Book Description
From initial concept through to finishing touches, for the first time, Boris and Julie give an in-depth description of how they paint their masterpieces, taking the reader through every stage of the creative process. As well as teaching the main techniques, the premiere fantasy-art team shows the reader how to use a wide variety of media to create a whole range of different types of painting, and explain how they create the effects for which they are so renowned, such as Julie’s legendary “metal flesh,” with its mix of fluidity and hardness contrasting with the sensual softness of the skin. Illustrated throughout in full color, the Practical Guide to Fantasy Art includes step-by-step photographs that Boris and Julie have taken as they’ve worked as well as a selection of their finished art appealing to art students and fantasy-art admirers alike.
Customer Reviews:
Great Help........2007-01-04
Truly helpful and a Great Help with learning textures and techniques from professional artists. Certain pictures of Boris Vallejo's and Julie Bell's work are shown in a step by step process that you can follow in your own works. If you are not interested in learning how to paint this book is also a great collection to admire, either way you will not be disappointed. It's truly helped me with my digital painting I cannot wait until I have the free time to practice the techniques shown in the book.
genuine sham.......2006-10-06
The claim that step by step the artists reveal their secrets is a sham, they reveal nothing, and their text is just airy rap about nothing. The artwork must be their left overs, including several pages devoted to a tedious ad campain for a fruit juice. In addition there are several ridiculous repeated images just for fill out. A shoddy and hastily book put together for self promotion. It's amazing how two such capable fantasy artists dont have the IMAGINATION to put together the genuine article. Buy this only if you are a die hard fan with no sense of discrimination!
Boris/ Bell rulez!.......2006-03-15
painting technics and a lot of work, and coposition tips. Its not for beginners , but essential!
Boris reveals more but not all.......2006-02-25
I'm hungry for Boris's painting technique. The first book of his was enlightening but skipped the critical part of his process, rendering the final product. This book gets closer to revealing his and Judy's magic but still left me wondering how many things are accomplished. It is an essential book for anyone fascinated by Boris and Judy's painting technique just don't expect to be shown how they do everything.
great tips.......2006-01-22
This book could help any artist; no need to have an interest in Fantasy. Lots of good tips and the art is great. I found it inspiring and anxious to try out all the good advice.
Customer Reviews:
Some of Boris's best early work and some good advice as well.......2006-10-16
For a reader that likes Boris's classic early works and who wants to know more about the creative processes that went into these paintings, it's hard to go wrong with _Fantasy Art Techniques_.
_Fantasy Art Techniques_ by Boris Vallejo was published in 1985, and is a guide to how he creates his paintings, the steps he goes through in the process, and some of the areas he pays special attention to.
He specifically discusses the uses of models & photographs, rough sketches, how to do skin tones, and how to approach the painting & underpainting.
I found his discussion on all of these topics to be very fascinating, especially the discussion of skin tones. Boris has a very recognizable style to his art; after reading _Fantasy Art Techniques_, I understand that part of his style is his treatment of skin tones and his extensive use of human models.
In the Introduction, Boris states "I have always had the facility to draw. I can't remember a time my life when I wasn't drawing or painting. In this sense, art has always been a natural part of my existence." Given this statement, it is not surprising that _Fantasy Art Techniques_ is written for the artist who has already mastered basic drawing techniques such as shading, foreshortening, anatomy, color theory, proportion & composition. However, _Fantasy Art Techniques_ does do a good job of showing an accomplished artist the steps & thought processes involved in starting with a concept and creating a finished piece.
_Fantasy Art Techniques_ includes a lot of prints of Boris's works, and is worth purchasing just for that. Many of his most recognizable paintings are included, such as "Siren Song", "Dragon Tattoo", "Counterfeit Lover" , "Lavalite World", "In the Moons of Borea", "Primeval Princess", "Of Men and Monsters", "Iron Warrior", "The Victorious", "Scarecrow Angel", "The Magnificent", "Broken Sword", "The Sorceress", "Red Amazon", and "The Witch and Her Familiar".
