Book 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.
Customer Reviews:
Where were you ten years ago!?.......2006-11-29
Although R. Crumb's "Want to improve your art? DRAW. Wishing won't make it happen!" is the best "How-To" advice anyone can give/get, books like this are still quite helpful and inspirational. I bought this book, ended up loaning it to a friend also interested in it during an OT period at work. Later, I just bought another copy for myself!!! It is that good.
An amazingly helpful book for fantasy artists!.......2006-02-08
I've been drawing for over seven years. This book is helping me considerably.
Cowan gives a good emphasis on the fantasy genre. Before, I knew nothing of how to draw armor or if I was drawing the female and male anatomy correctly or if my drawings even could be considered fantasy.
In the beginning of the book, he explores the different ways you can receive inspiration (scrapbooking, mementoes, museums, art books, et cetera) and different helpful tools. He also explains opportunities that fantasy artists can receive (work in film, games, et cetera).
In the drawing portion of the book, he focuses on the basics: faces, expressions, bodies/anatomy; and helpful intermediate things: archetypes, foreshortening. Throughout the book are drawings and paintings (both digital and traditional) that give both inspiration and help considerably. There is also the topic of wizards and mythical creatures (dragons, gryphons, et cetera) and non-mytical (horses and owls...).
The back of the book deals with painting and inking as well as digital art (3D and Photoshop).
This book is very helpful. The only flaw I see is that it doesn't go into too much depth. I only wish that he went into more depth with the costumes. Otherwise, everything else was fine!
This is two books for the price of one!
(When I was in the bookstore, I couldn't decide on a book on to get. I had two in my hand - together it would have been over $50.00. Then I saw this book that covered everything I wanted: dragons and fantasy themes. So, I don't agree with "A Classicist"'s review about it being two books.) I find this book perfect!
Not useful for drawing instruction.......2005-12-30
While a few helpful tips are included, this book is concerned primarily with listing various characters and props in the fantasy genre and showcasing the artist's work. If you are looking for guidance in drawing the characters or props, this is not the book for you. If you are unaware that the fantasy genre includes warriors, elves, and wizards, then look no further.
An excellent book (in a lonely field).......2004-01-06
There aren't very many illustration books out there that deal with drawing from the imagination. Most are concerned only with drawing from nature, from a model, still life, etc. There's the Encyclopedia of Fantasy Art, of course, but that is more of a collection of examples, and not much of a learning resource. And there are a few well-known comic book titles, but they are mostly dated and directed at the pre-teen crowd.
Cowan's book, however, fills this gap nicely. It has a great look and is very informative. The only reason it doesn't get the full 5 stars is because it tries to cover too much material. Two books -- one on drawing and one on painting -- would have been much better, as it would have allowed more detailed coverage of both topics.
All in all, though, highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Place to Start.......2005-09-17
I like all of Cathy Johnson's books, but this one is my favorite. It is very practical, understandable, and well illustrated. Although anyone would enjoy it, this book is especially beneficial to someone just beginning to paint with watercolors. It deals with the basics. I love it.
Great tips and illustrations........2005-08-04
Although I am taking some watercolor classes, this book had many tips and illustrations and explanations that I did not get in class.
What I was looking for.......2001-06-17
I do not have an extensive art background. Without becoming arcane, the author gives sufficient knowledge and support TO GET YOU GOING. This is the right book for someone who wants to try watercolor but lacks the art background and/or the creative support one would get from an instructor.
The Perfect Gift.......2001-02-13
This book is great for reference as well as a gift to anyone wanting to explore watercolor! We are given examples and methods as well as how to shop for your supplies. I am giving this to my mom for Mother's Day. I highly recommend this book for anyone at any level.
Great book!.......1998-07-23
A great book for the person who wants to try a new medium, or begin painting for the first time. Cathy Johnson's step by step instructional demos and great sense of humor make you want to get in there and just do it. The instructions are VERY clear and easy to understand--she never assumes you know what any given painting term means.
