The Beautiful Cover Art of HEIDE OBERHEIDE

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I bought this used copy of The Bride of the Wilderness by Charles McCarry (Signet, 1989) because I liked its wraparound cover art depicting Yellowstone Falls in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone happens to be my favorite National Park, the one I would choose to revisit against all others. However, the cover artist was not credited, nor could I find a signature. Then, after some browsing online, and practically by happenstance, I found an image of the original oil painting. Its color was deeper and darker in tone than what was reproduced on the paperback and it was almost like seeing the artwork of some great nineteenth-century landscape painter like Albert Bierstadt or Thomas Moran. To say I was impressed is an understatement.

The artist was identified as Heide Oberheide.  Oberheide was born in Canada in 1957 but now lives in the United States with her husband, the fine arts portrait painter Geoffrey Geary. There's very little information online about her artistic accomplishments but I'm pretty sure she has an extensive resume of book covers, although over the past couple of years I've only had time to look once in a used bookstore for them. What I found were mostly romance covers which I promptly brought home to post here, along with a few examples of other covers that I found on the net. 

'Fanny Harding, a half-French, half-English beauty, comes to the Connecticut wilderness at the dawn of the eighteenth century. Pursued by enemies of her family, kidnapped by Indians, and threatened by dark dangers lurking in the vast forests of the New World, she embarks on an epic journey of suffering and courage through the raw primitive land. But Fanny's voyage ends in a love story of great tenderness as she discovers her destiny in Philippe de Saint-Christophe, a young French soldier whose courage and daring and passion for Fanny must compete with his loyalty to his family and his allegiance to France. In this tale of passion, death, betrayal, and the triumph of love, Charles McCarry has written a rare novel that lives on in the imagination long after reading is finished.'

Amorelle is an excellent example of just how skilled a realist painter Oberheide is. This is absolutely flawless work, as good as I have seen from anyone. Grace Livingston Hill's novel was re-published in paperback in 1989 by Living Books, itself an imprint of Tyndale House, a Christian based publisher of fiction and non-fiction.  Hill was a prolific writer with over 100 novels published in her lifetime, and half as many short stories. Her themes were centered around Christian faith, good vs evil, and romance, and she built up quite a fan-base before and even after her death in 1947 at the age of 82. Hill also wrote under the pseudonym Marcia MacDonald. Amorelle was originally published in 1934, decades before Tyndale House was established.

'George Horton was handsome and wealthy, and he had all but swept lovely Amorelle Dean off her feet with his unexpected marriage proposal. Amorelle accepted, but as time passed she became more and more doubtful. Could they really be happy when George, for all his words of love, didn't seem to know or care about Amorelle's thoughts, beliefs, or innermost feelings? Then, as if in answer to her prayers for guidance, Amorelle unexpectedly found herself sharing a wonderful day with another man. A man who seemed to speak the language of her heart. Now she knew what true love could be---and what she must do. But was it too late to change her mind?'

Oberheide's version of a 'stroll in the meadow' has never looked more appealing.  The Girl in the Woods by Grace Livingston Hill was re-published in paperback by Living Books in 1989. It was originally published in 1942.

'Shocked by the news of his father's plans to remarry, young Revel Radcliffe flees to the woods he loves, hoping that tranquility will bring peace to his troubled soul. But his sorrowful contemplation is disturbed by the appearance of a lovely young woman who has come to the woods to pick flowers. Gently she reaches out to offer Revel comfort and the gift of faith. Separated now by miles and years, the memory of his sweet encounter with the "girl of the woods" brings Revel the courage to face a frightening and uncertain future---and the promise of love that can overcome his past.'

I believe my wife has one of these classic spotted dresses hanging in our closet. It probably dates back to 1989 also when Grace Livingston Hill's novel The Ransom was re-published in paperback by Living Books. The book's original publication date was 1933.

'It was their stepmother's death that brought Christobel Kershaw and her younger brother Randall home at last. But the large elaborate mansion chosen by their deceased stepmother didn't really seem like home. And their father seemed different too---so tired, so weighed down. Christobel wondered if there was any way they could help him. Could they start over again and become a close, loving family? Slowly they learned to trust and love each other. Then, just when it seemed the were indeed becoming a real family, disaster struck! Randall---young, impetuous, Randall who was just beginning to understand what true manhood meant---was kidnapped. Would they be able to come up with the ransom? and would the be in time?'

Patricia by Grace Livingston Hill was re-published in paperback by Living Books in 1992. It was originally published in 1939.

'Patricia Prentiss has nowhere to turn. Since grade school she had admired John Worth. He was always kind and ready to protect her from the advances of the rich, spoiled Thornton Bellingham. But suddenly John disappears and Patricia is faced with the worst predicament in her life---she is being forced to marry Thornton, of all people! Where is John when she needs him the most? Then Thornton arranges a gala dinner party, setting the stage for forcing Patricia to agree to the wedding and announce their engagement. Patricia prays for a way to escape and for John's swift return. Will he make it in time?'

Blue Heron, a juvenile novel, was published in paperback by Avon Camelot in 1992. Avi is actually Edward Irving Wortis, a Newbery Award winning writer, but Avi is the name he goes by both professionally and personally.

