Guweiz: The Art Of Gu Zheng Wei (artbook review).

Gu Zheng Wei, also known as Guweiz, is a Singapore-born artist who likely chose his alternative name to stand out among the many people online with similar names. His artwork is more visible when you search online than his personal appearance.

This book, “Guweiz: The Art of Gu Zheng Wei,” covers his journey into art, which began not in school art class but later when he was inspired by a tutorial. After completing his first portrait, he received a small Wacom tablet and transitioned to digital art.

The book showcases Guweiz’s early work, created using Photoshop, though he admits he doesn’t utilize all the software’s features. He emphasizes the importance of learning the basics of art and figure drawing. Personally, I was fortunate to have a great art teacher at school, but I also learned a lot through independent practice and studying Andrew Loomis’s books.

Guweiz’s art stands out due to his reliance on muted colors, using only a splash of bright color to draw the eye. This offers valuable lessons for digital artists, showing that it isn’t necessary to use the brightest colors, but rather to build up tones that suit the environment being depicted. It’s worth noting that not all the work in this book looks like the cover, but he does achieve respectable skin tones. Once familiar with his style, it’s easy to recognize Guweiz’s art.

While Guweiz has carved out a unique niche, I believe it might benefit him to occasionally step out of his comfort zone and explore different styles. Nevertheless, if you appreciate art or are looking to learn new techniques, this book offers plenty to learn from.

GF Willmetts

April 2023

(pub: 3DtotalPublishing, 2020. 149 page illustrated large hardback. Price: I pulled my copy for about £18.00 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-912843-16-9)

check out website: www.3dtotalpublishing.com