Mars Landscape

• Sketchbookdreams - Sketchbook compiles over 130 pieces of artwork, some previously unpublished, from Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell, two of the most renowned fantasy artists in the world today. Sketchbook takes the reader through the entire artistic process which Vallejo and Bell undertake in creating their pieces. From early pencil drawings to the more intricate finished products, Sketchbook works as a how-to guide for aspiring fantasy artists, while at the same time standing alone as an exhibition of the talents of Vallejo, best known for his portrayals of Conan the Barbarian, and Bell, best known for her illustrations of X-Men. Seeing Vallejo and Bell’s respective visions in each step is sure to dazzle and inspire any fan or admirer of fantasy artwork. Included are some of Vallejo’s most famous sketches as well as Bell’s artwork for Marvel Comics X-Men series.
• Soft As Steel: The Art of Julie Bell- From metallic images to super heroes, Julie Bell's illustrations emanate power and sensuality. The term "metal flesh" has been coined to express one of her distinct styles, making it the trademark of her work. A series of exotic fantasy realms come to life with astounding vividness in her paintings, in which the bodies appear to be a melding of cold steel and vulnerable human flesh.
• Special Effects: The History and Technique- Starting with the earliest use of smoke and mirrors in silent films, the book goes behind the scenes to reveal the methods used in creating the cinematic world of make-believe, ranging from optical composing animation, sound effects, model-making, special-effects makeup, and matte painting to the most astounding electronic innovations seen in blockbuster movies now hitting movie screens. Packed with information obtained from hundreds of interviews with both the legendary and current leading names in the field of special effects production, the book includes illustrations showing, by the use of unique segments of photographs, many never before available in print, how many of the effects are achieved. This dazzling volume, as entertaining as the films it covers, is a must for lovers of movie fantasy, students of film and popular culture, and amateur filmmakers.
• Special Effects: An Oral History--Interviews with 37 Masters Spanning 100 Years- The inventors of such screen legerdemain reveal the huge variety of techniques they employ, from animation, animatronics, makeup, and model-making to the most astounding computer trickery possible today. The book encompasses not only film and television but also theme parks and attractions.
• Syd Mead's Sentury- A showcase of Syd Mead's futuristic designs and illustrations including work for products, entertainment (movies, TV, interactive games, theme parks) Fantasy, Toys, Vehicles,architectural interiors and more.
• Treasure Planet: A Voyage of Discovery- Gives an in-depth look at the art, the style, the making, etc. Each character is discussed with their background. Best of all, there are amazing pictures--sketch, rough-draft, final--that are absolutely gorgeous.
• Landscapes of Mars: A Visual Tour- "Landscapes of Mars" is essentially a picture book that provides a visual tour of Mars. All the major regions and topographical features will be shown and supplemented with chapter introductions and extended captions. In a way, think of it as a visual tourist guide. Other topics covered are Martian uplands on the order of the elevation of Mt. Everest, Giant volcanoes and a rift system, the Grand Canyon of Mars, craters and the absence of craters over large regions (erosion), and wind shadows around craters, sand dunes, and dust devils. The book includes discussions on the search for water (braided channels, seepage, sedimentary layering, etc.) as well as on the Viking mission search for life, Mars meteorite fossil bacteria controversy, and planetary protection in future missions. The book concludes with an exciting gallery of the best 3D images of Mars making the book a perfect tool for understanding Mars and its place in the solar system.