Palaeoartist's Handbook

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Extinct worlds live again in palaeoart: artworks of fossil animals, plants and environments carefully reconstructed from palaeontological and geological data. Such artworks are widespread in popular culture, appearing in documentaries, museums, books and magazines, and inspiring depictions of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals in cinema. This book outlines how fossil animals and environments can be reconstructed from their fossils, explaining how palaeoartists overcome gaps in fossil data and predict 'soft-tissue' anatomies no longer present around fossil bones. It goes on to show how science and art can meet to produce compelling, interesting takes on ancient worlds, and it explores the goals and limitations of this popular but rarely discussed art genre. Multiple chapters with dozens of illustrations of fossil animal reconstruction, with specific guidance on fossil amphibians, mammals and their fossil relatives, and a myriad of fossil reptiles (including dinosaurs). Explores how best to present diverse fossil animal forms in art - how best to convey size, proportion and motion in landscapes without familiar reference points. Explains essential techniques for the aspiring palaeoartists, from understanding geological time and evolutionary relationships to rebuilding skeletons and muscles. Suggests where and how to gather reliable sources of data for palaeoartworks. Includes a history of palaeoart, outlining the full evolution of the medium from ancient times to the modern day. Examines stylistic variation in palaeoart. Showcases diverse artworks from world-leading contemporary palaeoartists. Palaeoartistry is a popular but rarely discussed art genre. This new book outlines how fossil animals and environments can be reconstructed from their fossils. Of great interest to everyone interested in palaeoartistry, dinosaurs, natural history and fossils. Superbly illustrated with 195 colour images. Dr Mark P Witton is an author, palaeontological artist and researcher whose palaeoartworks have featured in numerous research papers, television shows, museums and art galleries.

Author(s): Mark P Witton
Publisher: Crowood
Year: 2018

Language: English

Acknowledgements

1An Introduction to Palaeoart

2A Brief History of Palaeoart

3Researching, Resource Gathering and Planning a Palaeoartwork

4General Reconstruction Principles, Skeletons and Trackways

5Reconstruction Principles: Guts, Muscles and Fatty Tissues

6Reconstruction Principles: Skin and Colouration

7Reconstruction Principles: Facial Tissues

8Reconstruction Principles: Cave Art, Speculation and Tissue Depth

9The Life Appearance of Some Fossil Animal Groups

10Recreating Ancient Landscapes

11Composition, Mood and Purpose

12Professional Practice

13Some Final Advice for Aspiring Palaeoartists

Contributing Artists

References

Index

Image Credits