Customer Reviews

The Art of Faery

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Captured within these pages (112 to be exact) that make up "The Art Of Faery" are some of the most gorgeous fantasy drawings I've ever seen, all compiled in one nicely put-together book. There's your typical painters who bring life into the myth of these two-winged creatures, such as Amy Brown, Brian Froud and, one of my favorites, David Delamare ("A Little Night Music" is presented on the cover) but there's also many new discoveries to be had and, for me, I was personally delighted to unearth the Gothic works of Jessica Galbreth and Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly. There's a section for each artist (some longer than others) with a little background history as well as a couple of their pieces (hand-selected), the techniques they use and the inspirations behind many of their ideas, which is interesting to read about. Also available in the back of this fine collection is a picture of everyone represented (it's cool to be able to see what they look like) alongside their web address so you can find out more about specifics featured here.

I strongly believe that any lover of the fae will appreciate this wonderful anthology... I mean, how could you not?

Finally, after many months of anticipation, I must say that this masterpiece is WELL worth the wait! A true testament to the Art of Faery indeed!

Lushly illustrated, it beautifully showcases the work of true masters Brian Froud and David Delamare as well as contemporary visionaries into the world of Faery particularly Paulina Stuckey, Jasmine Becket-Griffith and Maxine Gadd. Page after page of full-color plates and insight into the artists and their work.

A perfect book for any lovers of fantasy art, or anybody with a sense of whimsy and wonder. This book will leave you starry eyed for hours after reading!

As an added bonus, there is a wonderful index in the back of the book publishing the contact information and most importantly the personal websites and online galleries of the contributing artists, which provided me with many more hours of internet browsing and learning more about these wonderful people and their creations.

Five stars all the way!

As an inveterate illustrated children's book collector, this book is a treat. While I had seen the advertisements and read the reviews, I did not feel compelled to buy a copy for myself until my niece brought me her copy to peruse.

So many of my favorites gathered in one book! And an even more pleasant surprise was to see discover some artists I had not known of before. I'm not a fan of coffeetable artbooks. I prefer storys rather than biogs with my artwork but I make an exception here. The artwork is too lovely to miss.

If you are familiar with any of today's fairy artists, a complete list of the artists is the only thing missing from the all the book descriptions. (And I certainly would have bought the book sooner had I but known who all was in it :-)

While I had seen most of the artists websites, and bought some illustrated note cards, I don't believe most of these artists
have been published in book form before. (I know James Browne did a book that I could never locate and I saw wonderful display of David Delamare's artbook and posters at a Vegas giftshop of all places.)

Herewith are the artists: John Arthur (includes my favorite: The Gnome Chair!), Julie Baroh (Bumbleboy is the cutest), Jasmine Becket-Griffith (and where's the dark Frog Princess?), Linda Biggs (light & cheery, practically a neighbor :-), Amy Brown (who doesn't know her work?), Hazel Brown (amazing pen & ink), James Browne (lovely pieces but next time include your Self-Portrait!), Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly, David Delamare (outstanding as always), Maxine Gadd (with her strong & fearless Aussie colors. Chrysella's my girl!), Jessica Galbreth, Marja Lee Kruyt(If she's not Sulamith Wulfing's daughter, she should be), Myrea Pettit (delicate & detailed), Natalia Pierandrei, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law (imaginative but always graceful), Linda Ravenscroft (rich & complex), Ann Mari Sjogren (utterly charming) , Paulina Stuckey (a fanciful delight), Ryu Takeuchi, Kim Turner, Maria J. William.

The point is that there is something for everyone. And hopefully, this will be just the beginning. . . Each of these artists could easily illustrate their own books. Enjoy this feast for the eyes.

What a beautiful enjoyable book. A really magical treat. Lots of eye-candy. Very interesting bio's on the artists. And even more surprising is the added information in the back of the book with the artists own web sites. If you are a fan of fantasy or fairies this is the book for you. Lots of wings to see!

wow! this book is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!I love it! I really enjoy how artist quotes and mini biographies are added to this book. The pictures are all wonderful and I particularly enjoy knowing what art media was used to create these masterpieces. thank you so much for the wonderful book and the fast shipping!

