Book Review: Dragon's Dream: Roger Dean

Dragon's Dream also happens to be the first publishing company started by Roger Dean and his brother. But here, Dragon's Dream is his third long awaited art book, published in 2008, after the success of Views (1975) and Magnetic Storm (1984) which sold cumulatively more than a million copies.

This hardcover book collects paintings of his worlds, albums, logos, stage designs (for Yes)m architectural concepts and even some costume designs. Some of the paintings come with layout sketches.

Most unique about his art is probably the striking colours, when used on backgrounds creates this other-worldly feel on places he create. His logos are very elaborately and creatively designed, again with striking colour combination which might not appeal to everyone. If you've studied colour theory, some of his choices will leave you baffled like I did.

He seems to like the idea of floating island. From what I've read, it's a 30 year obsession. It's as a recurring theme in many of his paintings, with the first one appearing of the Fragile album for Yes in 1971. You'll see plenty of those in this book. They are very surreal and for the simpler pieces, zen-like.

There's also a section on architectural designs commissioned by individuals, companies and institutions. He has designs for parks, houses, hotels and even villages. There's a preference for curves as most of his designs have dome-like appearance to them — plenty of use of arcs and circles.

It's a pretty inspirational book for those who like his style, recommended more for sci-fi and fantasy artists.