Structura 2 – The Art of Sparth

Structura 2 – The Art of Sparth

As mentioned in last week’s post, I was fortunate enough to receive not one but two art books. You can read about the first volume HERE

Halo 4 concept artwork by Sparth

Structura 2 – The Art of Sparth is the second collection of work from the concept artist Nicolas Bouvier, better known as Sparth. The artist’s output covers concept work for video games as well as book covers.

I think I’ll let the art work speak for itself in this post, only mentioning that the last picture is a favourite.

Until next time,

D.

Structura – The Art of Sparth

Imperial Runner – Sparth

I recently received not one but two art books (more on the second next week). 

Structura – the Art of Sparth is from Design Studio Press, the same folks who brought you The Skillful Huntsman, which I wrote about back in May.

Sparth, or Nicholas Bouvier if you prefer, has been a a concept designer and artistic director for over ten years and has worked on projects like Prince of Persia – Warrior Within, Alone in the Dark 4 and Assassin’s Creed to name just a few.

He was first brought to my attention by my old friend Jess over at the CG Society forums. 

House Atreides – artwork Sparth

When not hard at work creating environments for video games, Sparth illustrates book covers, and designs all manner otherworldly machines. His work on the French editions of Dune is genuinely exciting, and all of his work is distinctive.

These books are great for inspiration, ambiance and, dare I say it, procrastination. Sparth gives us dark worlds, frequently fast moving space ships, and vast panoramas that demand attention. His compositions draw the viewer into the picture, guiding the eye to the narrative. 

What’s happening here? 

Where are they going? 

What comes next?

Only Sparth knows.

Until next time,

D.

Odes and Thieves – Sparth

Publication Day – The Orc War Fighting Manual

The orcs are here with their own brand of mayhem, lovingly (painstakingly?) translated by Sebastian Venghaus. This is the first of three War Fighting Manuals, illustrated by the super talented Andrew James, set in the High Fantasy world of Naer Evain.

Not the most vegetarian-friendly book
 I've ever written to be fair.

A few words of thanks:

Everyone at Gollancz and Orion – particularly Simon Spanton, Gillian Redfearn, Charlie Panayiotou and Jon Weir.

Supportive writer types – Tom Pollock, Kim Curran, Jen Williams, Will Hill, and all of the London gang. Also: James Dawson who helped me get unstuck during the dwarf book.

Supportive awesome types – Jared Shurin, Anne Perry, James Long and J for Jetpack, all at Fantasy Faction, Juliet Mushens, and Matt Rowan.

I remain incredibly grateful to Jon and David for the lap top.

And if you’re wondering when the launch party will be – October, to coincide with the dwarf book. See you then.