Drawing and Painting Fantasy Landscapes and Cityscapes [Paperback]

Rob Alexander (Author), Martin McKenna (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2006

Artists interested in graphic novels and comic book illustration will find all the guidance and inspiration they need to draw and paint landscapes that evoke myths and legends, lost empires, futuristic planets, dramatic dreamscapes, underwater worlds, and subterranean cities. Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations demonstrate techniques for rendering a wide range of fantasy features, whether working in ink, watercolor, or computer pixels. Details covered in this heavily illustrated volume include -- choice of materials, with advice on getting the most from software programs . . . basics of perspective, architectural geometry, color, mood, and seasonal variations . . . landscape features, including skies, clouds, mountains, caves, deserts, snow, and water reflections . . . imagined landscapes from ancient cultures, future worlds, alien planets, undersea worlds, and surreal dreamscapes . . . cityscapes, from medieval towns to the metropolis of the future . . . famous fantasy worlds, from Atlantis to Middle Earth. This good-looking and instructive volume features a gallery of fantasy and science fiction images among its more than 200 color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rob Alexander is a Canadian artist working in the publishing, magazine, computer gaming, and collectable card game markets. He paints fine art, fantasy, science fiction, children's illustrations, and contemporary landscapes and has received numerous awards, including a prestigious Chesley Award from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (July 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764132601
• ISBN-13: 978-0764132605
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,938 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Alexander Technique
  • #3 in Books > Arts & Photography > Painting > Landscape
  • #83 in Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A FINE ADDITION TO ANY FANTASY LIBRARY, April 24, 2007

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Drawing and Painting Fantasy Landscapes and Cityscapes (Paperback)

I dabble in fantasy art, being much better at looking at it than actually creating the stuff myself. I did enjoy this work. While I will never be as good as the work displayed in this book, I use books such as this for inspiration and motivation. This work is well done. It gives some good, basic tips in developing this particular genre of art. It would be difficult to say if this work is good for beginners or if it is only for the advanced student. We all have our own level. I personally found it helpful, interesting and quite motivating. If nothing else, it is fun to thumb through and just look at the wonderful pictures.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for amateurs and professionals alike!, February 8, 2007

By 

H. Lewis - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Drawing and Painting Fantasy Landscapes and Cityscapes (Paperback)

I have an ever expanding library of art books focusing on techniques for drawing and painting. This by far is one of the best I have found. It covers ever medium from oils to computer aided illustration, offering insight into seeking sources for inspiration, planning and design, and final implementation. The author provides examples from well known and well respected artists, helping both the professional and amateur develop their skills. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking guidance for their art.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding 'how to' guide any aspiring fantasy artist can learn from., November 6, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drawing and Painting Fantasy Landscapes and Cityscapes (Paperback)

Fantasy enthusiasts and artists who would create their own cities and worlds will learn much from Rob Alexander, a working illustrator who has moved between games and collectible card game markets to magazine art. He's known for his fantasy and science fiction works as well as for landscapes and fine art, and Drawing & Painting Fantasy Landscapes & Cityscapes combines all his talents, packing in color examples throughout to help with fine drawings of fine art works. An outstanding 'how to' guide any aspiring fantasy artist can learn from.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch