I've been drawing for over seven years. This book is helping me considerably.
Cowan gives a good emphasis on the fantasy genre. Before, I knew nothing of how to draw armor or if I was drawing the female and male anatomy correctly or if my drawings even could be considered fantasy.
In the beginning of the book, he explores the different ways you can receive inspiration (scrapbooking, mementoes, museums, art books, et cetera) and different helpful tools. He also explains opportunities that fantasy artists can receive (work in film, games, et cetera).
In the drawing portion of the book, he focuses on the basics: faces, expressions, bodies/anatomy; and helpful intermediate things: archetypes, foreshortening. Throughout the book are drawings and paintings (both digital and traditional) that give both inspiration and help considerably. There is also the topic of wizards and mythical creatures (dragons, gryphons, et cetera) and non-mytical (horses and owls...).
The back of the book deals with painting and inking as well as digital art (3D and Photoshop).
This book is very helpful. The only flaw I see is that it doesn't go into too much depth. I only wish that he went into more depth with the costumes. Otherwise, everything else was fine!
This is two books for the price of one!
(When I was in the bookstore, I couldn't decide on a book on to get. I had two in my hand - together it would have been over $50.00. Then I saw this book that covered everything I wanted: dragons and fantasy themes. So, I don't agree with "A Classicist"'s review about it being two books.) I find this book perfect!
