This is the original preliminary art created for Book #2 in Jack Chalker's "Quintara Marathon" series, published in paperback by Baen, 1999 (see the cover for reference). This concept is very different  than the one chosen by the Art Director for the cover, but it is a very intriguing image nontheless - and a has great visual effect and expression because of its larger than typical size.... Handpainted in acrylic on illustration board, 8" x 5.25" and is titled and signed on the back of the painting