Chronicle Books and Pixar have worked together for over a decade to deliver art books filled with gorgeous pre-production artwork created during the development of films from the animation powerhouse. Years are devoted to exploring ideas in art form at the studio, so getting a chance to take a peek at the behind-the-scenes process is often awe-inspiring. With Monsters University on deck for release this summer, that means another art book will be making its way to stores. Actually, The Art of Monsters University was recently listed for pre-order, giving us a look at the possible cover for the book. Take a look at it after the break!
UPDATE (2/28/13): A new cover has emerged, which you can view here.
Amazon has listed the book (via Big Screen Animation) using what may or may not be the final cover. Often times, the cover is changed before release, but last year The Art of Brave kept the cover we saw teased months before, so it is difficult to say if we are looking at the final cover now.
The book is to be written by Karen Paik, who previously authored The Art of Ratatouille and To Infinity and Beyond: The Story of Pixar Animation Studios. However, the words will likely take the proverbial backseat to the artwork here, as it should be – it is, after all, an art book. I will say, though, that one of my favorite books from Chorincle’s Pixar art book collection is The Art of Toy Story 3 and that is due to the detailed recounting of the film’s development and production by animation historian Charles Solomon.
This 172-page book will also include a forward by director Dan Scanlon and a foreword by John Lasseter and Monsters, Inc. director Pete Docter.
The Art of Monsters University is set for release just before the film arrives in theaters and should be available in stores in June. You can pre-order the hardcover book from Amazon now.