Nature in the arts Books

Book SynopsisHighly illustrated, full colour book showcasing what is unique about the North Coast 500. Striking images and descriptive text of the best places to visit are shown along with a simple route map showing locations.100 of the best places to stop on route including; Beaches and bays; Sandwood Bay to Red Point Beach Engineering and architecture; Caledonian Canal to Noss Head Lighthouse Historic sites; Culloden battlefield to Dunrobin Castle Off the beaten track; Cape Wrath to Traligill Caves Urban areas: Ullapool to John o' Groats Wildlife and nature: Dunnet Head to SuilvenA book to help plan your trip around the dramatic North Scotland. An indication of how long to spend at each place is given along with full description and photograph.

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Book Synopsis"This new book is wonderful and hits new levels of getting playful with creativity... The book gets you to explore and play with colour and make 'happy mistakes'. Not in the least intimidating to someone who is just starting out... The book has a non-judgemental and encouraging tone all the way. Colourful, fun, creative. I adore it." – Susie Pearl, Author of The Art of CreativityIn 365 Days of Art in Nature, Lorna Scobie, invites the reader to take a closer look at the natural world – whether that’s outside on location, or inside their own home – reminding us all that regardless of whether we live in the city or the countryside, wildlife is just on our doorstep.Observe the slow, constant pace of the nature that surrounds you every day, and use it to inspire you in your art and creativity. Activities may include visiting a particular tree, four times in the year and drawing it. How has it changed? Study the colours you find in autumn leaves. Explore drawing them in different materials.Featuring nature-inspired quotes, breakaway activities to get you outdoors and plenty of supportive prompts and tips, this book will spark your imagination and help you to open your eyes and appreciate the natural beauty in our world.Discover all the books in the 365 Days of Art series: 365 Days of Art, 365 Days of Art in Nature, 365 Days of Creativity, 365 Days of Drawing.

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Book SynopsisSunflowers, roses, succulents, ferns, wildflowers — this rich bouquet of postcards features one hundred botanical postcards from ten celebrated artists from around the world. The colorful cards, in our popular postcard box format, are ideal for correspondence or display. A booklet about the artists highlights their creative processes, influences, and favorite houseplants.

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Book SynopsisWhether you need to draw a cat, a flying squirrel, or a sea horse, How to Draw Almost Every Animal is your ultimate go-to guide! Not sure how to start your drawing of a flamingo or slippery slug? Boggled by how to draw an antelope, an armadillo, or a cheetah? How to Draw Almost Every Animal is here to help! Need to draw a hippopotamus? A lazy, brown dog? A quick, red fox? Then this collection of over 75 adorable animals to draw and doodle is just the book for you! This teaching tool does more than just show you completed pictures of the animals. Each illustration is broken down with step-by-step diagrams and helpful tips to truly teach you how to draw. Plus, we’ve included extra images to teach you how to draw animals relaxing in their natural habitats and on the move. A helpful how-to section includes valuable coloring tips and techniques for mastering fur and feather, spots, stripes, scales, spines, and everything else animals are covered in. Each book in the Almost Everything series offers readers a fun, comprehensive, and charmingly illustrated visual directory of ideas to inspire skill building in their creative endeavors.

