---
product_id: 306682185
title: "Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist"
price: "25514 Ft"
currency: HUF
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
url: https://www.desertcart.hu/products/306682185-imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist
store_origin: HU
region: Hungary
---

# 4.8/5 from 2,000+ painters Masterclass in imaginative realism 22nd in Sci-Fi & Fantasy Art rankings Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist

**Price:** 25514 Ft
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎨 Paint the unreal, master the real — your imagination’s new best friend!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist
- **How much does it cost?** 25514 Ft with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hu](https://www.desertcart.hu/products/306682185-imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist)

## 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

- • **Top-Ranked Inspiration:** Join thousands of artists worldwide who rate this book 4.8 stars and rank it among the best in fantasy art.
- • **Heritage Meets Innovation:** Inspired by the golden age of American illustration, blending tradition with visionary creativity.
- • **Tailored for Serious Artists:** Designed for painters who already draw well and crave to elevate their imaginative realism skills.
- • **Pro-Level Techniques Revealed:** From thumbnail sketches to finished masterpieces, learn the step-by-step process of a master illustrator.
- • **Unlock the Art of the Impossible:** Dive deep into painting what doesn’t exist with expert guidance from James Gurney.

## Overview

Imaginative Realism by James Gurney is a top-rated, professional-level art book that teaches painters how to create realistic depictions of imaginary scenes. Ranked #22 in Science Fiction & Fantasy Art and boasting a 4.8-star rating from over 2,000 reviews, it offers a detailed, stepwise approach inspired by classic American illustration, perfect for serious artists looking to push creative boundaries.

## Description

Buy Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist by Gurney, James online on desertcart.ae at best prices. ✓ Fast and free shipping ✓ free returns ✓ cash on delivery available on eligible purchase.

Review: 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: Gran libro teórico de arte

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #35,926 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #23 in Science Fiction & Fantasy Art #32 in Arts & Photography Study & Teaching #120 in Painting |
| Customer reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (2,033) |
| Dimensions  | 22.86 x 1.52 x 26.67 cm |
| Edition  | Illustrated |
| ISBN-10  | 0740785508 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-0740785504 |
| Item weight  | 1.05 Kilograms |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 224 pages |
| Publication date  | 29 October 2009 |
| Publisher  | Andrews McMeel Publishing |

## Images

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

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by L***O on 20 September 2025*

Gran libro teórico de arte

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by R***B on 22 July 2025*

Ein beeindruckendes Buch voller Wissen, Erfahrung und vor allem: fantastischer Illustrationen. James Gurney zeigt nicht nur Techniken, sondern auch Denkprozesse und Herangehensweisen, um Dinge zu malen, die es in der Realität nicht gibt – aber trotzdem glaubwürdig wirken. Das Buch richtet sich eher an fortgeschrittene Zeichner und Maler, die bereits ein solides Fundament mitbringen. Für Einsteiger kann es etwas überwältigend sein – aber alleine die Bilder und Skizzen sind schon eine große Inspiration. Eine deutschsprachige Version wär dann auch schön gewesen.

## 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

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.hu/products/306682185-imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist](https://www.desertcart.hu/products/306682185-imaginative-realism-how-to-paint-what-doesnt-exist)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Hungary*
*Store origin: HU*
*Last updated: 2026-02-21*