Book Description

Frank Frazetta's paintings and illustrations have set the standard for fantasy artists for the past 50 years. This collection focuses on his influence in a variety of media and genres and on his place in 20th century art history. Coedited by Hugo Award-winning editor Arnie Fenner, it includes many of Frazetta's most memorable paintings as well as revised and previously unpublished works. The art is accompanied by the artist's own observations and commentary by a number of his contemporaries. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A fine collection of fantastic images
"Legacy: Selected Drawings & Paintings by Frank Frazetta" brings together many examples from the career of this distinctive artist. The book has been edited by Arnie Fenner and Cathy Fenner, and includes a foreword by Danton Burroughs.

"Legacy" gives examples of Frazetta's covers for books, magazines, and comic books, as well as movie posters and even comedy album covers. Many memorable characters from pop culture are depicted: King Kong, Dracula, Tarzan, etc. I especially liked the illustrations from Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars books, with their six-limbed Martian apes and tusked, green-skinned warriors.

Some of Frazetta's illustrations are haunting, even melancholy, and others are exciting and action-packed. A sorcerer summoning a demon, a scuba diver facing a sea monster, and of course, voluptuous maidens will be found in this book. In some cases, alternate versions of the same commission are given (making this book especially useful for art students and cultural historians). I recommend this book to those interested in the visual art of the sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure genres.

Comics emphasis, plus more famous paintings. Whoa!
This is book 2 of a trilogy. This one seems to have more emphasis on his comic book and comic strip work, than what appears in the other two books of the trilogy, "Icon" and "Testament." This one includes an 8-page romance comic book story by Frank, from 1952.

There are also plenty more Tarzan/Burroughs/John Carter of Mars works, and terrific paintings of Savage Pellucidar.

Frank's work for Warren magazines, like Eerie, Creepy, and Vampirella get shown and discussed in this book (and also in the other two books of this series).

All of the different eras and decades of Frank's life and career are discussed and shown, in all three books, but always with different paintings, drawings, personal photos, and different commentary by different friends and business associates.

I would recommend starting with "Icon" if you're new to Frazetta's work, but "Legacy" is a close second, containing the works that he is best known for. "Testament" has a focus on unpublished, never before seen work.

One thing that is surprising in all three of these books is seeing how Frazetta would often paint over his paintings, to improve them and change major elements, after they were originally published. So, many of his paintings look different than the way they were printed on paperback covers in the 1960's and '70's.

I am very pleased with all three of these books, but "Legacy" is my favorite of the three, if I really had to choose.

The end of an era
Frank Frazetta is a once in an era painter. He was as much an inspiration to my own large scale figure art as was Michaelangelo. This book is brimming with lush and lavish color reproductions. Frazetta, a true natural and the father of powerful and darkly and richly, colorful, anatomically creative, fantasy art. He has been imitated by dozenz, surpassed by none of them. One would have to go back to the Renaissance to find anyone more free, comfortable and creative in use of anatomy and composition. He would hold his own with the great painters of the past 700 years. This is a great book for artists and art lovers. I bought several for my grandchildren, it will be a valuable collectible in 5-10 years.

Frank Frazetta is leaving a Legacy
I bought the book ICON at the same time I bought this book. LEGACY has a slightly different tone than the ICON book. It is a wonderful tone and in complete harmony with the other book. It's kind of like two tubes on a wind chime. I use this analogy in hopes that more chimes, I mean books will come along to complete the symphony.

The ink sketches are great too. I'm partial to the full color oil paintings. What colors, what force, what passion jumps from the pages of this book. These Frazetta books are not only a legacy to the artist but to art in our culture. Imagine Frank painting in the same studio as say... N.C. Wyeth; or even Hal Foster of Prince Valiant fame. I wonder how each artist would influence the other. I bet Mr. Frazetta would set the tone.

Once again, you can't go wrong buying this book. To read more remarks about the Frazetta books, please see my review of the book ICON.

A thing of beauty...
I'm a Frazetta fan, and knew before hand that I would love this book. However, I was surprised and amused to discover so much about the artist's personality, how he describes his love & respect for women, etc...

