By: Ben Caldwell Publisher: Sterling Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Sterling Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 96 Publication Date: June 01, 2005 Reading Level: Ages 9-12
The sizzling hot author of Action! Cartooning (100,000 copies sold!) has created a truly "fantastic" second book: a visually eye-popping, covers-it-all manual on drawing and understanding fantasy art.
A former Marvel cartoonist and one of the most talented young artists in this very hip field, Ben Caldwell now delivers his thrilling follow-up to Action! Cartooning. Fantasy! Cartooning is ideal for all kids and adults who love the Lord of the Rings movies, anticipate the Christmas 2005 release of The Chronicles of Narnia film, or have ever read a Harry Potter book. As before, Ben does not merely teach readers how to draw a line here or a circle there; he provides much, much more. Artists will find true insider tips on how to create mind-blowing scenes, awe-inspiring monsters, bigger-than-life heroes, and really incredible, magical landscapes. And because Ben Caldwell knows the fantasy genre inside out, he explains all the complex stories and legends behind each image, too.
Another fantastic book by Ben Caldwell I love Ben Caldwell's style, and after lapping up "Action Cartooning," I bought this one. Fantastic book! More great character designs. Man I love his stuff. Sometimes his comments are a little weird ("Sidhe had smaller arm sockets than mortals...the shoulder was still the thickest part of the arm...") Like, I don't know if there's a particular *way* to draw a Sidhe or if you draw a Sidhe with thicker arms it's suddenly not a Sidhe or whatever...but the drawings are so good that that doesn't bother me. Fantastic book. Fiiiiiive stars.
No book, only pencils Well, i've recently bought this item, but i didn't find the book, or the special papers inside. I've only got a few colored pencils.
I tried to contact amazon but i get no answer. I think i've ben stolen. For me, this is a very expensive colored pencils box. Don't buy this item, it has no book.
Great book, great price! I love to draw as a hobby and am constantly trying to improve. This book is an excellent resource for those who are just getting started and for those who want a kick in the inspiration department! The artwork and writing work well together. I cannot wait for the next book!
Brilliantly Executed, Brilliantly Illustrated Ben Caldwell is one of the best in the industry, and all of the great things he does come through in this book. His rough-stage illustrations provide some insight to the process of creation of the various subjects, and the detailed explanations assist with supporting details for the figures. His tips and pointers, sprinkled throughout the book along the way, demonstrate the author's breadth of knowledge and fantastic skills. While the style is distinctively Ben Caldwell's the information is easily adaptable to any style and the information provided will improve anyone's artwork. A terrific investment, and one of the books I keep at my nightstand for review.
A must-have for cartoonists! Ben Caldwell's "Fantasy! Cartooning" is the follow-up book to his excellent first book: "ACTION! Cartooning". I have both books, and have found them to be invaluable in terms of understanding the elements of creating appealing characters, by looking at their underlying construction and design. Caldwell has a true understanding and mastery of character design, showcasing characters of all body and personality types. He introduces simple shapes and line of action - the cornerstone principles used to create dynamic poses.
This book, and Caldwell's "ACTION! Cartooning" are both must-haves for folks interested in getting serious about character design. There is something to learn here for novices and pros alike. Highly recommended.