-By Dan dos Santos

I just got back from Dragon Con, and ane of my favorite things nearly attending whatsoever convention is snagging new art books that I might not have found elsewhere. Non surprisingly, I found quite a few that were hands some of my favorites of the summer. I figured I share with you lot all some of those favorites.

Here is my list of must accept fine art books for the Summer 2014:

Alex Toth : Genius Blithe

This just may exist my favorite book of the yr. This book is the third volume in a iii Volume set up, and is a comprehensive look at the blitheness art of Alex Toth. Alex was responsible for designing some of the near recognizable cartoons of the 60s, 70s and 80s, including the likes of Space Ghost, Johnny Quest and Super Friends. The book is jam packed with concept fine art, sketches and storyboards for all of these cartoons. It really is a must accept for any fan of concept art.

Greg Spalenka: Visions From the Mind's Eye

This is the most recent book I've acquired on this list, and certainly one of the most cute. Greg has been in this manufacture a long time, and this book is a wonderful retrospective compiling more than 30 years of his work.

Information technology's hard to classify Greg as just an Illustrator, because I think his piece of work surpasses that. He is an incredible designer of many things, and this book is the perfect example of that. Type and paint and pixels all bleed into one, creating a cute tapestry of artwork within that screams of pristine craftsmanship.

The book is roughly 9×12 inches, with a casewrap cover, and quite literally may have some of the most luminous reproductions I've Always seen in an art volume. I'one thousand not certain if it's a special paper stock, or some sort of metal ink, simply whatever information technology is, the images literally glowon the page. In that location is most no commentary, so the book is an overload of intricately detailed piece of work.

I take the regular version of the volume, but at that place is a deluxe, limited-edition available. Knowing Greg, and seeing how squeamish the normal version is, I doubtable the deluxe edition is an absolute knock-out.

Mike Mignola : Hellboy, the First 20 Years

Technically, this book was released in the Spring, but information technology was also proficient non to include it hither. Mike Mignola is one of those artists that makes it all wait so darn easy. I own a LOT of fine art books, but I only go on a select few in the taboret next to my easel. Mike's book is ane of them. Whenever I experience like I'm complicating things, I have a break and look through his work. In my opinion, he is the quintessential instance of 'Less is More'.

I already endemic Mike's 2004 book 'The Fine art of Hellboy', so it took me a while before deciding to buy this 1. Merely I'chiliad glad I did. The volume is large, very well produced, and contains pretty much no commentary, so y'all're getting a solid 100+ pages of art. Surprisingly, there is very little overlap betwixt this book and his last, and so it's definitely worth picking up fifty-fifty if you lot take his older one.

Sanford Greene: Deadlines Vol. 4

There is certainly no shortage of comic-themed sketchbooks. The artists who piece of work in comics are SO prolific, that they can hands produce 100 page sketchbooks every twelvemonth, just of unused content. But what sets Sanford's sketchbook apart from about (aside from the vivid art inside it), is it's product value. Rather than printing a small black/white ashcan like about comic artists, Sanford created a beautiful, large, skid cased book that does a really good job of showcasing his art.

Even though Sanford is a comic creative person, you're not going to notice sketches of Superman and Wonder Woman here. The volume is filled with Sanford'south own unique designs. I think this volume would really appeal to Concept Artists in particular.

Marina Bychkova: Enchanted Doll

Marina's piece of work is hauntingly cute, and this books does an astonishing job of capturing it. Like all things published by 'Baby Tattoo', the book is very well produced. It has a casewrap hardcover, with silverish gilt edges, and a bound book ribbon. The book itself experience precious and feminine, much like the work contained within.

How beautiful is this volume? Permit's just say, that fifty-fifty my Wife (who has minimal interest in visual arts) came into my studio, permit out an aural 'Ooooh', and promptly walked away with it. Hands one of my favorites.

Patrick Jones: Oil Painting Techniques

Patrick Jones is keen at what he does. He has a very singled-out style and color palette that makes his work very recognizable.

In this volume, Patrick goes over his process VERY thoroughly. He talks near sketching (both digitally and traditionally), compiling reference, doing an under cartoon, painting, glazing…. everything.  It is an instructional book, but he wisely included a small gallery of additional works which helps make the book enjoyable for even those that just want to wait at some pretty art.

If yous're interested in learning to oil paint, but aren't the kind of person who is going to watch an instructional DVD, I'd highly recommend this volume.

Aron Wiesenfeld : The Well

I'k a big fan of Aron'due south work, especially his graphite drawings, so it was a real for me care for to see this volume released this year. The volume is oversized, and printed in an eye-catching square format. With pretty much no text, this book is 120 pages of pure, unadulterated fine art.

This volume is definitely my surprise take hold of of the Summer!

Frank Quitely : Graphic Ink

I've already mentioned this book earlier here on Muddy Colors, simply had to include it in the list again. Frank is one of my favorite comic artists, and this is the only volume on his fine art yous're going to find. Sadly, it simply covers his work done for DC comics, and most of the book is reproductions of his sequential work. Simply there are all the same a lot of covers and splash art included, and at a whopping 368 pages for just $30, it is a total steal in my opinion!

William Bouguereau : His Life and Works

This equally really an older book, originally published as a 2 Volume set, and long out of print. But it was recently reprinted as a single, larger volume, at a MUCH more affordable price than what the previous edition (a now well sought later on collector'south item) was going for.

To be totally honest, I remember near of the images in the book suffer from a little bit of dot proceeds, and are just a smidge too dark. That nit-choice aside, the true benefit of the book is how comprehensive it is. I remember you'd be difficult pressed to find a Bouguereau painting that isn't included hither.

Akihito: Centre of Art

This is one of those books that surpasses it's genre. It is essentially a sculpting and makeup effects book, merely the designs are but so stunning, that Fantasy Artists of whatever subject volition appreciate it. The book also goes into Akihito'due south technique, which just makes the work within look all the better since information technology helps you appreciate just how much effort goes into it.

These are of form simply a pocket-sized sampling of what'southward available (and what I've acquired). Personally, I don't make much stardom between graphic novels and fine art books, but for the sake of this list, I kept it downwards to strict, non-narrative 'art books' which were released this Summer.

Is there a volume y'all're interested in learning more about? Or are you lot releasing your own art book that yous'd similar me to review? Feel complimentary to contact me at: dsillustration@yahoo.com, where you can send suggestions or request my mailing accost.