ART OF POCAHONTAS, THE

Customer Reviews:

great for art/"Pocahontas" fans in general.......1998-08-24

I love flipping through this book once in a while just to be in awe of Disney animators all over again, but I agree w/ some of the other reviewers who say that there isn't enough about the actual people behind this artwork. I'd like to find out more about how the artists & voices influenced different aspects of the story, reacted to deadlines, etc. too--but the art almost makes up for it. The book also provides some more insight into the personalities of the characters in "Pocahontas," which I found enlightening. Overall, it's a beautiful accompaniment to the movie, and very inspiring as well--makes me want to learn how to draw a little better.

A book as beautiful as its main character.......1997-12-27

The art of Pocahontas is, to my mind, one of the most beautiful books about animation art. Its composition following the making of the film step by step helps the reader to understand how a huge production such as Pocahontas is made and all the production aeras are represented. The pictures taken from the film and the artist's sketches shown in it are so great they could make anyone that did not like the design of Pocahontas ( and god knows they are a lot in France ) loves it. The only thing that could be improved is about photos of the artists in their work environment, there should be more.

Weak parts, but worth taking a look at........1997-11-30

The only thing holding this book together is the easy way it flows. In the tradition of other Disney "Making of..." books, it follows the format of each animation process from concept to script to storyboard to animation. Its interesting, but at times bogs down some nice visuals. Not all the visuals are great, though. The pre-production art seems weak and cliche like the drawings of pilgrims and Indians you remember as a kid. Only in the animation chapters does it pick up, particularly the work of Glen Keane. As chief animator of the title character, his storyboards and animation seem the most inspired and studied. Other character designs seem less bold against Disney's first eco-feminist heroine who paved the way for post-feminist heroines like Esmeralda from Hunchback and Meg from Hercules. The book not unnique in its execution or format, but its worth taking a look at to compare with other films and books and to see the evolution of the thought process of great Disney animators like Keane and Ruben Aquino. And of course it has its share of Disney we-are-doing-this-and-no-one-else-can attitude.

Very beautiful!.......1997-11-26

First of all, I assume that these reviews are supposed to refer to the large hardcover edition, which was published in 1995, and not the smaller 1996 edition. The large one is gorgeous, allowing a look into the world of how the artists develop a film from start to finish. Some of the concept art is so beautiful that you wonder why it didn't make it into the film. My only gripe with this book is that, like Rebello's other books, it deals almost entirely with the visual aspect of the films and, although it talks about how songs developed the movie (the Colors of the Wind section is especially well done), what about the voices? In The Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast, descriptions and photos are included of the actors who voiced the characters. While you might say that this sort of thing doesn't belong in an "Art of" book, I think it does, because the actor who voices a character often has a tremendous influence on the visual development of that character. For example, Belle in Beauty and the Beast would not have had the lock of hair that kept falling into her face - an endearing gesture that helped make her more real to the audience - if Paige O'Hara, her voice, had not had it first. The Art of Pocahontas would be perfect if it offered similar insights. But it's definitely worth reading or just looking at, to bask in the sheer beauty of the artwork.

Miniature Poachontas Book is Big on Color and Information.......1997-03-06

Don't let the small size of "The Art of Pocahontas"fool you; the authors have crammed the 5.5" by 4.5" book with loads of colorful artwork and interesting insights into the recent Disney masterpiece.

"The Art of Pocahontas" traces the creation of the film from conception to completion, including wonderful reproductions of concept sketches, background paintings, layout drawings and final animation art. The 189 pages of this small volume contain over 400 color and black-and-white illustrations.

The text was written by Stephen Rebello, an editor of "Movieline" and author of "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of 'Psycho.'" He provides many insights into the collaborative and creative process behind the making of "Pocahontas."

