Daniel Katz is a freelance traditional and digital illustrator based in the US. He creates art that combines imagination and real-world content, including photos and his own models as well as traditional oil paint. The result is a realistic, fantastical and expressive aesthetic.

Here he tells us about three examples of his work. If you're inspired, see our pick of the best oil paints .

Contemporary Dragon – Commute

(Image credit: Daniel Katz)

A scene from a personal series with dragons co-existing with people in the modern world. I thought the two living together would transform everyday life and create amazing moments.

Walk the Plank

(Image credit: Daniel Katz)

A scene from a series with airships. It also takes maritime situations and shows how different they’d be in the sky, whether beautiful or dangerous.

Riches and Ruin – The Count of Monte Cristo

(Image credit: Daniel Katz)

Based on the scene in The Count of Monte Cristo where Edmund Dantes finds treasure and becomes super rich.…