Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures: From the Imagination to the Page [Paperback]

Finlay Cowan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Finlay Cowan has worked as a designer for Pink Floyd since 1993. He also owns a caf©-cinema of his own design in London, and is co-founder of a London film studio. He is currently writing, directing, and producing short films and books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764126288
• ISBN-13: 978-0764126284
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #476,681 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.