I have been intrigued by the world of Faery since I was a child, and I am happy to say that the passion has only increased as I've aged and the doorways have opened a little wider into the realms of reality. These days you'll find all you could desire on faeries, from literature to music, to incredible artwork as artists of all kinds capture their dreams and visions with the medium of their choice.

The Art of Faery is an incredible collection of beauty and wonder from around the world that David has brought together in one spectacular volume of artwork. It is all captured within the covers of this colorful edition, from the gothic visions to the cherubic, the variety to be found is seemingly endless, and has been comprised of all mediums: watercolor, ink, oil, and pastel.

The works of twenty-two incredible artists can be found in this collection, including that of the Godfather of Faery, Brian Froud. In fact, you'll find a delightful introduction complete with illustrations by Brian. Not only can the viewer enjoy numerous takes on the realm of Faery, but a great deal can be learned about art itself. Each of these artists has chosen their own favourite pieces, those that best represent their work, and in addition, have shared techniques, working methods, designs, and of course, their inspirations. They indeed are the gatekeepers to a special realm, one that is finding its way out of hiding and back into the limelight.

David Delamare's works really stood out for me. For the most part he works with acrylics, and the results are so realistically fantastical that you feel you could reach out and touch the subjects. It is no wonder that"A Little Night Music was chosen to adorn the cover of this wonderful book. The faery maiden blows delicately on a wooden flute under the light of a full moon, her iridescent wings aglow amongst the leaves of the grape vine where she sits. It is a gorgeous piece, as are his other chosen works.

The work of Jessica Galbreth is what led me to this treasure in the first place. Jessica blends a touch of Goth with a hint of magic, and her faery folk have a dangerous yet heady air about them. Her watercolors are incredible; the fey folk stand out. If they were real, you just know they'd get you into trouble, but they're so beautiful you couldn't avoid them.

My favourite work of Jessica's is Titania a rendering of the Queen of the Faeries, who beckons us from the edge of the woods. This was created in 2002, and is a gorgeous and warm piece that adds to the flames of creative thought.

Perhaps my favourite of all is Celeste a watercolor and gouache by Kim Turner. I was blown away by the resemblance to Liv Tyler's elven character of Arwen in the movie Lord of the Rings. An overall ethereal feel is captured by this piece, a beautiful spirit of the night with these huge luminous eyes that reach out to the viewer. Kim claims she wanted to "render the essence of a faerie only ever seen flitting across dark moors beneath the light of a blue moon." I think she managed with this piece, it is truly enchanting.

Whether you are a lover of the faery realm and all of its possibilities, or a lover of fantastic artwork, this book is a must have for any collection. It captures the magic and possibilities that lay in wait in the shadows of our imaginations, and brings forth wonder and joy.

Review Originally Posted at LinearReflections.com

Perhaps the greatest collection of the fantastical genre gathered in one beautifully designed Tome!!! A must for those long time lovers and those novices and newbies to the Fae World of Illustrated Beauty. With a terrific start from the legendary Froud, to those spiritual visionaries of illustration such as Paulina Stuckey, Amy Brown, and Myrea Pettit. More recent artists to the Fae World round out this truly romantic look at the wonderful world of the Fae, and give us a blend of style, color, and creativity that lays out like a lavish feast set before a Faery King! Feast well and often upon the beautiful work of these wonderful artists.

Bon Apetit!!!

Naomi de Bruyn
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
Linear Reflections - THE Review Site
http://www.linearreflections.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Art of Faery, The
David Riche
2003 Paper Tiger

I have been intrigued by the world of Faery since I was a child, and I am happy to say that the passion has only increased as I've aged and the doorways have opened a little wider into the realms of reality.

These days you'll find all you could desire on faeries, from literature to music, to incredible artwork as artists of all kinds capture their dreams and visions with the medium of their choice.

"The Art of Faery" is an incredible collection of beauty and wonder from around the world that David has brought together in one spectacular volume of artwork. It is all captured within the covers of this colorful edition, from the gothic visions to the cherubic, the variety to be found is seemingly endless, and has been comprised of all mediums: watercolor, ink, oil, and pastel.

The works of twenty-two incredible artists can be found in this collection including that of the "Godfather of Faery" Brian Froud. In fact, you'll find a delightful introduction complete with illustrations by Brian. One of his passages really stuck in my mind, "This book is a catalogue of fairy art for the 21st century.