There's also a great painting of his wife, without (obviously) any of the violence & eroticism that Frazetta is mostly known for. It's just a sweet, beautiful painting of a nice looking, every day person... Very interesting... ... Read more

Book Description

In celebration of Street Fighter's 15th Anniversary, Udon Entertainment is proud to announce the arrival of the long awaited English translation of Street Fighter: Eternal Challenge!Direct from Capcom Japan, Eternal Challenge is the official, definitive resource for art, information, and all things Street Fighter! With unprecedented detail and rare images, Eternal Challenge gives English-reading fans, for the first time, an in-depth retrospective on the legendary Street Fighter franchise from Street Fighter I to Street Fighter III: Third Strike. Eternal Challenge is filled to the brim with development and promo artwork (by legendary Capcom designers including Akiman, Shoei, CRMK, Edayan, and Shinkiro), character histories and bios, screen shots, game endings, merchandizing galleries and behind the scenes interviews with the creators of the games! Included in the English-language release will also be a brand-new, exclusive chapter detailing the Street Fighter franchise in North America! ... Read more

Book Description

The successful book illustrator starts by understanding his author’s flight of fancy, then rendering the ideas and actions imaginatively in pictorial terms. This unusual and inspiring book was written for art students and ambitious beginners. It instructs on methods of developing both imaginative powers and the technical artistic skills to produce high quality illustrations that will please authors and children’s book editors.Separate chapters focus on:

Book Description

Here in a single volume is a practical, comprehensive training course for budding illustrators working to master comic book art, graphic novels, fantasy posters, sci-fi book covers and illustrations, and computer games. The author, a highly successful fantasy artist, teaches the basics of human anatomical drawing and musculature, as well as perspective and composition. He then instructs on ways to distort, develop, and transform the human figure, giving it features that range from monstrous or magical to super-agile or larger than life. Detailed artist’s references and step-by-step instructions show how to build bodies that truly stretch the imagination—mighty alien warriors, kick-boxing cyber-punks, and mega-muscled superheroes, to name just a few. Art students also learn how to show their characters in many different dynamic action poses, such as flying, spinning, punching, and jumping, as well as how to express each character’s emotions through facial expressions. More than 300 color illustrations. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though bits and pieces are somewhat outdated ("backspace 10 characters for right-hand margin," a chapter on getting published recommends), this is a fine and quite British introduction to the art of writing and illustrating children's books. Nine writers, illustrators, editors, librarians, and educators present a chapter or two each on such subjects as storytelling, classic children's fiction, contemporary themes in children's literature, illustration, and production. The format doesn't allow much of a chance for any one aspect of the business of children's books to be explored deeply, but the authors' strong affinity for children and their literature will help any potential children's-book creator adopt the right frame of mind for the work. Authors of children's books, says Gabrielle Maunder, must not underestimate the intelligence of their readers. And illustrators, says Catherine Storr, should do more than simply add pictures to the text; "the illustrator all writers long to meet," she says, "is the one who can take the text and, without radically changing it ... enormously enrich it." Most important, agree all the contributors here, is the need for authors and illustrators alike to understand the mind of the child. Getting published and sold is one thing, says illustrator (and writer) Celia Berridge; but true success "is knowing that your book really works for children."--Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very useful information
I found this book to be very useful as a source for writing better children's books. It includes specific style and writing techniques with examples to teach us to make a more powerful manuscript. I wish there were more books like this with even more ideas!

Good Start for Illustrators
Treld Pelkey Bicknell's 'How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books' is really more for illustrators of children's books then the writer's aspect of the book. It's a good source for that particular purpose. If you want a more indepth instruction on the children's book writing process I suggest Barbara Seuling's 'How to Write a Children's Book and Get It Published.' Bicknell's book is valuable for it's comprehensive topics and illustrations. The first part include topics of constructing a story from beginning to end (planning and plotting, story structure, dialogue). There's a section on getting to know your reader and choosing the right words. Plus other informative information like looking into the world of children and the influence of new writing. The second part is devoted to illustration and discusses getting to know your audience, the types of picture books (board, pop-ups, zig-zag, flap, half-flap, holes, pictorial consequences, long text, minimal text, wordless, picture strips). It combines pictures with interpeting a text and using your imagination. Building the porfolio follows in the creation process. The last part is devoted to getting published. Starting from making the book, preparing the roughs, the right style for the right job. The author tops it off with factual writing and researching, Fad & Novelty books and finding the right publisher. To find what's in the market I also suggest the 'Children's Book Writer and Illustrator's Market Book' as a directory in that field to find the right genre of which publisher to contact. This book is a handy source like the other two I mentioned.

Helpful to illustrators
As a published children's book author and illustrator, I found this book to be one of the more helpful guides for those interested in children's illustration. Most books in the "How to Write Children's Books" genre focus on the writer's perspective and neglect the illustrator. This book, with contributions by an Art Director, also addresses portfolio presentation, picture book layout, style, dummies, tearsheets and roughs. True, the book is somewhat dated and there are more comprehensive books on children's book publishing. However, I would highly recommend this book to fellow illustrators. ... Read more