Amazon.com

Hunter S. Thompson, in his drunken, rambling introduction to this volume of paintings and illustrations, calls Ralph Steadman "the Albert Gore of twentieth century art." It's hard to imagine a less apt appellation: Steadman's drawings and paintings are the wild antithesis of the notoriously stiff V.P. His pop art is also the opposite of Warhol's clean lines and soulless imagery; it screams with pain and nightmare power. While Steadman is best known for his illustrations to Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and other works, here his art is given free rein, and works with titles like "Earliest man, full of the sense of his own worth, screaming into the blackness, needing no god but himself..." and "Good time crucifix" combine Steadman's trademark splattered ink and unfolded figures with collage and sloppy airbrush. Although the text may offend those with no sense of irony (Thompson compares Steadman to artist manqué Adolf Hitler; Steadman relates the story of his first bowel movement), the hyperactive visuals are sure to delight even those who've never snorted ether while tripping on pure human adrenochrome. --James DiGiovanna

Book Description

A three-decade retrospective of Ralph Steadman’s caustic, witty, outrageous art-including illustrations from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the other legendary collaborations with Hunter S. Thompson that spawned gonzo journalism. Illustrated throughout in color and black-and-white, with an introduction by Hunter S. Thompson.

Customer Reviews:

Steadman is great.......2007-07-15

any book by Ralph Steadman requires serious and not so serious reading. his perspective on life is truly unique and worthy of consideration.

Steadman and the good doctor..........2007-01-31

I'm very pleased with my purchase...It arrived promptly, well packaged, and in stellar condition. A flawless venture.

One of His Best!.......2006-03-09

I love his work, have since he did the cover art and animation for Pink Floyd The Wall. This book is worth grabbing if you respect the artistic value of total insanity and the furthering of freedom of expression.

Gonzo forever!.......2005-10-12

May the ghost of Hunter S. Thompson come down and become the next President of the United States - and may Ralph Steadman be his Art Director!

Plastered from the master........2005-01-08

Having had, as many people did, my first taste of Ralph via Hunter S Thompson's books, I found this to be a great introduction to the Hyperactive and frantic style of a dude who is probably my favourite artist. This has a forward by Hunter, gives great colour examples of his works in the realm of Gonzo, and also has many written, poetical works, and songs. My fave piece is 'Stand up and be counted.' IE: The maverick beast will ALWAYS raise his head in the crowd. A perfect definition of Gonzo.

Average customer rating:

Long overdue, Well Deserved
It's a Small World Legend
Mary Blair rocked.
Blah Blah Blair
Beautiful!

Art And Flair Of Mary Blair, The
John Canemaker
Manufacturer: Disney Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Artists, Architects & Photographers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Americana | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0786853913
Release Date: 2003-08-11

Book Description

The story behind one of Walt Disney's favorite artists is celebrated in this delightful volume of whimsical art and insightful commentary. For more than a dozen years, Mary Blair, a quiet-spoken, unassuming woman, dominated design at The Walt Disney Studios with a joyful creativity and exuberant color palette that stamped the look of many classic Disney animated features, including Cinderella and Peter Pan. Favorite theme park attractions, most notably the 'It's A Small World' boat ride, originally created for the 1964 New York World's Fair, were also among her designs. In her prime, she was an amazingly prolific American artist who enlivened and influenced the not-so-small worlds of film, print, theme parks, architectural decor, and advertising. Emulated by many, she remains inimitable: a dazzling sorceress of design and color.

Customer Reviews:

Long overdue, Well Deserved.......2007-07-27

The work of Mary Blair is well-known to animation and Disney aficianados, but there is a dearth of material available about her. Her influence on animation and Disney design was enormous. John Canemaker, as one has come to expect of his work, has written a terrific book on Blair. Well-illustrated, carefully noted.
Although this book is very good, Mary Blair deserves a full-length biography.

It's a Small World Legend.......2007-07-21

When I visited Disneyland last year with my daughter I expected to fall in love all over again with various attractions at the park: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Carousel. I honestly didn't expect to fall in love all over again with "It's a Small World" but I did.
I had already heard the name, Mary Blair, but I didn't know anything about her so I decided to research her online and I found this book.
What an incredible artist she was! John Cane tells her story and her contributions to everything Disney. She was an incredible artist! Her works now sell for many hundreds of dollars. It's too bad that she didn't live long enough to see herself become famous. Like most artists, she became famous after her death. At any rate, here is the story of the woman who created so much of the Disney magic. It's very well illistrated and an enjoyable read.

Mary Blair rocked........2007-05-25

Beautiful and unique look into the life and developed portfolio of a retro animator. This book is nostalgic, child-like awe packaged. Wonderfully whimsical images.

