The Art of Faery

As an inveterate illustrated children's book collector, this book is a treat. While I had seen the advertisements and read the reviews, I did not feel compelled to buy a copy for myself until my niece brought me her copy to peruse. So many of my favorites gathered in one book! And an even more pleasant surprise was to see discover some artists I had not known of before. I'm not a fan of coffeetable artbooks. I prefer storys rather than biogs with my artwork but I make an exception here. The artwork is too lovely to miss. If you are familiar with any of today's fairy artists, a complete list of the artists is the only thing missing from the all the book descriptions. (And I certainly would have bought the book sooner had I but known who all was in it :-) While I had seen most of the artists websites, and bought some illustrated note cards, I don't believe most of these artists have been published in book form before. (I know James Browne did a book that I could never locate and I saw wonderful display of David Delamare's artbook and posters at a Vegas giftshop of all places.) Herewith are the artists: John Arthur (includes my favorite: The Gnome Chair!), Julie Baroh (Bumbleboy is the cutest), Jasmine Becket-Griffith (and where's the dark Frog Princess?), Linda Biggs (light & cheery, practically a neighbor :-), Amy Brown (who doesn't know her work?), Hazel Brown (amazing pen & ink), James Browne (lovely pieces but next time include your Self-Portrait!), Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly, David Delamare (outstanding as always), Maxine Gadd (with her strong & fearless Aussie colors. Chrysella's my girl!), Jessica Galbreth, Marja Lee Kruyt(If she's not Sulamith Wulfing's daughter, she should be), Myrea Pettit (delicate & detailed), Natalia Pierandrei, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law (imaginative but always graceful), Linda Ravenscroft (rich & complex), Ann Mari Sjogren (utterly charming) , Paulina Stuckey (a fanciful delight), Ryu Takeuchi, Kim Turner, Maria J. William. The point is that there is something for everyone. And hopefully, this will be just the beginning. . . Each of these artists could easily illustrate their own books. Enjoy this feast for the eyes.

What a beautiful enjoyable book. A really magical treat. Lots of eye-candy. Very interesting bio's on the artists. And even more surprising is the added information in the back of the book with the artists own web sites. If you are a fan of fantasy or fairies this is the book for you. Lots of wings to see!

Naomi de BruynEditor-in-Chief/PublisherLinear Reflections - THE Review Sitehttp://www.linearreflections.com~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Art of Faery, TheDavid Riche2003 Paper TigerI 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

Captured within these pages (112 to be exact) that make up "The Art Of Faery" are some of the most gorgeous fantasy drawings I've ever seen, all compiled in one nicely put-together book. There's your typical painters who bring life into the myth of these two-winged creatures, such as Amy Brown, Brian Froud and, one of my favorites, David Delamare ("A Little Night Music" is presented on the cover) but there's also many new discoveries to be had and, for me, I was personally delighted to unearth the Gothic works of Jessica Galbreth and Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly. There's a section for each artist (some longer than others) with a little background history as well as a couple of their pieces (hand-selected), the techniques they use and the inspirations behind many of their ideas, which is interesting to read about. Also available in the back of this fine collection is a picture of everyone represented (it's cool to be able to see what they look like) alongside their web address so you can find out more about specifics featured here. I strongly believe that any lover of the fae will appreciate this wonderful anthology... I mean, how could you not?

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 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!