Drawing and Painting Fantasy Landscapes and Cityscapes by Martin McKenna

Synopsis

Artists interested in graphic novels and comic book illustration will find all the guidance and inspiration they need to draw and paint landscapes that evoke myths and legends, lost empires, futuristic planets, dramatic dreamscapes, underwater worlds, and subterranean cities. Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations demonstrate techniques for rendering a wide range of fantasy features, whether working in ink, watercolor, or computer pixels. Details covered in this heavily illustrated volume include — choice of materials, with advice on getting the most from software programs . . . basics of perspective, architectural geometry, color, mood, and seasonal variations . . . landscape features, including skies, clouds, mountains, caves, deserts, snow, and water reflections . . . imagined landscapes from ancient cultures, future worlds, alien planets, undersea worlds, and surreal dreamscapes . . . cityscapes, from medieval towns to the metropolis of the future . . . famous fantasy worlds, from Atlantis to Middle Earth. This good-looking and instructive volume features a gallery of fantasy and science fiction images among its more than 200 color illustrations.

Library Journal

The urge to create fantasy worlds probably goes back to the beginning of conscious thought. This book by artist Alexander, with contributions by freelance illustrator Martin McKenna, is intended for art students or serious artists and teaches what one needs to know to draw and paint 21st-century fantasy landscapes and cities. With more than 200 color illustrations, it provides a good introduction to traditional art materials and digital work, as well as to the fundamentals of drawing and painting in a variety of media. The book is organized into four chapters: "Basics of Art," "Elements of Landscape," "Creating Fantasy Realms," and "Gallery." The latter is a showcase of a land of giants, mysterious cities, deserts of ice and sand, underwater domains, and fantasy ruins. Libraries with books like Neal Yamamoto's Superhero Explosion: 60 Easy Exercises for Drawing Comics! or Steve Miller and Bryan Baugh's SCARED!: How To Draw Fantastic Horror Comic Characters will want this volume. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Biography

Rob Alexander is a Canadian artist working in the publishing, magazine, computer gaming, and collectable card game markets. He paints fine art, fantasy, science fiction, children's illustrations, and contemporary landscapes and has received numerous awards, including a prestigious Chesley Award from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists.