Product Description: With the significantly increased popularity of fantasy films, TV, and books in recent years, the work of fantasy artists is in demand as never before. This art instruction manual, written by a noted fantasy artist, coaches students in methods of portraying convincing fantasy figures in all media—pencil, watercolor, acrylics, oils, and computer-generated pixel points. Following a discussion of needed tools and equipment, the author instructs on techniques for drawing convincing fantasy characters and their worlds, with attention to their faces, bodies, action, and costume styles. He advises on the creation of heroes and heroines, villains and wizards, dragons and man-like beasts. Separate chapters deal with different art media, and a final section on computer art covers everything from the basic desktop setup to methods of creating special effects. This beautifully produced book features more than 250 instructive, vividly-colored illustrations.
Nothing Spectacular ^ This book may be a good choice for someone who is interested in fantasy art but doesn't know how to go about starting it. Although it may be different from some generic art books, it really contains nothing that other fantasy art books do not. Rather than providing several examples from artists or trying to inspire new creations, Cowan lists props that your wizard might have and presents very generic, stereotypical heroes, heroines, and villians. One thing the book is good about is the title- it is full of random floating figures. There are a few images that Cowan tries to show step-by-step processes for, but in almost all of them, a major element has been changed without explanation. For someone with limited knowledge of design, this might be confusing; were the choices just aesthetic, was there some practical reason it was changed, or do the changes add to the composition?
I also am not a huge fan of Cowan's work, and everything in the book is done in his very distinct style. Off the top of my head, I can't recall any other artists' works being featured in the book more than a small image in a corner of a page. I guess this can be expected, but I have seen other fantasy books by one artist that feature a variety of finished works.
It's definately not worth buying at full retail price. If you can get it at a decent price (under $10), it would probably be worth it unless you already own one of Cowan's books or another moderately good fantasy art books.
disapointing ^ I thought this book might give some painting tips and techniques, but it realy offers nothing of substance. just a basic overview of what tools you might use, and where you might get inspiration from. I was very disapointed. nothing of any value.
Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures ^ Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures: From the Imagination to the Page
The book is amazing. It got here fast and in good condition. I enjoy it and find it extremely useful. Thank you!
A complete workshop ^ An excellent step-by-step workshop on the how-to of fantasy illustrating. I've seen some other workshop books that consist mostly of the author conveying a message of: "This is how I paint, draw, etc..." but that usually does not explain how to get there. Not this book. I highly recommend this book, for it clearly gives you detailed lessons and drawing exercises you can do to get started.
Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures ^ excellent book. great how to pictures that guide you step by step. gives a great deal of info regarding reference material and ideas. storyboarding, anatomy, foreshortening, costume, perspective, architecture and much more. also for each subject there is an "over to you" section. this gives great ideas on how to get started and find you own unique style. must have for anyone interested in fantasy art!
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