Product Description

This is a breathtaking new practical art course that completely demystifies the drawing and sketching techniques of master fantasy artist John Howe. Learn the basics of drawing as John reveals the secrets behind choosing the best materials and the correct methods for holding and using pencils. Presented as a practical art course, the book progresses from basic linear and energy drawing to more advanced drawing and colouring techniques - ideal for both aspiring and experienced artists. Noble warriors and mystical elves stand side-by-side with savage orcs, dragons and other iconic fantasy characters in this highly practical, must-have guide for all aspiring and improving fantasy artists.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16443 in Books
• Published on: 2009-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

About the Author
John Howe is one of the world's most renowned fantasy artists, best known for his 20 year stint as an artist on the Tolkien list, and his work as Conceptual Designer alongside Alan Lee on the Lord of the Rings movie series and the forthcoming The Hobbit movie. He is an active member of the worldwide fantasy art community, and holds regular exhibitions and lectures on his work around the world. John lives in Switzerland.

Customer Reviews

One to buy!
John's new book Fantasy Drawing Workshop is much more than the drawing course in 10 step-by-step projects as stated on its cover. Following the introduction John takes a brief look at the difference between sketching an drawing before moving onto the nitty gritty, which is not as you'd expect the actual projects, there are a couple of steps to consider first such as how to correctly sharpen your pencil and more importantly how to hold the pencil. Now you may imagine you already know how to hold a pencil, I was quite confident that I could hold one anyway. Well, don't be so sure, the technique looks a bit odd at first it really does work. After a couple of minutes this pencil holding technique gets results. There is more to this book though than showing us how to hold a pencil. The book has suggestions as to what equipment to use along with where and when to sketch, there's also a section on drawing techniques followed by a guide to drawing the human face.

Now, onto the projects; amongst the ten projects contained in the book, from drawing Merlin in graphite to drawing a mermaid in pastel pencils, for me the project to draw Thor and the Giant is my favourite though my Thor looked like he'd been hit with his own hammer a few times. I may never draw like John Howe, but these step by step projects at least bring me closer to achieving the skills to draw fantasy characters and scenes that actually look like something.

If you're into fantasy art you really need to buy this book, if it helps you half as much as it helped me it's worth every penny spent on it.