Here's a look at some of the art books that are coming out in December. Seems that some of the publication dates I posted last month wasn't accurate so I'll leave them out this time.

If you're getting any art book not mentioned here, do post a comment and share with other readers what you're getting.

The Art of The Princess and the Frog
(Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

This book is already in stock and was out in late November. I hope John Lasseter's focus on story will do 2D animation some good.

Daily Zoo Year 2: Keeping the Doctor at Bay with a Drawing a Day (Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

I found out from Chris Ayer's blog that the book only went to print recently. And it sports a new cover. Hopefully, this time it will be out in December. Be sure to check out the first Daily Zoo.

Book description:

This Fall, The Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to its timeless art form of hand-drawn animation. From the creative minds of directors John Musker and Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid and Aladdin) comes an American fairy tale and musical set in the heart of New Orleans during the Jazz Age. This unforgettable tale of love, enchantment, and discovery features Tiana, a young girl with big dreams who is working hard to achieve them amid the elegance and grandeur of the fabled French Quarter. The Art of The Princess and the Frog showcases the lush concept art of this sure-to-be-classic movie, including sketches, character designs, lighting studies and storyboards, alongside inspiring quotes from the directors, producers, artists and designers, including veteran hand drawn animators that brought you many of Disney's most classic and unforgettable characters.

Animation (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)
(Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

The first archive series was Walt Disney Animation Studios The Archive Series: Story which was really huge.

Book description:

With an introduction by John Lasseter-and very little else in the way of words-this second book in The Artist Series lavishly showcases the most brilliant animation created by such luminaries as Ub Iwerks, Norm Ferguson, Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske, Dick Huemer, Grim Natwick, Art Babbitt, Fred Moore, Bill Tytla, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Milt Kahl, Marc Davis, John Lounsbery, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, Les Clark, Wolfgang Reitherman, John Sibley, Bill Justice, Clyde Geronimi, Ted Berman, Glen Keane, Andreas Deja, Eric Goldberg, Mark Henn and Tony Bancroft. The artwork-much of which has never before been published-offers the opportunity to marvel at the those magical lines of pencil that brought life to so many unforgettable Disney characters. Animation represents a rare opportunity to enjoy a glimpse into the truly spectacular trove of treasures from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library.

Visions of Never
(Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

You can check out some preview pages and writeup on ArtOrder, where I first found out about the book.

The Art of Brutal Legend
(Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

Insight Editions is publishing this. Hopefully, it's really coming out in December. It's really thick at 252 pages.

Book description:

Experience the amazing world of Brutal Legend, the highly anticipated videogame from developer Double Fine Productions and game publisher Electronic Arts. Jack Black stars as Eddie Riggs, the world’s greatest roadie, who must learn to command the power of rock to stop evil demons from enslaving humanity and to ascend to the legendary status of ROCK GOD! The Art of Brütal Legend is the lavishly produced collection of metal-themed concept art and behind-the-scenes features that provide an unprecedented look inside the game’s creative development and badass design. Script excerpts and exclusive fantasy lore make this lavish art book the ultimate showpiece for headbangers everywhere.

Complete Digital Painting Techniques
(Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

Another book on digital painting. I've also ordered Digital Painting Techniques (Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP), which is created by the same people who published Digital Art Masters.

Complete Digital Painting Techniques promises to be an invaluable tool for readers new to digital art creation technology, as well as those more experienced. Readers will learn how to simulate and replicate traditional art-creation techniques - from dry brush and wet-into-wet to crosshatching and graffiti - using digital applications. Featuring step-by-step instructions using popular programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter, this encyclopedia of techniques will be a bookshelf staple for designers, illustrators and fine artists alike.

Drawing Down the Moon: The Art of Charles Vess
(Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

Book description:

Verdant fairy forests. Whispering mountains. The fallen towers of ancient kings. Spirit-filled lakes. The distant strains of elven bards. For over thirty years, the fantasy art of Charles Vess has been acclaimed worldwide, his rich palette, striking compositions, and lavish detail second-to-none in the field. Vess has been the illustrator of choice for countless publishers and writers, and is perhaps best known for his collaborations with bestselling author Neil Gaiman, including the illustrated novel Stardust, whose major motion-picture adaptation from Paramount Pictures launched in Summer 2007.

The Art of Tim Burton

It's going to sell exclusively at select websites. Unfortunately for me, the shipping charge cost more than the book itself, so I'll have to give it a miss.

More information at steelespublishing.com, timburton.com and forbiddenplanet.com

Lost Worlds (Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

A book which I missed out last month. It's by John Howe and is already in stock.

Book description:

From the world of Aratta and Mohenjo-Daro to Atlantis and Camelot, this visually stunning book is a window with a view that takes readers on an historical, archaeological, and mythological journey through lost worlds, those abandoned in time, buried and forgotten, and the ones that live in the imagination. Attempting to put the most plausible pieces of history together, John Howe, concept artist for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, begins the journey that will move readers to explore these lost worlds even further.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence: From Stanley Kubrick to Steven Spielberg: The Vision Behind the Film (Amazon: US | CA | UK | FR | DE | JP)

This also came out in November. A book that's 8 years late. I'm a big fan of Spielberg and have already ordered this.

Book description:
"Reveals how the project originated and how it was brought to fruition through the efforts of two great movie directors. Film is the medium of the modern age, and in this spectacular, large-format publication, one of the pinnacles of contemporary moviemaking is celebrated. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) was a collaboration between two cinematic giants: Stanley Kubrick and Steven Spielberg. Here, the directors’ combined visions and sensibilities are presented along with the work of their remarkably talented colleagues—above all, Chris Baker, the film’s conceptual artist.

"At the heart of the book are Baker’s drawings, many never before seen. Commissioned by Kubrick and used in Spielberg’s eventual production designs, the drawings display Baker’s imagination and rare technical skill. Accompanying the drawings are extracts from Kubrick’s notebooks, stills from the finished film, and photographs of behind-the-scenes action, highlighting the use of pioneering special effects, animatronic work, and the “virtual studio.” 300 color, 100 b&w illustrations."