Creative Illustration

"Creative Illustration" is an amazing book. It is extremely useful, advice given in the book is exceptional. Most things discussed and showcased in this book I have never seen in any other art books (contemporary or vintage). Unique. Unbelievably good.
This book made me a better artist, and I feel like now I understand everything with so much more depth.
Loomis also gives a little insight in master Pyle's methods, compositions and advice for success in the industry that is still valid today.
Best investment of a hundred dollars I've ever made. A definite must have for a professional, a gem for the serious student of illustration.

(Note: This book is not for beginners. It's for people who are serious about the business. If you're just starting out, just get one of those "how to draw (insert whatever) books" and come and get this book in a couple of years.)

I flipped through the Titan reprint a while back, and I have to say I was a bit disappointed by the quality of the reproduction. Years ago I bought one of the early printings of this book for a good amount of money. So I have a frame of reference. The original has a whole middle section of the book with color illustrations on glossy paper which I think works better than how Titan has reproduced those pages on regular paper: the colors and details simply do not show as well on the new edition. Beyond that, the black and white illustrations have lost some detail as compared to the original editions from the 40s and the 50s. Thats the bad.

The good is that finally, after so many years, has managed to reprint these invaluable artistic references as they are now available to all at reasonable prices. So, if you are a die-hard book collector and are willing to shell out a good amount for original copies of the book then by all means. But for the regular artist, the Loomis books are great. Loomis had the ability to communicate ideas as an educator through his drawings and paintings. These books have stood the test of time, and Creative Illustration is my most favorite among his books.

Not enough illustrations for my liking. compared to my other figure illustration books, not too impressed by the illustrations in this one, I expected more from reading the reviews of this book. Personally, I'd think its a bit over rated.

If you already know who Andrew Loomis is, or better yet already own one or some of his books, then please stop reading this review now. There is absolutely nothing I could tell you that could make you love this mans art more then you already do. So please walk away from your computer, comfortable in the fact that you have already been exposed to these rare gems.

As an art practitioner, no mater how contemporary your medium, you invariably are influenced by hundreds of years of art history. From the great masters to the modern masters. Each era is denoted by pivotal genres and trans-formative artists. Adrew Loomis is one of these such artists.

If you were a student of illustration in the 1940s and had aspirations of spending the next 30 years slogging away as a creative in advertising agencies, then this book would have certainly been your bible. It carefully deconstructs illustration and teaches the reader the craft in very important systematic steps. You have an early focus on the elements and principles of design mixed with modern (for the time) subject matter.

But then the book gets deeper, much deeper. As an illustrator, Loomis waxes poet on the fundamentals of visual story telling and advanced visual problem solving.

Spend five minutes leafing through this book and I would gaurentee that you will pick up at least a couple of tips that will immediately improve you sketching, line work and composition. The techniques that are available in this book are truly timeless and very valuable.

The only thing I have to say negatively about this book, is that I wished that I had owned this in high school, and was forced to spend hours a day practicing it lessons. The bevy of pre-war maidens may have proved to be to titillating for such an impressionable young reader however.

So if you are looking for a valuable tome of classic illustration knowledge or just enjoy graphic books from the 40s, then put Creative Illustration by Andrew Loomis on your wish list today.

Andrew Loomis' book was intended for professional illustrators, but today is sought after by art lovers, aspiring artists, professional artists, art teachers, the list goes on. I didn't understand the buzz until I saw the book in person. It's one of those books you just end up loving and lusting after! Glossy color plates, glossy pages, step by step instructions ... I borrowed the book from a friend and was up until 3 in the morning without even realizing it!

Andrew Loomis, born in 1892, was smitten with art at an early age and studied at art schools in New York and Chicago. Eventually, he opened his own art studio on Michigan Avenue in bustling Chicago. He also taught art in Chicago in the 1930's and from that experience developed the techniques which were eventually published in his instructional books in the 1940's.

My research about Loomis' life confirms my solid impression about this book; this is a real book designed to inform and delight!Creative Illustration

Creative Illustration has been one of the most sought after books on the art of Illustration ever produced. Out-of-print copies of this book went for hundreds of dollars. Now back in print, this book still has fundamental knowledge important to any developing artist (composition, tone, color theory, etc.). You'll learn more about the art of Illustration/Fine Art from this book than from four years in an art school. You won't regret adding this book to your library.

I own dozens of art technique books and have done illustration professionally for over twenty years and I have to say that the techniques presented here can't be found anywhere else - I've looked! If you think the price is too high well, remember... you get what you pay for. And here you get the best.

unfortunately I did not realize this was a little beyond my abilities right now, as I've only been drawing for about 8 months on a semi-regular basis. That said, I have no doubt this will be wonderful once I hit this level of skill. The book itself is HUGE! and beautiful.