Bought to international acclaim and popularity by HBO’s Game Of Thrones series, George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels depict a vast and complex fantasy world that is ceaselessly intriguing, and I am always on the look-out for any high quality art and illustration that help to enrich the visual experience of said universe; The World Of Ice & Fire book that I reviewed previously is a great example.

This handsome hardcover volume Seven Kingdoms is a fantastic addition to the list; it showcases all of Gary Gianni’s artwork for George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, with over 300 pages of beautifully illustrated scenes from the five novels in the series ( A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows and A Dance With Dragons ), featured alongside passages from the books themselves.

Also included are illustrations from the two prequels of the series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Fire and Blood. All together, the paintings and hundreds of drawings in pencil and pen-and-ink provide a unique view of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros as seen through the eyes of the award-winning illustrator. Describing Gianni’s artwork, George R.R. Martin says it’s “as if I am looking through a window into Westeros, that I am there with Tyrion and Daenerys, with Ned and Arya, with Dunk and Egg.”

All of Gary Gianni’s previously shown pencil sketches and paintings have been tightened up and polished for this collection, making them appear as new works. In addition, over 35 pencil drawings appear for the first time. The artist draws on his longtime experience in comics and illustration to offer a unique perspective into Martin’s universe.

The book also includes an introduction by Cullen Murphy, who discusses the art of illustration and adds context to the pictures by providing an overview of Gianni’s career. Notes from the artist reveal insight concerning his methods and the creative process of working with Martin, a relationship that has spanned five years to date.

(above & below) The book’s inclusion of Gary Gianni’s progressive stages of his art production from rough pencil sketches, detailed pencil sketches to the final color version offers the reader an excellent peek into the artist’s working method.

(above & below) Gary Gianni’s impressive draftsmanship and style brings to mind the work of yet another amazing artist – Yamada Akihiro.

(above) The colors and composition of this piece has hints of influence by the great American painter N.C Wyeth; be sure to check out my review for his excellent retrospective art book New Perspectives.

I think the exemplary quality of the art work in the preview images above speak for themselves; I purchased the book knowing that I had stumbled on something good, but it was even better than I had expected. My highest recommendations, especially if you’re a Game Of Thrones fan.

“Art of Gary Gianni – George R. R. Martin’s Seven Kingdoms” book details :

– Dimensions – 9 x 1.25 x 12 inches
– Hardcover, 304 pages
– Full color

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