In its pages you will find artists from different countries and backgrounds, yet all have the common bond of being guides to the realms of Faery. They attempt to reveal the normally unseen. They illuminate the dark inner recesses of nature and our relationship with it. And in so doing they reveal the radiance of Faery."

Not only can the viewer enjoy numerous takes on the realm of Faery, but a great deal can be learned about art itself. Each of these artists has chosen their own favourite pieces, those that best represent their work, and in addition, have shared techniques, working methods, designs, and of course, their inspirations. They indeed are the gatekeepers to a special realm, one that is finding its way out of hiding and back into the limelight.

David Delamare's works really stood out for me. For the most part he works with acrylics, and the results are so realistically fantastical that you feel you could reach out and touch the subjects. It is no wonder that "A Little Night Music" was chosen to adorn the cover of this wonderful book. The faery maiden blows delicately on a wooden flute under the light of a full moon, her iridescent wings aglow amongst the leaves of the grape vine where she sits. It is a gorgeous piece, as are his other chosen works.

The work of Jessica Galbreth is what led me to this treasure in the first place. Jessica blends a touch of Goth with a hint of magic, and her faery folk have a dangerous yet heady air about them. Her watercolors are incredible; the fey folk stand out. If they were real, you just know they'd get you into trouble, but they're so beautiful you couldn't avoid them.

My favourite work of Jessica's is "Titania" a rendering of the Queen of the Faeries, who beckons us from the edge of the woods. This was created in 2002, and is a gorgeous and warm piece that adds to the flames of creative thought.

Perhaps my favourite of all is "Celeste" a watercolor and gouache by Kim Turner. I was blown away by the resemblance to Liv Tyler's elven character of Arwen in the movie "Lord of the Rings." An overall ethereal feel is captured by this piece, a beautiful spirit of the night with these huge luminous eyes that reach out to the viewer. Kim claims she wanted to "render the essence of a faerie only ever seen flitting across dark moors beneath the light of a blue moon." I think she managed with this piece, it is truly enchanting.

Whether you are a lover of the faery realm and all of its possibilities, or a lover of fantastic artwork, this book is a must have for any collection. It captures the magic and possibilities that lay in wait in the shadows of our imaginations, and brings forth wonder and joy.

[Naomi de Bruyn]

This book was what first inspired me to begin a collection of fairy art books and what deepened my connection with the beauty of faery. All the artwork in here is magnificent and some of the pictures are the most strikingly gorgeous and evocative images I've ever seen. It never fails to impress me or move me when I enter its pages. Some of the very best and well-known fairy artists share their work in these pages and the variety is one of the strongest points. However, just because these fairies are beautiful doesn't mean they're nothing more than posing women with wings stuck on. They are fey in every sense of the word and there are plenty of images in this book that capture the fierce, wild nature that fairies have. I actually love the fact that this book presented fairies that were dark without being necessarily evil; I think it wonderfully represents the fact that not all darkness is evil and that such mixed natures are in all of us. The spectrum of fairy nature is a large one and this book happens to focus more on the beautiful side of the fey. If you want a book of fairy nature that's equal parts light and dark (with dark and hideous fairies as well as the lovely sort), try Froud's brilliant "Good Fairies, Bad Fairies". If you want a great variety of beautiful fairy art, this is the book for you; I also highly recommend its brilliant sequel. What this book offers is a journey into a world that is as wild and daring as it is beautiful; you may never want to return.

I was so excited when I received The Art Of Faery. I did a little happy dance in my front room. It is funny how faeries bring out the child in you. I have been a believer of the Fae since I was a little girl. I couldn't imagine my life without them.

This is a wonderful book on faery artists and their works. The many wonderful artists include Brian Froud, Amy Brown, David Delamare, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Maxine Gadd, Myrea Pettit, Linda Ravenscroft, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, and many others. There are a few artists I did not see such as Nene Tina Thomas, Josephine Wall, Selina Fenech, and Mary Baxter St Clair. But perhaps they will come out with a second book. That would be great.

In the back of the book there is a list of the artists and their websites. It even gives you a picture of what the artists look like. So not only can you read the BIOS of your favorite artist but also get to see what they look like.

If you love the Fae and love fantasy, you are sure to love this book. So what are you waiting for? Get it now before it goes out of stock! *wink*