Book Description

Mucking up the pages of the New Yorker, the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Forbes, the Atlantic Monthly, Blab, and more, Gary Baseman has populated the finest publications with his inimitable brand of illustration. Now Dumb Luck, presents the first complete collection of his work, spanning more than ten years. According to Baseman himself, his art inhabits "that muddy spot where the line between genius and stupidity has been smudged beyond recognition." Dark and dopey, hokey and heartbreaking, his world is populated with freaky folks, maimed bunnies, weird wiener dogs, and anthropomorphic ice-cream cones that yearn and burn just like we do. Baseman's particular genius lies in capturing those ridiculous and all-too-often appalling aspects of being human. Hilarious testimony to the mind of its creator, Dumb Luck is both an art manifesto and a raw celebration of idiocy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Dumb Luck it Ain't
Seemingly simple forms hide complex thoughts. This book is like the height chart marked on the kitchen door frame measuring progress. Gary displays a variety of themes that have characterized his work over the past decade. Some will be drawn to the images reflecting his work on "Teacher's Pet" the emmy-winning ABC Saturday morning show that saw its last incarnation as a full-out animation feature film. Others will see his work as some Freudian-Jungian self examination of our hidden natures (that we try not to put on display for everyone). Even others will see his work as an alternative iconography to sleek Madison Avenue campaigns. This book is all of this and serves as a wonderful summation of Gary's work to date. The fact that Gary's images were used for the "Cranium" game is no fluke -- there is a high correlation between the type of individual who enjoys the mind game and the one who appreciates Gary's art. Sardonic humor never seems to go out style -- so, too, Gary's own expression of that humor will wear well. Do your brain a favor and get this book.

Eye-Popping Fun!
I just received my copy of Gary Baseman's "Dumb Luck" book. I immediately felt compelled to pop an Elvis Costello record on my hi-fi and sit down with an ice-cold martini and go through the book cover to cover TWICE!

Gary Baseman's colors and shapes are wildly beautiful! His point of view is laugh-out-loud funny! That combination makes this book a joy to savor! ... Read more

Book Description

Fashion illustration is hot. More and more, the most arresting visual images seen today are not photographed, they are stylishly drawn. This smart, sophisticated, trendsetting book showcases the work of 29 of the world's top fashion illustrators-an international galaxy of talent whose evocative illustrations often seem to define what is hip and contemporary.

The artists, who include Ruben Alterio, Mats Gustafson, Jean-Philippe Delhomme, and Jeffrey Fulvimari (the illustrator of Madonna's The English Roses), are divided stylistically into three groups: Sensualists (who work in the fine arts tradition with paint, ink, woodblocks, and stencils, and who concentrate as much on the process of illustration as the subject); Gamines & Sophisticates (whose work is figurative and who use caricature and cartooning to create characters and comment on behavior); and Technocrats (those wizards of computer-generated art who are exploring the limits of illustration's newest frontier). Together, these illustrators are revitalizing the marriage of art and fashion in the new millennium. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great for inspiring fashion illustrators
Okay so it took me FOREVER to find and buy this book only to find out its the samd as Borrelli's Stylishly Drawn...and I mean EXACTLY like it nothings different aobut the 2.

Despite that I love the illustrations in it. They are very very very inspiring and helpful to fashion students and illustrators alike. ENJOY!

Great illustration ideas
I'm currently trying to create my own fashion portfolio for entry into university, the problem with me is i usually have tons of wonderful ideas, but because i'm a complete beginner my presentation skills and methods are limited. This book enlightened me on many kinds of media i could explore with.
This book gave me numerous ideas, and i always return to the book for more inspiration whenever i feel stuck.

Whether you're someone who's into classical methods or someone who loves to design digitally, this book is for you.

Excellent Book
I've been searching for this book 2 years now, I finally found it here. For those who like fashion illustration or design in general this is a great reference book. The illustrations are sophisticated and most of them are sure to become classics in the future -Jordi Labanda, Jean Philipe Delhomme or Anja Knoencke.

The thing is that i found out after buying this book (that is kind of scarce to find) that Stylishly Drawn also by Laird Borrelli is nothing else that the same book but published under a different house editor.

This book is worth the waiting and look i`m not an illustratior or fashion designer, but a graphic designer.

cheers for a job well done! ... Read more

Book Description

This beautifully illustrated book is the first complete handbook to visual information. Well written, easy to use, and carefully indexed, it describes the full range of charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, and tables used daily to manage, analyze, and communicate information. It features over 3,000 illustrations, making it an ideal source for ideas on how to present information. It is an invaluable tool for anyone who writes or designs reports, whether for scientific journals, annual reports, or magazines and newspapers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Dramatically improved by graphic communication skills
I have an array of powerful graphics tools ranging from Microsoft Excel's rich charting add-in, to Visio Professional and Harvard Instant Charts. Despite my technical skills that allow me to quickly produce just about any kind of chart or graphic imaginable, I was never such how to select the best graphic or chart to convey information in the most efficient way before I got this book.

