What do you think?
Rate this book
Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures
Draw the stuff of which nightmares are made. If you harbor a love of imagery most foul, of demons and monsters and devils of all sorts . . . then welcome to the book from hell. Within its pages lurk sadistic orcs, flesh-eating zombies, blood-thirsty dragons, unholy monstrosities and dreaded beasts of legend and lore. If you dare to open this book and unleash such horror, venture forth and learn everything a good monster-maker needs to Hell Beasts will empower you to bring forth the sinister beings that lurk in the deepest, darkest shadows of your imagination. Summon them to claw at bedroom windows and wreak havoc in the dreams of your unsuspecting audience for years to come.
- GenresNonfictionArt
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2007
11 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 29, 2015
Genre: Nonfiction
I didn't expect perfect instruction from this book. In my experience, the instructions in this sort of book begin with clear, basic steps to sketch the item or creature in question. The final or second to last step, however, translates to "then a miracle occurs". The actual text will be something like, "fill in the details", or "Color to suit your taste", or the like. There I am, with a decent outline of a dragon, or an apple, or whatever, looking at the next "step" and seeing a thumbnail version of something so complete and professional it could be framed.
Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures doesn't wait for the end of the instructions for the miracle step, oh no. For each creature the instructions begin with, "Sketch the basic outline of the {creature}". Every. Single. One. Yes, I did go through and check.
"Wait," you might say, "Maybe this is aimed at the experienced artist/illustrator?" That's a reasonable question. It seems a bit misleading not to mention that on the cover or the back of the book, but it's possible - if you ignore the introduction and first chapter. The introduction is a very basic look at what you need to get started. The first chapter goes over the basics of drawing. Given that starting point, jumping directly to "sketch out the basic shape" seems a whole lot to ask as step one.
Is it really non-fiction when an instructional book does such a terrible job of instructing?
As art instruction, this book makes a strong case for GoodReads having a negative stars option. However, it is a pretty good art book, with fully realized, professional images for each of the creatures listed, as well as a lot of other fantasy art woven around the so-called instruction. It could be excellent inspiration, and it is possible that an experienced artist might get something useful out of it - hence the 2 star rating.
I didn't expect perfect instruction from this book. In my experience, the instructions in this sort of book begin with clear, basic steps to sketch the item or creature in question. The final or second to last step, however, translates to "then a miracle occurs". The actual text will be something like, "fill in the details", or "Color to suit your taste", or the like. There I am, with a decent outline of a dragon, or an apple, or whatever, looking at the next "step" and seeing a thumbnail version of something so complete and professional it could be framed.
Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures doesn't wait for the end of the instructions for the miracle step, oh no. For each creature the instructions begin with, "Sketch the basic outline of the {creature}". Every. Single. One. Yes, I did go through and check.
"Wait," you might say, "Maybe this is aimed at the experienced artist/illustrator?" That's a reasonable question. It seems a bit misleading not to mention that on the cover or the back of the book, but it's possible - if you ignore the introduction and first chapter. The introduction is a very basic look at what you need to get started. The first chapter goes over the basics of drawing. Given that starting point, jumping directly to "sketch out the basic shape" seems a whole lot to ask as step one.
Is it really non-fiction when an instructional book does such a terrible job of instructing?
As art instruction, this book makes a strong case for GoodReads having a negative stars option. However, it is a pretty good art book, with fully realized, professional images for each of the creatures listed, as well as a lot of other fantasy art woven around the so-called instruction. It could be excellent inspiration, and it is possible that an experienced artist might get something useful out of it - hence the 2 star rating.
May 31, 2019
Not "how to draw", but rather a "how I draw". And it looks more like a showcase and ego trip for the author than guide.
January 1, 2024
The artist probably figured he could make a few extra bucks with a "how to" book. That doesn't mean he's a good teacher, unfortunately. At least having this on my bookshelf makes me look well-read.
July 28, 2013
Age Range: 12-Adult
In five chapters Pavelec provides drawing basics, compositional tips and extensive refinements for budding artists drawn to represent the darker side of the imagination. The first chapter focuses on fundamental concepts and tools. The four following chapters explore detailed tutorials on drawing humanoid monsters, reptiles and aquatic creatures, quadrupeds and more, and winged beasts. A final section on inspiration includes Pavelec’s thoughtful ruminations on creativity, a compendium of real-life skeletal and muscular studies and an index.
The arresting imagery is likely to draw fantasy aficionados, horror fans and those who want to expand their drawings beyond the boundaries of good taste. Written for young adults the instructions are straightforward, explicit, encouraging and never pander. While unlikely to gladden the heart of parents there is no inappropriate imagery or language. There are only a very few female images: a were spider, harpy and necromancer, but given the usual misogynistic tendencies of the dark-fantasy realm Pavelec deserves commendation.
Ideas: Display with other how-to books, or at Halloween. Alternatively display with Halls, Spears & Young’s Tales of the Cryptids (Millbrook, 2006) and challenge students to create their own cryptid/hell beast.
In five chapters Pavelec provides drawing basics, compositional tips and extensive refinements for budding artists drawn to represent the darker side of the imagination. The first chapter focuses on fundamental concepts and tools. The four following chapters explore detailed tutorials on drawing humanoid monsters, reptiles and aquatic creatures, quadrupeds and more, and winged beasts. A final section on inspiration includes Pavelec’s thoughtful ruminations on creativity, a compendium of real-life skeletal and muscular studies and an index.
The arresting imagery is likely to draw fantasy aficionados, horror fans and those who want to expand their drawings beyond the boundaries of good taste. Written for young adults the instructions are straightforward, explicit, encouraging and never pander. While unlikely to gladden the heart of parents there is no inappropriate imagery or language. There are only a very few female images: a were spider, harpy and necromancer, but given the usual misogynistic tendencies of the dark-fantasy realm Pavelec deserves commendation.
Ideas: Display with other how-to books, or at Halloween. Alternatively display with Halls, Spears & Young’s Tales of the Cryptids (Millbrook, 2006) and challenge students to create their own cryptid/hell beast.
March 18, 2014
The artwork is really amazing and I just love the sketches of skeletons at the end. I highly recommend you use this book as a reference to drawing monsters.
June 25, 2016
It's ok
The reason I think it just ok they have a lot the same in any art book, but they did have some good points.
The reason I think it just ok they have a lot the same in any art book, but they did have some good points.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews