Legacy
Selected Paintings and Drawings by the Grand Master of Fantastic Art, Frank Frazetta
By: Frank Frazetta
About This Book
Frank Frazetta's paintings and illustrations have set the standard for fantasy artists for the past 50 years. This collection focuses on his influence in a variety of media and genres and on his place in 20th century art history. Coedited by Hugo Award-winning editor Arnie Fenner, it includes many of Frazetta's most memorable paintings as well as revised and previously unpublished works. The art is accompanied by the artist's own observations and commentary by a number of his contemporaries.
AI Overview
The book "Legacy: Selected Paintings and Drawings by Frank Frazetta" is a comprehensive collection of the artist's work, showcasing his contributions to the genres of fantasy and science fiction over a career spanning half a century. Here is a detailed overview:
Key Themes
- Fantasy Art: The book focuses on Frazetta's influence in fantasy art, highlighting his iconic paintings and drawings that have set the standard for the genre.
- Career Span: The collection covers a wide range of works from 1948 to 1999, providing a retrospective of Frazetta's artistic journey.
- Influence: The book explores how Frazetta's art has inspired numerous artists, including filmmakers and comic book artists, as noted by his influence on George Lucas and Guillermo del Toro.
Plot Summary
"Legacy" is not a narrative-driven book but rather an art collection with accompanying commentary and essays. It includes:
- Full-Color Selection: A full-color selection of paintings and drawings that showcase Frazetta's mastery in capturing fantastical and often horrific scenes with an atmospheric reality.
- Preliminary Roughs: Many paintings are published at full page size, accompanied by preliminary roughs, providing insight into Frazetta's creative process.
- Commentary and Essays: Each painting comes with commentary from Frazetta himself, along with essays from those who know him, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic vision and techniques.
Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike:
- Goodreads Reviews: The book has an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, with reviewers praising the collection for its stunning visuals and the depth of information provided about Frazetta's art.
- Art Book Review: A YouTube review of the book praises its comprehensive nature, highlighting the inclusion of preliminary roughs and the insightful commentary from Frazetta.
- Critical Praise: Reviewers have noted that the book is a must-have for fans of fantasy art and figure drawing, with one reviewer describing it as "a true collector's volume" with beautiful slip-casing.
Overall, "Legacy" is a testament to Frank Frazetta's enduring legacy in the world of fantasy and science fiction art, offering a rich and detailed exploration of his career and artistic influence.