There are many more paintings besides those included in the book, and also a number of rough sketches, pencil drawings, modeling photographs, and pen & ink sketches. Truthfully, I found I liked the pen & ink sketches even more than the resulting paintings.
[For anyone reading this review, I would also like to note that I am very biased towards Boris's earlier works. While the details in his more recent works are crisper and things such as proportion, posing & reflections may be more technically correct, I find that much of Boris's later work is . . . well, kind of boring. In his earlier works, including many of the paintings shown in _Fantasy Art Techniques_, it is easy to look at the painting and almost immediately start imagining the back story of the characters and how they wound up in the situation depicted. In his later works, I find myself looking at the painting and thinking that it's great technique, but I don't get a sense of any story at all, just someone who said "wow, painting such-and-such scene would probably be really difficult, so I'll go ahead and do that just to show that I can."
All of which is another reason I give _Fantasy Art Techniques_ five stars: it is a GREAT collection of his works from a stylistic period that I like a lot more than anything he's done since the mid 1990s.]
Wonderful conservation, like new.......2005-09-03
It seems new. We think the book has a wonderful conservation, like new
Quite disappointing for a teaching aid.......2004-04-21
I absolutely love Boris Vallejo's art, and as an artist, I would love to be able to do what he can. Which is of course why you buy a book like this.
I was very disappointed when I received the book. It serves more as a look back through his back catalogue of work (some unpublished stuff as well). There are a few (very few) pieces of advice and tips on how to set up your reference photos and prepare a portfolio, but overall it is so general and vague that you will learn little more than "there is no one way to paint skin colour" or "it takes time to get good". Chances are you already knew that...
This book was either compiled in a hurry by request of Boris Vallejo's financial advisor, or he is simply not interested in passing on the knowledge he has of his craft. Quite disappointing.
Techniques of a master illustrator.......2003-06-20
Vallejo's techniqe is awe-inspiring and really very simple. He does a rough sketch, poses his models, takes pictures, and composes a finished drawing. He transfers this to a canvas, does an acrylic wash for the lights and darks, then adds colors with oils.
And that's it!
Well, he makes it look that easy, anyway. Vallejo let's you in on the medium he uses right down to the fast-drying ordorless turp used by housepainters. This book really disects the methods of an icon of fantasy artwork.
Thanks, Boris
the best artist ever.......2001-06-13
WOW! i have been a fan of his work since 1985 . He is the greatest artist ive ever seen . I was proud to have one of his works from his 1985 calender tatood on my belly. I WANT MORE !
Book Description
This new collection by best-selling fantasy artist Boris Vallejo has never before been published in book form and includes a rare selection of Vallejo's private work not yet published in any format. The lavishly illustrated book brings the artist's exotic women, sinewy men, and fantasy worlds to life in over 110 full-color paintings. There are images of stunning winged women and muscled men fighting ferocious beasts, as well as strange alien worlds filled with metallic spacecraft and colorful citizens. Renowned fantasy author Nigel Suckling offers insight into Vallejo's work with fascinating and informative extended captions.
Customer Reviews:
Bellfest.......2003-05-31
The amazing world of Boris Vallejo is condensed down into this picture book of god like bodies and fairytail fantasy scenes. Shown are some of his movie work, clothing ad work, Franklin Mint and his most favorite subject, his wife, Julie Bell.
There are some comedy moments of his works as well, including a portrait of the then president of the United States, Bill Clinton. He explains that some of his works have been described as too relvealing esspecially of his wife Julie. But as the pictures show when one gets over the fact, they are quite beautiful.
A book mainly for the older reader, artist or Vallejo fans only.
Beautiful Artworks.......2000-12-14
I love this book because it has lots of beautiful paintings from the author. I like this book more than the Titans. The artworks from Titans doesn't stand out or look as clean as the ones from in this book. This book has pictures ranging from mythical beings and animals, to futuristic designs. The disadvantage about this book is the non appealing art cover and its high price. Overall, it's an excellent reference book.
