{"id":295508,"date":"2026-02-21T17:59:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T17:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/295508\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T17:59:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T17:59:14","slug":"this-artist-uses-a-painterly-look-to-create-epic-fantasy-scenes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/295508\/","title":{"rendered":"This artist uses a painterly look to create epic fantasy scenes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antonio Jos\u00e9 Manzanedo is a Spanish illustrator who specialises in dark, epic fantasy art. With a client list that includes Wizards of the Coast and Blizzard, he fuses the use of digital painting software <\/a>like Photoshop<\/a> with a classic, painterly aesthetic to craft brutal worlds and legendary creatures.<\/p>\n

Below, he talks us through his thinking behind four examples of his work. For more inspiration, see our features on other digital artists<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shatterfall<\/p>\n

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\"digital\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Antonio Jos\u00e9 Manzanedo)<\/p>\n

\u201cI used a high contrast of vibrant reds and cool tones to increase the dramatic tension. I chose a low angle and an exaggerated, contorted pose in order to capture the character\u2019s internal turmoil. The wings and broken feathers help me create movement and frame the composition.\u201d<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

Werewolf<\/p>\n

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\"digital\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Antonio Jos\u00e9 Manzanedo)<\/p>\n

\u201cA strong moonlight illuminates the werewolf. Something has caught his attention; he knows where his prey is and is about to strike. I used muted blue, violet, and green tones to create a cold, mysterious atmosphere. I love painting anthropomorphic beings, pushing their anatomy to the limit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keeper of Lost Souls<\/p>\n

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\"digital\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Antonio Jos\u00e9 Manzanedo)<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this piece, I used a desaturated and limited colour scheme to enhance the gloomy atmosphere. The silhouette of the massive raven and the rider act as the main focal point, while the graveyard setting adds weight to the narrative.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dragon Rider<\/p>\n

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\"digital\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Antonio Jos\u00e9 Manzanedo)<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen painting, I don\u2019t feel the obligation to define every detail. I prefer to detail only areas of interest while blurring others to guide the viewer\u2019s eye. This approach helps involve the viewers with the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

You can see more of Antonio’s work on his ArtStation profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sign up to Creative Bloq’s daily newsletter, which brings you the latest news and inspiration from the worlds of art, design and technology.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared in ImagineFX. Subscribe to ImagineFX<\/a> to never miss an issue. Print and digital subscriptions are available.<\/p>\n

Create your own digital art setup<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for tools for your own digital art, see our pick of the best drawing tablets<\/a> and the best laptops for drawing<\/a> or check below for deals on pen tablets and displays that we’ve reviewed on the site.<\/p>\n

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