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Book Synopsis**Winner of the American Horticultural Society Book Award**Japanese gardens are rooted in two traditions: an ancient one in which patches of graveled forest or pebbled beach were dedicated to nature spirits, and a tradition from China and Korea that included elements such as ponds, streams, waterfalls, rock compositions, and a variety of vegetation. This book traces the development and blending of these two traditions, while also providing insight into modern Japanese gardening trends. The Art of the Japanese Garden is a comprehensive collection of the most notable gardens in Japan—including graveled courtyards, early aristocratic villas, palace gardens, esoteric and paradise gardens, Zen gardens, warrior gardens, tea gardens, and stroll gardens. With an impressive amount of new content, including more than 30 images, this updated edition offers inspiring ideas for your own trip to Japan. If you're just dreaming of traveling to Japan, there is also a section on Japanese gardens in other countries—get a taste of Japanese culture and tradition closer to home. Japanese gardening has reached new heights of sophistication, and serves as garden design and landscaping inspiration all over the world. The Art of the Japanese Garden introduces readers to the history, culture, and design behind these large-scale works of art.Trade Review"This book is so roundly written that it could, if necessary, serve as the only book one had to introduce and explain to Westerners the basic components of Japanese gardens." --The American Gardener"A well-written and beautifully illustrated reference book intended for a broad audience. It is a great book for becoming acquainted with the topic of Japanese gardens." --Landscape Architecture"Steve Jobs described Kyoto's Japanese gardens as 'the most sublime thing I've ever seen.' The splendid color photos that adorn every page of this book offer convincing support for that claim…However, The Art of the Japanese Garden is no mere coffee table tome. Authors David and Michiko Young delve deeply into the development of Japanese gardens over the centuries…Newcomers will find this book to be an ideal introduction and even veteran garden-goers will find it helps them approach familiar gardens with renewed enthusiasm and insight." --The Japan Times

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Book SynopsisA Dog A Day began life with a Facebook post in 2013: 'My name is Sally Muir and this is a new gallery where I will add a dog drawing/painting every day, adding up to a massive 365 day dogfest.' As the Facebook page grew in popularity, so did Sally's dog portraits, leading to commissions, exhibitions at prominent galleries, and dog sketching events at venues including Anthropologie – who went on to commission an incredibly successful collection of dog-a-day crockery and textile-based household accessories. Drawing on artworks from the site, A Dog A Day is a lovingly curated collection and celebration of dogs. Containing 365 beautiful artworks of dogs of all shapes and sizes (big, small, pedigree, cross breed), the book includes a range of exciting mediums from loosely worked sketches, lithographs and potato prints to finished oil paintings. Delightfully packaged, this is the perfect gift for all dog lovers.Trade Review'Muir’s dog portraiture ... demonstrates the artist’s technical range and her keen understanding of essential doggishness. ... Muir’s mastery of the expressive capacity of the canine eye in particular makes these paintings live and pant.' -- Claudia Massie * The Spectator *

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Book SynopsisErnst Haeckel (1834–1919) was a German-born biologist, naturalist, evolutionist, artist, philosopher, and doctor who spent his life researching flora and fauna from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean. A vociferous supporter and developer of Darwin’s theories of evolution, he denounced religious dogma, authored philosophical treatises, gained a doctorate in zoology, and coined scientific terms which have passed into common usage, including ecology, phylum, and stem cell. At the heart of Haeckel’s colossal legacy was the motivation not only to discover but also to explain. To do this, he created hundreds of detailed drawings, watercolors, and sketches of his findings which he published in successive volumes, including several marine organism collections and the majestic Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms in Nature), which could serve as the cornerstone of Haeckel’s entire life project. Like a meticulous visual encyclopedia of living things, Haeckel’s work was as remarkable for its graphic precision and meticulous shading as for its understanding of organic evolution. From bats to the box jellyfish, lizards to lichen, and spider legs to sea anemones, Haeckel emphasized the essential symmetries and order of nature, and found biological beauty in even the most unlikely of creatures. In this book, we celebrate the scientific, artistic, and environmental importance of Haeckel’s work, with a collection of 300 of his finest prints from several of his most important tomes, including Die Radiolarien, Monographie der Medusen, Die Kalkschwämme, and Kunstformen der Natur. At a time when biodiversity is increasingly threatened by human activities, the book is at once a visual masterwork, an underwater exploration, and a vivid reminder of the precious variety of life.Trade Review“…as energetic and colorful as Haeckel’s life. It’s scientific eye candy that feels as fresh as Haeckel’s groundbreaking biological art must have seemed more than a century ago.” * The Washington Post *“A dazzling graphic work... One is left astounded by these mesmerizing wonders.” * Le Monde *

