H. R. Van Dongen has been one of the premiere science fiction illustrators from the early 1950s through the 1970s, creating more art for Astounding Science Fiction than any other artist. His superb artistry led to at least one Hugo Award nomination for best professional artist. In addition to his work in science fiction, he has also illustrated numerous magazines and book covers over the years. He is widely recognized for his ability to read a story, extract the precise meaning of the author’s intent, and convey it through pictures.

Mr. Van Dongen has been a judge of the Illustrators of the Future Contest since its inception and he demonstrates his own precise artistic insight and conscientiousness while performing his judging duties.

He has been an Illustrators of the Future judge since 1988.

“I only wish that there had been an Illustrators of the Future competition forty-five years ago. What a blessing it would have been to a young artist with a little bit of talent, a Dutch name and a heart full of desire.” 
—H. R. Van Dongen, Illustrators of the Future Contest Judge