Windows to Worlds: The Art of Devin Elle Kurtz

by Devin Elle Kurtz

Illustrator and concept artist Devin Elle Kurtz shares her journey, from childhood ambitions to be an artist and finding the best educational fit, to working in the industry as she continues to develop her craft. The Art of Devin Elle Kurtz bursts with the stunning color, light, and storytelling that Devin has mastered, using traditional and digital methods. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a young industry professional. Devin recalls navigating educational opportunities, looking for the combination of formal classes and personal study that suited her needs. Color and light play a huge part – whether she uses traditional or digital techniques – and specially commissioned tutorials give aspiring artists the chance to sample her methods while evolving their skills. Readers will also enjoy the intriguing subject of storytelling, as Devin explores the themes that feature the most in her own work, including where they originated from. These insights and reflections are not only fascinating, but also help readers unlock their own authentic storytelling potential. Devin has been handpicked to join the ranks of superstar artists who have produced their Art of… books with 3dtotal Publishing, creating the unique blend of advice, tutorials, inspiration, and galleries that we love to see.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Childrens

152 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2022

About the author

Devin Elle Kurtz lives in San Diego, California, with her dog, Kira, and her thirty-three houseplants. She’s been painting in Photoshop since the age of two when her artist mom first offered her a tablet pen. She was the lead background painter on the TV show “Disenchantment” at Rough Draft Studios from 2019-2021. The Bakery Dragon is her first picture book as an author-illustrator.

Reviews

[Roan Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning and one of my new favourite books! Bought the book as part of a kickstarter for the artist after being a fan for a couple years prior, and I'm so glad I did as the illustrations are completely breath taking and the book and writing itself amazing. So educational for those new and well practiced with digital art, (I'm still a newbie myself so got plenty to practice after reading this) while still being very personal to her and a way for her to tell her story, as an artist but also as someone with a chronic illness like myself. As a young artist with health issues myself seeing this book and all Kurtz has achieved really drives me on and inspires me to learn, from this book and on my own. So glad Kurtz finally has her own book out in the world and can't wait to revisit this book time after time in the years to come 🤞🤞

[Tilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

finns många bra tips och tricks samlade här. kommer definitivt gå tillbaka i den när jag ska måla nästa gång. också en bra källa för inspiration och motivation.

[AnneDrawsArt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. With insightful tutorials this book I know is helping me to grow as a young aspiring artist. This book also has helpful pages talking on how to stay aware of your mindset while learning, and staying mindful of negative self talk, and being kind to yourself.
This has helped me enormously, a huge thank you to this amazing artist.
Everyone go buy the book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, getting personal insight to the artist's life while also providing some great advice for artists. It's a must read if you love her art!

[Rescribo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Devin's work and plan to draw several studies from the beautiful art in these pages.

The comments in the closing pages were just so true, for so many of us in so many industries.

"One of the simplest ways I've aimed to do so is by sharing more about my chronic illness and the way it has impacted my life and career. It is only recently that I have felt secure enough, financially and mentally, to reckon with the pitfalls of broadcasting my unpredictable health on platforms potential employers and clients can access. I hope that doing so will allow other artists with chronic illnesses and disabilities to feel like there is someone like them out in the world. As a kid I never heard about artists with illnesses like mine finding success in the world. There are many people like me, whether they're able to be public about it or not, and I am hoping desperately for a better, kinder art industry in the future: one that is safer for everybody"

[Eliza Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing art book. Love everything of Devin Elle Kurtz. Her vulnerability and honesty about her journey through life, chronic illness, and artistry is inspiring. Her final note at the end of the book brought tears to my eyes and made me feel seen and heard as an artist.

"Although I still think I am quite young and certain of very little, I'm going to leave you with some parting advice. Be kind to yourself, and care about the people around you. Remember to take care of yourself, not just for the 'you' of today but for the 'you' of the future as well. Remember that your value as a person has nothing to do with your productivity, the work you do, or the things you make. You are valuable just for being. Remember that creating art is opening a window for the world to see inside your imagination; that alone is a worthy cause for creation." ~ Devin Elle Kurtz

[Katie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the best art books I’ve read (and I’ve read a lot!) Devin does an amazing job breaking down light, color and the tools she uses to create magical scenes through digital painting in Photoshop. You’ll be captivated by her colorful and magical works of art and inspired to take your own art in whole new directions.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing art book and also has excellent tips for color, composition, and technique. I learned a lot about painting while reading through it. Devin is really good at portraying light and composition in her work and this book breaks down her methods very clearly. Her art journey described in the book is also relatable yet inspiring. Recommend for all artists!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This probably took about 8 straight hours to read and it was such an enjoyable experience. The art is gorgeous and the text is a great balance of her life story and struggles, emotional lessons she’s learned as a chronically ill professional artist, and technique teaching. So glad I got this from the library and definitely can see myself checking it out again in the future.

[Anna Snader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devin Elle Kurtz single handedly convinced me that art has the power to change lives.

I’ve been following her art for two years now, and while her skill is astounding, it’s her storytelling, writing, and commitment to other artists that really stood out to me in this book.

[Bookish Ninjaaaaaa! · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT AN AMAZING BEAUTIFUL BOOK OF ART!!!!!!
So amazing! Love it! WOW! <3<3<3

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect balance of beautiful art, technical explanations and emotional appeal. Highly recommend for anyone who does digital art or just like looking at beautiful work.

[Unanchoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lloré en varias partes porque aunque sea un artbook la artista hizo reflexiones que me llegaron a lo más profundo.

[Allie Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning art! Devin goes into detail about her history and craft. If you’re interested in digital art, well worth it. It’s also worth a look at her instagram page for more wonderful art as well as regular behind-the-scenes and detailed processes.

TW:
Chronic illness (Devin describes dealing with her illness and does not shy away from its implications)
Death (as personified through art)

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with great information for artists. A bit more focus on digital media though. Beautiful art work by Devin.