'Maggie, almost 13, is visiting her father, his young wife, and their new baby during her summer vacation. At the lake near their rented cottage, Maggie observes a great blue heron. She identifies with the solitary bird, then makes the startling discovery that someone is trying to kill it. While grappling with this mystery she must also deal with strange new conflicts in her family.'

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle was published in paperback by Avon Camelot in 1992. This historical novel by Avi was a Newbery nominee. Oberheide may have produced additional covers for Avi and Avon Camelot, but the above two are all I could find on short notice.

'An ocean voyage of unimaginable consequences... Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty. But I was just such a girl, and my story is worth relating even if it did happen years ago. Be warned, however: if strong ideas and action offend you, read no more. Find another companion to share your idle hours. For my part I intend to tell the truth as I lived it.'

Golden hair for a golden day! Fortune's Journey by Bruce Coville was published in hardback by BridgeWater Books in 1997. Coville is the author of more than 100 children's books, representing different reading levels and genres. Some of his books have incredible cover art, but none necessarily better than what Oberheide provided.

'The year is 1853. Bravely carrying on the work of her late father's acting troupe, young Fortune Plunkett is leading the group west on a wagon train bound for San Francisco. It's a journey fraught with danger and disaster---as well as unexpected discoveries for the members of the troupe.'

Here's a surprise! Oberheide worked for The Bradford Exchange as a collector plate artist. "Scarlett O'Hara" (date unknown) is just one of several plates she idealized from the 1939 film Gone With The Wind, based of course on the novel of the same name by Margaret Mitchell.

This fantasy cover is one of the earliest that I know of from Oberheide. How many she did after this (besides what I've posted here), is yet to be determined. Bantam published When Vioha Wakes in paperback in 1983. It's the third entry in British writer Joy Chant's House of Kendreth trilogy, which began with the Mythopoeic Award winning novel Red Moon and Black Mountain (1970), and The Grey Mane of Morning (1977). When Voiha Wakes also won the Mythopoeic Award. Chant also wrote the much recommended The High Kings (1983), an excellent reference work on the King Arthur legends, incorporating retellings of the legends.

'This is the tale of a love that shattered a world, between a woman destined to be queen and the young man who stole her heart with the magic of his music. Rahike was Young Mistress of Naramethe; an exotic land of spice and wine where women ruled and men lived at their pleasure. Mairilek was a humble potter, beautiful, graceful and strong, who defied custom to play the music forbidden to men, and loosed the poser of the ancient sleeping gods upon the earth.'

Oberheide created a full wraparound illustration for Parke Godwin's Arthurian novel, Beloved Exile, which unfortunately I'm am lacking an image of the back cover; but it does show Camelot perched magnificently on a cliff overlooking the sea. It was published by Bantam in hardback in 1984.  Harold Parke Godwin (1929-2013) started out in life as an touring actor, then switched to writing, publishing nearly two dozen novels and just as many short stories. His novella The Fire When It Comes won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novella in 1982. Beloved Exile was the middle section of an Arthurian trilogy that began with Firelord (1980), and ended with The Lovers: The Legend of Trystan and Yseult (1999).

'Few legends have clung to our hearts as closely as that of the magical age of Camelot. Now, this age is brought to stunning life in one of the most dramatic portraits of the great  queen Guenevere ever created. Guenevere: brilliant leader, shrewd schemer, compassionate ruler, heartless tyrant, lover, warrior, slave--and always a queen.  King Arthur is dead. Surrounded by traitors and usurpers, Guenevere must defend the empire. Aided by Bedivere, Gareth, Lancelot and others from Arthur's reign, she strives to settle her uneasy nation. But when faced with unthinkable treachery, Guenevere is swept into a life she never understood--driven to the depths of servitude to a bold Saxon thane who is unaware of her true identity. He is an idyllic dreamer with a magnificent mind so like Arthur. Through him, she will discover more of humanity than she ever imagined. She will toil for him, take up arms for him and challenge his ver soul with her indomitable spirit. and infinite mystery. For she is Guenevere: brilliant, shrewd, passionate, bold--and always, always a queen.'

Child of the Northern Spring by Persia Wooley was another entry in the 'Guinevere' sweepstakes, or is it spelled 'Guenevere'? It was published in paperback by Pocket in 1988. This cover has a full wraparound illustration by Oberheide which unfortunately these scans doesn't do justice too.  Persia Higman Wooley (1935-2017) spent eleven years writing and researching her Guinevere trilogy. Volume one, Child of the Northern Spring, was published first in hardcover in 1987, followed by Queen of the Summer Stars (1990), and then lastly, Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn (1991).

 'In an age alive with portents and magic, a spirited young beauty rode out of the rugged Celtic lands to wed the great warrior king, Arthur. Now, at last, Guinevere herself unfolds the legend. Born a princess, raised to be a queen, Guinevere traveled the length of England protected by the wise enchanter Merlin. As Britain struggled out of a long darkness, scattered armies raised the cry for war and old gods challenged the new in combats mortal and immortal. And Guinevere encountered her destiny in the fabled dreams of her king. She would reign as High Queen of all Britain, but her most perilous adventure was yet to come... the journey from royal innocent to passionate lover.'

