Customer Reviews

Bert Monroy: Photorealistic Techniques with Photoshop & Illustrator

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4 star:		(2)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I own dozens of computer books. I own 8 on PhotoShop alone. I have learned more about PhotoShop in the past few hours than I have learned from all of those other books combined.

And an amazing thing happened. The package arrived from Amazon, and I opened the book to flick through it as I usually do before sitting down at my computer. Two hours later I was still reading. I never got close to my computer. I was reading this book like a Stephen King novel. I was mesmerized. I was actually understanding everything Mr. Monroy was saying. I didn't need to try it, because it all made so much sense, I knew it would work.

I have spent years trying to figure out the methods artists like Bert Monroy use to get the amazing results they do. Other books by similar PS gurus show you pretty pictures, and ALLUDE to how they accomplish their results, but trying to wade through page after page of their ego leave you frustrated at best.

Mr. Monroy actually dissects some of his amazing artwork and shows you how he created them. I found myself reading his techniques and actually saying "yes!" or "son of a ..." out loud.

If this medium interests you, or you make your living using PS & Illustrator, you NEED this book.

I will state that this book is not for beginners, however. Although the author is crystal clear on his methods, a certain level of knowledge is assumed.

Also, you need PhotoShop AND Illustrator to work through the instructions. But then again, if you are a serious artist, you already have both.

Other than that, I thank the author for this AMAZING book. All I need now is MORE!

Perusing the pages of this elegant book is a doublepleasure. First you find yourself browsing through a paper gallery filled with the extraordinary work of author-artist Bert Monroy. Secondly, you get a hands-on seminar about how to use Adobe's superb software, Photoshop and Illustrator, to create dazzling digital art.

Monroy's vivid images grab you with bright colors, sharp details, and realistic scenes of storefronts, city intersections, deep blue nightscapes, and everyday objects like fruit, marbles, pencils, locks. It seems remarkable that these could be made without scanning a photograph. Monroy's art is the computer-generated equivalent of an international movement called photorealism (or superrealism) which began around the time of the counterculture (late 1960s and early 1970s) and featured paintings with precise rendering of their subjects, all created with photographic clarity.

Monroy explains the philosophy behind this trompe l'oeil:

"This is a book of techniques for tricking the eye. That's what photorealism is all about: making the viewer believe that the image is -- or has its genesis -- in a photograph even though the subject (the image) never existed until you conceived it."

The final section of the book is a sampling of Monroy's work, from the present time to the thrilling moments when he first discovered the Macintosh computer back in 1984 -- pioneer days when the computer could generate no colors, only black, white, and grays. With images as gorgeous as these -- in this section and throughout the book -- it's easy to get carried away and simply enjoy the pictures. Of course, the book has been written not only to visually engage us, but to teach us how to create scores of exquisite effects that simulate real photographs.

In each chapter, Monroy shows us an example of his art then describes how he makes the imaginary look so real. Monroy begins by reviewing some basics of Photoshop and Illustrator. Soon he reveals his methods of going from idea to sketch to shapes. Then he treats us to a lucid chapter about the theory and practice of perspective. In following chapters he demonstrates how to use the Adobe software to create lighting effects, shading, textures, and images that resemble wood, metal, leaves, stone, beans, glass. There's magic here, the kind of magic that keeps us in a state of wonder even after we lean how the tricks are done.

Bert Monroy: Photorealistic Techniques with Photoshop & Illustrator is about the place where the slickest splendors of Technology converge with the most venerable principles of Art. Artists and art students will find here a dazzling cornucopia of techniques, hard-won secrets, and crafty wisdom. For those of us, less talented, who draw cows like Mondrian rectangles, this book won't transform us into artists with a capital A. Yet its scores of ingenious techniques, its personal revelations by the author, and its inspiring examples -- all will add panache to our productions, and help to make us the best near-artists that we can be...

