Amazon is a wonderful place to find great book deals. Every once in a while I like to follow the recommendations and see what deals out there. I often find great used books for a penny or just a few dollars.
Some of the books are no brainers and others are bargains for a treasure. Maybe you passed on some of these books when they were new and at a premium, but if you are patient some books can cost as little as one cent. Starting with a few amazing deals (all prices are as of this writing).
The Art of Star Wars Episode I
Fantastic artbook. Whatever you might think of the movies themselves, this book is full of great drawings and concepts by Change, McCaig and Whitlatch. Gorgeous landscapes and inspiring character and creature designs.
Used starting at $13
The Art of Star Wars Episode II
Another great art book. More great concepts, and some very strong landscape concepts. Excellent addition and if you buy the first one the collector’s itch will make you want this one too.
Used starting under $3
My Adventures As an Illustrator
I believe that I have shared this book before but the prices are back down. If you love Rockwell, read this book. Written by Rockwell, it gave me a great appreciation for his work. Rockwell’s life wasn’t always reflective of his work. He faced challenges and doubts and periods of creative drought. The level of celebrity that he achieved in life was remarkable and it is interesting to read of a bygone era where illustration reigned supreme. Great book and read on a remarkable man.
Used copies starting at $.01
In my opinion this book is a must for any illustrator. Great practical working information (and they must have printed a zillion of them because you can almost always find a copy for $.01). Get this one while you search for a deal on Rockwell on Rockwell.
At least 8 copies for $.01
This is the one book on this list that I don’t own, but it looks like a great one.
Used starting at $8
I loved the art style of this movie, an can’t wait for the sequel. Many of the concepts are almost minimal, focusing on silhouette and shape. Some are made from cut paper and have great whimsy, like those of Edna ‘E’ Mode. Much of it reminds me of the illustrations I saw in old text books and children’s books. Especially the ‘World Book’ collections, if anyone else remembers those. Check out this Pinterest board for some examples of what I mean. I love it.
Used starting at $14
More gorgeous pastel paintings and one of the most beautiful color scripts of any movie. Lots to learn from this book on color harmony and how lighting affects color.
Also some fantastic black and white illustrations by artist Simon Varela. I met Simon once. He was interviewing for a job and I was the Art Director. We quickly decided that he was WAY over qualified for the job, but I spent the next hour looking over some beautiful transparencies of his work.
Used starting around $9
I just received my copy of this book today. There are beautiful character concepts and set designs, but the landscape concepts are just fantastic.
At least 5 used copies under $5
Lots of cute and appealing concepts. Not my favorite of the Disney Art books, but still a great addition.
Used starting at $5
I have shared this book before, and all the cheap copies were snatched up. The price has come back down. One of the treasures of my bookshelf.
Used copies for $10
Visions of Adventure: N.C. Wyeth and the Brandywine Artists
This book does have some good reproductions of Pyle, at least better than the book above. It also has prints of Wyeth, Dunn, Schoonover, and Cornwell. Great book and it has come down in price significantly.
Several used starting at $10
Finishing off with a couple more Star Wars books:
The Art of Star Wars, Episode IV – A New Hope
Where it all began. Some of the classic images by Ralph McQuarrie and others. I think the concept work was excellent, but it is also neat to compare and contrast it with the more recent books. Different approaches with similar goals.
Several used copies for under $3
That Star Wars Episode 1 art book you listed is actually a condensed version of the actual book, it was a pack-in for the ep.1 VHS set. The actual book is more expensive,and I believe, harder to get.
The Rockwell Illustrator book was in my mom's library of books since before I was born, so it was a perennial around the house, along with Peanuts books and Reader's Digest Jaws.
The episode 1 art book is amazing – I remember getting the pamphlet sample of it with the widescreen VHS (like Danny said,) and obsessively devouring it on bus rides to school until my parents got me the proper hard back. From what it looks like ordering the hardcover option on the amazon link gets you the full book, and at a scant 15 dollars, no less.
My memory is fuzzy on this, but wasn't there supposed to be a more recent NC Wyeth book that was going to come out like back in 2012 or around then? I remember having my eye on it and watching as the release date kept getting pushed back and back and back…I don't think it ever did come out.
Danny, good catch. Thank you. I updated the link and price to send it to the right book. I did mean to point it to the full art book. Not quite as good a bargain as a penny, but still a good deal. Thanks!
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