REJECTS: the Extreme Art of Retail Caricature [Hardcover]

Joe Bluhm (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 4, 2007

Award-winning artist, illustrator, character designer and recovering theme park caricaturist Joe Bluhm displays his rejected sketches with hilarious results in his first art book. These frighteningly exaggerated portraits could serve as a lesson for how to (and how not to!) become a successful caricaturist. Bulbous eyes, jutting underbites and elongated necks make these drawings straddle the line between grotesque and hysterical.

This book features a sturdy, glossy 8.5x11" hardcover binding, convenient for both travel and home display, and makes a unique gift. Great for aspiring or seasoned artists, caricaturists, art lovers, or anyone who appreciates good satire and a good laugh. For more info, visit RejectsTheBook.com.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I don't know if it's courage or insanity that makes Joe insult people to their face, but the results are remarkably smooth and deliciously hilarious! --Philip Burke- Painter & Illustrator

I first met Joe about five years ago at a caricaturist convention. Not only was I blown away by how talented he was, but also how young he was. There are three great treasures I live my life by: determination, passion and desire. Joe possesses all three. Having been a theme park caricaturist myself, I know the importance of seeing other good caricaturists such as Joe. This book is not only filled with beautiful drawings, but will serve as a great source of inspiration for anyone interested in understanding the art of caricature and all its rejects. --Stephen Silver- Nickelodeon & Disney character designer

Joe Bluhm is an "artist's artist." I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds good, so I'm going with it. When I first saw a drawing he had done of me, I thought I was looking in a fun house mirror. Then when I realized I wasn't at the circus, I thought, "This is wild". Joe's work, like any great art, is hard to describe, but I'll try. It is great. --Brian Regan- Comedian

Joe Bluhm is an "artist's artist." I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds good, so I'm going with it. When I first saw a drawing he had done of me, I thought I was looking in a fun house mirror. Then when I realized I wasn't at the circus, I thought, "This is wild". Joe's work, like any great art, is hard to describe, but I'll try. It is great. --Brian Regan- Comedian

I first met Joe about five years ago at a caricaturist convention. Not only was I blown away by how talented he was, but also how young he was. There are three great treasures I live my life by: determination, passion and desire. Joe possesses all three. Having been a theme park caricaturist myself, I know the importance of seeing other good caricaturists such as Joe. This book is not only filled with beautiful drawings, but will serve as a great source of inspiration for anyone interested in understanding the art of caricature and all its rejects. --Stephen Silver- Nickelodeon & Disney character designer

About the Author

Caricaturist, illustrator, painter and character designer Joe Bluhm has been invited to teach his award-winning brand of caricature to artists at more than a dozen locations in the US and Tokyo, as well as being an invited two-time seminar presenter at the National Caricaturist Network (NCN) international caricature convention. Among his many caricature awards is the highest international caricature recognition, the NCN's 'Caricaturist of the Year' (2003). Bluhm has achieved multiple awards for his editorial and promotional illustration, including the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies' (AAN) 'Cover of the Year' (twice), as well as multiple local illustration awards. His caricature illustration is utilized by top-billing comedians such as Frank Caliendo and Brian Regan. Joe also works in character design and visual development for animation and has had his designs featured on the top network's prime-time television promo pieces. For more information, visit JoeBluhm.com.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 104 pages
• Publisher: Art Squared Publishing (July 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979383404
• ISBN-13: 978-0979383403
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #678,453 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute Hilarity, May 4, 2008

By 

Kyle Tiernan (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: REJECTS: the Extreme Art of Retail Caricature (Hardcover)

I recently got in to caricature and had heard whispers of Joe Bluhm on a couple of forums. They were saying he was the guy who could push the envelope to the utmost extreme while staying within salable reason. And, as you will see in the book, he does just that... most of the time.

Joe pushes his drawings right to the tipping point. Think of it like a bucket of water. Most professional caricaturists are able to draw to about a quarter inch below the brim. Maybe even to the brim, but rarely ever do. Joe fills it to the point of no return -- so much so there's a slight arc of the water as it hangs in equilibrium, about to spill. If you were to add a drop more, it would collapse. No other artist that I've seen can get it to that point.

The expressions and likenesses are pushed just ever-so-slightly more than even the most extreme caricaturists would dare. The coloring bold and magnificent. Some of the pictures border on offensive, a couple too damn cute, yet pushed right to the edge of exaggeration, you don't know if you should laugh or wish the kid was your own.

Definitely buy this book. It's absolute hilarity and a bargain at it's price.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Rejects" a must!, May 4, 2008

By 

Vincenzo - See all my reviews

This review is from: REJECTS: the Extreme Art of Retail Caricature (Hardcover)

Joe Bluhm's new book entitled "Rejects - the extreme art of retail caricature" is a must have for anyone who loves caricature...every page a gem!!

Although a majority of these drawings were rejected by their subjects (sitters had absolutely no clue what they were walking away from) they are the finest examples of the best retail caricaturist working in the world today.

Give yourself a gift and make sure you pick up a copy, you certainly will not be disappointed!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun! Fun! Fun!, December 26, 2007

By 

Mary Ann Rogal (Ingram, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: REJECTS: the Extreme Art of Retail Caricature (Hardcover)

Rejects is all it is promised to be. These caricatures really capture the subjects personality and outstanding features whether they like it or not. Most people really don't like their bad features pointed out especially for the world to see, which is why they probably rejected the artist's rendition in the first place. If you are an artist you can appreciate these interpretations.