This book is a catalog of ideas and a guide for selecting the best possible way to display information in graphical format. Now, instead of floundering around playing with two or three ways to graphically depict information I turn to this book and pick the most appropriate graphic type. My ability to communicate has dramatically improved because now that I have confidence that I am using the optimal method to display information I find myself using graphics not only more effectively, but more wisely.

Prior to this book my graphics tools were implements that more often than not produced inappropriate charts, giving credence to the adage that "A fool with a tool is still a fool". Since this book I now use my software tools like a skilled craftsman who has the perfect blueprint. With 450 pages of illustrations that show how to depict information visually in the best possible way this book is my perfect blueprint.

Consultant's best friend
As a consultant in the computer industry I often wonder if I am a technical specialist or a technical writer because of the high volume of writing I do. While I have honed my writing skills through both experience and training in Information Mapping, I used to be at a loss about how to best portray technical data in my documents.

Information Graphics: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference changed that. With this handy reference, which is never far from my keyboard, I have a 450-page catalog of ideas and guidance. What is remarkable is that in the 450 pages are 4,000 illustrations (nearly 10 per page). This book has allowed me to measurably improve the quality of my proposals and deliverables by picking the best possible way to convey information.

Don't let the fact that I am in the computer consulting industry deter you from buying this book - if you are in business, graphic arts, advertising and marketing or just about any other profession that uses data this book will be worth its weight in gold.

Unimaginative textbook
Be forewarned that this is a boring (but thorough) textbook on presenting data graphically. The intended audience must be students, beginning researchers, and untrained graphic artists. It tells readers how to graphically present data in the driest possible way and is illustrated with thousands of extremely boring and unimaginative line drawings. Do not look to this book for inspiration or for advanced design concepts. I returned my copy immediately.

Information Graphics is a great reference tool
This is a very useful compendium for information graphics designers, business professionals and casual chart readers. Graphic terminology is categorized alphabetically and interpreted using easy language and clear illustrations. Examples are sometimes repeated when there is more than one variation in a term. Browsing through the pages brings to mind a wish list of every chart you ever wanted to make!

Explains how to visually represent many types of information
This book is an overwhelming reference to all types of graphs, maps, tables, diagrams, and charts. Most of the graphics are accompanied by one or more examples along with explanations for when and how to use them. A fun book to browse. ... Read more

Book Description

Keith Parkinson's work is immediately recognized as some of the finest in the field of fantasy art. A long-time collaborator to the work of author Terry Goodkind, Keith has been able to conjure images for such works as Elflord, Dark Island, Dragonring, Demon Hunter, and many more. Now a collected volume of Keith's works are available in a showcase worthy of his art. With a foreword and additional commentary by Terry Goodkind, Parkinson gives you a gloriously detailed view of his imagination, with superb reproduction and high-quality stock. ... Read more

Book Description

"...your conception of outer space has probably been influenced by...Bonestell's surrealist paintings of other-planetary scenes, which caused a sensation when Life first published...them...His vivid imaginings...were used as the visual basis for several...science fiction movies....More than 300...works appear...Rediscover this influential artist, whose success has been credited with stoking public support for the U.S. space program..."--Booklist. "...will appeal to any lover of fine art."--Fantasy & Science Fiction.
... Read more

Reviews (6)

Other Worlds With A Zen-Mystery Quality
"The Art of Chesley Bonestell" is an extremely high quality Science Fiction art collection that comes around once in a decade or two. The last Chesley Bonestell collection of this calibere, "Worlds Beyond: The Art of Chesley Bonestell", was published in 1983. Chesley Bonestell's art goes back to the golden age of Science Fiction of the late 1940's, 1950's and 1960's. His work was displayed on the covers of SF periodical magazines, SF paperback books, and Space Science books of that era. His style is realistic and his work is breathtaking! His concepts of other-worldly-visions are naturally realistic and have a Zen-like feeling of mystery to them. The color plates in this book are of awesome quality. I guarantee this book will increase in price, as the 1983 collection has. The 1983, "Worlds Beyond: The Art of Chesley Bonestell", sells for around $100 or more. Buy this 2001 book, "The Art of Chesley Bonestell" now, because it will only cost MUCH more after it goes out of print.

"Bonestell" chilling realism
I bought this book for the space art but found out there are many other excellent paintings to go along with them. Bonestell's art makes you want to be at the places he's painted except for places like New York under nuclear attack and ancient Egypt being bombarded by comets. The space art is incredible. I only wish I could get large prints of some of the pictures to frame them. I'm even considering buying another book and cutting out some of the pictures that are barely large enough to frame.

