A step-by-step guide to all aspects of comic book creation--from conceptualization to early drafts to marketing and promotion--written by two of the industry's most seasoned and successful pros.
Every aspiring comic book creator wants to know: what separates the beloved comics of major publishers like Marvel, DC, Valiant, and Image from all the rest? Fan-favorite comic book writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente reveal the secrets of comics' top talents in "Make Comics Like the Pros." The authors take readers step by step through the comics creation process from idea to finished work, and along the way offer examples and insights from their own careers as well as their collaborators'. Not only that, but Pak and Van Lente also join forces with Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Colleen Coover to produce an original comic inside the book With its unprecedented level of insider access, "Make Comics Like the Pros" gives comic book hopefuls the tools they need to reach the next level of sequential arts stardom.

An illustrated, comprehensive guide to botanical painting written by the Society of Botanical Artists. In this new book the Society of Botanical Artists provides a comprehensive guide to the different styles and methods of botanical painting, harvesting the talent of both Members and Distance Learning Diploma Course students around the world, past and present. Botanical Painting features techniques and materials for all levels and demonstrates how these skills can be used to develop your own expertise. There are chapters on drawing with graphite and metal point, coloured pencil, body and watercolour in plant portraiture and illustration as well as 'The Mixed Bunch'. The inclusion of the historic methods used for egg tempera and metal point, as well as the technique required for working on vellum, makes this a valuable source of advice on subjects not readily available elsewhere. An inspirational gallery of paintings at the end of the book provides a guided walk around an SBA exhibition. The book is beautifully illustrated throughout, with comprehensive critiques on the artworks and step-by-step demonstrations. It will be an invaluable and inspirational addition to the library of the more experienced botanical painter.

This is an inspiring must-have resource for artists seeking new approaches to drawing the human figure. It features more than 20 fundamental figure drawing exercises. It empowers students and artists of all levels to make progress with the figure beyond their expectations. Throughout the history of art, figure drawing has been regarded as the very foundation of an artist's education and at the centre of the art-making process. In "Expressive Figure Drawing", innovative teacher and author, Bill Buchman, explores the idea that the way we draw is a direct expression of our emotions and perceptions. It includes 20 plus fundamental figure drawing exercises that are undertaken one step at a time so that students and artists of all levels are empowered to make progress with the figure beyond their expectations. Throughout the book, the author reveals his methods for developing proficiency using a variety of traditional media and the latest art materials available today.

This work introduces not only the techniques of oil painting but also the underlying principles of figure drawing. The book features 32 full-colour pages and an introduction by James Gurney.

Whether you specialize in drawing--even cartooning and animationuor prefer media such as acrylic, oil, pastel, or watercolor, a good knowledge of perspective is invaluable. It is the foundation of all great paintings and drawings, no matter what medium. "Perspective" shows you everything you need to know to make objects look three dimensional. Practice the methods of measuring and dividing areas proportionately; then learn how we perceive depth and distance, and how to render it correctly on paper or canvas. You will learn the basics and beyond, covering concepts like foreshortening; cast shadows; reflections; and even one-, two-, and three-point perspective. And once you have a good grasp of the basics, it's easy to graduate to more complex and irregular forms. This comprehensive guide will show you how!

This beautiful book explores the world of colour in the plant kingdom and introduces the artist to effective practical methods of using colour in botanical painting. It focusses on the relevance of making accurate observations of colour in botanical specimens and recognizing the value and importance of using colour theory to achieve successful results. With over 500 images, this elaborately-illustrated guide uses the author's finished artwork, diagrams, and step-by-step tutorials to explain the important role of colour in this compelling genre. This book is a must for all aspiring botanical artists, illustrators and students.

'With pastel books being thin on the ground, any new edition is welcome and this is a rather excellent look at what the medium can do as well as a well-thought out manual on how to do it.' Review of the previous edition by Artbookreview.net The new edition of Jenny Keal's popular book Painting with Pastels is an inspiring and creative introduction to painting in this medium. Focusing on soft (chalk) pastels, this clear, simple-to-understand book encourages you to explore the materials and methods needed to get started with pastels. Jenny begins by introducing you to a variety of techniques, and looks at sketchbooks and photographs as a way of gathering source material. There are then five stunning step-by-step projects for the reader to choose from, covering a range of subjects from flowers to landscapes and coastal scenes, and designed to build on the basic skills covered in the earlier sections of the book. Here you will learn about creating atmosphere, colour, tone, composition and perspective, and before you realise it you will have all the skills you need to create your own beautiful pastel paintings.

In The Urban Sketching Handbook: Panoramas and Vertical Vistas, urban sketcher and art educator Mario Linhares gives a guided tour on how to explore and capture cityscapes, landscapes, and more in drawings from unique points of view. In this thorough yet accessible book, you'll learn how to: Improve your drawing skills and selectively translate what you see for maximum impact Fearlessly use your sketchbook as a laboratory for experimenting with various points of view and perspectives Consider the many options for visual approaches with work contributed by a wide variety of experienced sketchers Featuring eight special gatefold pages that showcase outsized images, The Urban Sketching Handbook: Panoramas and Vertical Vistas will show you how to heighten the visual drama of every subject. The Urban Sketching Handbook series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format-perfect to toss in your backpack or artist's tote.

