This a bit of a different nomination for a book of the month read. I’ve been a fan of Syd Mead’s work since I first picked up a ball point pen to sketch back in college while getting my ID degree. He is probably one of the most greatest influences on Sci-Fi (TV, movies, and games) that most fans have never head of. His visual designs include the worlds of TRON, Blade Runner, Mission to Mars, Johnny Mnemonic, Aliens, Strange Days, Space Cruiser Yamato, Mobile Suit Gundam, Star Trek, The Island, and our personal favorite, Battlestar Galactica. His influence can be seen on countless other films, products, toys, and cars.
He is a master sketch artist. His line work is and form development is just so intuitive, it is awe-inspiring. His gouache paintings are so skillful that they look like, well not like paintings. I was lucky enough to buy several of his books when they were still in print. If you have the opportunity to pick one up, go for it cause you may not see another.