The Ultimate Bonestell
I am among the hundreds of thousands -- perhaps millions -- of people who owe their lifelong interest in matters of astronomy and space science to a childhood discovery of the art of Chesley Bonestell. I remember vividly pawing through the pages of The Conquest of Space at the age of about ten, my mouth open as I saw the marvels of the universe displayed.

It was thus actually rather nerve-racking when I opened this new book for the first time. Could the reality of his art possibly match my childhood memories? Could all of that vividness and excitement have been magnified in my mind's eye over the succeeding decades? Was I in for a disappointment?

I most certainly was not. If anything, the fabulous art inspired and excited me even more than it had way back then.

And there's a lot of that art here -- a real feast of it, superbly reproduced. And I discovered as I kept turning the pages, hands quite literally trembling as I discovered treasure after treasure. Even more excitingly, I found that Bonestell had worked in areas of art I'd never suspected before: fabulous landscapes, stunning sketches ... I have perused many, many art books, but I've never before reacted quite as strongly as to this one.

And it gets better. There's a long, beautifully written and utterly fascinating illustrated biography of Bonestell written by Ron Miller. It's almost as if one's getting two books in one.

An earlier reviewer (who cannot spell "Chesley") talked of this as if it were an expanded version of The Conquest of Space. He was talking through his hat. This is a completely new book covering the entirety of Bonestell's career both visually and textually; it contains a big selection of illustrations from The Conquest of Space (all the best ones), but they form only a small part of the huge and sumptuous collection on display here.

This is a gorgeous book, and an extremely valuable piece of work -- the authors/compilers deserve the highest praise for having brought this treasure to us.

The Master!
If you were about 10 years old in 1950, there was very likely a moment of absolute epiphany in your young life. In my case it occurred in the Junior High library in about 1950. From the shelf I pulled a large dark blue book about 8 by 11 inches in size. Even the end-papers were stunning, color plates of the surfaces of Mercury and Jupiter. But, thumbing through, I actually began to tremble when I got to facing pages 132 and 133! It is safe to say I have never recovered from the sight. I now have two copies of this book, one at home which I purchased in about 1951 and one in my office, which I purchased a few years ago. It was THE CONQUEST OF SPACE, by Chelsey Bonestell and Willy Ley.

Who was this incredible artist, Chelsey Bonestell? Although I collected books illustrated by Bonestell throughout the 1950s and 1960s, I knew little about him personally until I found a trade paperback about him in the late 1970s or early 1980s, which gave a broad overview of his life and work.

The present book is a greatly expanded version of that earlier work, 256 pages versus 133 in the trade paperback. Since that paperback came out, both Chelsey and his wife have died, but I think it is safe to say Chelsey's work is more appreciated than ever. Here you'll learn of his childhood, his work as an architectural renderer and movie matte painter, and his entry into space art at an age when most men are thinking of retirement. Chesley lived to be nearly a hundred, and was able to compare many of his painted visions of other worlds to actual photos taken by astronauts and robots. But none of these photos have the incredible artistic validity of Chelsey's own vision. As many have commented, where Chesley's vision disagrees with reality, it is generally Chesley's vision which is the better.

For several generations, whenever anyone thought of space travel, or explorations of other worlds, it was Chesley Bonestell's vision they recreated in their mind's eye. Few artists have ever had or could ever hope to have such an impact.

Whether you are an old fan or are discovering Bonestell for the first time, this is a rich feast of his art, which ranges from architectural renderings to recreations of long-vanished Spanish missions of California.

The Mother Load of Space Art
Bonestell is the giant of the Space Art genre, and this book is the definitive collection of his work. With most of the Bonestell classics long out of print, this is an exciting release for space art fans, but also a great coffee table art book for those anyone interested in astronomy, science, and science fiction. ... Read more

Book Description

Maurice Sendak is one of most admired artists in children's literature. His uniquely expressive illustrations, which bring to life a world of fantasy and imagination, have won him the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the Caldecott Medal, and most recently the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature in 2003. Picking up where Selma Lanes's earlier, landmark monograph, The Art of Maurice Sendak, left off, this new book traces Sendak's life and work from 1980 to the present, representing two decades filled with projects inside and outside the children's book arena. This strikingly designed volume is overflowing with hundreds of wonderful Sendak illustrations: sketches and final art for opera, ballet, and theater productions, as well as children's books, adult book jackets, posters, and CD covers.

An extended essay by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner, a friend of the artist, provides an intimate view of Sendak. With an insider's perspective, Kushner not only gives us a chronological overview of Sendak's work, but also allows us to see him as an accomplished author and artist redefining his legacy, and as a man coming to terms with himself. This survey will only add to our understanding and appreciation of this multitalented artist, whose creative endeavors are among the most inventive and treasured of our time. ... Read more

Book Description

A fresh, up-to-date approach to creating comics shows artists of all ages and talent levels how to build basic figures into stylized characters, set them in action, and add the backgrounds needed to complete the visual storytelling process.