This title helps you in mastering the art of drawing and painting with step-by-step projects and techniques shown in over 2450 photographs. This is a boxed set of fully illustrated practical guides to painting and drawing with watercolours, oils, acrylics, gouaches and charcoal. It includes a complete guide to artist's materials. This is a comprehensive teaching course from beginner level to advanced skills: the different strokes, washes, and how to mix the paints to create the right palette, drawing outlines, shading and tonal work, line and wash, sketching, using negative spacing, blending, frottage and sgraffito, as well as fundamental principles such as understanding perspective, composition and colour. This instructive painting course offers step-by-step projects to help you to put the basics into practice. There are projects for beginners, and others for intermediate painters, grouped by subject and by complexity. Covering the varied media of watercolours, acrylics, oils, gouache and drawing, this new box set is the perfect practical art guide whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced artist looking for inspiration and to expand your skills. Each concisely written, beautifully illustrated book begins with a helpful introduction that explains the basics for each technique, plus some of the fundamentals of art, such as colour theory, scale and perspective. Each then offers small-scale practice exercises and 20 to 25 projects, shown step by step. Whatever your level of experience, these accessible and inspiring handbooks are packed with practical advice and tips for every new artist.

Go beyond lettering and learn to use your brush pen markers to create vibrant, colorful watercolor paintings! In this easy-to-follow guide, noted artist Jessica Mack teaches all the techniques you need to get started and practice through a series of fun projects.Markers are vibrant, inexpensive, and extremely versatile. They re also less messy than paints, and require less equipment to get started, making them the ideal tool for creating at home or on the go. And when you blend them with water you really unleash their magic!With over 35 projects you re bound to find something that suits your mood. From fashion illustration to florals, galaxies to food, each project will help you hone your painting skills, and you ll have a beautiful, finished piece of art at the end. Whether you re new to painting, or looking for another way to use your markers, these fun projects will provide you with a relaxing and enjoyable way to grow your skills.

In this reissue of his popular book, Vic Bearcroft shares his love of drawing and painting wild animals, showing how to capture the personality and distinctive features of a variety of creatures. Using simple steps and plenty of detail, this guide shows you how to create beautiful artworks, from drawing the basic shapes through to realising your favourite animals in your preferred medium.

Develop your drawing skills and rediscover the world around you with this innovative and beautifully illustrated book. In Drawing for the Artist, acclaimed artist and teacher Sarah Simblet teaches you how to draw by combining practical lessons with examples of both her own work and some of the world's greatest drawings. She introduces all the key drawing materials, then shows you how to master the basic elements of drawing in a series of step-by-step drawing classes, covering topics ranging from simple mark-making to establishing form, creating tone, and conveying perspective. You will learn how to explore a wide variety of subjects, from still life, plants, and animals to portraits, the human body, landscapes, and buildings, all introduced with outstanding drawings by famous artists. The bestselling author of Anatomy for the Artist and Botany for the Artist, Sarah demonstrates how she works - from quick pencil sketches to pen and ink studies - with expertise and plenty of encouraging tips, and complements them with plentiful examples from her own sketchbooks. Drawing for the Artist is for anyone who wants to draw, whether you are a complete beginner or would like to refresh your existing skills. Whatever your ability, it will inspire you to reach for a pencil and paper and start drawing.

Readers will learn how to draw popular anime and manga style characters in a way that is creative and communicates story. Through exercises, step-by-step tutorials, and full color examples, beginning and intermediate artists alike will tap into their own creativity as they get an inside look at the creative and inspiring mind of popular deviantArt illustrator Karolina "Larienne" Heikura. Through the use of traditional tools, along with some helpful hints on incorporating digital techniques for enhancing illustrations, readers will create the foundations and discover the souls of their own inspiring stories.

This beautiful Christian-themed coloring book based on the beloved hymn will inspire creativity and thoughtfulness. All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all. Cecil Frances Alexander's popular hymn comes to life in this beautifully illustrated coloring book. Each line of the lovely text appears amid evocative black-and-white line drawings that complement the words. Images of peaceful landscapes, blooming flowers, charming birds, and other animals celebrate God's creations. The entire family will enjoy completing the pages while reflecting on the simple message of this timeless hymn.

Drawing is at the heart of all art and this inspiring book gives new ideas and techniques to help artists, whatever their ability, realize their visions. Based on years of teaching and artistic experience, Creative Drawing Techniques explains how to get the best out of different materials and express ideas, gain confidence and develop skills on paper. It emphasizes the importance of looking, analyzing and interpreting what we see. In doing so, it provides a rich and inspiring account of a basic but sophisticated need to make sense of the world around us. This book will be valued by everyone who wants to pick up a pencil and enjoy the creative art of drawing.

