---
product_id: 48916674
title: "Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist (Volume 1) (James Gurney Art)"
price: "833 DH"
currency: MAD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.ma/products/48916674-imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist-volume-1
store_origin: MA
region: Morocco
---

# Masterclass in imaginative realism 2,000+ rave reviews Top 25 in Sci-Fi & Fantasy Art Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist (Volume 1) (James Gurney Art)

**Price:** 833 DH
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎨 Paint the impossible, own the extraordinary.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist (Volume 1) (James Gurney Art)
- **How much does it cost?** 833 DH with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.ma](https://www.desertcart.ma/products/48916674-imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist-volume-1)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Inspired by the Golden Age:** Absorb techniques rooted in classic American illustration heritage for timeless appeal.
- • **Perfect for Serious Artists:** Designed for skilled painters ready to push boundaries and create visionary worlds.
- • **Unlock Your Creative Genius:** Dive deep into James Gurney’s step-by-step painting process from sketches to stunning finished art.
- • **Elevate Your Art Beyond Reality:** Learn to convincingly paint what doesn’t exist, mastering imaginative realism like a pro.
- • **Join a Thriving Artistic Community:** Over 2,000 painters and illustrators swear by this book’s transformative insights.

## Overview

Imaginative Realism by James Gurney is a critically acclaimed guide for experienced painters eager to master the art of depicting imaginary scenes with realism. With over 2,000 glowing reviews and top rankings in Sci-Fi & Fantasy Art, this book offers a detailed, stepwise approach inspired by classic American illustration, making it a must-have for serious artists ready to elevate their craft.

## Description

Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist (Volume 1) (James Gurney Art) : Gurney, James: desertcart.co.uk: Books

Review: Do not be put off by the cover, this is an excellent book. - I am afraid I judged this book by its cover and really didn't think that this was the kind of book that would be suitable for me or that I would enjoy. But having encountered James Gurney online and discovered that, rather than just painting dinosaurs, he was a far more traditional painter than I had imagined and decided to give it a try. I am delighted that I did. This is an excellent book written by a painter for other painters and full of interesting insights. It is definitely not for beginners since it assumes that you can already paint and draw well and are willing to work devotedly to conjure up a realistic depiction of an imaginary scene. He is consciously drawing on the heritage of the golden age of American illustration (which I like too) and takes you through all the steps he takes from thumbnail sketches to finished pieces, which is fascinating. There are a couple of drawbacks : his studio setup, kit and workshop facilities are way beyond what most of us can aspire to so I wish he could be a little more aware about these limitations most of us face. ( Plasticine and cardboard maquettes lit by an Anglepoise work fine for us lesser mortals.) This could be daunting or reduce one to paroxysms of envy. There is very little about any other medium except oil paint and you also have to have a high tolerance for dinosaurs . However these are minor quibbles. There is not only the enjoyment of being taken through his process of work but a lot of useful information to be gleaned en route. In fact I was so impressed that I immediately ordered his other book - "Colour and Light". So I can unhesitatingly recommend this to any other realist painter who wants some insight into Gurney's way of working and how to depict an imaginary world.
Review: Good book - Compelling read, I wanted to learn more about painting and using some of the techniques described to improve my Warhammer painting. Very much worth a read!

## Features

- New Store Stock

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | 37,765 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 22 in Science Fiction & Fantasy Art History & Criticism 37 in Arts & Photography Study & Teaching 282 in Painting (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,048 Reviews |

## Images

![Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist (Volume 1) (James Gurney Art) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/913ORH2xvXL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Do not be put off by the cover, this is an excellent book.
*by L***R on 5 April 2019*

I am afraid I judged this book by its cover and really didn't think that this was the kind of book that would be suitable for me or that I would enjoy. But having encountered James Gurney online and discovered that, rather than just painting dinosaurs, he was a far more traditional painter than I had imagined and decided to give it a try. I am delighted that I did. This is an excellent book written by a painter for other painters and full of interesting insights. It is definitely not for beginners since it assumes that you can already paint and draw well and are willing to work devotedly to conjure up a realistic depiction of an imaginary scene. He is consciously drawing on the heritage of the golden age of American illustration (which I like too) and takes you through all the steps he takes from thumbnail sketches to finished pieces, which is fascinating. There are a couple of drawbacks : his studio setup, kit and workshop facilities are way beyond what most of us can aspire to so I wish he could be a little more aware about these limitations most of us face. ( Plasticine and cardboard maquettes lit by an Anglepoise work fine for us lesser mortals.) This could be daunting or reduce one to paroxysms of envy. There is very little about any other medium except oil paint and you also have to have a high tolerance for dinosaurs . However these are minor quibbles. There is not only the enjoyment of being taken through his process of work but a lot of useful information to be gleaned en route. In fact I was so impressed that I immediately ordered his other book - "Colour and Light". So I can unhesitatingly recommend this to any other realist painter who wants some insight into Gurney's way of working and how to depict an imaginary world.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good book
*by T***E on 18 August 2025*

Compelling read, I wanted to learn more about painting and using some of the techniques described to improve my Warhammer painting. Very much worth a read!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by J***T on 23 October 2009*

This is a fantastic book and will be a wonderful addition to anyones collection who is interested in developing fantasy art, or even just improving general drawing and design skills. The information is broken down into manageable bitesized chapters, so you can read the whole book as a whole, or just dip in and out. The illustrations are lovely, and I love reading about how the artist develops ideas and gathers information. The cover of this book does not do it justice, as it could put some artists off if they are not really into fantasy work, but there are some great illustrations, and the influence of some past masters are evident in some of the work. The book is a good size and there is plenty to read and lots of information. The book is printed on good quality paper and is really good value for money. A breath of fresh air in the art book format. If you like fantasy art, or are interested in reading about how other artists work then buy this book, you won't be disappointed.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist (Volume 1) (James Gurney Art)
- Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter (Volume 2) (James Gurney Art)
- The Artist's Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location

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*Product available on Desertcart Morocco*
*Store origin: MA*
*Last updated: 2026-02-16*