Oga Kazuo Animation Studio Ghibli Artworks 2 Japan Edition Paperback – December 1, 2022

OMG! What words of praise haven't been used for the works of Kazuo Oga?? Even Disney's artists at their very best never did backgrounds like these. Lush, beautiful and so masterfully rendered, it seems unreal for an artist of such amazing talent to be doing background images for animated feature films. But Hayao Miyazaki was never one to stint when it came to the emotional beauty of his films, and Oga's works bring so much of that to the table. Fields of flowers, a moody mountainside, an aged aircraft hangar, a gigantic insectoid creature placidly grazing in a field of fungiforms, a immense forest creature whose home is portrayed is an ancient hollow camphor tree, alive with fluttering butterflies, and sparkling dew on emerald leaves, a forgotten shrine at the side of the road, with stone Jizo statues in faded red scarves, all done with unparalleled perfection by a man whose backgrounds (backgrounds of animation in Japan usually sell for a fraction of their cost) have been properly displayed in a gallery showing, which more than befits the quality of the work.This is one of two Oga books I know of, and both make me wish, wish, wish, that I could read Japanese, since they include tutorial sections describing all the tools used and the techniques Oga employs. His obvious appreciation for the beauty of nature in intricate detail comes forth in drawings and paintings that show his ability to capture the vital essence of rural and fantasy landscapes. Even though I can't read them, I purchased them both simply to remind me that the ability to draw the environment is every bit as important as being able to depict the characters, something I've been quite weak on, myself. With a book like this, one would certainly be inspired to go the extra mile for each plant and rock and murmuring stream.A friend once said that calmness of the spirit can be found in four things, pick any three: Hills, water, trees, and rocks. Any three of those together can provide solace. Find all four, and you will have found heaven. I found all four within the pages of this book, and when I need a respite from stress, paging through the images of these beautiful paintings makes me feel renewed and ready to pick up my own brushes and pens again. I will never be as good, I don't think, but I will always be a fan of Oga's work.

This is a great reference for those who enjoy this particular type of art. It is in Japanese but I bought it for the illustrations so for me it was well worth it. They are beautiful.

The media could not be loaded. Such beautiful details and colors! Gorgeous book and tips on brushes used. Definitely a beautiful book to flip through and look at every painting and strokes & textures!

This book is by far one of the most beautiful books I've ever owned. As an aspiring illustrator,this book helps you realize how vital and alive a lush green environment can be to a the story you are trying to materialize. If you're looking for inspiration for background art,this is not the book to be on the fence about,It's must have!

Studio Ghibli produces the best anime, and this book is full of beautiful reproductions of the art beyond the films. The book is a magnificent production for any lover of Japanese Anime.

Beautiful book! I bought this for my daughter for Christmas as she is a big fan of all things Ghibli. The printing is exemplary and - while I don't read Japanese - the pictures are beautiful and really give a sense of the filmmakers' art.

The pictures are awesome...but do be aware that the text is 100% Japanese. (I am still looking for someone local to read it to me!) but it doesn't stop me from losing myself in Oga's work. He is a premier background artist who helped make 'My neighbor Totoro' the awesome movie it is.

Todo ok