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Book SynopsisBeth Moon''s fourteen-year quest to photograph ancient trees has taken her across the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Some of her subjects grow in isolation, on remote mountainsides, private estates, or nature preserves; others maintain a proud, though often precarious, existence in the midst of civilization. All, however, share a mysterious beauty perfected by age and the power to connect us to a sense of time and nature much greater than ourselves. It is this beauty, and this power, that Moon captures in her remarkable photographs.This handsome volume presents nearly seventy of Moon''s finest tree portraits as full-page duotone plates. The pictured trees include the tangled, hollow-trunked yews - some more than a thousand years old - that grow in English churchyards; the baobabs of Madagascar, called ''upside-down trees'' because of the curious disproportion of their giant trunks and modest branches; and the fantastical dragon''s-blood trees, red-sapped and umbrella-shaped, that grow only on the island of Socotra, off the Horn of Africa.Moon''s narrative captions describe the natural and cultural history of each individual tree, while Todd Forrest, vice president for horticulture and living collections at The New York Botanical Garden, provides a concise introduction to the biology and preservation of ancient trees. An essay by the critic Steven Brown defines Moon''s unique place in a tradition of tree photography extending from William Henry Fox Talbot to Sally Mann, and explores the challenges and potential of the tree as a subject for art.Trade Review“Beth Moon’s stunning images capture the power and mystery of the world’s remaining ancient trees… Beth’s portraits will surely inspire many to help those working to save these magnificent trees.” - Dr. Jane Goodall“Moon wields time as a tool. She typically photographs a tree over many sessions, ideally over several days... The platinum lends a luminous quality to the leaves—an echo of their function, to eat sunlight—and a leaden, indestructible weight to the trunks.” - Robert Moor, Sierra“Showcases towering redwoods, broccoli-shaped baobabs and gnarled trunks growing out of ancient temples.” - The Wall Street Journal“Ancient Trees: Portraits of Time is well named. One cannot look at Beth Moon's images of gnarled, overgrown trees and not feel the intrinsic gravity of time.” - Printers Row Journal, Chicago Tribune“In our age of mass species extinctions, we never know from where, if anywhere, consolation may come. Try looking at Beth Moon's new book, Ancient Trees: Portraits of Time.” - San Francisco Chronicle“Full of strangest and most magnificent trees ever.” - The Telegraph“[Moon] creates magical images that in their blacks and whites, silvers and grays, capture the marvel of arboreal forms and textures… [a] jewel of a book.” - Booklist, Starred Review“Trees are notoriously hard to photograph, but Moon captures their individuality with reverent portrayal. . . these are lavish, awe-inspiring pictures. . . Crossing with ease between realms of natural history and art, this will appeal to all with even the mildest horticultural or photographic interests.” - Library Journal“A project with weight and lasting beauty. . . Ancient Trees provides the kind of thorough and thoughtful portrait that each of these majestic long-lived survivors deserves.” - Christian Science MonitorBeth Moon will be in the upcoming HBO documentary "Trees & Other Entanglements" which premieres on 12/12/23 in the USA. - HBO on YouTube trailerTable of ContentsIntroduction Beth Moon 7 Adapted to Endure: The Form and Function of Ancient Trees Todd Forrest 9 Plates Great Britain 17 United States 42 Israel 54 Socotra 56 Southern Africa 63 Cambodia 76 Captions 80 Eternity in Present Tense: Beth Moon and the Art of the Tree Steven Brown 97 Acknowledgements 101 Index of Trees 103

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Book SynopsisAustrian artist Waltraud Nawratil shows you how to combine a love for nature with a passion for expressive painting. It is divided into helpful sections to teach the reader how to use acrylics, watercolours or airbrushing, as well as natural materials such as sand, bark and leaves, to create captivating pictures full of colour and vitality. There is a wealth of stunning abstract pieces by Waltraud which will provide inspiration for more experience painters as well as the beginner. The book covers the variations through all seasons, teaching the reader to see the natural world with creativity and a fresh new perspective.Trade ReviewThis straightforward and easy-to-follow guide starts by keeping one foot firmly rooted in reality - you'll never be in doubt about what you're looking at. It also provides the tools - including 22 individual projects - to truly create some beautiful abstract work. -- The SAA * The SAA Catalogue 19/20 *This is not a new book. In fact, it has been reprinted for the second time. I’m including it because such a lot of people on my Multi-coloured WOW Course have been enjoying the painty parts of the course and I think they’d enjoy this book. Many of the projects in this book work on stretcher frames which can be stitched if the surface is not too thickly encrusted. Also, the multimedia approach lends itself to textiles as well as art-based projects. After a brief