Touches the Stars by Lynn Armistead McKee was the first volume of a trilogy about prehistoric America, followed by Keeper of Dreams in 1993 (not shown, and using a different artist), and then Walks In Stardust in 1994. All three volumes were published in paperback by Diamond. Oberheide's interpretation of that ancient time is wonderfully lush and sensual.  Lynn Armistead McKee is actually Lynn Sholes--(or have I got that backwards?)--anyhow, these days as Sholes she has switched gears and is writing thrillers in collaboration with free-lance writer and two-time Emmy winner Joe Moore.

TOUCHES THE STARS:  'Among the tribes of the ancient everglades, in an untamed world at the dawn of history, no one was more powerful than the shaman, whose sacred visions guided his people and warned him of danger... Born under a shooting star, Mi-sa was the shaman's daughter and inheritor of his magical gifts. But no one understood her special charms--her people feared her as a power of darkness, an omen of troubled times.  Battling hatred and hardship, Mi-sa forged her own destiny of love and courage, where her heart found the answers to her tribe's hopes--and her gift of vision could change forever the fate of a blossoming new world.'

WALKS IN STARDUST:  'A young woman runs through the lush tropical forest, a beautiful and intricately carved knife grasped in her hand. Her past seems irretrievably lost... Cimmera can remember nothing-- only vague images of battle, feelings of desperate longing and heartbreaking loss. She is a woman without a memory, without a tribe--unsure of who her enemy may be. But together with one heroic man, she is about to discover her true destiny. The mysterious knife she carries is the key to her identity--and to a triumphant vision of survival and unbreakable spirit...'

Sing Witch, Sing Death by Roberta Gellis was published in paperback by Bantam in 1983. Oberheide's signature is visible near the bottom but the image has been flipped so it reads backward.  Gellis was born in 1927 and died in 2016 at the age of 88. She held degrees in both biochemistry and medieval literature, but didn't start writing fiction until the 1960s. Over the next four decades she would publish more than fifty novels, twenty of them historical romances, but she also wrote fantasies, space opera and mysteries. Gellis was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1986 from the Romance Writers of America.

'Lady Pamela was much too forthright to harbor illicit designs on the intense, brooding master of Tremaire. She was paid to be a companion to the Countess St. Just--not his lordship.  Still, sequestered in his secluded ancestral mansion, Pamela could no more deny the love that grew with each day than she could reason away the ominous sense of danger that chilled her. In the remote Cornwall country where the wind keened and violent storms raged, the terrifying fears of the Tremaire household seized her heart. One of them was marked for death.'

Bantam re-published all six of Inglis Fletcher's Carolina Chronicles in 1986. It appears that Oberheide produced the cover art for all six volumes, but volume 4, Lusty Wind for Carolina, is the only one that I've been able to purchase.  Fletcher (1879-1969) wrote mostly Revolutionary Era romantic novels based in or around her native North Carolina home, all of which were heavily researched for accuracy, but she was also a worldwide traveler. One six-month trip in 1928 took her deep into what was then British East Africa, to an area never before visited by an non-African woman, for the specific study of native 'Voodoo' and other pagan religious practices.

'They came from positions of privilege and power, and from lives wracked by servitude and poverty. Together, they sailed across an ocean toward the opportunities and dangers of the New World. The courage of these pioneering men and women claimed a new nation--and a monumental dream. From Colonial days to the Revolutionary War, bestselling author Inglis Fletcher unfolds the epic drama of America's birth. In the untamed Carolinas they defended their dream of a new colony on Cape Fear River against the cruel swords of a cunning enemy: ROGER MAINWAIRING, the reckless aristocrat who fought to save the Carolinas from pirates and struggled with an impossible passion... GABRIELLE FOUNTAINE, a pioneer in the forest of Cape Fear River, who defied her father for the right to marry the man who was once her servant, a man marked by destiny... CAPTAIN WOODES ROGERS, the resourceful seaman whose skill and bravery would determine the fates of them all... These and other adventurers, lovers, and rogues would carve a turbulent history into the rocky shores of a New World called America.'

This magnificent painting by Oberheide was produced for a historical novel in 1992. The client was Avon Books. The title remains elusive.

 
Supposedly, Oberheide produced this painting for a romance novel by Susan Johnson. The date and title are unknown, and the client may have been Bantam, but I have yet to verify any of it.

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FROM what I've found so far it would seem that Heide Oberheide has produced covers for Avon, Bantam, BridgeWater, Charter (Diamond), Pocket, Signet and Tyndale. If her mainstay was indeed mostly romance covers than I've discovered the perfect place to look for them---the Book Niche in Aurora, Colorado. They have two walls that run the entire length of the store packed from floor to ceiling with romance paperbacks, all neatly arranged alphabetically and categorically. A person could get lost in those shelves for days---and no, it doesn't embarrass me at all to be a guy browsing in the romance section. I love reading and illustration too much to be bothered by other people's provincialism. 

[© March, 2022, Jeffersen]