The Art Of Clyde Caldwell (book review).
Another book I recently explored is ‘The Art of Clyde Caldwell’, primarily drawn to it by its captivating cover, having not encountered Caldwell’s work before. Published in 1984 by a German publisher, this edition features an English translation on split pages. Unusually, it is the publishers themselves translating into English, resulting in some quirky punctuation and odd number formatting, such as ’10’ being written as ‘1o’. Given the book is 40 years old, these idiosyncrasies are somewhat expected from that era.
Caldwell’s work from this period was mostly commissioned for American book covers or for TSR, which likely explains why I had previously missed it. For cover work, the orientation of characters and the use of eye-catching colours are crucial, hence why most artwork is set during the day. Caldwell favoured acrylics for his vivid and sharp illustrations, though the book also includes a few fine-line inked pieces. The collection boasts 118 full-sized paintings, with detailed notes at the end about their usage contexts. While there is limited nudity, the depictions are tasteful, with most figures modestly portrayed. The only character I immediately recognised was Red Sonja, unmistakably clad in a metal bikini.
Caldwell’s art is defined by its crispness and precision, a hallmark of the era when acrylics were the preferred medium. The book offers excellent value with its full-page paintings and minimal margins. It’s always fascinating to see how foreign publishers produce art books, as these editions can influence industry standards and inspire other publishers globally.
GF Willmetts
July 2024
(pub: Sqpine/Art Fantastix, 1984. 128 page illustrated large softcover. Price: varies. ISBN: 0-86562-059-8)