dash through inspiration, we arrive at the heart of the book. This comprises step-by-step instructions for completing a series of paintings based on multi-media techniques such as sand, paste, the use of natural materials and much more. Nature provides inspiration and the sections are divided into seasons. It does make you itch to have a go. * Workshop on the Web *Feb 2017 This book (translated from German) that demands a one word summing up and the word that comes to mind is visceral. You may also feel that it shouts at you. Both the content and the presentation are so bright and ther is a constant sensation that you (or it) are standing too close, that a step back might allow you to take in the bigger picture. Take time to get used to this, you'll find a novel and interesting approach. The cover blurb refers to '22 stunning projects' and they're certainly stunning. Using the seasons provides a neat frame work and a narrative, though, and Waltraud's style is more interprative than full on abstraction, providing an easier way in. This won't be for everyone, but does make you think. * The Artist *Inside this book is a liberating, freer approach to depicting nature that draws upon abstract styles and makes use of a lot more than just paint. Using acrylics, watercolors and mixed media the artist shows you how to produce bold, imaginative work that brings the natural world to vibrant life. This is not a book aimed at the beginning artist but to those with experience who want to try something fresh and new. The artist uses a wide variety of materials beyond just the standard paints and brushes including stencils, pressed bark and found objects. Not only acrylics and watercolors are used either; airbrush paints, marble powder, pastes, binders and more are made use of so anybody attempting this type of work might be advised to stock up on more than just the basics. Following on from this is a section on using the various media with plenty of examples and inspiration. The rest of the book contains twenty-two projects, not the usual Search Press type with lots of photographic stages but briefer. These are organized in seasons, with each project covering two pages. There is a page-sized photograph of the finished piece plus a list of what you need and step by step instructions in five to six written stages. Subjects include flowers such as dandelions, ferns, daisies, poppies (several of these), trees, a pond, meadow scene and more. Describing them as abstract stretches the term somewhat as it is easy to see what the paintings depict; rather they are a freer, looser style which gives a vigorous outdoor appearance suitable to the subjects. At the back is a gallery where the author suggests people utilise the pictures as inspiration for their own, concluding a refreshingly different approach to painting nature. * myshelf.com *Dec 16 Abstract Nature by Austrian artist Waltraud Nawratil looks at how to paint the natural world with acrylics, watercolour and mixed media. But rather than simply painting what she sees, Waltraud show us how to capture emotion you feel when looking at a particular scene and translate it into paint. Painting techniques and media are clearly explained before moving on to finding inspiration in the natural world throughout the year, and through the seasons with flowers and trees. The book includes step-by-step demonstrations and plenty of practical advice on abstracting the essence of what you see in the world around you. * The Leisure Painter *If you’re interested in abstraction but unsure of where and how to get started, this is a very good jumping-off point. Each demonstration occupies only 2 or 4 pages and is very straightforward, with a finished result, an enlarged detail, a materials list and a short series of simple steps. There is guidance in the introductory section on basic techniques and what to look for. In truth, this isn’t pure abstraction, and every example is easily recognisable. Rather, it’s more an exploration of the limits of representation, and it’s none the worse for that. Abstraction itself is the culmination of a journey of which this is a part and you should be able to take further steps yourself once you’ve mastered the basic * www.artbookreview.net *The Austrian artist Waltraut Nawratil wants to paint pictures that radiate happiness and are able to transmit the happiness to the observer. In her colourful motifs she combines the softness of watercolour with the strength and dynamism of acrylic painting. In this book you will see the seasonal changes in plants like flowers and trees over the course of a year. In the first chapter Waltraud Nawratil tells something about the materials and tools she uses. For her mixed media technique, she needs brushes as well as unusual things like spatulas, roller and palette knifes. She prefers a mixture of acrylic paints, spray varnish, aquarelle watercolours and airbrush paints. Additional materials like marble powder, paste, acrylic binder, pressed bark or leaves and stencils are other important elements of her pictures. The following chapter gives an overview of the preferred painting techniques and of a lot of examples. Valuable tips from her art studio help to avoid mistakes and give you interesting suggestions for image correction that are easily done with acryl paint. The author searches and finds inspiration in nature. When a painter runs out of ideas he should walk amongst nature. The variety of colours and motifs inspires everyone. Every season has its own flowers and trees. The next section follows the course of the seasons and shows the differences