Product Description

Process Recess 2: Portfolio showcases the illustrative work of Eisner and Harvey award winner James Jean. Each image will be printed in a grand 15" x 11" format that is suitable for framing. The book will also include editorial and annotated pages that give an insight into the working methods of Mr. Jean.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #797981 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• 64 pages

Customer Reviews

Gorgeous and Nightmarish
The book consists of a collection of very high quality reproductions of James Jean's illustrations, and they are certainly beautiful works. The images are printed on thick stock, and the book is large enough that pages could be mounted in a picture frame comfortably (indeed, the book appears to have been designed with this in mind). A few larger works are printed on fold out pages which might not be so suitable for framing, but are a joy to look at nonetheless. The works are masterpieces of subtly (or not so subtly) disturbing imagery and texture.

On the back of each illustration is a collection of one to three elements related to the process. Sometimes there are initial sketches, or even alternative sketches that weren't used. Sometimes there are initial roughs, uncolored pencil drawings and selected Photoshop layers. As an amateur artist, I find these initial sketches are almost more interesting than the finished works. My only complaint is that sometimes the choices of what to include are eclectic, and certain elements almost seem like teasing, for example a "shade and fill layer" offered up with no more explanation of how this related to the process of creating the finished picture.

If the book was going to show this much of the process, I would have liked a little bit more text, perhaps, or more images showing how the pictures were put together. As it is, while the initial sketches are interesting in their own right, I almost wish some of them could have been traded for a few more completed artworks. The book almost seems too short.

Although I appreciate the large format for the art, it also makes the book difficult to shelve, and I end up treating the book very carefully because of the spiral binding, which seems prone to damage to me.

These negatives aside, it is still an incredibly beautiful book, well worth the (very inexpensive) price.

Spectacular
I feel so lucky to have been able to get my hands on Process Recess 2. This spiral bound edition has a very sturdy feel and is printed in vibrant colors on very thick cardstock-like paper. Jean also has a key at the beginning of the book which labels the different types of materials he used in creating his final images...I especially liked this as an artist; it was nice to see his sketches and his transitions before looking at the final pieces.
This is perhaps one of the best art books I have ever had the honor of owning and I plan on treasuring it for years to come.
If you've ever seen James Jeans work online or his covers they just can't compete with the images reproduced in this book.

James Jeanius
Just but this book. If you have even the vaguest interest in illustration, you should own this! The work speaks for itself, just fantastic, and the work in progress sketches are also a really nice touch. The print quality and finish are high quality, and you are treated to large images of James Jean's work. Highly recommended.