Book Description
In Masterstrokes: Watercolor you will learn about: * painting water through a study of "The Dismasted Brig" by John Sell Cotman * dramatic landscape through a study of "Stonehenge" by John Constable * painting trees through a study of "Poplars on the Banks of the Epte" by Claude Monet * the nude in a setting through a study of "After the Bath" by Pierre Bonnard * portraiture through a study of "Portrait of the Artist's Wife" by Thomas Gainsborough * painting flowers through a study of "Geraniums" by Henri Fantin-Latour * figures in landscape through a study of "The Red Canoe" by Winslow Homer 96 pages (all in color), 8 3/4 x 11 1/2. NEW IN PAPERBACK
Customer Reviews:
A great book at turning point for watercolorists........2001-08-20
If you are pursuing watercolor painting, have achieved a reasonably good drawing skill, and are ready to take on some significant watercolor projects, this book is right for you. The book consists of three main sections. After a brief coverage of color, papers, and equipment, the book presents tutorials on painting water, landscape, trees, figures, portraiture, and landscapes, after some masters of these subject matters, including Cotman, Constable, Monet, to name a few. These step-by-step tutorials are discussed in detail and easy to follow, along with emphasis on key techniques. Finally, the last section of the book demonstrates important techniques in watercolor to achieve desired effects.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
Book Description
The distinguishing feature of this book of 12 flower subjects is that it illustrates in detail each stage of the painting process, from pencil drawing and shading through each successive watercolor coat to final touches.Published at $32.95 Our last copies available at $16.49
The distinguishing feature of this book of 12 flower subjects is that it illustrates in detail each stage of the painting process, from pencil drawing and shading through each successive watercolor coat to final touches.Published at $32.95 Our last copies available at $16.49
Book Description
Beginning painters can succeed on their very first attempt by following a new approach to painting that’s distilled into ten easy sequences. The process starts with tips on choosing a workable subject, then moves into a series of skill practices on a separate sketchpad. Once the painter feels comfortable with the techniques, it’s time to transfer them onto the painting, with fully illustrated instructions of each step, and finished paintings that highlight each skill practice. Next come the secrets of color mixing and the use of pencils and brushes, as well as advice on establishing tonal areas, layer buildup, object edges, colors, highlights, light and shadow, and background. The final sequence: applying the finishing touches that make the painting look professional.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent for the paralysed beginner.......2005-04-24
I have been circling around watercolour painting for some time now and had gone so far as to buy some paints, brushes and paper, but was at a complete loss as to how to actually start.
I bought this book sight unseen on the basis of reviews, and I think it is the best possible book I could have bought. (I have several other 'beginners' watercolour books which have left me more, rather than less, inhibited about starting.)
This book concentrates on teaching specific watercolour techniques in a step-by-step manner, with very precise and detailed instructions on how to load your brush, how to use it, how to mix each colour, and how to do specific techniques such as laying a wash (best description I've read, by a country mile, and it worked - a perfect wash second time), softening edges, lifting out colour, adjusting your work if it isn't right first time, and so on. She takes the guesswork out by providing a series of interesting drawings to copy and step by step instructions on how to paint each, and by specifying exact paints and (cheap but good) brushes, which I bought. The exercises are graded - before I started each one I was sure I would make a total mess, but each time the results were very good (would have been excellent if I'd had the patience to do a quick trial of each technique on a scrap piece of paper before going for it).
This is not a fast-and-free approach, but an interesting and fun book which teaches you the basic techniques you will need even if the fast approach suits your personality better. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Disappointing.......2003-06-19
Not for the beginner. Choices of projects weak.
..........2002-02-11
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As a young chap, I visited my local Art Gallery here in Bolton (UK) and although I had virtually no interest in art, I found myself mesmerised by the watercolour paintings of Thomas and Paul Sandby (c1700's). Twenty five years later and I still haven't taken a brush to paper - well, not until recently.
Browsing through a bookshop a short while ago, I thumbed through scores of watercolour books and made mental note of how simple the paintings seemed to be. Can't be that difficult can it?
And then....I picked up Dawn's book and was simply amazed by the fine paintings contained therein. Wow! The "Strawberries & Lace" knocked me sideways! I figured that even if I couldn't follow the lessons, my money wouldn't be wasted, because I'd cut out these fine pictures and frame them! :-)
Seriously though, I'd agree with one of the other reviewers and say that this book is perhaps not the ideal beginner's choice. Having said that, this book does serve to inspire you and that's worth more than any amount of "basics".
Don't hesitate....buy it now!
...
Takes a Mid-Level Beginner to High-Intermediate Stage.......2001-11-23
This was one of the first watercolor books I ever bought when I first wanted to learn how to paint. First of all I'd like to list some of it's stronger points.
1. The projects are beautiful with the subjects being mostly still-life (although there is one animal project of baby ducklings
2. The author lists exactly the colors and brands she used in each project, the specific mixes of each colors and step-by-step directions for you to follow at each stage. Each project has stage-by-stage photos so you can see what your painting-in-progress should look like at the end of each stage.
