Drawing & Painting Fantasy Figures

by Finlay Cowan

With the significantly increased popularity of fantasy films, TV, and books in recent years, the work of fantasy artists is in demand as never before. This art instruction manual, written by a noted fantasy artist, coaches students in methods of portraying convincing fantasy figures in all media�pencil, watercolor, acrylics, oils, and computer-generated pixel points. Following a discussion of needed tools and equipment, the author instructs on techniques for drawing convincing fantasy characters and their worlds, with attention to their faces, bodies, action, and costume styles. He advises on the creation of heroes and heroines, villains and wizards, dragons and man-like beasts. Separate chapters deal with different art media, and a final section on computer art covers everything from the basic desktop setup to methods of creating special effects. This beautifully produced book features more than 250 instructive, vividly-colored illustrations.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Drawing, Reference

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2003

Reviews

[Sera · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book years ago when I was a sweet teenager and I never really did much with it because it all seemed to intimidating. I finally read through it today and it was so... Shallow. Funny how perspectives change when you get older and more experienced.

I might use some of the idea sources for future ideas, but none of the instructions/tips are particularly insightful or helpful.

[Michael Hillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough, practical and inspiring book on fantasy art - like all "How-to" art books it's practicing the techniques and ideas which will makethe difference.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every time I finish a Finlay Cowan book, I tell myself "I'm going to give him one more chance to come up with one that is actually useful".

Cowan is not a bad artist. But the fact that the cover image for this book is by R K Post and not the author should ring some alarm bells.

In all of Cowan's fantasy art books he repeatedly tries to demonstrate how to use media that he is obviously not proficient in: digital painting and 3D modelling, for example. Maybe "proficient" is not the right word - he knows how to use the hardware and software, but the end results just suck. Like, really bad.

He covers some fantasy character archetypes in the book, and he has got good ideas and interesting pictures (mostly). The art and techniques discussed are sound, such as when he covers perspective, which is what made me give this 2 stars.

[Ryannzha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ini adalah salah satu buku pegangan wajib bg para illustrator mnrt sy.. mnyuguhkan anatomy, landscape dan arsitektural sbg wacana yg skiranya hrs di plajari illustrator yg tdk ingin karyanya di bilang tdk orisinil, plagiasi amw pun 'basi' .. Penulis adl. seornag seniman desainer, dan sutradara animasi.. pun beliaw bekerja sbg desainer official nya Pink Floyd sjk 1993, beliaw kini bekerja di bidang industry perfilman.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's never been a drawing book like it. I doubt there will be again. Parents, gift this to your budding artist, and watch them bloom.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book for the budding artist .. or anyone looking for a little help with perspective and human form