Spectrum 4: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art [Paperback]

Cathy Fenner (Editor), Arnie Fenner (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 16, 2008

For nearly 15 years, Spectrum has been known as the premiere annual showcase for fantasy artwork. Early editions are now collector’s items, priced out of the reach of most buyers, but fortunately, this reissue makes Spectrum 4 available again to fans new and old. In its pages are 250 dazzling full-color works by nearly 175 fantasy artists from around the world, including James Gurney, Rafael Olbinski, and the year’s Grand Master Award winners, Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Locus Magazine describes Spectrum as "...charming, sublime, exotic, horrific..." SF Chronicle said it's "...the most beautiful art book I've ever seen!" James Gurney, creator of the bestselling Dinotopia, wrote, "You've done it again! The best art annual out there!" Airbrush Art + Action gushed, "Spectrum must definitely belongs in the library of any art lover or artist." And the Kansas City Star describes it as "...a delight for everyone who retains a sense of wonder." -- Locus Magazine, Kansas City Star --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Spectrum 4: The Fourth Annual Collection of the Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art is one of the most eagerly waited art books of the year. Applauded by reviewers, treasured by fans of wonderful art, appreciated as a resource for art directors looking for new talent, and a symbol of pride for the creative community, Spectrum has become an annual event. Featured this year is a greater representation of international talent, including works from Germany, England, the Netherlands, Croatia, Canada, and France. And naturally, Spectrum 4 showcases the art of a virtual who's-who of American artists of the fantastic, including many previously unpublished pieces. Underwood Books is delighted and proud to be the publisher of this groundbreaking series - the only "Best of the Year" collection for the fantastic arts. Over 250 full color paintings, drawings and sculptures by nearly 175 of the world's most outstanding artists of the fantastic. Each work of art was selected by an award-winning jury of artists, designers and art directors and includes complete credit for the featured art, including size, title, and medium employed. Featuring work originally created for advertising, book covers, comics, magazines, art galleries, and portfolios, Spectrum 4 also included the recipients of the yearly Chelsey Awards as presented by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. Spectrum's third Grand Master Award winners, renowned children's book artists Leo & Diane Dillon, are also profiled and Arnie Fenner discusses 1996's artistic highlights in his illustrated "Year in Review." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Underwood Books (December 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599290243
• ISBN-13: 978-1599290249
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #306,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awsome, September 8, 2011

By 

abc_warbot - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spectrum 4: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art (Paperback)

I really enjoy this series of books.thanks Amazon.com for having a wonderful selection, and when the order was shadowed. Amazon fix the problem right away.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you!, April 22, 2009

By 

Barbara A. Lessig (Sinking Spring, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spectrum 4: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art (Paperback)

I appreciate the time you took to carefully wrap this beautiful
book. I'm purchasing one volume each month for my son who is a fine
arts student, so that he will have the entire set by the time
he graduates from college. Thanks for helping me make this possible.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The "usual" (wonderful) gallery of beautiful images, January 16, 2009

By 

Massobrio Davide "www.m-d-sounds-com" (Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spectrum 4: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art (Paperback)

I lost this issue at the original release date (I started to buy the Spectrum series from issue 7). What I noticed, buying the latest printings of number 1,2, 3 and now 4 is that, except the digital techniques (now more advanced than in the past), the quality of the works collected is always the same. Excellent.