John Fleskes

A few months ago I came up with the idea of putting together a collection of four of the artists I regularly work with. I wanted to have something truly special for our summer convention appearances and also for our trip to the Stripfestival in Breda, Netherlands this September. I asked Gary Gianni, Petar Meseldžija, Mark Schultz and William Stout if they were all willing to be a part of this new book titled Flesk Prime. I was thrilled that they agreed. Then in February I was talking to Craig Elliott and I asked him if he wanted to join in as well, which he did. With five amazing artists on board I spent the last month putting this book together. I’m really excited about it.

This 64-page hardbound collection will only be available direct from Flesk. It will not be for sale in the book trade. We will debut the book at our Flesk booth at Comic-Con in San Diego this July where you can get it signed by Elliott, Gianni, Schultz and Stout. Then at the Stripfestival show in Breda, Gianni, Meseldžija, Schultz and Stout will all be making guest appearances to sign the book at our Flesk stand. These are going to be two very special events with four exceptional artists attending each.

I’ll get the full Flesk Prime book details and sample pages up on the Flesk Publications website soon. I’ll also have it available on our online store for pre-order next month.

For your viewing pleasure is the cover of the book above and promotional details below.

Flesk Prime serves as a fresh look into the imagery of five exceptional artists: Craig Elliott, Gary Gianni, Petar Meseldžija, Mark Schultz and William Stout. The essence of each craftsman is captured here to satisfy their fans as well as individuals who are enjoying their first glimpse. The section on each artist begins with an introduction and a biography written by Flesk publisher John Fleskes. The five were invited to handpick their pieces for inclusion, to showcase the best representation of their works. Furthermore, new quotes have been obtained to capture the artists’ own thoughts. Each chapter shows the dynamic range of styles and illustrations and the unique diversity of these five creators. Almost all of the artwork has been reproduced direct from the originals.

Elliott’s section contains an assortment of fine art, much of it centered on the female form. Also featured are editorial assignments and an enlightening look into the process behind one of his most recent paintings.

Gianni is represented by oil paintings, a pencil sketch, finished pen-and-ink drawings, comic book pages, a Sunday newspaper strip and book illustrations that span the last twenty years.

Meseldžija has provided a stunning array of graphite drawings and oil paintings completed within the last year, including private commissions and book illustrations. Giants, dragons, warriors and maidens are features of this fantastic voyage into his storytelling mind. Oil details show the brush strokes up close, for a view of his deftness.

Schultz offers previously unseen drawings from his personal blue-line sketchbook, plus pencil drawings and a pair of finished brush-and-ink comic book covers from his award-winning Xenozoic series. Heroic adventures, barbarians and fantasy-themed experimentations round out his section.

Stout shares many new and rare pieces. Oil paintings of a monster, zombie, prehistoric and dinosaur subjects are included. In addition, colored pen-and-ink drawings of record album and comic book covers are here.

Within the pages of Flesk Prime you will enjoy a dynamic range of colors, an exceptional quality of line, a bravura application of paint strokes on canvas, and a subtle balance of ink on paper—all represented through the masterful approach of these five highly trained and creative artists.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

Links:
Flesk Publications Online Store
Stripfestival Breda, 9-11 September 2011
San Diego Comic-Con International

My blog postings and website updates have been sparse lately. There’s a good reason behind it. I have been totally focused on wrapping up three books for the printer: Flesk Prime, Mysterious Islands by Gary Gianni and The Art of Craig Elliott. I’ll have full details on these, and the Bruce Timm book for this fall, posted very soon.

For now enjoy the unveiling of the front and back cover of Mysterious Islands designed by Jim Keegan. This 16-page chapbook will be in the same format as Mark Schultz: Blue Book. It will only be available through Flesk and Gary Gianni. Each copy is signed and it is limited to 1000 copies.

More details soon!

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications

Links:
Mark Schultz: Blue Book