Not as conceptually complex as Hogarth, nor as aesthetically a master of gesture as Loomis, but certainly a worthwhile book while I was learning the fNot as conceptually complex as Hogarth, nor as aesthetically a master of gesture as Loomis, but certainly a worthwhile book while I was learning the form. That is, if you aren't creeped out by the fact that most of the nude sketches are of his wife, whom he dedicates the book to. I was quite a young man when I got this book, so that confused me a little....more
This is less a book than a tome of knowledge; and like any good tome, it will take a long, long time to decipher all the meaning in the strange words This is less a book than a tome of knowledge; and like any good tome, it will take a long, long time to decipher all the meaning in the strange words and diagrams....more
Classic instruction which started many artists on that long path (I bought a used copy, myself, as a child). Combine with a little Loomis, Hogarth, anClassic instruction which started many artists on that long path (I bought a used copy, myself, as a child). Combine with a little Loomis, Hogarth, and some figure drawing and you are on your way to being a real talent.
This is pretty much an introduction to the Marvel 'house style' at the time, but certainly still applicable.
This book may provide some vague ideas for a young artist, but is mostly the same uninspired drivel that likely drove Hart from comic creation to sellThis book may provide some vague ideas for a young artist, but is mostly the same uninspired drivel that likely drove Hart from comic creation to selling how-to's to twelve-year-olds. His moldy wit is not quite as pronounced here, which may be this book's saving grace.
Hart's writing style approaches something like the failed humor of a pot-smoking uncle trying to 'cut the jive and vibe on your level'. He does not haHart's writing style approaches something like the failed humor of a pot-smoking uncle trying to 'cut the jive and vibe on your level'. He does not have an understanding of the methods of either teaching or art in order to aid any up-and-coming artists. Stick with Loomis and Hogarth and just steal your style from your favorite comic artist. There are a number of good artists (and some quite poor) who Hart tapped for this book, but if you just want to copy styles, you'd learn more copying from your average monthly title, because at least the art will be professional quality.
This book would teach you how to draw advertisements for the 1950s, but perhaps we have lost something of the diligence required. Photoshop has helpedThis book would teach you how to draw advertisements for the 1950s, but perhaps we have lost something of the diligence required. Photoshop has helped to even the playing field, but one cannot but wonder what a man of Loomis's drive and knowledge would be doing today....more
This fanciful retelling of "The Land that Time Forgot" would just be a passable (if fun) story if not for Gurney's rather lovely artwork. His imagininThis fanciful retelling of "The Land that Time Forgot" would just be a passable (if fun) story if not for Gurney's rather lovely artwork. His imagining of his new and strange world carries a depth and weight that, to be trite, truly transports you there--but then, that's what he built his career on.
A competent draughtsman who plied his imagining of ancient Egyptian rituals and architectural recreations in the pages of National Geographic, Gurney's style evokes the travelogue of a naturalist (which is, happily enough, his story's frame), so that the sometimes indulgent fantasy or unremarkable characterization mostly comes off as an occasionally unlikely (or overly likely) world.
This isn't to say that his art is always wholly successful--there are rough patches here and there, especially when his sartorial and tonsorial choices cause his characters to resemble late 60's hippies. It reminds me of the way that one can always tell when a period film was made because the costuming is always viewed through the lens of modern fashion, so that 70's Shakespeare is all wide lapels and feathered bangs, which the 80's trades in for mullets and angular silhouettes.
Portrayed as a travelogue of a shipwreck survivor on the island of Dinotopia, Gurney successfully captures the feel of early century sci-fi tales which even today seem only just beyond the realm of possibility. It seems that the only area positively affected by a little scientific naivete is that of the visionary futurist. Of course, it was not as difficult for Gurney to look back and imitate this method than it was for the original Victorian authors to create it, though it is not a very familiar style for modern readers, anyway.
Perhaps the greatest gift of Gurney's as a combined author/illustrator is that he lets you forget what you know and allows you to believe in what he has created....more
J.G. Keely
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