Imaginative Realismby James Gurney
Price: $24.99
ISBN-13: 978-0-7407-8550-4
ISBN-10: 0-7407-8550-8
Format: Paperback
Size: 9 x 10 1/2 in.
Page Count: 224 pages
“Gurney doesn’t walk readers step by step through paintings, nor does he spend pages on anatomy and perspective and other things covered in so many other art books. His focus is just what the title says: painting what doesn’t exist in as realistic a manner as possible. He uses models built out of clay, paper, and other materials to study lighting and composition. He uses live models in costume. He uses plein air studies and heaps of reference files, and he takes the time to answer all the big questions about composition and such before paint touches canvas. All the time spent on this background work shows in all of his paintings. This book may not be for rank beginners, but it’s an inspiring read for anyone who wants to create beautiful imaginative art or simply wants to understand how people like Gurney pull off the impossible.” –– Bright Dreamer’s Book Reviews http://brightdreamersbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/02/imaginative-realism-james-gurney.html
“The artist who created Dinotopia is ready to share his secrets. Step inside and see the wonder of his creation. You will marvel at the grandeur of his compositions. You will be struck breathless by the detail of his fantastic creatures. You will be overwhelmed by the scope and majesty of his otherworldly landscapes. … Listen closely, folks, because the artist is about to talk about visual storytelling. He’s going to tell you how to paint like a novelist, how to communicate ideas with the power of the painted image. He’s not just a great painter, ladies and gentlemen, he’s also a great communicator with words. You won’t be sorry if you give him a listen.” ––Third Blogs http://thirdsblogs.co.cc/imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist/
Imagine That . . . and then create it.The number of artists who try to depict reality is staggering. Likewise, they have written a staggering amount of books on their methods. But in Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist (Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC, $24.99), multi-media visionary James Gurney explains what no one else can. He demystifies the mystic and raises the veil on creativity, inviting anyone in.
His talent is not only remarkable, it’s revelatory as well for readers interested in crossing the line between imagination and reality. Gurney’s detailed guidance is so warm, thorough, and personal that Imaginative Realism reaches far beyond being a simple how-to-paint instruction book. It’s a study on how to concretize our dreams, to give them a substance, and to bring them over into our factual world. Included inside:
Like all of Gurney’s work, Imaginative Realism is a compelling package: part tutorial, part behind-the-scenes, entirely mesmerizing. Anyone who uses their imagination, regardless of medium or motivation, will learn something from Gurney. He brings clarity to the spectacle.
