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Archives: January 2008
Book of the Month: Dream Worlds
When my sister was looking for a Christmas present for my other sister on Amazon.com, she ran across Hans Bacher’s Dream Worlds: Production Design for Animation
Hans Bacher works as a professional artist and production designer. He had a major influence in such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Mulan. The book spans his work in these films and more.
When I finally got to look at a copy of this book, I wasn’t disappointed. I’m a big fan of “Art of” books, and it was great to see great artwork from a variety of different films in one volume. And in the text, Bacher delves into the role of a production designer specifically, which you can’t really find in any other book out there. You don’t have to be an animator to appreciate this stuff either — his views on color, design, decision-making, and research are useful for anyone loves to draw, paint, and sketch.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the “Unproductive” section near the end, which highlights a bunch of funny doodles that he and his co-workers made during boring meetings. What artist can’t relate to that?
My Favorite Art Blogs for 2008
As I noted earlier, Dan over at EmptyEasel.com just put together a collection of his favorite blogs for 2008, and he is also encouraging bloggers to put together a list of their own. I’m happy to oblige.
News and Tidbits for 2008
The new year is here, and I’m trying to get back into blogging mode. If you have a suggestion for a tutorial or article or video, please send them in.
Until I get a new post written, here’s a few miscellaneous things that have popped up on my radar in the past week or so:
DaniDraws.com named one of the “Must-read Art Blogs for 2008″
This honor came from EmptyEasel.com, another blog that I respect tremendously. If you haven’t visited it yet, now is a good time to get a head start on a new year of great art tips, product reviews, and featured artists. Thanks, EmptyEasel!
Axiotron’s Modbook is Now Shipping
The Modbook was announced nearly a year ago, and I’ve been drooling ever since. If you haven’t heard of it, it is a tablet-style MacBook computer. You can see a video review for it at MacWorld.com. With all the digital painting I do, I’m seriously considering if I can afford what is essentially a $3000 sketchbook. Until then, if any of you out there are lucky enough to own one, or have at least tried it out, PLEASE let me know!
Nominate DaniDraws.com for the Bloggies
Voting is now open for the 8th Annual Weblog Awards. I thought it would be fun to try, so if you have a moment, enter me in for “Best Art or Craft Weblog.”
And a Big THANK YOU…
…to everyone who has donated over the past few weeks. It really made my holiday. I will try my best to make the blog bigger and better in the coming year!
