Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures [Paperback]

Finlay Cowan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 2004

There are over 50 stunning examples featured, offering inspiration and guidance to aspiring fantasy artists. Easy-to-follow demonstrations guide the reader through the stages of creating fantasy artwork in a range of mediums, while there are lots more examples and galleries of work to use as a source of instruction and ideas. This books not only shows how to develop and range of images, but shows how to bring the characters to life with emotion, movement and action. It also deals with computer-generated digital art, and gives hints and tips on showcasing finished work.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Finlay Cowan has worked as a designer for Pink Floyd since 1993, co-writing and designing the films and animations for their stage shows and website, and has worked for several other artists in the field. He bought and designed a cafe-cinema in Brick Lane, London from 1998, and founded Hinterland Films in 2001 with Nick Stone. Finlay is currently writing, directing and producing short films and books. Finlay lives in south-east London, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles Ltd (December 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0715321706
• ISBN-13: 978-0715321706
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,944,599 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book (in a lonely field), January 5, 2004

By 

George (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures: From the Imagination to the Page (Paperback)

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazingly helpful book for fantasy artists!, February 7, 2006

By 

Grace (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures: From the Imagination to the Page (Paperback)

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!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Where were you ten years ago!?, November 29, 2006

By 

B. B. Bridenbaugh "KingNot" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures: From the Imagination to the Page (Paperback)

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.