On Oct. 15, Greenwich Workshop Press will publish "Men and Angels: The Art of James C. Christensen," a major retrospective from a master of fantasy fine art.

The first collection of Christensen's paintings in 15 years, this oversize book — 11 by 14 inches, with more than 300 color illustrations on 256 pages — features the artist's work from his experimental art in the 1970s to his award-winning paintings today.

Born in 1942 and raised in Culver City, Calif., Christensen studied painting at the University of California at Los Angeles and Brigham Young University, where he completed his graduate studies in art.

Influenced by such artists as Albrecht Durer, John William Waterhouse and Jan van Eyck, Christensen was labeled a "fantasy painter." However, he eventually defied the categorization due to his astonishing range, style and technical prowess.

The artist's work has appeared in myriad, prestigious publications and been exhibited around the world. His best-selling book, "The Art of James Christensen: A Journey of Imagination," has sold more than 60,000 copies worldwide. In addition to his original paintings, he also creates works in bronze.

Recently retired as full professor of art at BYU, Christensen lives with his family in Utah.