The Art of Robert E. McGinnis

Why can't more art books show large, full page images like this book does? I never buy art books now with heavy text that forces the images to be small on the page.McGinnis was a prolific and very talented illustrator whose work was often seen on book covers for its somewhat distinctive style, or in National Geographic for his ability to capture historic scenes filled with costumed characters and lots of energy. I remember his, and a number of other talented illustrators, influence on my early commercial career. I showed the book to a few illustrator friends and they were equally excited to see a rare book on an artist/illustrator who deserves to be recognized for his exciting work that was seen by so many over the years.There are several illustrators of exceptional design and technical ability who would be nice to see in print; pre-digital masters who could actually paint and draw extremely well. The era of magazine spreads and brilliant editorial work is long past, unfortunately. McGinnis was able to capture some of that work and did it with his own personal flare.

If readers have been followers of this remarkable illustrator for some time, they may already have a copy of "Tapestry: The Paintings of Robert McGinnis" published back in the year 2000. Such readers may be wondering if that book is entirely redundant with this one and if this one is worth having. Well, I think it is. Any career overview of this type has certain highlights that need to be acknowledged, and those images are present in both books, but this volume seems determined not to present them in the same way. Images that appeared as quarter-page reproductions in "Tapestry," the front cover illustration, for example, may be a full page here. One image that appeared as a page and a half in the older book is cropped much closer to the figure and is reproduced as a double page spread in this volume. This book also reproduces dozens of illustrations that are not present in the older book. This one includes some sketches and photo-reference. It also features an interview with McGinnis that offers some insight into what the illustration game was like back when scarcely a week went by without the appearance of a McGinnis illustration somewhere.If you are a McGinnis fan you will NOT be disappointed by this book, whether you have a copy of "Tapestry" or not.

Prompt delivery via USPS. New book at less cost than..... GREAT!!!

McGinnis worked in a wide range of illustration venues. Unfortunately, McGinnis came after the golden age of illustration thus a lot of his work is in the lower regarded trades, magazines, paperbacks, movie posters, etc. That takes nothing away from the quality of his work but reflects the state of the business in his day. I have seen the art of McGinnis literally everywhere in my life. He certainly is prolific and well appreciated. As you can see, he uses exaggeration to great effect. I enjoyed this retrospective.

Graphically this book pulls no punches...vivid amazing graphics and lots of them. Well organized curation and even the slip cover of this hardbound book is done with class. Many books of big $ artists at much higher prices could learn from the way this book was created. I could go on for a bit, but if you like McGinnis' art just buy it! You will not be disappointed and I think the price is a steal.

The almost unlimited variety of subject matter in this book reflects the unlimited ability of the artist to conceive, illustrate and present his images as what they are, each their own unique and stand alone statement of a circumstance, a visually expressive story and, particularly with his landscapes and 'The West', a story of a moment in time.His book covers are definitely historical documents in their own right, as they reflect the times and culture of their day.Though not a 'Pin-Up' book, it shows elements of that genre, done in Robert E. McGinnis's his unique style.Upon opening the front cover, this book demands the reader's complete and undivided attention, so, make yourself comfortable, cancel all appointments, fill your cup or glass, and settle back for a rare absorbing read, don't say you weren't warned!.

Good balance of art verses commentary, probably 80% art, but good insight into the artist as well. This book includes some of his western art, gallery art, magazine illustrations, movie posters, in addition to the art from the paperback book covers, mostly full page and in color. Certainly leaves you wanting to see more McGinnis art. I would particularly like to see a book of all of his western art. I first saw one of his paintings at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, GA and wasn't sure it was the same artist who did the paperback covers. This book confirms it was (although the particular painting in Booth is not in the book, but is included in the Booth Western Art Museum book Works From the Permanent Collection, also available from Amazon.

A fine addition to McGinnis's art and even if you have the prior book "Tapestry", you will appreciate this book as well. There are works in "The Art of Robert McGinnis" that are not in "Tapestry". There is also an interview with him that is interesting and gives you a sense of what he is all about. McGinnis was and is one of the best illustrators we've been fortunate to have and one of the few still producing artwork. There are examples of his paperback book covers as well as his more recent landscapes. There are his elegant nudes and western genre works and numerous sketches. All in all, if you are a fan of his work or just want to acquaint yourself of his many talents this book is very fine indeed. The reproductions are quality printing and the price is a bargain!