Reviewed by Tea Tree Gully staff member Adrienne

I remember standing on grass surrounded by pelicans preening their feathers, while I tried to draw their beaks and feet for a biology assignment at university. My task would have been easier, had I been in possession of this excellent book. Capturing the Essence, Techniques for Bird Artists is worth reading if you are an artist, an art student or anybody who likes birds.

Capturing the Essence, Techniques for Bird Artists by William T. Cooper

Experienced bird artist William T. Cooper provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of birds. Do not be overawed if you are a beginner – he starts with the basics, then shows you how to fill in the finer details to create a realistic image and background. The author examines the different materials and tools you can use, considers artistic perspective and provides direction on how to sketch tame or wild birds, at the zoo or in the field.

Cooper’s book is filled with many beautiful colour and black and white illustrations of his work, which in some ways reminded me of the anatomical drawings and watercolours of Beatrix Potter. You can reserve Capturing the Essence, Techniques for Bird Artists online through the library’s online catalogue here