Description
The drawings selected for this volume represent some of the work I do from life. They were done solely for the pleasure of creative research and the visual expression of ideas.

In part, they owe their roots to the centuries old tradition of academic figure drawing. However, they are not a strict adherent of any school in particular. Instead, tradition is used as a point of departure.

Collector's Edition
For the collector's edition, I create an original drawing on the first or second page. An example of these drawings can be seen in the videos and photos underneath.

Drawings: Inspired by Life, Dorian Vallejo
Hardcover: 192 pages
Standard edition:   $40.00 FREE shipping

Collector's Edition: $400 FREE shipping  

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Customer Comments:         

Dear Dorian Vallejo,

Thanks so much for your inspiring book, which just landed on my doormat. But in particular, thank you for the beautiful original drawing you made inside the front cover - it's actually one of my favorite drawings in the whole book, so to have it as an original is an absolute honour! I really appreciate the effort you put into making that drawing.

I spent many years being trained by the animator/director Richard Williams (who created, among other things, the animation for the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which was my first professional job) and he constantly drummed into me the importance of life drawing and getting to grips with anatomy. In his opinion life drawing was the key to unlocking every style of animation we were asked to create, from animated woodcuts, to moving oil paintings, right through to the traditional 'Disney' cartoon style. I never got to grips with life drawing to the degree I feel I should have, and every so often I pick up a pencil and begin again... trying to get better. Your book has put the wind back in my sails and reminded me of the pleasure - or more accurately, the pleasurable struggle - of drawing from life.

Thanks so much. And in particular, thanks for that original ink drawing, which reminds me - in the best possible way - just how much more I have to learn.

Best wishes,

Neil 

Ordered this book right away, with the original sketch inside - Dorian, you have the gift my friend. What a special, special collection you have created with this - nicely done my friend. There is a certian easy, yet strong flow to your work. Your sense of light and shadow are spot on. Thank you for sharing this with us.
            - Mark

Dorian,

EEk! Received the book the day before my birthday - - so I held off for one day (self restraint, usually not my strong point) ;) You'd think I was a kid on Christmas morning. I mean, I knew I was getting the book, but the drawing inside was a surprise! You do not disappoint :) So much fun. The book itself is gorgeous - - full of lithe, dreamy, beautiful women, swimming across the page. I love it! 

Included it in a blog post and will be sharing on my social media. Thank you so much! 

blog : http://jodyvanb.blogspot.ca/2015/03/a-birthday-gift-to-myself-drawings.html

"Got your book Saturday, Dorian...fabulous!  It will be a treasured part of my art library.  Thank you, and best wishes for continued success."
            - Steven

Hello Dorian,
              I just got your book in the mail on Friday! I am so grateful for all your hard work. It is truly a beautiful collection of drawings. And I feel so lucky to have your original drawing in the front. It is gorgeous as well. My husband (also an artist) likens your drawings to Klimt. High praise in our home. I wish you much success with this and all your Art. Keep up the great work. I hope we will get a chance to meet in person some day. If you ever find yourself in NC, please let me know.
              Best,
              Alia

"I received your book today! it is "Magnificent". I love it. Thank you so much!!!!"
            -Sandra

Hey Dorian,
I'm finally sitting down to tell you all about my Father's Day gift. The week prior to that Sunday I had mentioned your book to my wife but wasn't sure if she would get one. I was also unsure if the time frame for the collectors edition had expired. Then a few days later I was glad to be instructed not to open any packages in the mail. So on Father's Day I opened my gift and was so excited to see not only the cover of your book but your signature as well. I quickly flipped the cover open to see the actual drawing you did on the first page. A beautiful drawing of a female standing with her head tilted downward and her hands playing with her long brown hair, with your name running through the hands like a Stradivarius. Now I not only own this incredible collection of drawings, but my copy is a one of a kind original! So thank you for taking the time to include this bonus drawing for me to enjoy.  This is obviously not something simply thrown together but instead a well thought out presentation of drawing that stand up individually and as a collective group. Works of art that both push the envelope of experimentation with mixed media yet embody the core foundations of classic realism.
I will keep this book safe and treasure it always!
Thank you, and congratulations!
- Scott

