John Howe's Ultimate Fantasy Art Academy
nonfiction · First published 2021
Author guide
John Howe Books in Order
John Howe (born 1957) is a Canadian illustrator, author, and concept designer who lives in Switzerland. He is renowned for his work on J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, including conceptual design for Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. His authored work includes children's retellings, graphic narratives, historical nonfiction, art monographs, fantasy-art instruction, and illustrated books about mythology and lost civilizations.
fantasy artart instructionchildren's literaturehistorical nonfictiongraphic narrative
Catalog record updated .
John Howe's Newest Book
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Myth and Magic: The Art of John Howe
Best career-spanning overview of Howe's fantasy and Tolkien art.
Lost Worlds
Strongest introduction to Howe as both writer and illustrator.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (6)
- John Howe Fantasy Art Workshop
nonfiction · 2007
- John Howe Fantasy Drawing Workshop
nonfiction · 2009
- Lost Worlds
nonfiction · 2009
- John Howe's Ultimate Fantasy Art Academy
nonfiction · 2021
Children's books (5)
- Rip Van Winkle
children's-retelling · 1988
A man who sleeps for twenty years in the Catskill Mountains wakes to a much-changed world.
- Jack and the Beanstalk
children's-retelling · 1989
- Knights: A Three-Dimensional Exploration
children's-book · 1995
- The Knight with the Lion: The Story of Yvain
children's-retelling · 1996
- The King of Winter's Daughter
children's-retelling · 2005
Other (6)
- Cathedral
graphic-work · 1987
- Images of Middle-earth
portfolio · 2000
- Myth and Magic: The Art of John Howe
art-book · 2001
For the first time ever, a portfolio of illustrated work from the award-winning artist, John Howe, which reveals the breathtaking vision of one of the foremost fantasy artists in the world. Myth and Magic is arranged into six sections,…
- John Howe: Sur les terres de Tolkien
art-book · 2002
- John Howe: Artbook
art-book · 2004
- A Middle-earth Traveller: Sketches from Bag End to Mordor
art-book · 2018
Let acclaimed Tolkien artist John Howe take you on an unforgettable journey across Middle-earth, from Bag End to Mordor, in this richly illustrated sketchbook fully of previously unseen artwork, anecdotes and meditations on Middle-earth.…
Frequently asked questions about John Howe
Who is John Howe?
John Howe is a Canadian illustrator, author, and concept designer best known for his visual interpretations of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Sources: john-howe.com (opens in a new tab)kuvittajat.fi (opens in a new tab)
Where was John Howe born, and where does he live?
He was born in Vancouver, Canada, in 1957, studied at the École des Arts Décoratifs de Strasbourg, and lives in Switzerland as a freelance illustrator.
Sources: john-howe.com (opens in a new tab)kuvittajat.fi (opens in a new tab)
What influenced John Howe’s artistic style?
Tolkien, medieval history, mythology, architecture, and European art strongly influenced Howe. His experience of Strasbourg Cathedral was especially formative, and he grounds fantasy imagery in historical visual traditions.
Sources: john-howe.com (opens in a new tab)kuvittajat.fi (opens in a new tab)
How did John Howe contribute to Peter Jackson’s Tolkien films?
Peter Jackson recruited Howe in 1997 to develop visual concepts, and Howe worked alongside Alan Lee on settings, costumes, weapons, armor, and architecture for The Lord of the Rings films. He later continued as a lead concept artist on The Hobbit films.
Sources: john-howe.com (opens in a new tab)kuvittajat.fi (opens in a new tab)
What awards or major recognition has John Howe received?
The Science Fiction Awards Database records a 2004 World Fantasy Award nomination for professional artwork connected with The Lord of the Rings, along with seven Chesley Award nominations for his illustration and artistic achievement.
Source: sfadb.com (opens in a new tab)