in the motifs and the chosen colours. The chapter "Spring" starts painting with six examples step by step. A full page illustration and a detailed view assist a detailed text description, that also contains a detailed list of materials colours and tools. There are examples for every taste (Flowering dandelion, poppy and wild cumin, ox-eye daisy, birch trees in spring, spring mood in the forest) The other season are discussed equally detailed. The in the beginning shown true-to-nature examples get with new variations progressively more abstracted. At that the artist’s experiments with different passepartouts, which she sprinkles with sand. In the final chapter Waltraud Nawratil shows us a gallery of a few examples of nature in different variations. Conclusion: Abstract Nature is intended for advanced painters, who search ideas and inspiration for their own interpretations of nature studies with the mixed media technic. Not the exact step by step drawing is important, but the reading of informative texts, the observation of expressive, colorful pictures by W. Nawratil and of course the development of a personal abstract style. http://kreativreview.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/abstract-nature-by-waltraud-nawratil.html * Kreative Review *Beautifully presented book, well laid out and with beautiful illustrations. Not as 'abstract' as I thought, more like the mixed media work I teach, but a great book for all that and full of ideas which my (adult) students will find inspirational and one or two ideas of techniques which I've been reminded of myself. Plenty of information and close ups of paintings so you have all you need to try the techniques without it being too didactic. The book is particularly good for those who like to work with acrylic, a book full of colour and covers materials, painting techniques and sources of inspiration as well as showing paintings throughout the seasons. * Sonia Hawes *With its compact format, stunning paintings and individual style, this book should appeal to any lover of painting nature. The book is split into Materials, Techniques, Inspiration, and Seasonal Paintings with loose step by step instructions and tips. The paintings are vivid depictions of trees and flowers with energising brushstrokes. The artist uses acrylic, watercolour, airbrush paints and spray varnish as well as a number of modifiers and additions such as powders and pastes. She discusses her techniques, amply illustrated with examples of work. The subject matter is the natural world. Leaves are attached to the canvas and painted over, delineated whilst backgrounds form an almost uniform haze so as not to detract. She adds texture with sand, bark, tissue or paste. Alternatively, leaves are used for printing. It is an interesting book with unusual depictions of flowers and landscape scenes. As abstract work goes, the subject matter is actually easily distinguishable, an interesting textured style. * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials and tools 8 Your painting surface 10 Painting tools and accessories 11 Paints 12 Additional materials 14 PAINTING TECHNIQUES 16 Using mixed media 18 Watercolour painting style 19 Using a spatula 20 Collages and structures 21  Applying plant materials directly  21  Stamp-printing with natural materials  22  Working with paste  24  Experimental techniques  26  Working with spray varnish  28 INSPIRATION 30 SOURCES OF INSPIRATION 32 INSPIRATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 34  Flowers  34  Trees  36   In spring 36   In summer 38   In autumn 39   In winter 40 THROUGH THE SEASONS WITH FLOWERS AND TREES   42 Spring 44 Flowering Dandelion 46 Poppy and Wild Cumin 48 Ox-eye Daisy 50 Birch Trees in Spring 52 Spring Mood in the Forest 54 Spring Breeze in the Trees 56 Summer 58 Flowering Suns 60 The Meadow 62 Lily Pond 64 Large Poppies 66 Poppy and Fern 68 Sunny Forest with Fern 70 Summer Tree 72 Autumn 74 Autumn Poppy 76 Abstract Autumn Tree 78 Fiery Autumn Forest 82 Autumn in the Birch Forest 84 Winter 86 Abstract Poppy 88 Poinsettias 90 Winter Abstract 92 Virginia Creeper in Winter 94 Virginia Creeper in a Grey Frame 96 GALLERY AND CLOSING WORDS 100 About the author 110

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Book SynopsisThe first-ever comprehensive book devoted to helping educators use nature journaling as an inspiring teaching tool to engage young people with wild places.In their workshops, John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren are often asked the how-tos of teaching nature journaling: how to manage student groups in the outdoors, teach drawing skills (especially from those who profess to have none), connect journaling to educational standards, and incorporate journaling into longer lessons. This book, expanding on the philosophy and methods of The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling puts together curriculum plans, advice, and in-the-field experience so that educators of all stripes can leap into journaling with their students. The approaches are designed to work in a range of ecosystems and settings, and are suitable for classroom teachers, outdoor educators, camp counselors, and homeschooling parents.Full-color illustrations and sample journal pages from notable naturalists show how to put each lesson into practice. Field-tested by over a hundred educators, this book includes dozens of activities that easily support the Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards—and, just as important, it will show kids and mentors alike how to recognize the wonder and intrigue in their midst.Trade Review“From the beginning of time, we have been connected to nature, but for the first time in history, that connection threatens to be broken for most of an entire generation and perhaps generations to come. In this book and this work, I find hope. Laws and Lygren have created a powerful and practical resource for teachers to help children and adults discover, explore, love, and protect the natural world around them. Nature is magic, and everyone needs it.”