3. The "Critique Your Work" tip section. She lists some questions to ask yourself as you examine the finished painting to see what you did well and what can be improved.
4. The "how moist is moist?" examination of loading a brush with color. This is one technique most other watercolor books either don't mention at all or if they do they don't explain it. The author gives photos and a detailed description of exactly what she means by a phrase such as "loaded brush", "moistened brush" etc.
5. The section on values and painting a controlled wash. There is a page devoted to common problems that beginners can run into when trying to paint washes - complete with examples of some of these problems (streaky wash, backruns, etc.) and how to correct them or avoid them.
It helps to buy the paints she recommends because it will eliminate one variarable that might make it harder to lead to a satisfying result. It is possible to use other brands (I did) but I recommend at least try to use the same pigment, if possible, as she lists in the book. For some people who are on a limited budget or don't want to invest in a lot of paint to be used only for this book's projects they might consider this a drawback. Also, this book doesn't cover painting portraits, wildlife, landscapes, seascapes, etc. It will be of most interest to fans of still-life subjects. Overall, I'm glad I own it as it is a big help to further development of techniques with watercolor.
Beautiful book but not for a beginner.......2001-11-15
The first time I picked up this book, I am very much inspired by the projects. Very clearly written step by step, even with the drawing provided and color chart clearly explained. They are as easy as coloring book, or so I thought.
There are few things that are big turn-offs. First of all, the equipment. The paint has to be of specific color (and/or maker) and for each project it requires more than 5 different color of paints. Other equipments are also specific such as brush sizes. They can be very costly, especially for a beginner like me who doesn't want to spend a lot of money for something that I will most probably failed on first try.
Second, the techniques, such as mixing colors to achieve a shade or a value, controlled wash, although very clearly written, does not give any indication that it is very hard to achieve in real situation, especially for beginner. It takes me a long while to mix a paint and achieve the described value and by the time I finish mixing all of them, I have no appetite to paint anymore. I also practiced to do controlled wash as described many many times and still I cannot achieve the same quality as desired in the book, not even near. A smear here, a balooning effect there, if you can't master it, the finished project are not too forgiving either. In short, it is very easy for a beginner like me to be frustrated and discouraged, especially after that much money spend for buying the equipments.
Maybe it's me. Maybe I will pick up this book again in the future. But for now, I'd like to see a book that teaches me how to paint intuitively, allowing me plenty of room for error, and use less equipments.
Book Description
The sea reflects light and it is affected by weather. Skies change constantly from one minute to the next. Arnold Lowrey explores both subjects with enthusiasm and energy, showing how wonderful effects can be achieved with a range of watercolour techniques. Practical step-by-step demonstrations illustrate how to build up a painting, and inspirational paintings shows how the techniques can be adapted to create new pictures.
Book Description
This fascinating guide makes it easy, revealing the secrets of master painters like Durer and Turner, as well as contemporary techniques. Full-color photos on each page display a wide range of techniques, including glazing, backruns, and masking out. Best of all: your very first watercolor will be suitable for framing!
Book Description
William Newton provides an inspirational and practical guide to painting beautiful watercolours and shows how to capture the exciting qualities of this wonderful medium. Using over 60 step-by-step photographs he illustrates all the basic techniques, explaining how to create transparent washes, luminous colours, light, shade and atmosphere. The book takes you through all the stages of painting a picture, from simple brush strokes to final details. Whatever your skill level you will be able to develop your own style using the demonstrations and exercises featured in these pages.
Book Description
Water is a favourite subject of watercolour artists, but it takes some expertise to get it right. Here, Joe Francis Dowden explains in detail how he creates his extraordinary paintings of water, from the stillest pond to the most torrential waterfall. In easy to follow step-by-step demonstrations, he reveals the colours and techniques you need to produce wonderful watercolours. The beautiful paintings of the natural world reproduced here will inspire his admirers to have a go for themselves.
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Books Index
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Study & Teaching
| Reference
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Fantasy Workshop: A Practical Guide
Anatomy for Fantasy Artists: An Illustrator's Guide to Creating Action Figures and Fantastical Forms
Drawing & Painting Fantasy Beasts: Bring to Life the Creatures and Monsters of Other Realms
Drawing & Painting Fantasy Worlds
Drawing and Painting Fantasy Landscapes and Cityscapes
How to Draw Fantasy Females: Create Sexy Cyberpunks, Seductive Supergirls, and Raunchy All-Action Heroines
