Customer Reviews

Sketchbook: The Other Artwork of Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell

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I've been a big fan of boris' as long as I can remember. Ever since I picked up his book, "Fantasy Art Techniques" when I was a young boy, I've been hooked. So, when I heard of this book, "Sketchbook", I raced to pick it up. I'm pretty happy with what I've found. Which was a good supply of rough preliminary sketches, finished sketches, finished and painted works and even some life drawing aswell.

Now, Boris' present style on the other hand, is lacking that certain something. His work seems, to me anyway, a bit too comic booky. Don't get me wrong, some of the peices are very strong, but don't compare to some of his earlier works from the 70's and early 80's. Thankfully, those earlier works can also be found in this book aswell, next to his present day peices, making it a more well rounded catalog of work.

This is the first time I have had any exposure to Boris' wife, Julie Bell's work. Although not as good, it has a certain style of it's own and I plan on searching out more books by her in order to establish a more fair opinion.

All in all, it's a good book, worth buying. Even if your not a fan or haven't even heard of Boris Vallejo before, and just like to look at beautiful things, this book is for you.

Although I am not much of a fan of Boris from a compositional & subject posing perspective I am always excited to see the quality of line and technique he has. Once you strip away all the realistic brush and paint you can see Boris is very talented. His style of hatching and the quality of line he has in graphite and ink are super. Riding a line that is loose and tight at the same time is not easy and Boris makes it happen. Nice pieces.

I bought this book because I am a new fan of Boris and Julie, primarily interested in their work from an artist's standpoint, and it was more the idea of seeing their human figures in action, rather than looking at fantasy art, that got me to order. But, oh my gosh--I think I see now the attraction of fantasy art! You can feel the human spirit so strongly that it hurts. I think Boris and Julie could draw a piece of Tupperware and have it send chills down your spine.

With "Sketchbook" don't think "unfinished art." The works on these pages are masterpieces in themselves. You feel as if you are literally watching the drawings come to life. If you have any familiarity at all with Boris and Julie's work, you'll love seeing some of their classics in early concept form. And even if you don't recognize specific works, you will nevertheless feel the passion, the vibrancy, the raw, undiluted emotion that lives in the power of their art.

Whether or not you like the fantasy genre really isn't the issue with this book. If you do, of course, you're right in your element. But even if you don't, if you have any interest at all in the beauty of the human form, you will love this book. And if you don't appreciate the beauty of the human form, you will if you buy this book. I have a few other books by Boris and Julie, and they are all excellent. But I think this is my favorite so far.

This is a great collection of Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell sketches. It includes nude life drawing from studios, concept sketches for ads, completed pencil drawings for clients, and colored sketches one step away from publication (paint).

I really love Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell so I think seeing their art work "in progress" so-to-speak, is a great way to learn about the artist. You kind of get the back-story and their thinking process a bit in those sketches. Nigel also did a great job with his little knowledgeable descriptions of the sketches - short, but clear and with good insight.

I recommend this book to any Boris Vallejo or Julie Bell fan! It's a great part of their collection.