Chapters include instruction on basic shapes and perspective; human anatomy, figure drawing, and stylizing the basic figure; the head and comic facial expressions; and backgrounds and inking techniques. Terrific tips of the trade are provided by prominent young professionals in the comic book industry who share their insiders' overviews of the business, giving aspiring cartoonists a decided edge in becoming savvy newcomers as they prepare to enter a very competitive field. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Still not the ultimate guide to drawing comics
Another handsome volume on drawing comics from Watson Guptill. And Kubert School graduate Andy Smith uses this book to take you through the basics of drawing comics figures and arranging them in panels. What you make of the book will be determined by your tastes and drawing level.

Though it claims to be for any talent level, I don't believe this book would be useful for a complete beginner. While drawing heads and figures are well-represented, he mysteriously omits instruction on hands and feet. As these are the two major stumbling blocks for tons of aspiring artists, this omission is a bit puzzling.

Smith's style is the heavily exagerated muscle style that some desperately want to emulate (I'm not one of them, myself, but that hasn't affected my rating). There are only a few examples of other artists' styles, and many of them are from Bart Sears, who makes Smith look restrained in his depiction of the heavily muscled. It would have been nice to have a discussion of different ways of representing the super-heroic musculature ranging from cartoon simple to ultra-powerful over-realistic.

The section on inking is helpful, but only if you know how to use the tools already. Though the user is encouraged to use a brush, there's no mention of the correct manner of holding the brush. You are told it takes a great deal of practice to use a brush, but not how to go about that practice.

On the good side, there are great discussion on panel layout and flow, using reference materials, drawing the face in different ways and in different ages and a very good guide to the different facial features. The writing is clear, the art well executed and the teaching style encouraging.

For someone serious about drawing comics, this is a worthwhile addition for your bookshelf. But don't start here. I'd personally start with Christopher Hart's How to Draw Comic Book Heroes and Villains, which covers the same ground as this book while including most of the omissions I mentioned above. And for working on your figures, I highly recommend How to Draw Anime and Game Characters: Basics for Beginners and Beyond (don't be put off by the manga base for this book, it will benefit anyone interested in comics).

Better than the others, so far...
Granted this book isn't particularly special and covers pretty much the same sort of basics, fundamental principles, etc, as a lot of the other 'how to draw comics' books out there - it's a bit different and somewhat better by comparison. It's extremely tough to find a good 'how to...' book out there that covers both basics and more advanced areas which is also helpful and satisfying for most people with different needs for it. I have searched many bookstores and I found pretty much the same sort of thing every time. In the end I thought of which one was more informative, precise and practical without being overly stressful, repetitive or boring. One that didn't rely on flashy colourful examples or reference material that looks great but doesn't really guide you in the right direction. I thought this one was one of the better ones, if not the best. I thought some of the other books really focused more on the finished product and work which was appealing, slick and contemporary-looking - but there wasn't much of a guideline for how to achieve those sort of results. They sort of suggested that most serious comic-drawers draw in the same style. This one isn't really an exception in that way, the same sort of old-fashioned aesthetics and ideals apply. However, I felt this book covered most areas further and the points were not as strict or stubborn. Anything you learn from this book can be loosened and applied to your own individual style. I also felt that this book was easier to understand, adventurous and fun. This is one of the best 'how to...' books so far. It explores most areas further than the other books and introduces new themes. It's probably not what some comic-drawers are hunting for but it's better than most the others
(that are more accessible) and it's also excellent for those who want to recap a lot of things.

Great help
This book is worth getting. Andy Smith gives great tips to help you draw better, how to use simple shapes to form figures and objects. Of all the books I have gotten a lot of books on drawing and this one just help it all click. I recommend it for anyone who wants to learn how to draw.

DDC DELIVERS!
Many people have given this book fewer stars, citing it's ommissions as the reason. I feel this is unfair as this a book intended to teach the reader 'HOW TO DRAW DYNAMIC COMICS', not just 'HOW TO DRAW'.

It may not be a book for a complete beginner (even though it does cover many basic drawing techniques), but someone who has a modicum of artistic talent and wants to know how to develop his skills for the comic book genre will find this book invaluable. As for the ommissions such as hand drawing and digital colouring, these are topics that deserve an entire book to themselves, and to try and cover either (or both) of them in a manual of this size would only have done both subjects a disservice.

For subjects such as hands, animals, and vehicles, the reader would be better served by looking at the works of Burne Hogarth (Dynamic Hands), Jack Hamm (How to Draw Animals), and Christopher Hart (How to Draw Fast Cars, Monster Trucks, & Fighter Jets). Once you've got these skills, turn back to this book to see how to use them in the creation of a comic book.