Perfection. All out perfection........2000-07-21
I have no idea what the person from dallas is talking about. I loved this work of Boris. I espsecially loved the Sections on the mythical beasts, and women of wonder. This is my best Boris book yet. I challenge any artist to match boris in the worlds of magic and fantasy. A definate must for all boris and fantasy fans.
Another classic album from a master.......2000-04-21
Born in Lima, Peru, Vallejo got an early start in his art education at the age of fourteen while studying art at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes on a scholarship. The talented little boy grew up to be the titan of art, responsible for breathtaking art featured on fantasy book covers, movie posters, album covers and motion picture ads along with his own portfolio books such as this one.
Dreams is another fabulous book, a sure collectible for any fantasy and art fan, I know that he started my own passion of art as my father, a gifted artist in many fields has always made Vallejo and other artists books available to me, inspiring me to follow art as well. This fabulous volume is chock packed with stunning women, glistening warriors, beasts and monsters, enchanted lands and wicked creatures that can only emerge from the cocoon of Vallejo's imagination. This a marvelous book in a glossy hardcover jacket that looks at me proudly from my shelf among other volumes by Boris, Julie Bell, Milo Manara, Chris Achilleos, Serpiri and many others who stir my creative juices.
- Kasia S.
I expected more.......2000-04-09
Everyone who likes fantasy art would be satisfied of this book. I like Boris' works. It contains veriety of pictures that prove his great imagination. From exotic women to horrible monsters with their fighting tools. I expected to see more drawing works of him but I found only one. Many works in the book are great and some are not. However, if you are the fan, you must have it.
Book Description
Sketchbook compiles over 130 pieces of artwork, some previously unpublished, from Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell, two of the most renowned fantasy artists in the world today. Sketchbook takes the reader through the entire artistic process which Vallejo and Bell undertake in creating their pieces. From early pencil drawings to the more intricate finished products, Sketchbook works as a how-to guide for aspiring fantasy artists, while at the same time standing alone as an exhibition of the talents of Vallejo, best known for his portrayals of Conan the Barbarian, and Bell, best known for her illustrations of X-Men. Seeing Vallejo and Bell's respective visions in each step is sure to dazzle and inspire any fan or admirer of fantasy artwork. Included are some of Vallejo's most famous sketches as well as Bell's artwork for Marvel Comics X-Men series.
Book Description
He was one-half of the brother team that produced the most remarkable fantasy art of our time. Their Tolkien calendar sold over one million copies (more than any calendar before or since) and their classic poster for a little film named Star Wars helped turn it into an unexpected worldwide phenomenon. This very special collection brings together Tim Hildebrandt's finest paintings and drawings, along with an account of his techniques and materials--from thumbnail sketches to finished works. Highly influenced by animation, especially Disney's early films, Hildebrandt has used his skill and passion to develop those traditions into a unique, personal, and dynamic style. Here are paintings from children's books (including the folktale Billy Goats Gruff), from various science fiction and fantasy novels, from gallery shows, from the Tolkien calendar--and of course, the unforgettable Star Wars poster in various stages of production. 160 pages (all in color), 9 1/2 x 12. REISSUE
Customer Reviews:
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-04
I picked this up because I thought if nothing else, there would be some interesting stuff to look at it.
Quite a bit of the not overly dense text is associated with tips or technical comments aimed at artists, so not really of much interest in general to the rest of us.
There are examples of different styles and media, and even a prototype Star Wars poster.
It also talks about how he uses toys and even a stuffed iguana as models sometimes - which explains some of the weird dragons.
GREAT BOOK FOR FANS AND ILLUSTRATORS!.......2002-01-23
As a professional illustrator and fan of the brothers Hildebrandt I was pleased this book was made. Since my purchase of this book I studied it carefully from cover to cover and it's contents are well worth the cost of the book. Although the book isn't written by Hildebrandt himself it's full of good information on how Tim Hildebrandt works. I recommend this book to artist's of all levels of experience due to it's technical info and to fans of fantasy and sci-fi art as well for it's entertainment value.