Blah Blah Blair.......2007-03-09

The world of animated films has largely become a slick faceless corporation. For those seeking some idea of where it started and how individual genius played such a huge part I suggest The Art and Flair of Mary Blair. A highly inspirational visual feast.

Beautiful!.......2007-01-31

Wow, what a great book, I recommend it for fans and colour designers in animation. It would of been great to see more images, but thats as always with art books!

Average customer rating:

Steinbergiana
Great Art, Weak Writing
A must have

Steinberg at the New Yorker
Joel Smith
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Artists, Architects & Photographers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Media Studies | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Biographies & Memoirs | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Comics & Graphic Novels | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Arts & Photography | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Biographies & Memoirs | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0810959011

Book Description

For six decades, Saul Steinberg's covers, cartoons, features, and illustrations were a defining presence at The New Yorker. As the magazine became a standard-bearer of taste and intelligence in American letters, Steinberg's drawings emerged as its visual epitome. This richly illustrated book, featuring Joel Smith's astute text and a captivating introduction by the artist's friend and colleague Ian Frazier, explores the remarkable range and unceasing evolution of a major American modernist-one whose art reached a grateful public not from museum walls but from the pages of the periodical he called "my refuge, patria, and safety net."

All Steinberg's New Yorker covers appear here in full color, along with over 130 examples of inside art, from black-line drawings to elaborate color portfolios. Also included are Steinberg's most beloved, intuitive, and brilliant inspirations, among them a New York populated with stoical cats, precocious children, puzzled couples, and a menagerie of vivid grotesques. A vibrant celebration of one of the most original and engaging artists of the 20th century, Steinberg at The New Yorker brings alive a genius, a magazine, and an era. AUTHOR BIO: Joel Smith has been the Fisher Curator at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College since 1999. He is the author of Edward Steichen: The Early Years. Ian Frazier is a frequent contributor to The New Yorker. His previous books include the national bestseller Great Plains.

Customer Reviews:

Steinbergiana.......2005-11-02

"Steinberg at The New Yorker" makes an important, even indispensable contribution to the understanding of Steinberg's work and life. Not since Harold Rosenberg's discriminating essays on Steinberg has there been such a good source of insight about his procedures and concepts. Ian Frazier's memoir fleshes out this otherwise mysterious character, Joel Smith's commentary offers brief but appropriate insights, the images themselves are wonderful, copious, superbly reproduced--many in full size. A monument to Steinberg and a key historical document at the same time.

Great Art, Weak Writing.......2005-07-17

This book was a disappointment to me. The writing is too removed from the subject. It has a strong chronological structure, however it is very impersonal. Most of the quotes seem to be pulled from interviews. I would prefer more information about Steinberg's life.

What did he like to eat? Write more about his relationship with Abstract Expressionists. Aren't there any stories about him being funny or having funny experiences in his travels? More about his relationship with Hedda Sterne. Did he speak with an accent? Was he fussy or snobby? Would he have a conversation with the newspaper vendor on the street? Did he feud with anyone besides Tina Brown? More about other New Yorker cartoonists and their relationships.

The book lacks insight and a personal feel. It is shallow and superficial account of his life. If this book were a trip to Europe, it would be like a package deal with a strict itinerary.
Every morning, you get on the bus and travel to another city. All meals are timed with great food. It is over planned and comprehensive. All major sights are seen. As apposed to a trip with a friend, who shows you their favorite restaurant, the unknown museums. Renting a car and exploring the countryside in a spontaneous that is open to discovery.

The art is superior. An awesome selection that shows the breadth and facile charm that attracts me to Steinberg's work.

A must have.......2005-06-05

Magnificent. Beautifully reproduced artwork of my favorite cartoonist/illustrator of all time. From pen and ink drawings you've never seen before to full-size New Yorker covers, this book is an amazing resource. I also like the fact that Steinberg's New Yorker covers are reproduced in miniature at the end, in chronological order. But this book is more than an art portfolio. Joel Smith's contributions, which range from the biographical to the curatorial, bring a new level of appreciation to Steinberg's work.

Average customer rating:

THE BEST ART FROM THE BEST ARTIST
love it !!
Gorgeous Book
Nice Packaging, not much substance
THE JOY OF BEING A MONSTER KID!

Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos

Manufacturer: Vanguard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Genre Films | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1887591710
Release Date: 2006-04-01

Book Description

• The first monograph dedicated to the World's most famous monster artist.
• Introduction by Rockstar and The Devil's Rejects horror film director, Rob Zombie.
• Profusely illustrated with over 150 color and 50 black & white illustrations.
• Full-color on 160 heavy, glossy-stock pages
• Endorsed by the families of Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Lon Chaney.
• Features commentary from the artist, his contemporaries and noted film professionals.

The Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos is a celebration of the career of the acknowledged master of film monster portrait art. To many fans of classic horror movies, the name Basil Gogos is as familiar as that of Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi or Vincent Price. Gogos' paintings are as iconic as his subjects. This long-overdue retrospective features high-quality reproductions of many of his most famous paintings as well as many previously unpublished paintings and drawings of classic film creatures and actors. Gogos' early work in men's adventure magazine and paperback book art will also be examined as well as his works in movie posters and other areas. An in-depth career-spanning interview with the artist will accompany the illustrations and tributes by other artists and film professionals inspired by Gogos' powerful images. The book will feature an introduction by rock star, movie director and horror collector Rob Zombie.

The "monster craze" among baby-boomers, sparked by the release of Universal Studios' horror classics to television in the late '50s, gave birth to a new phenomenon -- the monster magazine. Famous Monsters of Filmland, filled with monster photos and articles on horror movies and their stars, was the premier publication for young horror film fans.

Issues of the new magazine practically leapt off the newsstand shelves and into kids' hands due in no small way to their striking cover paintings by Basil Gogos. Like a Bizarro world Norman Rockwell, his stylish portraits of horror film characters and stars were seen on magazine covers throughout the '60s and '70s. Gogos' interpretations of movie monsters like Frankenstein, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Phantom of the Opera, breathed new life into the old black and white images. His amazing use of color and bold, impressionistic brushwork gave a sense of both excitement and sophistication to his paintings which has never been matched.

Gogos' legend as the world's greatest movie monster artist has only grown over the years. His original Famous Monsters cover paintings are highly sought-after and are in the collections of many filmmakers and rock stars on whom he made a lasting impression. In recent years he has been in much demand by producers wishing to capture the unforgettable look and feel of the classic monster art of the '60s. CD and DVD covers, movie posters, trading cards, book covers and new monster magazines continue to keep Basil Gogos the world's greatest monster artist.

Customer Reviews:

THE BEST ART FROM THE BEST ARTIST.......2007-09-03

First of all...Like so many reviewers before me have said; almost every boy that grew up in the '50s & '60s anxiously collected our 35 cents every month so we could go to the local candy store & buy the latest issue of Famous Monsters of Filmland. This magazine became our bible & 4E Ackerman became our surrogate father. More than 45 years have passed; but I can still remember those magnificent covers as though it were yesterday. Basil Gogos painted the cover of the Gorgo issue which had a blue background & also the Vincent Price issue which had a white background,etc. This Book displays all of Basil Gogos outstanding cover art which graced the cover of FM for so many years. Don't take my word for it...ask Stephen King, Rick Baker, George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg, John Landis, Rob Zombie & a host of others..This book is an absolute delight for the senses & like fine art is meant to be treasured,

love it !!.......2007-03-14

this book is great.Very happy to included this one in my collection.Already have a tattoo planed of bride of frankenstein.

Gorgeous Book.......2007-02-06

I'm in agreement with another reviewer that mentioned the book could have been better written. That being said, it is well worth the price for all the fantastic paintings and drawings. A must for every fan of horror and sci-fi art.

Nice Packaging, not much substance.......2006-08-26

Even without text, this book would've earned 4 stars, just for the impressiveness of Gogos' work. Within this book are large, crystal-clear repros of his most famous monster cover paintings, as well as samples of his illustration work.
The only setback for this book is its lack of depth in the text. It seems that whoever was sent to interview Basil didn't ask too many questions, didn't want to really know too much about him except for his general acheivements, and didn't ask him for a demonstration of how he works. Among all of the great pics, some candid ones of the artist would've been nice, most notably a pic of his studio.
Still, the images are so rich in color and character. Worth it!