Andy Smith has written a book that promises to teach us how to draw Dynamic Comic Books. It does exactly that, with entertaining text and many superb illustrations. He talks about tools, techniques, and style, and covers everything from basic anatomy, figure construction and posing, to perspective, panel layout, and inking.

Drawing Dynamic Comics delivers the goods. What more can you ask?

This would be a great addition to anyone's how-to library.

Got Technique?
Andy Smith has put together a truly solid reference for those who are looking to improve the quality of their comic book artwork. The sample characters he uses to demonstrate figure drawing are excellent examples of the "modern superhero/superheroine" style.
Using basic form-blocking methods to establish proportion he shows how to then add the sleek and well-defined musculature typical of the most popular comics today.

Other areas of instruction include light and shadow, 1,2 and 3-point perspective, page layout, choosing "camrera angles" for panels, composition and visual pacing/flow through a page. Other sections detail scripting and script types, inking techniques/tools, and an epilogue page about breaking into the industry.

All in all, this book is a pleasure to work from. I highly recommend it as a desk reference for anyone starting out and also for those who want to return to basics and rediscover what makes the difference between great comics and those that collect dust on the shelf. ... Read more

Book Description

Moments Of Childhood:Vintage Poster Book For The Nursery, features a stunning collection of twelve of the most beautiful and timeless children's book illustrations, now reproduced for all to enjoy once again.Each one of the 11 x 14 inch prints (sized for a standard frame size), is carefully reproduced on vintage poster-weight paper and has pull-away binding providing clean edges for the poster.Either matted or framed as is, this stunning collection provides a glimpse into the carefree wonder of childhood and gives modern women an inexpensive, old-fashioned decorating alternative to buying expensive nursery furnishings. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Awesome!
I bought it for my sister's nursery and have had to send out three more copies to other relatives who wanted to do the same. A perfect gift idea.

Gorgeous prints for a child's room
We have this book and are thrilled with the high quality, beautiful illustrations. These prints give an air of elegance to our daughter's nursery. We highly recommend them for any child, boy or girl. This book would also be a terrific shower gift.

Beautiful!
What a clever idea! Twelve wonderful illustrations with beautiful verse on the back of each. The quality of the card stock makes framing these illustrations simple and the look is very rich. I am very happy with this book...what a treasure! ... Read more

Book Description

A fascinating overview of the golden age of floral art! The Art of Flowers is a magnificent look into the very best in 19th century botanical illustration by such renowned artists as Pierre Joseph Redouté, George Brookshaw, Jane Loudon, Georg Ehret, James Andrews, Rogert Tyas, James Sowergy, and Clarissa Badger.Packed with scores of dazzling, full-color reproductions-many of them rarely seen before-this incredible book displays how the best artists of the era coaxed blossoms to flower on paper. The Art of Flowers begins by exploring how this artistic genre developed, discussing how some simple botany basics came to enhance the art of drawing flowers. It goes on to celebrate the wonderful passion for flowers that flourished in the Victorian era and discusses the beautiful botanical periodicals that swept through England and America. In fact, many of these periodicals are still popular with today's collectors for their dazzling illustrations.Next, readers will discover the intriguing phenomenon of language-of-flower books: charming and hugely popular references that assigned sentimental values to flora . . . and were often accompanied by poetry and delightful dashes of morality. These guides explained to gentle readers how to use flowers to send secret messages to lovers and admirers. Finally, The Art of Flowers provides a fascinating section of rare how-to-draw flower books from the 19th century, complete with ready-to-use templates for copying such flowers as anemone, clematis, dahlias, daisies, lilies, daffodils, pansies, roses, and more. Written by an esteemed authority, The Art of Flowers is a magnificent display of rare art and how-to instruction-the perfect addition to every art lover's library and a delightful gift for anyone who gardens, paints, or simply loves flowers. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

From a long time Fan of DL
I'll keep it short & Sweet.
Good book, great images...but why are there more works in it from Stawiki than from Elmore. Stawiki is great, but when I think of Dragon Lance I think of Larry Elmore and the book didn't have enough of his images...that's my only gripe.

this book is awesome!
This book contains several absolutely gorgeous pictures... not that any of them are anything less than stunning. Any fan of Dragonlance, or even just fantasy art would love to leaf through this book-lots of fond memories. It also contains bios on the artists, and some feedback on the art; nothing overly extensive, just a few notes from the creator to augment the ideal of the pictures.

However, the real point of this book is that the art is outstanding. It won't improve your knowledge of the fantasy series... but it will give you a lovely collection of its art, and some minor history of its development. It will also give you the proper book titles so you can find those few books that you managed to miss in your searches for more excellent side stories.

