may have been the inspiration for how the movie monster “Godzilla” was depicted. In turn, Burian’s iguanodontid artwork may have been influenced by tales from African explorers of “elephant graveyards”.
An illustration of Corythosaurus casuarius by Burian. This artwork is featured in the series showcasing the career of the illustrious Czech artist.
The book “Locked in Time: Animal Behavior Unearthed in 50 Extraordinary Fossils” by chums of Everything Dinosaur Dean Lomax and Bob Nicholls is reviewed by editor Mike Fredericks in the “Mesozoic Media” section and look out for Randy Knol’s update on new prehistoric animal figures. Our thanks to Dr Andreas Forrer for the article recreating the Pleistocene of Germany in his article discussing the remarkable fossil finds associated with the Wipper Valley of Thuringia. The summer edition of “Prehistoric Times” is crammed with lots of interesting articles, features and illustrations.
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