THE JOY OF BEING A MONSTER KID!.......2006-05-03

If you were fortunate to have been born between 1950 and 1970 or so, you're lucky to be a part of a wonderful fraternity. Like me, you are a "monster kid". Monster Kids are the generation that grew up with Shock Theater and campy horror movie hosts, old Aurora model kits, classic Universal horror films on 8MM, and...a fantastic magazine called Famous Monsters of Filmland. Famous Monsters was edited by legendary collector and Sci-Fi sage Forrest Ackerman and one of the great attractions throughout the years were the magnificent magazine covers painted by Basil Gogos. From Vanguard Productions comes "The Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos." Basil Gogos has rightfully been called, "The World's Most Famous Monster Artist." His bold, expresionistic use of color is what caught the eye of little ghouls like myself and my friends. Edited by Kerry Gammill and J. David Spurlock and with an introduction by Rob Zombie, the book provides a dazzling display of Gogos' art not only from Famous Monsters, but from many other magazines, books, and films.

In fact, his first professional sale was not a monster, but rather a cover for a western paperback (reprinted in the book) in 1959. Gogos did numerous covers in many different genres including westerns, war, jungle adventures, spicy adventures, and more. Dozens of examples of his work from this period are included. His first cover for Famous Monsters of Filmland appeared on the cover of issue #9 from November, 1960, depicting Vincent Price from "The House of Usher". For the first time, kids who were used to only knowing them from black & white films now saw their monster heroes in bold color thanks to Gogos. In all, Gogos did 48 covers of Famous Monsters and they are among the most popular issues for collectors. Everyone has their favorite Gogos Famous Monster cover...for me it was his rendition of Boris Karloff as the Mummy from issue # 58. The fine detail of the withered, dead-eyed mummy still mesmerizes me. Issue #56 featuring Gogos painting of Karloff as the Frankenstein's monster for the Karloff tribute issue is another favorite. Basil provides valuable insight to his legions of fans by discussing the various paints, styles, and techniques that he's employed over the years.

Gogos would eventually move into doing fine art as well as non-monster commercial illustration including work for many years at a New York advertising agency. But much like the victims of those classic monster films, Gogos found he could not, for long, escape his beloved creatures. The 1990's brought a renewed interest in Gogos' monster art and soon he was back doing new paintings for trading card companies, CD cover art for The Misfits and Rob Zombie, and a whole new generation of monster magazines such as Monsterscene, making him more popular than ever. Gogos even did the concept art for a series of U.S. Postage stamps in 1997 that featured the classic monsters. The book features comments and tributes from such luminaries as Sara Karloff, Ken Kelly, Forrest Ackerman, Roger Corman, and Rick Baker. In all there are over 150 color and 50 black & white illustrations in the 160 page book. For monster kids like myself, who are all "grown up" now, Basil Gogos will always have a special place in our hearts. His Famous Monsters of Filmland covers take us back to a simpler time of true chills and thrills and I can think of no other book that would please a monster fan more than "The Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos." Like many of the books from Vanguard Productions, it is available in several different editions: There is a softcover, a hardcover, and a deluxe hardcover that is signed by Basil Gogos and includes a 16 page bonus folio and comes in a slipcase. The Deluxe, signed, slipcased edition was an instant sell-out and is already selling for big bucks on the collector's market. My highest recommendation!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Comic Artist's Photo Reference: People and Poses (Comic Artists Reference)

Average customer rating:

Fantastic reference guide!
A great reference companion for comic book artists
Very good for basic references
Invaluable resource for any artist
Great for preteen and teens artists, not just professionals!

Comic Artist's Photo Reference: People and Poses (Comic Artists Reference)
Buddy Scalera
Manufacturer: Impact Books (OH)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Figure Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1581807589

Book Description

The ultimate reference for comic artists, this unique book/CD set is packed with photos of men and women in basic and dramatic superhero poses uniquely tailored to the comic artist's needs. Comic Artist's Photo Reference:

-Delivers over 500 color images of beautiful women and muscled men in the poses comic artists need

-Features six step-by-step demonstrations by well-known artists, so readers can learn firsthand from the pros

-Comes with a CD-ROM of over 500 additional photos for added inspiration

With this reference, comic artists of all skill levels can draw from a diverse group of models in a hundreds of poses--any time they want!

