Almost all Stone Rain artworks depict Stone Rain as a shower of meteorites. One of the things that makes your particular Stone Rain special is the interpretation of Stone Rain as what appear to be stalactites falling on a city beneath some sort of ledge or overhang. What made you choose this particular interpretation?

Much of this is due to the thematic element of the inverted mountain that was made much of in the storyline for Mercadian Masques. They asked that my piece involve the mountain itself as the origin for the stones. I made target the market place of the town below, but did not add people because there was a need to make the card simple after so much in the way of buildings and details.

I understand that the art department at Wizards provides some amount of description of the artwork they would like to see. Did you adhere strictly to what they requested in this case, or did you take some liberties?

Being that this was only the second card I had painted for them at the time (the first being Dust Bowl) I did not take the kind of liberties that I am apt to take now! I probably would have added people to this in some shape or form were I to do it again.

Before you began work on Stone Rain, did you have an opportunity to read the card text or look at previous versions of the card?

I purposefully did not look at any of the previous images that were used, not wanting to be influenced in any way when working on mine. As far as card text, we did not at the time get to see what flavor text would be added to a card upon completion. Now they add it after our paintings are completed to better tie it to the card.

How did you create this image? Was this done as an oil-painting or did you use some other process?

As with all of my paintings, it is oil on masonite.

Is there any sort of special preparation you do before you actually produce the image, or do you have a clear idea of what it will look like immediately?

I tend to do a thumbnail sketch where I will work out the particulars of an image before painting it. It is at this stage that I work out the values and more importantly the composition and design of an image. After this is done I will do a tight drawing to work out the details, perspective etc.

Which artist's rendition of Stone Rain appeals to you the most?

I would say John Matson's. The contrast of lights and darks make this a strong piece, not to mention the glowing trailers stand out more. Mine got washed out in a bad printing! Dang.

What other sorts of work are you doing (or have you done)?

I have done work for the Harry Potter Trading Card game, some cover Work for Forgotten Realms, I am slated to have work in upcoming D&D releases. Other than that I have also done some work for local companies by way of product & concept design. I also teach part time at two universities in California.

Is there a place (online or offline) where folks can go to view or purchase your artwork?

As far as a place to view my work and or purchace originals, prints, and artist's proofs I am in the process of getting my webpage built. Please be patient as we work our way through this process between deadlines! The address is http://www.benthompsonart.com.

Do you play Magic: the Gathering yourself? If so, are there any particular deck archetype or strategies that you tend to enjoy more than others? Are there any play formats you prefer?

I have played Magic: the Gathering in the past, but am incredibly bad at it! I am an old school D&D player by nature. I find that I have less time to devote to much gaming anymore and a game that changes its format every four months keeps me working, but not playing!

What is your favorite book?

I know that it sounds like a cop out answer these days, but I have read the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy 7 times....before the movie. If this answer doesn't count then I would have to say the "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn Trilogy" by Tad Williams. Although anything by P.G. Wodehouse is fantastic!

Who are your favorite musical group?

Oh jeez. Well being like most illustrators, I have far too many to name, especially since I tend to like most genres. But for biggies I would have to say: Moby, any German trance, Tori Amos, Material Issue, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, any classical pieces by Beethoven or Dvorak, The opera of Cecilia Bartoli, and far too many soundtracks to name!

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Final Drawing