I've been a fan of Bert Monroy's work for several years and this book is something I've waited on for a long time! In it, he goes into great detail about how he achieves such photorealistic detail using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. He thoroughly covers topics such as perspective, lighting, composition and even goes into detail about how to realistically depict foliage, asphalt, plastics, metal and wood. Several of his popular illustrations are broken down into multi-page "here's how I go about doing this..." sort of walk-through tutorials. Nearly everything in this book can be put to use, whether you're a photorealistic painter, graphic designer or simply doodling hobbyist. The neatest part of the book is the gallery in the back which displays some of his work from 10-15 years ago, during the infancy of computer graphics. The complexity and style has come a long way, but the vision and desire was obviously there from the very beginning. He was one of the very first to use this medium in this way and in my opinion that makes him totally qualified to speak about it and share nearly two decades worth of tips, tricks and techniques. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in: a) digital art b) photorealistic art c) Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator d) anyone who is interested in how a very talented and skilled artist does what he does.

Among so many how-to books, this book excels and stands alone. It will not only teach you unique Photoshop techniques, but also what Photoshop is all about. Rarely an artist will let you penetrate his/her thinking process like this. Specially a great artist like Bert Monroy. It may change the whole way you see computer art.

Are you a designer who swears by Photoshop? If so, Photorealist Techniques gives you an in-depth, step-by-step guide on taking 2-D images and making them into wonderful 3D Photorealistic pictures.

Each example has screen shots as well as step-by-step instructions on how to create the various objects discussed. You will be able to create objects like wooden boxes, metal handles such as those found on a filing cabinet and even RAIN! You are also given help on light, distortion and perspective.

The pages are oversized for easier reading - 9.5" wide by 10" high. There is a nine-page index. But the best part is there is NO CD included with this book. I said the best part is no CD. Why? Because this makes you walk through the steps to learn the techniques. No copying from a CD someone else made.

For $50.00, this would be an easy to use guide to have on your library shelf.

This is a truly great book but Monroy has made a new book called "Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy" which is essentially an updated version of this book. I bet it would be a better buy.

I picked this book up, looking on how to make more realistic, complex surface maps for my 3D models in LightWave. Should have bought this book when it first came out. Can't imagine were I would be if I had back in January 2000...

This is the first book that I've purchased that's helped me out in less then a week. By just sitting around the house and looking at a few pages, reading the text that goes with the images and I'm actually learn something. After reading the chapter on Metal and wood, then sat down I did a few things, and I have now awesome results.

Bert Monroy and company teaches you how to use tools in ways I couldn't imagine before. Sure, you're going to think to yourself- "I could have thought of that"... much like I did. But fact is, you didn't. He did and he put it in a book. Many books are too vague and get bogged down in theory. Other books are far too simplistic and do a good job of insulting the reader's intelligence. This book is the Goldilocks of PhotoShop How-To books... it's just right.

...I can only say one thing : this book is perfect for everyone. With only photoshop LE (old version) I can realize almost all the examples of this book. Moreover, Ben Monroy gives the right counsel to build the right drawing. But don't expect an easy work. At this level nothing is easy and you must spend some time to appreciate this book. But for texture you will discover the astuces, for the shadows you will find it easy, and so much more. But without this book you will spend an entire life for the same result. For all poeple who could hesitate to buy it, just one thing : I'm teaching this matter in France, in a little town in northern France with people who don't have any skills for this before today : AND IT'S WORKING !

bert monroy is an amazing artist, some one who's work i've admired for years, and the art in the book is stunning-- better than i'm doing. the book is worth buying just to look at the images. however, the exercises were a bit sparse, and not real deep. there are some good step-by-steps for some things, but other stuff he skipped over.

i say this as a photoshop user since version 2. the book is great for those serious users who want to look and be inspired, but seasoned pros who cut their teeth on kai's power tips in the 80's (pre-history pallet, pre-layers) might be a bit disappointed.

Although the versions of Photoshop and Illustrator he discusses are much older than what's currently available, this book remains the best for tutorials on creating photorealistic drawings in both programs. I am in awe of his skills!