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic reference guide!.......2007-10-09

Fantastic reference book for action poses. Has great pictures at varied angles and perspectives. Very comprehensive. Comes with a disc that has even more images and features. Nice little addition of industry talent giving their approach to figure drawing/cartooning. A good book for artist's of all
skill levels.

A great reference companion for comic book artists.......2007-10-05

As a beginning professional comic book artist, I've had a lot of trouble nailing certain poses that have to deal with obscure angles and foreshortening. This book has made things a lot easier, as there are a ton of very helpful photos and tutorials in it. The bonus CD is also a great addition.

A good comic book artist should always be prepared to know how to draw anything at any given time. One should also always draw what's right for the story and not take too many shortcuts. While this is hard to do, it it will help you grow as an artist and stand out in the competitive world of comics. And for the difficult aspects of human anatomy and poses, this book should serve as a great reference guide to artists of any level.

Very good for basic references.......2007-09-19

Really good if you are looking for fight scenes and positions to draw. Overall, its a good resource. The lighting is very good, and sometimes leans a little toward the dramatic side. If you use this along with, for example, a reference book on facial expressions, there are a lot of different images that you can create from these reference points. The disc is wonderful, especially since I do most of my work digitally and therefore like to work with my reference images in the computer.

Invaluable resource for any artist.......2007-09-16

The first time I saw this on the shelve in my local bookstore I just skimmed over the pages and thought nothing much of it. I recently decided to put together a game prototype that will feature many characters in dynamic poses in many situations. Problem was I had no real reference other than the internet, and after becoming increasingly frustrated with lack of good quality reference I remembered this book. Frantically trying to recall the name from months back, I was more than happy to purchase a copy, and I'm grateful I did. It's an immense resource that every artist should have as part as their library. Having models in many different situations and poses is a huge help when it comes to consistency amongst many other things.

I highly recommend this book.

Great for preteen and teens artists, not just professionals!.......2007-08-17

I teach junior high students. This book would be perfect for all the kids in my school who love to draw. The poses show models doing things you would see in comics (flying, running, fighting, swords, capes, etc.). The models wear formfitting clothes but they are all clothed enough to be "decent." There is a page of photos showing a woman smoking, but since this is something a comic artist might need to draw, I don't see it as a problem. (Hopefully someday all kids will NEED a photo to know what smoking looks like!) There are several excellent step-by-step art lessons that teach real art concepts and could be used in the classroom. There's also a CD packaged with the book that has many more pictures on it. Students would enjoy browsing the CD or using Photoshop to combine multiple photos into something new that they could then draw from. Five stars and a recommendation to my school's librarian!

Perspective! For Comic Book Artists: How to Achieve a Professional Look in Your Artwork

Average customer rating:

Good teaching tool, but not boring like a text book
A great introduction to perspective
Very Thorough and Technical
An Awful Waste!
Excellent!... It's *easily* in my Top 5 perspective books...

Perspective! For Comic Book Artists: How to Achieve a Professional Look in Your Artwork
David Chelsea
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0823005674

Customer Reviews:

Good teaching tool, but not boring like a text book.......2007-09-19

I've always had trouble with using perspective in my drawings, especially with the image's setting fitting with the perspective shot of the subject of the image. This book is really good at explaining and giving key points to know about how to clean up your perspective techniques without becoming a dry lecture on art technique.

A great introduction to perspective.......2007-09-11

I got this book because it was recommended by Scott McCloud in Making Comics, and I found it to be very fun and helpful. The fact that it's written as a dialogue between two people and illustrated as a comic makes it easy and fun to read, and the tips and instruction it gives are great for someone who doesn't know a whole lot about the subject. Someone who wants to really get into perspective would probably want to look elsewhere, but for me this was a great book.

Very Thorough and Technical.......2007-06-02

This is an excellent book. It is also very technical. If you are looking for shortcuts to drawing perspective, this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking for a detail and instructive book on drawing very accurate perspectives, then this book is great. It has excellent instruction regarding complex perspective setups. The format is good for the instruction, and the prose is a little bit stiff, but not distracting. Overall a very instructive book, but not the best I've read.

