Men and Angels: The Art of James C. Christensen

by James C. Christensen, Kate Horowitz

A major retrospective from the master of fantasy fine art Artist James C. Christensen's keen observation of humanity and endless supply of imagination have made him one of the world's most beloved artists. From his childhood in Culver City, California, to his professional career at Brigham Young University, Christensen has cast his perceptive eye on the world, translating it into engaging and inventive art. Men and Angels is the definitive retrospective on Christensen, who was at the forefront of the resurgence of fantasy-as-fine-art just as Tolkien merged literature and fantasy.

At the height of reactionary pop art, in the 1960s Christensen's classically inspired art was considered a throwback, influenced as it was by such masters as Albrecht Dürer, John William Waterhouse, and Jan van Eyck. Although labeled a fantasy painter early in his career, Christensen grew to defy categorization with his astonishing range of subject matter and style.

The lively text conveys his contagious enthusiasm for art history and his understanding of the evolution of the human spirit through art. This masterly body of work, represented in more than 300 paintings, will be cherished by collectors, educators, and art lovers.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

About the author

James C. Christensen was an American artist of religious and fantasy art.

Reviews

[Maren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, another art book, I got two for Christmas! James C. Christensen is one of my absolute favorite artists. Not only is he enormously talented, but his paintings follow the tradition of Symbology, leading me to spend lots of time picking out and interpreting the story. It's especially fun to be reading it from his point of view, so that he can explain why there are so many fish hovering out of water...

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most amazing book by a most gifted and amazing artist. I have loved Christensen's artwork for years and thoroughly enjoyed reading every word written about the behind-the-scenes workings and his insights. If you are not familiar with James Christensen you must take a moment and look into his paintings!!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark gave me this book for my birthday. I've already spent hours looking at it and I'm only in chapter two. It's wonderful. The artist gives insights to his works in a clever and fascinating blurbs. I love it.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this art compilation is the artist's personal notes discussing most of his pieces in the book. Christensen's art is inspirational, funny and so symbolic of the foibles of life.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Christmas gift... Beautiful paintings, it makes me want to be an artist!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I haven't actually read the text in this book, but I have looked at all the art, and have some of these pieces hanging on my walls!

[Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the earlier days of my youth, I had stumbled upon this book, transfixed by its intriguing cover of the serene angelic figure, determined to look inside. From then on, I had believed this book to be something close to sacred, the way my mother had denied me the right to view its glorious paintings without her hovering close by, to make sure I didn't rip the pages or smudge them with dirty fingers. Even now, when I have been deemed responsible enough to stay home alone, hang out at Applebee's 'till 11:00 pm with over 20 crazed teenage girls and play with matches (unsupervised), I can never bring myself to touch the cover without checking for signs of my 3 year-old sister and scrubbing my hands raw.
Many years before this time, however, my mom had participated in the 2005-ish Festival of Trees, entering a James C. Christensen tree. I had no idea what an amazing artist he was, or even what anything beyond finger painting was, at the time, but her worthwhile attempt at creating a tactile manifestation of his works astounded me nonetheless. When I realized what my mom had recieved her inspiration from, I siezed upon Men and Angels with ferver and delight, hoping I would find more wonderful images in store for me.
It did not, in the slightest, disappoint me.
The breathtaking pictures, accompanied by insightful captions and comments, keep me entranced for great lengths of time, often leaving me in a better mood than I did before. The beauty and clever artistry is a heroic feat within the world of art--this anthology of visual fantasies is a gift for the eyes, its narrations, for the ears, its presence, for the heart.
I anxiously look foreword to recieving more of his collections.

[Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only were the pictures amazing and inspiring, not to mention fantastically detailed and rich in color and diverse in style, but his bits of writing throughout where he discusses his art and his feelings on art are truly inspirational as well. Christensen mentions that he wants to create thought-provoking pieces and carries out this task astoundingly well. After reading the first few pages of this book and you don't feel inspired to pick up your paint brush or sketch book and get going, then this probably isn't for you. Art-lovers rejoice--this book is incredible.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful coffee table book is filled with gorgeous art and detailed descriptions by artist James Christensen. I am especially enthralled with the title painting, and the fact that Christensen's art is easy to understand, yet still has a lot of hidden depth and creativity to it. I love his striking combination of fantasy, women and religion. A definite must-read for any Christensen fan.

[Scott]

One of my favorite contemporary artists.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, fun, quirky, meaningful, creative collection of art. I love the explantions given for each picture, how facinating! And the art is just wonderful. I love this book!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork, and fun to read through...

[Aunt_Cindy Wood Stott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this at the gallery and am reading it. I love it!

Great essays and photos of work by James Christensen. Essays discuss his processes.

[Mommy Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning, simply stunning. One of my most prized books.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this book special from the library (they didn't have it in my district), so I wouldn't have to buy it. Unfortunately, it is SO amazing, I'm going to HAVE to buy it.

[Jenclone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm having a hard time putting this down, even though I've devoured every inch of it. These paintings prod my imagination and calm my spirit.

[Don Gubler · Rating 4 out of 5]

What talent and imagination.