A practical guide to learn painting individual people and crowds, with simple exercises and step-by-step demonstrations.Bestselling artist and writer Hazel Soan has distilled her art teaching into the things that matter most and can be digested in a short period of time. Learning to paint is one of the life-long aspirations of many of us and the techniques of painting lively crowd scenes or portraits of loved ones can be picked up faster than you think.In this concise book, Hazel Soan explains everything you need to know about figurative painting in an accessible way. She advises on how to paint people in a variety of poses and settings, dealing with the theories of colour and light in a way that beginners will understand and more experienced painters will find invaluable. She also guides you through ways to insert people into your pre-existing painting to bring them to life; scenes like urban streets and on the beach are explored. Subjects like how to paint portraits and getting to grips with body proportion and perspective are also covered. Both media of watercolours and oils are covered, making this the perfect book for any type of artist.Filled with easy-to-follow exercises and demonstrations, this is a practical and helpful guide to learning to paint people very quickly.

From post-apocalyptic Earth to extraterrestrial civilizations, get ready to explore the farthest reaches of your imagination and evoke your own original sci-fi worlds. With Sci-Fi Fashion Art School you will learn to draw everything from scavenger-wear and exosuits to alien garb and space explorer uniforms. Starting with simple guidelines, you'll discover how to create distinct characters just by varying facial features, body mass and hair. Beyond the mechanics of drawing, you'll learn to make strategic creative choices by asking questions like: What drives your characters? Do they dress for survival or social status? What materials are at their disposal? The answers help you develop fashions, weapons and accessories uniquely suited to the environmental and cultural conditions of your particular world. The Sci-Fi genre has no limits. With the instruction and inspiration inside, neither will you.

The 4,789 photographs in this definitive selection show the human figure-models almost all undraped-engaged in over 160 different types of action: running, climbing stairs, tumbling, dressing, undressing, hopping on one foot, dancing, etc. Children walking, crawling and many dozens of other activities.

For adults art is a means of escapism. Colour fantastic worlds in vibrant, contemplative shades that convey often inscrutable thoughts and feelings. This delightful book offers engaging and lively activities to help adults improve and strengthen their colouring skills. Grab your colouring materials and lose yourself on a journey of colour. Do you need to take a break from stress and fatigue? Make colouring a joy in your life.

With three others in the series you’ll have no shortage of opportunity to dive into the world of colour. Grab your art kit right away!

If you love dragons, magic is in the air! Learn to create your own dragons in a uniquely fun style. Author Piper Thibodeau walks you through drawing basics and how to design a dragon character, then gives you everything you need to know to detail and color your dragon. Includes instruction for both traditional and digital artists. A final start-to-finish demonstration takes you through all the steps for one dragon design.

Offering information on the full scope of oil painting materials and how to use them to derive the best results from the medium, this indispensable encyclopedia compares leading brands of paints; describes mediums, solvents, and varnishes; and discusses brushes, palettes, and other tools. 335 color illustrations.

Anna Mason's exceptional floral artwork has won awards from the Royal Horticultural Society, International Artist magazine and seen her elected to the prestigious Society of Botanical Artists. In this book, she shares her innovative watercolour technique so that you can paint flowers in her clean, crisp style. The book covers every aspect of painting modern botanical-style portraits of flowers, from tips on gathering your reference to Anna's six stage watercolour process. There are instructions on setting up your studio and how to produce the detailed drawings. Each of the six step-by-step projects is accompanied by an outline drawing, tonal notes and useful colour swatches so that you can compare the tone and hue of your mixes to Anna's own. This all builds into a fantastic guide that will inspire and challenge the experienced watercolour artist, while drawing in and reassuring the complete beginner.

Manga Anatomy Like You've Never Seen It
You know that manga faces are different from those of regular, American-style comic book characters. But did you know that manga bodies are also different? Well, they are, and Christopher Hart is here, once again, to tell you all about it in his signature accessible style.
This book is loaded with clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations, anatomical charts and information, and before-and-after comparisons you won't find anywhere else--all tailored to creating authentic Japanese-style manga. And in addition to the breakdowns of the various sections of the body, you'll also learn how all the different elements--including faces and costumes--come together to form complete characters. "Basic Anatomy for the Manga Artist" contains everything you need to know.
No aspiring "mangaka" (manga artist) should be without it.

Bristol has charmed visitors for centuries, and this collection of intricate illustrations is a celebration of the city's unique appeal. Featuring a range of picturesque vistas, from the historic Floating Harbour and SS Great Britain to Avon Gorge and the city's Georgian architecture, each stunning scene is full of intriguing detail sure to fire the imagination and make you reach for your colouring pencils. There are absolutely no rules - you can choose any combination of colours you like to bring these wonderful images to life. Suitable for children. If you love Bristol, then you will love colouring it in!