1. Includes index.
   
2. Originally published : London : Cico Books, 2004.
   

Birds are inspirational subjects for any artist: the variety of shapes, colors, sizes, movements, and contexts means that anyone with an interest in drawing or painting from life will find birds challenging and deserving of their time. This book is written for a range of people---for beginners taking their first steps in a knotty subject, for more experienced artists wishing to tackle birds in flight, and for anyone who simply wants to see birds afresh. This book is published in association with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). As Europe's biggest wildlife conservation charity, with over 170 nature reserves, the RSPB brings the spectacular beauty of wild birds to millions of people. The business of conservation is often scientific and political---matters largely for the head. But birds enrich our lives in many ways. Drawing them is perfect for clearing the clutter of our daily lives, reconnecting with nature and reaffirming the purpose of nature conservation.

1. Includes index.
   
2. Originally published : London : Cico Books, 2004.
   

There's something compelling about the sight of a bird in nature ... it's a unique beauty that can't be improved upon. This guide will help you capture your subjects and their habitats realistically, in a variety of mediums. "I have always thought that as painters we are only limited by how much we can see", writes author Bart Rulon. And to help you make the most of your fieldwork, Rulon offers invaluable advice and instruction on sketching, photography and on-site painting. You'll also find a treasury of bird painting tips and techniques on such topics as building and using a "blind"; capturing feather textures and complex feather patterns; understanding bird anatomy, mechanics of the wing, how birds fly and grip a branch; painting nests and habitats; composing birds in groups; painting a bird's eyes; capturing the quality of light; and achieving color harmony in your paintings. Throughout, you'll be inspired by the work of some of America's top bird painters working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, colored pencil and mixed media. Nine step-by-step demonstrations show how artists bring a variety of subjects to life. In addition, you'll find ideas for using shadows, unusual poses, action, lighting and camouflage to create unique and interesting paintings ... scenes that convey a sense of true wonder at the beauty and drama of the moment.

Contains over 700 color photographs alongside complementary text coverage of all North American species of birds and classifications that enable the reader to become a master at the art of field identification. Habitat maps. Handy small format, perfect for tucking in a backpack.