“Despite the title, it’s not a ‘how-to’ book as much as it is a window into how a great illustrator solves problems and makes pictures. Gurney offers the kind of practical info that all illustrators, novice to professional, covet when they talk shop or visit each other’s studios. His writing is concise, generous, and personal, and he’s a great example of the truism that great artists never stop learning.” ––Missions Unknown http://missionsunknown.com/2009/12/our-favorite-sff-enjoyed-in-2009/
“Gurney’s thorough grounding in the foundations of art shine through on every page of his new book. There are a few pages devoted to traditional materials and methods, but most of the book contains information any artist, digital or otherwise, will find helpful. Even if you’re not painting fantasy images, you’ll find useful techniques for composition, altering lighting, color schemes, focus, directing the eye, telling a story, and so forth.” ––Digital Image Magazine http://www.digitalimagemagazine.com/blog/featured/review-new-books-by-james-gurney-and-3d-total/
Gurney’s thorough grounding in the foundations of art shine through on every page of his new book. There are a few pages devoted to traditional materials and methods, but most of the book contains information any artist, digital or otherwise, will find helpful. Even if you’re not painting fantasy images, you’ll find useful techniques for composition, altering lighting, color schemes, focus, directing the eye, telling a story, and so forth.”This book has been described as the ultimate reference for fans of science fiction and fantasy illustration. Imaginative Realism links traditional techniques with contemporary visualisation. … Highly Recommended” ––Making A Mark Reviews http://makingamarkreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-review-imaginative-realism-by.html
“There are hundreds of art instruction books out there, with a wide range of topics, approaches and degrees of value, but Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist by renowned painter, illustrator and Dinotopia artist James Gurney, is exceptional in several ways. Before I go too far, I’ll point out that although this is essentially an instructional book, it also works well simply as an art book; and fans of fantastic art in general, and Gurney’s work in particular, will quickly find it a “must-have”. … In short, an absolute treat.” ––Lines and Colors http://www.linesandcolors.com/2009/11/20/imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist/
“An award-winning fantasy artist and the creator of Dinotopia, James Gurney instructs and inspires in Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist. Renowned for his uncanny ability to incorporate amazing detail and imagination into stunningly realistic fantasy settings, James Gurney teaches budding artists and fans of fantasy art step-by-step the techniques that won him worldwide critical acclaim. This groundbreaking work examines the practical methods for creating believable pictures of imaginary subjects, such as dinosaurs, ancient Romans, alien creatures, and distant worlds.” ––Review How? http://www.reviewhow.com/imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist/
“[James Gurney's] work reminds me of old masters of book illustration like N.C. Wyeth and Howard Pyle. James has a new book out called Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist, in which he describes his creative process. It’s a rare treat to learn how a talented artist creates his art.” ––Boing Boing http://www.boingboing.net/2009/11/03/james-gurneys-art-bo.html
“Imaginative Realism is an enlightening and fun read. Highly recommended to professionals, beginning art students and those who wish to push their art to the next level in terms of depth.” ––Parka Blogs http://parkablogs.com/content/book-review-imaginative-realism-how-paint-what-doesnt-exist
“My copy of Imaginative Realism arrived from the James Gurney Studio and I couldn’t wait to open it! … And if it is anything like the blog Gurney Journey then I expect to learn a fantastic amount and I won’t have to turn on my computer to do so.” ––Jouan Illustration http://chrisjouan.blogspot.com/2009/10/imaginative-realism.html
“So, to sum up my review, I..love.. this.. book. For a professional like me in the field of Sci-Fi and Fantastic art this book is everything I want to read about, from the initial thought process to thumbnails, composition, laying out and the painting of fantastic imagery with every point he makes lavishly illustrated. … I can’t recommend this book enough to anyone who is interested in imaginative art or in seeing a great illustrators working methods.” ––Skinny Elbows http://skinnyelbows.blogspot.com/2009/10/imaginative-realism-by-james-gurney.html
“[James Gurney] spoke about the processes he used to illustrate the world of the dinosaur utopia Dinotopia, and many other worlds that he brought from the imagination to paper. The talk was essentially his book “Imaginative Realism” in lecture form. If you haven’t picked up a copy i would highly recommend it.” ––Yebkamin http://yebkamin.blogspot.com/2009/10/james-gurney.html
“[Imaginative Realism is] a treasure. Using samples from [James Gurney's] illustrious career, he takes the reader through his thought process and explains principles both basic (setting up an efficient studio, thumbnail sketches) and advanced (shapewelding, counterchange, flagging the head). Read it once and flip back through to see where he’s applied these principles. You’ll also start seeing your work with new eyes, which is the mark of a great teacher.” ––Drawn.ca http://www.guideposts.com/story/recipe-grady-spears-chicken-fried-steak?page=0%2C1
“What I enjoy about Gurney’s work is that he knows his fundamentals and knows how to paint a believable realistic figure in fantasy, historical, and real world situations. And, as is testament in Imaginative Realism, he has no trouble breaking down the process in a simple and easy to understand approach. … The text is friendly, to the point, interesting, and helpful. There’s a wide array of topics covered, including, setting up the studio, lighting equipment and drawing and painting materials, sketching, historical drawings, and how to draw people, dinosaurs, creatures and aliens, architecture and vehicles. Additional chapters include plein-air studies, composition, procedure, careers, and more. There is a large array of artwork to support the text. These paintings and drawings cover Gurney’s career, and give you a reference of his growth over the last few decades.” ––John Flesk http://fleskpublications.com/blog/?p=137
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