An Awful Waste!.......2007-03-10

Awful.
Perspective is 3 wonderful things:
- It is very easy to learn, when taught clearly.
- It is great fun.
- It is the best tool a graphic artist can dream of.
Well, you'd never guess by reading this book. It is badly explained, confusely written, poorly drawn and doesn't have anything to do with creativity or art. It is written for dead robots by a cold-blooded accountant.
It is so ugly and boring, it made me almost afraid and disgusted of perspective... And I've used perspective professionally and enjoyed it everyday for the last 35 years.
A shame, Mr. Chelsea.
If you want to learn perspective and have fun, try to get for probably less than 2 dollars "Perspective Drawing" by Ernest Norling, published in the 40s or the 50s by Walter Foster, in a second-hand bookshop.
Amazon sells also "Perspective Made Easy" by Ernest R. Norling, but I've never seen it. Anyway being by Ernest Norling, it can only be, at the least, 36 times more useful, informative, and motivating than the awful book by the poor Mr. David Chelsea.

Excellent!... It's *easily* in my Top 5 perspective books..........2006-11-09

Some people will *love* that this is a 176 page comic book on perspective. Others may find this not to their taste. Either way, it's obvious that this is a truly unique & original take on a subject that's often exceedingly difficult to learn. I highly recommend this book to everyone, along with 2 others: Perspective Drawing Handbook by Joseph D'Amelio, and Perspective Made Easy by Ernest Norling. These 3 perspective books are currently my favorites, with Basic Perspective Drawing: A Visual Guide, 4th edition; and Creative Perspective for Artists and Illustrators, rounding out my Top 5. David Chelsea's book is *easily* the most entertaining to read. If anyone thinks learning can't be fun- think again! I can actually read this book as entertainment 1st and learning 2nd, although it's intended to be the other way around. It's not *just* for comic book artists either: it's purely done in this format for the sake of clear communication. Perspective is both explained & demonstrated with sincerity & proficiency. There's a reason this book is getting so many positive reviews, and it's not just due to effective marketing: Watson-Guptill publications truly has a unique hit on their hands. It's highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

SO FUNNY !!!!!
gorey
ghoulish delight
morbid alphabet
Best use of the word "ennui"

The Gashlycrumb Tinies
Edward Gorey
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Pen & Ink | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0151003084

Amazon.com

"A is for Amy who fell down the stairs. B is for Basil assaulted by bears. C is for Clara who wasted away. D is for Desmond thrown out of a sleigh..." The rhyming couplets of this grim abecedarian are familiar, of course, to devotees of macabre humor, but the darkly crosshatched drawings are (as Poe put it) "the soul of the plot." Several years went by during which The Gashlycrumb Tinies: Or, After the Outing was not available in a small hardcover edition like this one, which is the true format for Edward Gorey's specialty, the adult picture book. (For those who wish to share the gloom there's a 10-copy assortment with The Curious Sofa.)

Book Description

A new, small-format edition of one of Gorey’s “dark masterpieces of surreal morality” (Vanity Fair) - a witty, disquieting journey through the alphabet.

Customer Reviews:

SO FUNNY !!!!!.......2007-10-11

This is the funniest Alphabet book I've ever seen.
Clearly the author is not fond of children, seen by the ways he "does away with them", SO FUNNY !!!

gorey.......2007-09-01

being an avid Ed Gorey fan it was nice to get a new copy of one of my favorites

ghoulish delight.......2007-08-23

as expected, this was a sickly-sweet, twisted little gem - i wish there could be more!

morbid alphabet.......2007-07-27

disguised as a children's read, this little book shows all the ways little people could die, from A to Z.
I expected the artwork to look like the cover page but they are all black and white. He uses pen for all the illustrations, achieving many values and textures with lines, stripes, various patterns and predominately crosshatching. It's cute.

Best use of the word "ennui".......2007-07-01

A twisted, strange, lovely alphabet that shows Edward Gorey at his macabre best. I give one of these books to every friend I meet who understands my own bizarre sense of humor. Edward Gorey rules!

Justine and the Story of O (Evergreen Series)

Average customer rating:

The Complete Crepax

Justine and the Story of O (Evergreen Series)
Guido Crepax
Manufacturer: Taplinger Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Erotic | Other Media | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Adult Fiction | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 3822863025

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Crepax.......2000-05-08

This volume along with it's companion "Emmanuelle" also published by Taschen present the great works by comics/illustration master Guido Crepax. The black and white linework is beautifully reproduced on glossy paper and is sure to satisfy fans of Crepax. These are a very nice improvement over the paperback editions published by NBM.

Drawing Cutting Edge Anatomy: The Ultimate Reference for Comic Book Artists

Average customer rating:

Really and Truly a Must-Have for the Aspiring Artist
Nothing useful at all.
Great Book
Great buy, Well worth the Money
Amazing book - totally recommended for any and all artists

Drawing Cutting Edge Anatomy: The Ultimate Reference for Comic Book Artists
Christopher Hart
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Figure Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Specific Objects | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0823023982

Book Description

The follow-up title to the hit title Drawing Cutting Edge Comics, which has been translated into seven languages, this drawing tutorial shows artists how to draw the exaggerated musculature of super-sized figures in action poses. The guesswork is taken out of figuring out which muscles show through to the surface and how muscles appear through clothing. This instructional manual even gives both the Latin and the common terms for particular body parts such as scapula/shoulder blade. Hart covers all aspects of extreme anatomy. The book opens by providing detailed diagrams of all of the various muscle groups, including chest, back, shoulder, arm, and leg muscles. Then he covers many of the various extreme comic book types including good guy, bad guy, insane guy, punk, genius, and brute for men; and the heroine, bad gal, trashy gal, seductress, fighter babe, and cyber chick for women. As an added bonus, this book closes with two invaluable sections to all aspiring comic book artists. One provides a roadmap of all the steps an artist must take if he or she is going to get started in the comic book business, and advice on how the comic book business works. The second section features interviews with people from two of the most significant companies in the world of comics, Marvel Comics and Dark Horse Comics.

Customer Reviews:

Really and Truly a Must-Have for the Aspiring Artist.......2007-10-14

This is probably among the top five of Christopher Hart's "How to Draw" books I own. If you're looking for a way to render anatomy in a good style - after having learned the basics, of course - then this is certainly the book for you.

"Drawing Cutting Edge Anatomy" offers a number of exceptionally helpful sections for the artist; be warned however - as is the nature of books of this type, some sections will be wildly helpful, while others you'll just pass by. The most helpful:

1) Early on, some helpful full-body schematics are rovided for both heroic male and female figures' musculature.
2) There is a helpful page on vein placement
3) The chapter on the Head and Neck (especially regarding the rendering of female characters' faces)
4) The chapter on the Chest adn Abs
5) The chapter on The Pelvis, Legs and Feet (especially on the legs).

Unfortunately, the secions on the arms and hand are not especially helpful (owing mostly to the artist who provide the illustrations).

Overall, however, a great book and a worthy addition to any beginning artist's bookshelf. Enjoy!

Nothing useful at all........2007-10-03

This is really a boring book. It does not tell you anything about how to draw the human body at all. No depth, no advice on how large a figure should be, or perception. There is nothing here at all.

Great Book.......2007-09-29

This is a great reference book. I really like it, BUT for any really REALLY serious people who wish to really improve their drawings, Riven Pheonix "Drawing the Human Figure From Your Mind" lessons are key (google it). It shows you how to draw the whole skeleton - from your mind. Then the muscles - from your mind. The fruits are astounding. I completed all 227 lessons and must admit that reference books are much more helpful when you actually LEARN how EXACTLY mucles and bones look the way they look on people.

Great buy, Well worth the Money.......2007-09-18

I'm a beginner to drawing in general but the descriptions and pictures presented make reproducing presented information/techniques easy

Amazing book - totally recommended for any and all artists.......2007-08-24

For starters, this is written by Christopher Hart, so it's probably one of your best options if you are interested in the subject of the book...
This is great for learning how muscle groups work, since it focuses on different parts of the body for both men and women, and how the skeleton structure is set up, not only in general, but in different positions, explaining how muscles move with the different poses, and which ones 'pop' depending on the pose. It's a great book for any beginning artist to start getting a sense of how the body is put together, and great for more advanced artists to make their pictures more and more realistic. Also gives great ideas for characters.
A great buy even if you are not overly enthusiastic about the graphic novel; if you love drawing, you'll love this book!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books