Book Description
It's the eternal fascination of flowers--their fragile beauty and their endless variety are a language unto themselves. Famed fantasy illustrator Boris Vallejo teams up with his wife, painter Julie Bell, to create a unique vision of flowers. Their photography is accompanied by quotes from poets, artists, and philosophers--ancient and modern--from around the world.
Average customer rating:
- Mirage
- Sirens and Harpies and D-Cups... Oh, My!
- Master of figure and fantasy
- This is the best Boris Vallejo art collection - buy this 1st
- His BEST Work...
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Mirage
Doris Vallejo
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Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell: The Ultimate Collection
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ASIN: 1560251395 |
Book Description
First published in 1997, Mirage took the fantasy world on a whirlwind tour, introducing us to paintings so bold, so provocative and superb that it became a major success. This astounding volume showcases alluring paintings of sensuous women and strong men, set against mythical, otherworldly backgrounds, and contains over 40 color and black and white illustrations, as well as 8 full pages of new, never before seen or published art work.
Customer Reviews:
Mirage.......2006-03-09
I was extremely happy with the service I receivec. I requested that this book be sent to the county jail, via Overnight Mail, for my son, and it wzs received the next day. Time was of the essence and you delivered. I can't rate the book myself, because it was not for me. I would definitely use Amazon.com again.
Sirens and Harpies and D-Cups... Oh, My!.......2006-01-02
I'm a long-time Boris fan. I actually own this in hardback, purchased over twenty years ago. It still is one of my favorite art books even after two decades.
Okay, why "Mirage" and not some other Boris book? This isn't a just some anthology of book covers. Quite simply, it has the finest collection of sensual fantasy art I've seen. I say sensual and not erotic because there is a difference. Boris paints lots of skin in this collection... plenty of gorgeous female pulchritude, but it keeps to the tasteful side lecherous. Oh, there are a couple of male figures as well, and they're just as well executed as his females, so you can't fault him there, either.
But don't think this is a series of illustrations with some poetry (by the artist's then-wife) thrown in to justify a book full of nudes. There's always a heavy element of high (or sometimes low) fantasy in every scene... that's fantasy as in mythic, not fantasy as in Penthouse Letters, even though Bob Guccione would have jumped at the opportunity to have any of these women grace the pages of his magazine. And to the surprise of some, there are several very humorous images as well.
Yet there is some truly incredible art in this collection as well. There is one painting of a triton and mermaid... uh... "disporting" themselves underwater that still stands out after twenty-plus years as one of my favorite pieces of art regardless of style, genre or medium. That's saying something.
If you find nudity objectionable, skip this book... you'll never get past all the skin to see the art behind it. Some of the images are slightly disturbing. Some are what I'd consider "filler" to add volume to the book, not as appealing or creative as many of the others. Yet there are some that are simply stunning... breathtaking in color, style and subject, and that makes up for any weaknesses the rest might suffer.
And as I mentioned, there is poetry included as well, contributed by Boris' wife (before Julie Bell). As far as open verse goes, she does respectably well. Some of the poems are rather forgettable, but others may appeal to the individual reader. I like Dylan Thomas and a few other modern poets who use free verse, so the style doesn't bother me a bit. Still, on the whole, the art is why I got the book, not the poetry.
If you want art by daVinci and verse by Tennyson, save your money... you'll be disappointed. Personally, I enjoy art by Boris and poems by Doris just as well.
Overall, an incredible collection well worth the acquiring.
Master of figure and fantasy.......2005-08-18
This book collects a series of Boris' paintings, plus a few very detailed pencil drawings, done between 1979 and 1982. If you're not already familiar with Boris' work - well, you probably are whether you know it or not. He has done years work of book covers for Edgar Rice Burroughs, as well as reams of posters. The one constant through all his work is passion for the human form and human power, both male and female.
