This is the first of two 48-page softbound collections of Stout’s watercolor and ink artwork. The subjects include dragons, genies, and witches, as well as scenes from Oz and Aesop. The penwork is ornate, intricate, and sometimes whimsical, with smaller details and subordinate characters adding levels of fascination to the pictures. In the introduction, Stout credits the inspiration that he draws from the early 20th century children’s book illustrators, especially Edmund Dulac, Arthur Rackham, John Bauer, and William Heath Robinson.
This is the first of a two related volumes. The next one will feature women and wonders, and will be called “Inspirations.”
There is also a signed hardbound edition, limited to 500 copies, which is almost sold out.
Flesk Publications
William Stout official site.
