Fantasy Art Techniques [Paperback]

Boris Vallejo (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA A lovely browsing collection of color reproductions that will appeal to young fantasy fans because of Vallejo's exciting renditions of unearthly creatures and sexy humans. The moods range from the frightening to the humorous. Vallejo describes various painting techniques in an accompanying text, and he includes some rough sketches to illustrate the development of painting. This book is more of an introduction to fantasy art appreciation than a course in technique. There is no index or list of illustrations.

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--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

In a captivating, behind-the-scenes look into the creative process of a fantasy artist, renowned artist Boris Vallejo discusses in depth the techniques of a personal style that has placed him among the leading international fantasy and science fiction artists of today. 91 color images; 32 line drawings.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (May 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068481904X
• ISBN-13: 978-0684819044
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #686,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Quite disappointing for a teaching aid, April 21, 2004

By	Marque Pierre Sondergaard (London, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fantasy Art Techniques (Paperback)

I absolutely love Boris Vallejo's art, and as an artist, I would love to be able to do what he can. Which is of course why you buy a book like this.

I was very disappointed when I received the book. It serves more as a look back through his back catalogue of work (some unpublished stuff as well). There are a few (very few) pieces of advice and tips on how to set up your reference photos and prepare a portfolio, but overall it is so general and vague that you will learn little more than "there is no one way to paint skin colour" or "it takes time to get good". Chances are you already knew that...

This book was either compiled in a hurry by request of Boris Vallejo's financial advisor, or he is simply not interested in passing on the knowledge he has of his craft. Quite disappointing.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Fantasy, October 3, 2000

By	Greg Hughes - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fantasy Art Techniques (Paperback)

Boris Vallejo's renderings of the human figure are unmistakeable. The way he uses paint to depict a 3-dimensional form on a 2-dimensional surface is amazing. The work is so life-like. (And in many cases, erotic.)

I liked reading about Vallejo's humble beginnings, where we see samples of his early, unpublished work. It was also a relief to know that even this master of the figure uses photographs. Contrary to many student's belief, it is not "cheating". To make his point, Vallejo is convinced that if the Old Masters had had access to photography, they would certainly have preferred to use that rather than rely on a model who gets bored, tired, etc. Vallejo uses both the model and the photograph.

In addition to advice about colour, tone, light, and how to "see", we are also taken through some step-by-step paintings, to show how the image is gradually built. Advice about portfolios comes at the end.

I have a board game called "Hero Quest", a sword-and-sorcery type adventure. The painting on the box looks like it was done by Vallejo, but I couldn't find his signiature. The colours and brushwork looked like his. The main figure was a Conan-type character swinging his sword. If you read Vallejo's "Fantasy Art Techniques" there is a good chance you will also paint like this eventually.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must-have!, July 30, 2000

By	Peter Vinton Jr. (Not near Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fantasy Art Techniques (Paperback)

Though a little dated now, Mr. Vallejo's book is no less informative now as it was when he was first making waves in the world of fantasy illustration. The techniques he espouses are useful and relevant to any illustrator, not just the ones in the genre. More than any other reference, this book kick-started my own fantasy illustration career. For me, Mr. Vallejo's most valuable lesson is that an artist's portfolio is only as strong as its weakest piece... which he so wonderfully demonstrates by combining his most dazzling work side-by-side with some of his earlier, not-so-spectacular work. A thousand thank-yous for this book, Mr. Vallejo!