These paintings range from the lush and sensual to humorous or macabre. A hookah come to life has a demonic presence, but a bar of soap come to life (and licking the bather) is more charming and a little silly. Even the simplest pictures have overtones - that bather is truly a beautiful woman, leaving me just a little envious of such close contact. Maybe not envious either, but off in thoughts of my own. And the preface is right, 'erotic' is much too simple a word for all the different feelings and combinations of feelings that come from having or holding a strong, healthy body.
My only complaint is a sameness in the female figures presented. The faces are beautiful, long and elegant, but mostly the same. The figures - the one figure, really is beautiful, but I value the uniqueness of a figure and the differences between figures. Cloning can serve a narrative purpose, certainly, but sameness wears. Even the loveliness of Danielle Anjou, acknowledged as a principal model and collaborator, wears.
Boris is the master of the figure in fantasy art, and has been for many years. This is a great sample from an earlier time in his career. It's almost impossible not to like.
//wiredweird
This is the best Boris Vallejo art collection - buy this 1st.......2005-03-06
If you are a fan of Boris Vallejo, or are thinking about buying a book of fantasy art -- this book should be the first one you buy. This is an absolute must-have for any art book collection, fantasy art or otherwise. Of all of Boris Vallejo's work to date -- this book by far has all his best art.
Boris Vallejo is by far the best fantasy artist EVER! His 1970s and 1980s art is by far much better than his current work, as is evident from the Mirage book. The figures/subjects in his early work in the Mirage book look like they actually belong in the painted scene. Many other fantasy artists draw subjects in scenes that look like models posing for a painting -- and look really stiff like cardboard. Boris meshes the scenes perfectly and transports you into another world with his vivid depictions of fantasy characters.
I recommend buying Boris Vallejo books in the following order:
1) Mirage
2) Fantasy Art Techniques -- buy it even if you're not an artist.
3) Enchantment
4) Dreams
5) Sketchbook
Verdict: Buy it!
Reviewed by Harrison Chua.
His BEST Work..........2003-11-29
I have been admiring and studying the Art of Boris Valejio since 1988. This is a collection of Art (late 1970s-mid 1980s) from his career PEAK. Details and tones duplicated from a MASTER Painter. If you buy ONE collection of Boris's fantastic Art, IT MUST BE MIRAGE...
There are some beautiful pencil renderings with precision use of the eraser to bring his sketches to life. An added bonus to pages of glorious full color women and men in the god-like exploitation of the human form.
Book Description
In this eagerly awaited new collection, Boris and Julie show off many of their most recent masterpieces, created over the last few years, together with a selection of pictures from earlier in their careers that have never before been featured in their books. The provocative paintings, which were often originally created for calendars and other commissions, make an invaluable addition to the collector's portfolio. Boris Vallejo, one of the top and most respected fantasy artists in the world, has done a great volume of work for the Fantasy field, having worked for virtually every major publishing house with a science fiction/fantasy line. Boris has also illustrated for album covers, video box art, and motion picture advertising. During the past eight years, Julie Bell has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her art studies have always centered on drawing, especially of the human figure. Her unique sense of color and dramatic composition put her paintings in a class of their own. Collections of her paintings have appeared in book form, calendars, posters, trading cards, and many other products.
Customer Reviews:
Lovely.......2003-09-28
Boris Vallejo has always been a personal favorite of mine. His ideas are unlike any others and his work with the brush is amazing. This book shows paintings that I hadn't even known existed. Anyone, in my opinion, who does not like his artwork is more than likely jealous and needs to keep their opinions to themselves if it is not helpful.
Books:
- Fantasy Workshop: A Practical Guide
- Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life
- First Impressions: Creating Wow Experiences In Your Church
- Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic
- Gemstones (Smithsonian Handbooks)
- Glorious Garden Flowers in Watercolor
- Hamlet on the Holodeck: The Future of Narrative in Cyberspace
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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Sketchbook
More Fantasy Art Masters: The Best Fantasy and Science Fiction Artists Show How They Work
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