The Art of Faery

Brings Forth Wonder and Joy

Naomi de Bruyn Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Linear Reflections - THE Review Site http://www.linearreflections.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Art of Faery, The David Riche 2003 Paper Tiger I have been intrigued by the world of Faery since I was a child, and I am happy to say that the passion has only increased as I've aged and the doorways have opened a little wider into the realms of reality. These days you'll find all you could desire on faeries, from literature to music, to incredible artwork as artists of all kinds capture their dreams and visions with the medium of their choice. 'The Art of Faery' is an incredible collection of beauty and wonder from around the world that David has brought together in one spectacular volume of artwork. It is all captured within the covers of this colorful edition, from the gothic visions to the cherubic, the variety to be found is seemingly endless, and has been comprised of all mediums: watercolor, ink, oil, and pastel. The works of twenty-two incredible artists can be found in this collection including that of the 'Godfather of Faery' Brian Froud. In fact, you'll find a delightful introduction complete with illustrations by Brian. One of his passages really stuck in my mind, 'This book is a catalogue of fairy art for the 21st century. In its pages you will find artists from different countries and backgrounds, yet all have the common bond of being guides to the realms of Faery. They attempt to reveal the normally unseen. They illuminate the dark inner recesses of nature and our relationship with it. And in so doing they reveal the radiance of Faery.' Not only can the viewer enjoy numerous takes on the realm of Faery, but a great deal can be learned about art itself. Each of these artists has chosen their own favourite pieces, those that best represent their work, and in addition, have shared techniques, working methods, designs, and of course, their inspirations. They indeed are the gatekeepers to a special realm, one that is finding its way out of hiding and back into the limelight. David Delamare's works really stood out for me. For the most part he works with acrylics, and the results are so realistically fantastical that you feel you could reach out and touch the subjects. It is no wonder that 'A Little Night Music' was chosen to adorn the cover of this wonderful book. The faery maiden blows delicately on a wooden flute under the light of a full moon, her iridescent wings aglow amongst the leaves of the grape vine where she sits. It is a gorgeous piece, as are his other chosen works. The work of Jessica Galbreth is what led me to this treasure in the first place. Jessica blends a touch of Goth with a hint of magic, and her faery folk have a dangerous yet heady air about them. Her watercolors are incredible; the fey folk stand out. If they were real, you just know they'd get you into trouble, but they're so beautiful you couldn't avoid them. My favourite work of Jessica's is 'Titania' a rendering of the Queen of the Faeries, who beckons us from the edge of the woods. This was created in 2002, and is a gorgeous and warm piece that adds to the flames of creative thought. Perhaps my favourite of all is 'Celeste' a watercolor and gouache by Kim Turner. I was blown away by the resemblance to Liv Tyler's elven character of Arwen in the movie 'Lord of the Rings.' An overall ethereal feel is captured by this piece, a beautiful spirit of the night with these huge luminous eyes that reach out to the viewer. Kim claims she wanted to 'render the essence of a faerie only ever seen flitting across dark moors beneath the light of a blue moon.' I think she managed with this piece, it is truly enchanting. Whether you are a lover of the faery realm and all of its possibilities, or a lover of fantastic artwork, this book is a must have for any collection. It captures the magic and possibilities that lay in wait in the shadows of our imaginations, and brings fo

Deb a lover of fantasy/faery art

This book has put together my favorite faery artists and introduced me to some new ones. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy art or an artist looking for some new inspiration (which is what I love about this book). There is such a wide range of talent here, there is sure to be something to please all!

Art of Faery

Finally, after many months of anticipation, I must say that this masterpiece is WELL worth the wait! A true testament to the Art of Faery indeed! Lushly illustrated, it beautifully showcases the work of true masters Brian Froud and David Delamare as well as contemporary visionaries into the world of Faery particularly Paulina Stuckey, Jasmine Becket-Griffith (whose original work I have collected for years) and Maxine Gadd. Page after page of full-color plates and insight into the artists and their work. A perfect book for any lovers of fantasy art, or anybody with a sense of whimsy and wonder. This book will leave you starry eyed for hours after reading! As an added bonus, there is a wonderful index in the back of the book publishing the contact information and most importantly the personal websites and online galleries of the contributing artists, which provided me with many more hours of internet browsing and learning more about these wonderful people and their creations. Five stars all the way!

Froud, Stuckey, Pettit, and Brown ALL in one GLORIOUS BOOK!

Absolutely the most BEAUTIFUL Book I have ever been blessed with owning! Paulina's work is absolutely FANTASTIC, and she well deserves her title of Best Faerie Artist in the World! A wonderful intro by Froud opens this wonderful tome, and starts it off in the right fantastical direction. Amy Brown's work is always lovely, as is Myrea Pettit's, and the book is rounded off nicely with some new discoveries and some possibly familiar names. If this were just a Stuckey or Brown book, it would be a treasure all by itself, but with Mr. Froud being involved, and a smathering of others, this is a true feast of the eyes, mind, and soul. Bravo..... and have you bought it YET??? ;)

Art of Faery

Finally, after many months of anticipation, I must say that this masterpiece is WELL worth the wait! A true testament to the Art of Faery indeed! Lushly illustrated, it beautifully showcases the work of true masters Brian Froud and David Delamare as well as contemporary visionaries into the world of Faery particularly Paulina Stuckey, Jasmine Becket-Griffith (I own several of her original paintings, and I am happy to see her published) and Maxine Gadd. Page after page of full-color plates and insight into the artists and their work. A perfect book for any lovers of fantasy art, or anybody with a sense of whimsy and wonder. This book will leave you starry eyed for hours after reading! As an added bonus, there is a wonderful index in the back of the book publishing the contact information and most importantly the personal websites and online galleries of the contributing artists, which provided me with many more hours of internet browsing and learning more about these wonderful people and their creations. Five stars all the way!

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