The Art of Anne Stokes: Mystical, Gothic & Fantasy

by Anne Stokes (Illustrator & Foreword), John Woodward

an alternate cover edition can be found here

Anne Stokes is a phenomenally popular artist in the field of gothic and magical fantasy, with fans all over the world. Her roots in design and illustration have led to supremely well-crafted paintings that have been licensed for use on all manner of merchandise and her followers eagerly await each new piece. This long-overdue book showcases Anne's oeuvre in all its glory, accompanied by illuminating text about Anne and her inspirations, techniques and processes.

The book is divided into thematic sections covering the full range of subjects that she has portrayed: her early work (like that for Dungeons & Dragons), the dark and the gothic, dragons, unicorns, fairies, mermaids and all that is mystical and magical. From the dark allure of Summon the Reaper to the opalescent beauty of Stargazer, this is a real treat for all fans and anyone who loves fantasy and stunning art in general.

Genres: Art, Fantasy, Dragons

128 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2019

Reviews

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this for my son today. Beautiful art.

[Sarah u · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a case of a cover selling the book. When I saw the gorgeous cover with a mage and dragon, I knew I had to have the book to add to my collection of fantasy artwork. It turns out I have seen artwork by Anne Stokes; she has done some art for figurines and shirts. But The Art of Anne Stokes is an excellent introduction to her art.

I think her best art features dragons, although she seems to paint a lot of fairies. Her unicorns are also quite nice. The book includes some of the backstories for her art. Her partner John Woodward also contributed the opening text for the nine sections. The fascinating chapter to read was "Designing for Different Formats." That one explains the collaboration between Anne Stokes and the figuring designer.

I am glad that I have this book. I would suggest it for fans of fantasy art.

[Robert Bussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not simply another fantasy book to quickly thumb through. There are so much details in each painting that it would be an injustice not to take your time to appreciate and study all the incredibly extravagant beauty within each image. From the main character and/or creatures to the outstanding backgrounds everything is phenomenal.

Artist Anne Stokes makes each image vey different, even within the same genre. For example, the wings on the fairies all differ greatly. Some are translucent; others look like lace, stained glass, feathers, metal, etc.

If you like fantasy art or art in general then pick up this book. I ordered it for my library and I am very happy I did.

[MagicDave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful hardcover collection of many of Anne Stokes' incredible fantasy art pieces, used in various medium, such as book covers and Dungeons and Dragons characters. Created from a woman's perspective, her art ranges from the beautiful and peaceful to the dark and mysterious, as well as sometimes entering into the horrific.
I enjoyed reading this book as an introduction into the world of fantasy art.

[Cherie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Would have liked more insight into Anne's process and how she develops a piece, but the bits that are here are good.
Loved the large clear images of her work. I doubt I'll ever be as amazingly gifted as this narrator in my own painting, but definitely some inspiring work to lift my sights and aim high.
Only realised on the last page that the author of this book is Anne's partner and therefore would have a great understanding of her work.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Anne's comments on the variety of images depicted in the beautiful book.
I would highly recommend this book for any Anne Stokes fans, art fans or fantasy art fans.
Thank you Anne and John Woodward fir this stunning insight into your art.
This was an amazing Christmas gift 🎄💕

[Ninja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice selection of Stokes' work over the years. Primary fantasy, but also a few related genres, such as steampunk. Also contains a few sections on how she adapts for other media (people doing sculptures of hers) or the development process itself.
The dragons are great.
I found myself preferring her work from the earlier years (2005 - 2011 or so) than those of the later 2014+ period.

[Bobby Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork is intriguing and reading the background on individual pieces brings the work that much more to life.

[Martina Nix Govoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

E niente, mi ero solo solo dimenticata di votarlo XD
La adoro, adoro la filosofia che sta dietro le sue opere, non potevo dare altro che 5 stelle.

[Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed browsing this collection of Anne Stokes' art. Her comments on the creation processes and thoughts behind the pieces were very interesting.

[Rhiannon Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found pieces in this book I never knew existed. This really delves into how the artist thought up each and every piece. 5 starts. I’d offer 10 if I could.

[Ally Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have my favourite pieces tagged and this will live on my coffee table so I can easily pick it up for inspiration! Absolutely love Anne Stokes' art.

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure how to rate a book that's mostly art ?

I love all things fantasy so looking through a book that's all fantasy art was very fun - love the fairies and dragons

[Harmony Rasuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her Art. Lots of pretty pictures and it is interesting to read about the ideas behind them.

[Lydia Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Her art is so beautiful and she's one of my biggest fantasy inspirations.

[Yinzadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I’m just too cynical, but her artwork is too kitschy for me. Better than someone like Jeff Koons, but in that general direction.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Anne Stokes artwork and it was really great to read what she had to say about her art.