John Howe [Hardcover]

John Howe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 26, 2007

'Here's how I do it, and why': this is the premise behind John Howe's first practical exploration of his artistic inspirations, approaches and techniques. This title will appeal to practical artists and fans of John Howe's work by providing step-by-step demonstrations, sketches and oustanding finished paintings, some designed specifically for this book. It covers a wide range of subjects essential to any aspiring fantasy artist, including materials and the creative process, and drawing and painting humans, beasts, landscapes and architecture. The final section of the book provides further inspiration and guidance on presenting work in various forms including film work, book covers and advertising, all areas John Howe has vast experience in. It includes foreword written by groundbreaking film director, Terry Gilliam, with an Afterword by Alan Lee, the Oscar winning world-class illustrator.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Filled with Howe's amazing and fantastical artwork. He knows what he's talking about when it comes to fantastic creatures and scenery. Knights, dragons, castles, and beasts of all shapes and sizes fill up these pages. It's a great read (with a forward by none other than Terry Gilliam) that will entertain, educate, and inform. -- Ain't It Cool News, October 17, 2007 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

John Howe was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1957. He attended the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Strasbourg. He has had three monographical titles published on his work, including Myth and Magic (Harper Collins, 2001) and worked extensively on the conceptual art for The Lord Of The Rings films with artist Alan Lee and director Peter Jackson. He lives in Switzerland.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles Ltd (October 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600610099
• ISBN-13: 978-1600610097
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,136,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much more than just a how-to book, October 8, 2007

By 

V. Trullinger - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John Howe Fantasy Art Workshop (Paperback)

After reading it through, I felt like I'd spent an afternoon in John's studio, talking with him about not just how one paints, but most importantly, why one paints. That's exactly what I'd hoped the book would be: not just a how-to manual, or a collection of techniques, or a long list of self-congratulatory stories -- but good, solid advice on the creative process from an experienced professional.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your usual how-to book, January 7, 2008

By 

M. Dillman (WI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Howe Fantasy Art Workshop (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book. I am a big fan of Mr. Howe's work and much of the advice in this book is familiar from John's forum but it's a good chance to see how he works step by step, as well as how he organizes his studio and prepares for illustration jobs. While there are only a few "walkthroughs" featuring new art, the book is full of interesting tidbits of information about the creation of other paintings. There are lots of tips even I who has been painting for many years didn't think of before. John Howe makes a point to encourage readers to find their own unique style and way of painting, unlike many how to books which only show one way of doing things. I particularly love that his sense of humor shows. He honest about illustration and admits that he isn't perfect and procrastinates as much as possible before every job.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book from one of the great fantasy artists, January 18, 2008

By 

Daniel H. Staten (Sandy, Ut United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Howe Fantasy Art Workshop (Paperback)

John Howe is the artist I credit for making me interested in fantasy illustration, and will always be one of my favorites. It should come as no surprise that the artwork in this book is amazing, and the information presented is also quite insightful. It is not an art how too book, so much as it is a general treatise of John Howe's way of thinking about his work, and going about his creative process. He actually expresses pretty clearly his dislike of anything that feels like a how too process, or is so forumulaic that it can be presented as if there is only one set way to do it. One of the best additions to my art library.