Icon: A Retrospective by the Grand Master of Fantastic Art

Icon: A Retrospective by the Grand Master of Fantastic Art

Icon: A Retrospective by the Grand Master of Fantastic Art
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Book Summary Information

Primary Contributor: Frank Frazetta
Editor: Cathy Fenner
Editor: Arnie Fenner
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-10-01
ISBN: 1887424717
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: Underwood Books

Book Reviews of Icon: A Retrospective by the Grand Master of Fantastic Art

Book Review: Oversized Talent Deserves an Oversized Book
Summary: 5 Stars

Say the name "Frank Frazetta" to anyone with a passing familarity with illustration and they're likely to mention either Conan the Barbarian or the Death Dealer. Those famous paperback covers are indeed reproduced here, along with a wealth of similar artwork detailing otherworldly scenarios, muscular heroes, brutual combat, grotesquely villainous monsters, and statuesque heroines. But before you voice the cliche that Frank Frazetta was to fantasy artwork what Norman Rockwell was to Americana, be sure to examinethe generous sections detailing Frank Frazetta's movie posters and comic book art. While many of us would have loved to simply be as good a fantasy illustrator as Frank Frazetta, the man himself was so much more than that. The depth and breadth of his work is simply staggering and quite honestly has to be seen to be believed.

Not only is this a portfolio, but it also gives a sense of who Frank Frazetta actually was, through interviews and personal photos. Frank Frazetta was clearly a complicated person (both artist and athlete, humble yet proud) but that was probably necessary for him to create artwork in which all characters are exceptionally vivid. I've viewed a lot of fantasy artwork where one element was well-done, but another element (usually the heroine) is one-dimensional and unbelievable. With Frank Frazetta, every single character in the artwork seems to have a fully-fleshed out psychology and screams for our attention. These are tough and authentic characters, which makes even his most unbelievable artwork seem plausible.

"Icon" is a celebration of Frank Frazetta's life and artwork. I can't wait to free up a few hours so I can lose myself in its pages again.

Summary of Icon: A Retrospective by the Grand Master of Fantastic Art

The incredible paintings of Frank Frazetta have brought him worldwide fame, legions of loyal fans, and scores of imitators. His darkly dramatic Conan the Barbarian oils and the equally powerful and erotic compositions for the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs have become the ultimate standards of excellence in the fantasy and adventure field. Icon was Franzetta?s first major retrospective in his 55-year career. Lavish full-color reproduction on deluxe art paper showcases over 65 major finished oil paintings, 25 drawings, and other pieces. This new softcover edition contains 32 new pages of additional, never-before-published art and photos. New material includes paintings of Woody Allen and Peter Sellers; concepts of Clint Eastwood for the movie poster to The Gauntlet; original concepts for the Conan book cover paintings; and character drawings for the Broadway production of Li'l Abner.

This book is going to make Frank Frazetta fans very, very happy. Icon: A Retrospective by the Grand Master of Fantastic Art Frank Frazetta is a comprehensive look at the work of one of the world's most influential fantasy artists. Frazetta's entire career is covered, from his earliest work on L'il Abner to his unused poster art for Quentin Tarantino's From Dusk Till Dawn; from his powerful interpretations of Robert E. Howard's Conan character to his whimsical Hollywood parodies. More than a hundred full color prints of Frazetta's most representative work are collected here in a single handsome edition, along with photographs of the artist and his studio, quotes, and testimonial biography.

The subject matter of Frazetta's work is familiar--brawny warriors, buxom enchantresses, and terrifying monsters--but he manages to infuse them with a rare charisma. His figures are sublime, at once naturalistic and hyper-real, and his vivid use of colors startles the eye again and again. Incredibly, this collection manages to do justice to his decades of award-winning work. Icon is a must for the serious Frazetta enthusiast. --Brendan J. LaSalle

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