T H E · A R T · O F · F A N T A S Y

What is fantasy art?

The word “fantasy” means unrestrained imagination and fancy (from the Greek phantasia imagination, perception, appearance). Fantasy art can appear in many forms—limited only by the imagination. Whether it’s sword wielding barbarians, mice that dance and talk, fairies, elves or angels, fantasy art is all around us. It has a long history, from Classical Greek and Roman times, through the Renaissance and up through the present day. Fantasy paintings have always been recognized as fine art. In fantasy art you might find humor, romanticism, adventure, terror, insight or inspiration, but you will always find imagination!

Fantasy for children and adults!

Most of us have grown up with fantasy art and literature--from Mother Goose to Walt Disney--but it’s definitely not a realm limited to children. A child easily enjoys fantasy, but often one understands and appreciates these works a great deal more in the light of life experience. Fantasy can simply entertain and refresh, but filled with metaphor and often satire, it can also enlighten, or poke fun. It can transport us to strange new realms, and in doing so perhaps alter the way we look at our lives. To adults, fantasy offers new ways to explore concepts, and experiences common to, but separate from real life, and perhaps get a greater appreciation thereof. In opening our minds to a fantasy, we don’t necessarily escape from reality, but learn to view it in a new light. It can startle us or make us laugh. Scare us or inspire us. Many times in examining fantasy, we can learn something new about ourselves and our fellowman.

How do we define Fantasy Art?

We offer many examples of pure fantasy from artists like James Christensen, Scott Gustafson, and Tom Cross. You’ll find elements of fantasy in many of our Western and other artists, such as Bev Doolittle, Arnold Friberg, and Thomas Kinkade. Rather than limit the definition of fantasy art we preferred to broaden it, and urge you to look for the fantasy and magic that exists in many forms all around us.

Dave Joseph, Founder
B & R Gallery


Disclaimer: Our use of an image of Santa Claus in association with an article on “fantasy art” does not in any way imply that we do not believe in Santa Claus, or that we consider him purely imaginary or unreal. Fantasy involves the different forms in which Santa is portrayed. The same would apply to elves, angels, unicorns, etc.

The prints and sculptures below, and many others from various artists are available now from B & R:

James Christensen

Olde World Santa

(scuplture--detail)

Santa's Other Helpers

(print--detail)

Walt Disney Classics Collection
(from "Beauty and the Beast")

Belle and the Beast (scuplture--detail)

"Tale as Old as Time"
(full set consists of six individual pieces)

Bev Doolittle

Music in the Wind

(print--detail)

Tom Cross

Two Fish Upon a Star

(print--detail)