Spectrum 14: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art

Spectrum #14

by Cathy Fenner (Editor), Arnie Fenner (Editor)

Drawn from work created for books, comics, magazines, art galleries, advertisements, and the portfolios of the finest contemporary fantasy artists, the illustrations in Spectrum 14 extend the boundaries of the imagination and explore new realms of creativity. The book contains nearly 350 pieces by creators spanning the globe, including works from America, Germany, England, the Netherlands, Korea, Australia, Japan, Canada, and France. Now in its 14th year, this is a must for fans of this genre of art as well as an invaluable resource for art directors and illustrators.

Genres: Art, Fantasy, Science Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2007

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

i remember first coming across the Spectrum art books in my twenties, when i would buy books simply for their dust jackets and hope the story inside wasn't too awful... the art in these books is amazing, creative, imaginary, dreamlike, fascinating, and ultimately full of life and the love of wonder and wondrous things... i would own them all if i could... extremely highly recommended...

[Parka]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

Spectrum is a an art annual that sends out invitations to artists for their work to be featured in the book. Only a selected few, the best, have their work chosen.

In Volume 14, the judges are Mark Chiarello, Dan dos Santos, Marc Gabbana, Dawn Murin, Ragnar and Adam Rex. The Grand Master Award goes to Syd Mead in this volume. You can view the list of winners as well as artists who have contributed at spectrumfantasticart.com.

As for the art, they are gorgeous. The variety is incredible and are created with different mediums. They are grouped into different categories, namely Advertising, Book, Comics, Concept Art, Dimensional (sculptures and models), Editorial, Institutional and Unpublished.

Spectrum is one of the best valued art annuals.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another nice collection of artwork, this time featuring pieces from the year 2006. It was nice to see some of the newer up and coming artists this time around. However, as in many of the previous volumes, the artwork is rendered nicely, but lacks originality. Strong stylists stand out as always: Brom, Royo, McKean, Vess, and Adam Hughes, as well as other big names that are represented. One of the more interesting pieces was by Boris Vallejo - an eagle, done in a much "rougher" rendering than usual. Overall, one of the better volumes in the series.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

fatter than older issues. Spectrum always contains one or two pieces or artists that make the whole shebang worth it. (see Out of the Forests: The Art of Paul Bonner review.)

i find myself more drawn to the sculpture section these days. thank goodness nerds love dolls action figures.

[Little Timmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love fantasy and SiFi art of any type; paintings, drawings, sculpture, cartoons then this is the book for you. Fantastic selection of the years art. You can't help but find something you like inside. Highly recommended

[Winter Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, awesome art from the sci fi, fantasy, comic realms. I love this collection.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a friend who's art made it into this issue. Excellent work and steep competition. Excellent Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror artwork if you are into this.

[Carly Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible compilation of fantasy artists! Produced yearly (every November).

[Tammy Ikram · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Spectrums, beautifully organized with amazing artists.

[Zen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me want a tattoo...a full body tattoo.

[Morbus Iff · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first exposure was quite pleasing.