Fantasy Art by Dick Jude (book review)

I pulled this book, Fantasy Art’ by Dick Jude, a couple years back and finally got a chance to read it. Although 27 years old now, this book is still worth your attention as its ten artists  are divided into those who work with paint to those who do that and digital to those who just work digitally. Of course, in quarter of a decade, that’s bound to have changed by now. Each artist also explains something of their history and art techniques and this book is laden with art. I defy anyone not to have a favour or more amongst the artists below and this book can still be bought in good condition showing how its previous owners look after their books.

For part one, ‘Hairy Sticks And Pigments’, we have Alan Lee, Don Maitz, David How and Brom. For part two, ‘Paintbrush To Pixel’, we have Jim Burns, Rick Berry and Chris Moore. For part three, ‘The Digital Realm’, we have Steve Stone, Fred Gambino and Dave McKean.

Some of these artists, I’ve reviewed in other books. Don’t be put off by the title. There is as much Science Fiction art as fantasy here. Other than Dave McKean who is clearly experimental blending photographs together, the other nine are far more traditional in their approach and to how much leeway they have on cover commissions. Whatever the medium you prefer to work in, each artists’ techniques have lessons you can still learn from. If you think there is a gap in your artbook collection then that means you don’t own a copy.

GF Willmetts

January 2026

(pub: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1999. 144 pager illustrated oblong softcover. Price: varies. ISBN: 0-8230-1636-6)