Spectrum 4: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art (Spectrum (Underwood Books)) [Paperback]

Arnie Fenner (Author), Cathy Fenner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Spectrum (Underwood Books) | Publication Date: October 27, 1997

In this fourth annual collection, the editors of "Spectrum 4" present works by the world's most electrifying creators of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and surreal art, including winners of the Chelsey Awards. Some of the artists included are Rick Berry ("DC Comics" covers), James Christensen ("The Voyage of the Bassett"), and James Gurney ("Dinotopia"). 249 color illustrations plus b&w photos.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Spectrum awards fill an important niche in the art world, by recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of fantasy artists. Spectrum 4: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art includes all the juried work from the Spectrum awards for 1996--and if this collection was any indication, it was a banner year. The book itself has an excellent, art-centered layout that keeps commentary to a minimum and lets the individual pieces speak for themselves.

Expect to be dazzled repeatedly by the sheer variety and quality of the work anthologized here. Spectrum 4 does a fine job of demonstrating how much variety exists in fantasy art. Alongside the ever-present fantasy standards (dragons, fairies, vampires) you will find highly original, challenging works of often-extraordinary breadth. Highlights include brilliant pieces from James Gurney's Dinotopia, Rafael Olbinski's haunting Calendar, and this year's Grand Master Award winners Leo and Diane Dillion. This book is sure to satisfy art lovers craving the bizarre, the terrifying, and the spectacular. --Brendan J. LaSalle

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Spectrum 4 showcases the art of a virtual who's-who of American artists of the fantastic, including many previously unpublished pieces.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."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Underwood Books (October 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887424288
• ISBN-13: 978-1887424288
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,526,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Endless source of inspiration for artists., March 26, 1998

By 

Anjanie "live to paint" (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

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

Spectrum 4 is one of those books that artists turn to when ideas are at a premium. The artwork is so voluminous and diverse in character. Every possible stylization of fantasy art is represented. Some works are intense and mysterious, dark and brooding. While others follow a campy, comic book hero genre. My favorite works are more of an illustrative fairy tale approach. However, I find this book to be a wonderful resource for those times when the well is running dry.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure magic., July 17, 1998

By A Customer

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

Almost any one of the pieces in this collection is worth the price of the book. There are no monkey swathes of paint against white canvas here, my friends. No, here are works that will quicken your breath, accelerate your heartbeat, and ignite the synapses in your mind. And as my fellow reviewer commented, this book is a wellspring of inspiration. Just flip the pages and see for your self. Works like "Number 16" and "Prudence II" present this point more eloquently than I ever could. I have only one pique. There was no art from any of the Galerie Morpheus artists like Giger, Yerka, and De Es. Despite this, I urge all fans of SF and Fantasy art to buy this book. You won't be dissappointed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Amazing~!!!, March 20, 2007

By 

Humble Artist "Lucky" (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

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

I vividly remember the first time I saw this book at the local comic book store. Wow~ Just amazing, it blew my brains out. There is no other book like Spectrum series books. Book features full color drawing, paintings and sculptures by fantastic artist from all over the world. You will see so many styles and techniques that you never seen before. This is a must for Artist, Illustrators, and Art Directors.