Even the "Spectre of the Black Rose" cover picture is included (twice actually) that creepy picture of Soth being my personal favorite. Even Art director Ryan Sansaver said it "Kicks [butt] !"
So I highly recommend it. Buy it! Share it with your friends! ... Read more

Book Description

This final entry in Arnie and Cathy Fenner's Frazetta trilogy features 150 full-color paintings by the renowned artist and illustrator, ranging in subject matter from barbarian battles to erotica to religious art. Frank Frazetta's 50-year career is celebrated not only in these museum-quality reproductions of his art but also in photos from his personal archives, including shots of George Lucas visiting the Frazetta estate and Bo Derek posing for one of his alluring femme fatales. Comments and anecdotes by the artist and the editors, along with testimonials from graphic-art luminaries Dave Stevens, Bruce Timm, and Bernie Wrightson, flesh out this portrait of the artist. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

under- appreciated master
Frank Frazetta is not only the master of Fantasy art but one of the true fathers of todays artist (Vallejo, Mcfarlane, Hildebrant) his body of work has ranged from the early comic strips of the 50's , to the great interpretation of Fantasy heroes greatest, Tarzan, Conan, Kane and many others, but he has also created some of the most memorable images of the 20th century Sci-Fi and Fantsy art(Deathdealer and so on). This bookk ends a wonderful trilogy that started with Icon, and was followed by Legacy, those previous volumes introduced many to the great worlds depicted in Frazetta's paintings, this book is a treasure chest of less known but just as great works. True longtime fans of this great master will relish this additions to the already establish body of work. I urge all fans of the master to also visit his museum in Stroudsburg PA to view the original paintins in all their greatness.

20th century genius
Only Norman Rockwell is in the same league with Frank Frazetta. He is the most talented fantasy illustrator of his generation, no one else comes close. His work easily qualitfies as Fine Art. His draftsmanship is so good it seems beyond human, like Michaelangelo. His sense of drama is so assured, each image is like something out of a classic movie or great legend. But everyone falls all over themselves praising Frazetta. This is the third book of his work, and is more for hardcore fans and collectors. Icon and Legacy contain his most famous works, but I love this one for the insights it gives into his techniques, and for the many sensitive and exquisite watercolor nudes he gave his wife on birthdays and anniversaries. I've seen the guy in person twice in my life, but I never said a word to him. Still, Frazetta has made me a better artist.

Odds & Ends Collection, "Icon" & "Legacy" Better to Start
This is a beautiful book, but the more famous Frazetta works are to be found in the two previous books of this trilogy. So this book is great for serious Frazetta fans, but "Icon" and "Legacy" are better books for showing the most famous of his works.

This book, "Testament," is good for showing more of his unpublished stuff. It has many Playboy-type girlie paintings and drawings, some western themes, and his paintings for TV Guide, for the "Battlestar Galactica" show, (which look nothing like the actual TV program, but stand as terrific space fantasy works). The personal photos are also a very nice insight into his life.

All three books in this trilogy cover work from his whole life, and explain his career moves, with slight variations and different guest commentary. The printing is nicely done, so you can enjoy studying the paintings on glossy, quality paper. These three books are very nice additions to your personal bookshelf library.

If you're new to Frazetta's work, I would just suggest that you start in order, with "Icon," and then "Legacy," where the more popular works are printed, to be able to appreciate and understand Frazetta's work and influence in proper perspective. "Testament" is more for the confirmed Frazetta fans.

I wish this was not the last volume
Cathy and Arnie Fenner have done a marvelous thing. They considered the longtime followers of Frank Frazetta's art and gave them a gift of rareties. This last volume has more of Frank's obscure work than either of the previous books in this series. Obscure does not mean "bad" or "unworthy". Obscure in this case means more creative range and less commercial recognition. Page 107 is a perfect example of what I mean. I can't even describe the plate other than to say it's a fantastic horror composition without a monster in sight. From western to horror, erotic to fantastic, this volume is the best of the three. The commentaries from the various artists is also a nice touch and shows the respect that Frank and his work has established. I'm particularly fond of the words written by Michael Kaluta. All the comments and essays complete the image of Frank, his career, his art, influence and friendship. My pet pieces are on pages 40 (Warrior of Llarn), 45, 73 (it boggles the mind that he repainted this and refers to the original, as it's presented, as a piece of crap!), 105, 107 and 114. Frank Frazetta has rendered images from a rich pallet of differing themes and subjects. For his critics who are fond of lambasting Frank as a painter of fat women and barbarians, this volume should put the final nail in their coffin full of misinfomation. The burial of such rampant subjectivity should give rise to his critics' giving in and taking pleasure from the vital work of this artist.
I wonder if a fourth volume is possible?
One last thing. The selection for the cover art was not a standout choice, but the selection for the art used on the endpapers was marvelous. ... Read more