The Encyclopedia of Fantasy and Science Fiction Art Techniques [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by John Grant (Author), Ron Tiner (Author) "Most artists gravitate toward a comparatively small selection of tools and materials: some will be happiest using gouache on canvas, with perhaps a touch of..." (more)
Key Phrases: fantasy art, impossible structures, high fantasy, Ron Tiner, Henry Flint, Paul Campion (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This is the first comprehensive A-Z guide to science fiction and fantasy art techniques. It also includes an inspirational gallery of finished works. This title includes professional tips and techniques and clear step- by-step instructions for a variety of popular styles -- from horror to heroic fantasy, from creatures to characterisation. An A-to-Z technique section provides a detailed look at all major media -- acrylics, airbrush, animation software, computer software, and pen and ink -- and explains how to apply each one. Also included are special "brainstorming" sections to let you see how an initial idea is developed to produce the final artwork. This creative resource also contains a gallery of works by some of the most innovative and renowned fantasy artists, including Chris Achilleos, Paul Bartlett, Jim Burns, Judith Clute, Danny Flynn, Brian Frowd, David A. Hardy, Jael, Peter Jones, Ian Miller, Dan Seagrave, Ron Tiner and Boris Vallejo. Whether you're a student or a professional artist, you'll discover that The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy Art Techniques is an invaluable reference for expressing your artistic imagination and polishing your technical skills. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers; illustrated edition edition (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561385344
• ISBN-13: 978-1561385348
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #463,082 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Realistic advice, legitimately useful tips, marvelous art, August 19, 2000

By	Peter Vinton Jr. (Not near Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Grant and Tiner have managed to put together a pretty darned useful piece of work here (while, admittedly, not passing up an opportunity to showcase as much of their own work as they could fit). Newsflash: There are NO shortcuts to being an effective fantasy illustrator; you must make a serious study of classical art, human (and animal) anatomy, color theory, and all that other stuff you groaned about in your mandatory 9th grade art class. Especially helpful section at the end dealing with portfolio preparation and effective marketing tactics. Mention is made of Vallejo, Royo, Whelan, Frazetta, Miller, all the pros. If you're serious about your illustration career, pick this one up!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very inspirational, December 30, 1997

By A Customer

The layout of this book is excellent, it was very inspirational to me and i refer back to it time and time again for new ideas. The inforamtion is informative and the pictures are great too. I love it. Definitely worth getting..... you wont regret it.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is real art, August 26, 2000

By	Greg Hughes - See all my reviews

This is the book all aspiring fantasy artists should have on their shelves.

As well as having pictures of beautiful work, the book is full of useful and informative writing about techniques, materials, colours, and also has some good "brainstorming" projects. Incidentally, this is the book where I first heard of Mervyn Peake's "Gormenghast Trilogy". I did a painting of Gormenghast Castle, as it suggested in the book, and sold it for $100!

Sadly, work for fantasy artists is quite rare in Australia, especially in Brisbane. A lot of ordinary people won't take fantasy and science fiction seriously as an art form. I don't know if it's because of conservatism, or just plain lack of interest. Either way it's annoying. Many people associate it with "Star Trek" and brand it "kitsch" or "unoriginal".

Much of the fantasy art I do is of futuristic cities and post-apocalyptic scenes. Radioactive fallout gives me a good excuse for having bad figure work! The "Encyclopedia of Fantasy and Science Fiction Art Techniques" also dispels a lot of myths. For example: there's nothing wrong with using photographs! (As long as you own the copyright to it.) The book also proves that the computer is a valid art tool.

If you have a good imagination, this book is certainly worth having.