hopeevey's review
2.0
Genre: Nonfiction
I didn't expect perfect instruction from this book. In my experience, the instructions in this sort of book begin with clear, basic steps to sketch the item or creature in question. The final or second to last step, however, translates to "then a miracle occurs". The actual text will be something like, "fill in the details", or "Color to suit your taste", or the like. There I am, with a decent outline of a dragon, or an apple, or whatever, looking at the next "step" and seeing a thumbnail version of something so complete and professional it could be framed.
[b:Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures|1493194|Hell Beasts How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures|Jim Pavelec|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348994507s/1493194.jpg|1484486] doesn't wait for the end of the instructions for the miracle step, oh no. For each creature the instructions begin with, "Sketch the basic outline of the {creature}". Every. Single. One. Yes, I did go through and check.
"Wait," you might say, "Maybe this is aimed at the experienced artist/illustrator?" That's a reasonable question. It seems a bit misleading not to mention that on the cover or the back of the book, but it's possible - if you ignore the introduction and first chapter. The introduction is a very basic look at what you need to get started. The first chapter goes over the basics of drawing. Given that starting point, jumping directly to "sketch out the basic shape" seems a whole lot to ask as step one.
Is it really non-fiction when an instructional book does such a terrible job of instructing?
As art instruction, this book makes a strong case for GoodReads having a negative stars option. However, it is a pretty good art book, with fully realized, professional images for each of the creatures listed, as well as a lot of other fantasy art woven around the so-called instruction. It could be excellent inspiration, and it is possible that an experienced artist might get something useful out of it - hence the 2 star rating.
I didn't expect perfect instruction from this book. In my experience, the instructions in this sort of book begin with clear, basic steps to sketch the item or creature in question. The final or second to last step, however, translates to "then a miracle occurs". The actual text will be something like, "fill in the details", or "Color to suit your taste", or the like. There I am, with a decent outline of a dragon, or an apple, or whatever, looking at the next "step" and seeing a thumbnail version of something so complete and professional it could be framed.
[b:Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures|1493194|Hell Beasts How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures|Jim Pavelec|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348994507s/1493194.jpg|1484486] doesn't wait for the end of the instructions for the miracle step, oh no. For each creature the instructions begin with, "Sketch the basic outline of the {creature}". Every. Single. One. Yes, I did go through and check.
"Wait," you might say, "Maybe this is aimed at the experienced artist/illustrator?" That's a reasonable question. It seems a bit misleading not to mention that on the cover or the back of the book, but it's possible - if you ignore the introduction and first chapter. The introduction is a very basic look at what you need to get started. The first chapter goes over the basics of drawing. Given that starting point, jumping directly to "sketch out the basic shape" seems a whole lot to ask as step one.
Is it really non-fiction when an instructional book does such a terrible job of instructing?
As art instruction, this book makes a strong case for GoodReads having a negative stars option. However, it is a pretty good art book, with fully realized, professional images for each of the creatures listed, as well as a lot of other fantasy art woven around the so-called instruction. It could be excellent inspiration, and it is possible that an experienced artist might get something useful out of it - hence the 2 star rating.
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