Product Description

John Howe is one of the world's most renowned fantasy artists and has for many years worked as a leading illustrator of Tolkien's works and periphereal products.

John increased his extensive fan base working alongside Alan Lee as Conceptual Designer of The Lord Of The Rings movie trilogy.

This is John Howe's first ever practical art book, presenting a wide selection of his work, practical demonstrations and a foreword by Terry Gilliam.

Here's how I do it, and why': this is the premise behind John Howe's very first practical exploration of his artistic inspirations, approaches and techniques. Perfect for practical artists and fans of John Howe's work, this book provides step-by- step demonstrations, sketches and outstanding finished paintings, some of which were designed specifically for this book. The book covers a wide range of subjects essential to any aspiring fantasy artist, including materials and the creative process, as well as drawing and painting humans, beasts, landscapes and architecture. Readers will also find further inspiration and guidance on presenting work in various forms including film work, book covers and advertising.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #134869 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781600610103
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
Filled with Howe's amazing and fantastical artwork. He knows what he's talking about when it comes to fantastic creatures and scenery. Knights, dragons, castles, and beasts of all shapes and sizes fill up these pages. It's a great read (with a forward by none other than Terry Gilliam) that will entertain, educate, and inform. -- Ain't It Cool News, October 17, 2007

About the Author
John Howe was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1957. He attended the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Strasbourg. He has had three monographical titles published on his work, including Myth and Magic (Harper Collins, 2001) and worked extensively on the conceptual art for The Lord Of The Rings films with artist Alan Lee and director Peter Jackson.

Customer Reviews

Much more than just a how-to book
After reading it through, I felt like I'd spent an afternoon in John's studio, talking with him about not just how one paints, but most importantly, why one paints. That's exactly what I'd hoped the book would be: not just a how-to manual, or a collection of techniques, or a long list of self-congratulatory stories -- but good, solid advice on the creative process from an experienced professional.

Not your usual how-to book
This is a wonderful book. I am a big fan of Mr. Howe's work and much of the advice in this book is familiar from John's forum but it's a good chance to see how he works step by step, as well as how he organizes his studio and prepares for illustration jobs. While there are only a few "walkthroughs" featuring new art, the book is full of interesting tidbits of information about the creation of other paintings. There are lots of tips even I who has been painting for many years didn't think of before. John Howe makes a point to encourage readers to find their own unique style and way of painting, unlike many how to books which only show one way of doing things. I particularly love that his sense of humor shows. He honest about illustration and admits that he isn't perfect and procrastinates as much as possible before every job.

Excellent Book from one of the great fantasy artists
John Howe is the artist I credit for making me interested in fantasy illustration, and will always be one of my favorites. It should come as no surprise that the artwork in this book is amazing, and the information presented is also quite insightful. It is not an art how too book, so much as it is a general treatise of John Howe's way of thinking about his work, and going about his creative process. He actually expresses pretty clearly his dislike of anything that feels like a how too process, or is so forumulaic that it can be presented as if there is only one set way to do it. One of the best additions to my art library.