The first Iguana Bay sketchbook was published in 1996. The subjects included male and female figures, a wide variety of animals, centaurs, barbarians, and a number of fantasy character and creature designs for a gaming company. This 2003 book reproduces all of the original sketchbook drawings plus a new version of each drawing. On opposing pages, we see the original sketchbook drawings and Wendling's new, finished version of each drawing. It's like looking at the rough animation and the clean-up drawing each done by the same artist. Incredible.

Iguana Bay [1996]

This sketchbook, printed in 1996, sold out so quickly that it became legendary. For the first time ever, Claire Wendling displayed her character studies, her personal research, her doubts. Time passed. Harder to find than ever, Iguana Bay had become indispensable to all lovers of art.

Iguana Bay 2.0 [2003]

Seven years later. For every character study, sketch and drawing from the first edition, Claire has chosen to present a new, very personal version, revised and corrected in pencil, ink or pastel.

From the original sketchbook to the masterpiece of today, here is the graphic evolution of an illustrator working with complete freedom.