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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A superlative collection of fantasy art, January 7, 1999
My favorite collection of Chris Achilleos' work borrows the title from the painting on the cover titled "A siren's remorse". This image of a siren (mythological creature similar to a mermaid that uses it's voice to lure sailors to their death) cradling the bloated body of dead sailor depicts the agony and frustration of this beautiful creature as it struggles to fight back the tears. This book depicts fantastic struggles and quiet moments of beauty with such artistry and flair, that it leaves the viewer spellbound. I heartily recommend it.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great fantasy art, February 18, 2008
"[Achilleos] was suspicious of Fine Art from the beginning, and still is." I can appreciate that. As an illustrator rather than artist (or Artiste), Achilleos is free to tell an exciting story, capture a dramatic moment, revel in a woman's bare beauty, or even get a little silly - sometimes all at once. These works, largely from the late 70s and early 80s, present a variety of Achilleos's commissions and portfolio pieces, along with comments that narrate his life during this time.
It's wonderful and varied work, including Star Trek, Dr. Who, Bladerunner, and other well-known cultural icons. The best work melds Achilleos's strong pinup style with fantasy and science fiction elements, in varying proportions. I was especially interested in Achilleos's notes on technique. He trained as a commercial illustrator with deadlines to meet, so feels free to use anything that does the job and does it on time: gouache, oils, airbrush, ink, even fabric dye. Well, a picture done for reproduction has different goals that one meant as an end product in itself - if it looks good in print, it must have been right.
Although Achilleos might not be well known to most people, he commands respect within the world of fantasy imagery. A glowing intro by Ray Harryhausen compares Achilleos to Boris and Frazetta - I might not elevate Achilleos to those ranks, but his art is easy to enjoy anyway. This book fits comfortably into any collection of fantasy art.
-- wiredweird
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure Inspiration, November 15, 2005
I have a few favorite artists who do amazing illustrations and Achilleos is one of them.
This book is a huge collection, most of beautiful women, and its their costumes and surroundings that make them exotic. Achilleos is one of those kind and fatastic people who inspire other people do follow up with their art. I have written him a fan letter and he personally wrote back. It makes it so much more wonderful to appreciate his art when he is so warm and gracious.
This album covers many genres and interests. There are dragons, warriors, horses, mermaids, zombies, superheros, lizards, animals, robots, evil creatures and just about everything else you can think of, captured on a glossy page.
This book gives me tons of pleasure simply by sitting on my shelf. I know I have a piece of his art, and at hands reach I am transported to his insanely beautiful world.
Tremendous collectible for ANYONE!
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