"Hi Dorian.
              I just got my book and was blown away by the drawing you made in the front... it's just fabulously expressive... and red!!! I really appreciate it .
              All the best,
              Tom

You approach your work with honesty, dedication, and love. Because of this, and your clear sense of direction, you must succeed. Congratulations on realizing each of these drawings, and the book to bring them all together. Much luck.
            -Allana

Hi Dorian,
              I just received your book and I just wanted to say it was worth the wait. The original drawing is a great treat but the drawingsinside are my true inspiration.
              Thank you for sharing your talent and creativiity with the world.
              Best regards,
              Peggi

Hi Dorian,
              I received your beautiful book in the mail yesterday.

It's spectacular and I feel so lucky to have one of your signed copies.

The layout is terrific. Very sensitive use of type and color.

The drawings are, of course, amazing too. Many of them have a Maxfield Parrish feel in terms of color style, yet in a more free-flowing 21st century way. These days I get very frustrated at all the Adobe Illustrator-generated vector graphics. There's simply nothing that compares with the personal touch of hand-drawn lines, shading, and use of color.

Once again, congratulations on such a major accomplishment.

Cheers,
              Charlotte

Hi Dorian,

I just received my collector's copy of "Drawings Inspired by Life" and it is gorgeous! Beautiful art and inspiring in its own right. Love the sketch. What medium is the girl's dress rendered in? I think my favorite drawing is on page 37. I see a mermaid when I look at it!
            -Rene

"Dorian;  Checked the mail very late tonight..(2:15AM here) and was very happy to find your beautiful book of drawings. Of course I'll be awake most of the night as I am spending time with each page.  Thank you!"
            -Michael

Dorian, Thank you. I recieved your beautiful book and with your original drawing inside. Just oneof my treasured possessions. You are a very inspirational & generous man . Thanks Sarah::))

Dorian,

I love your work,
              exquisite
              , expressive,
              all those languid bodies and beautiful models,  y
              ou capture them with your soul,
              and with the wonder that is there,
              there is
              great depth of presence,
              Bravo,
              bravisimo!
            -Linda

Simply amazing! I cant tell you how excited I was to finally get that book in my hands and the added surprise is wonderful! Thank you so much you sweet soul! Muah!!!
            - Stephanie

Dorian thank you for the inspiration you set for ME as an up and coming artist. It is the inspiration of knowing that I can create work that I love that hopefully will reach the outside art world. Although I am still a senior in college and working on my degree in fine art, seeing what you do and continue to do, gives me hope as an artist. I will be purchasing your book and hope to one day meet the man who put so much time and effort into it in order share his story with the world. Congratulations on your book and I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful paintings and drawings. Know that what you do makes a difference to someone like me. Thank you Dorian.
            - Lucero

The book has arrived! It's beautiful!
            -Joe

Great B/W photo of Liana and you in studio, and above all; your sincerity, "as an artist, there is an ever-increasing sensitivity to the world around us, and a desire to create work in a way that reflects that sensitivity" , "Quality=Interest"....
            -Kelly

Great book Dorian!! Thanks for the kind personal note! Can't decide whether to put it between my Dali and Sargeant books, or the Pontormo and Rembrandt. lol. I have some time to decide, it won't be in the bookcase for awhile yet. Very impressive my friend
            -Matthew

Dorian, I received my book today and it is absolutely beautiful! You are truly a wonderful and talented person. Thank you for the special note...
            Ann Marie

I'm ordering another book with a drawing for a friend today. He looked at mine and said he has to have one.
              - Scott

Dorian,
              I have been meaning to write you and thank you for the wonderful portrait you did of me in your book. I love the book and all of the drawings in it truly inspire me. It was so thoughtful of you to do something that personal for me and I am deeply touched by it. You are AWESOME!
              Thanks again,
              Kimberly

Beautiful book, and thanks so much for the kind words. I will promote it shamelessly on my sites.