—Robert Bateman, artist and naturalist“Engaging students in learning about nature is a compelling need in these turbulent times. Just as important is communicating clearly, precisely, and truthfully. Naturalists and educators John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren help teachers achieve these goals with How to Teach Nature Journaling. This is a wonderful response to educators' request for meaningful ways to implement contemporary standards. The book is useful, full of activities, and manageable for classroom teachers.”—Rodger W. Bybee, Executive Director, BSCS Science Learning (Retired)“Imagine if every teacher taught nature journaling, every student spent enough time outside to fill a journal each year, and our kids were becoming writers, artists, and scientists all at once. I’d send my kid to that school. Thanks to Emilie Lygren and Jack Laws, we now have the vision and the tools to make this our reality.”—Craig Strang, Associate Director of Lawrence Hall of Science“The writing, the illustrations, the demonstration of an intentional, informative, and wonderfully educational approach to nature journal writing—it's all here. From field activities with clear examples to an inquiry-based approach to learning, this book is a gem for educators, first-time journalers, and for the experienced naturalist as well. It's art, it's writing, it's education, it's science, naturally so.”—José González, Founder of Latino Outdoors“Here is a natural way for parents and teachers to integrate the beauty and mystery of nature into the lives of children. The book itself is a work of art.”—Richard Louv, author of Our Wild Calling and Last Child in the Woods“Nature journaling is the single most valuable tool and skill a teacher can possess and use to move the Next Generation Science Standards and environmental literacy forward in their school. You need to do this!”—Rob Wade, Science & Outdoor Education Coordinator, Plumas Unified School District/Plumas County of Education“This book beautifully demonstrates how nature journaling is a valuable, multidimensional approach to science. Through this work, students build neural pathways that enable different brain regions to communicate with each other, resulting in more flexible thinking and creative problem solving in all areas of life. This approach to nature journaling also offers students an excellent way to learn and practice a growth mindset through nature and science.”—Jo Boaler, Professor of Education and Equity, Stanford University; co-founder and faculty director of youcubed.org; and author of several books including Mathematical Mindsets and Limitless Mind“Charlotte Mason said that 'where science does not teach a child to wonder and admire it has perhaps no educative value.' John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren have filled their book with the tools of nature journaling that can help us all get outdoors to wonder at and admire the nature around us. What a gift their book is!”—J. Carroll Smith, EdD, Founder of the Charlotte Mason Institute, Professor of Education (Retired)“In How to Teach Nature Journaling, educators get best practices for facilitating intentional and inclusive strategies for nature journaling with students. This can spark a lifelong wonder of the natural world.”—Arvolyn Hill, Coordinator of Family Programs, Children's Adventure Garden at the New York Botanical Garden“How to Teach Nature Journaling offers step-by-step processes to reach all learners through shared experience. This can be a transformative way for students to learn to communicate and express how they view the natural world.”—Michelle Peres, Environmental Educator, NatureBridgeTable of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword by Amy Tan INTRODUCTION Why We Teach Nature Journaling Why Nature Journaling? You Can Do This, and It Is Worth It MANAGING THE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM Taking Students Outside How to Lead Journaling Activities Nature Journaling In Different Contexts THE NATURE JOURNAL QUICKSTART GUIDE NATURE JOURNALING ACTIVITIES GETTING STARTED: INTRODUCTORY JOURNALING TECHNIQUES AND ACTIVITIES Use Words, Pictures, and NumbersMix It Up I NOTICE, I WONDER, IT REMINDS ME OF MY SECRET PLANT TO EACH ITS OWN COMPARISON ZOOM IN, ZOOM OUT OBSERVATION AND NATURAL HISTORY Look Big, Look Small Make Comparisons and Study Categories Get Lost in Wonder COLLECTION OR FIELD GUIDE TIMELINE STRING SAFARI ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS SPECIES ACCOUNT FOREST KARAOKE: TRANSCRIBING BIRDSONG SOUNDSCAPE MAPS INQUIRY, INVESTIGATION, AND SCIENTIFIC THINKING Intentional Curiosity and Inquiry The Crosscutting Concepts Who, What, Where, When, How, and Why International Baccalaureate Key Concepts How Do You Answer Your Questions? Ask Questions and Think Like a Scientist Practiced Precision Nature Puzzles Follow Curiosity Chains MYSTERIES AND EXPLANATIONS QUESTIONING QUESTIONS MAPPING LANDSCAPE CROSS SECTION PHENOMENON MODEL TEAM OBSERVATION WORDS: ARTICULATED THOUGHT AND STORYTELLING Writing Find Poems within and around You Reflect, Connect, and Find Joy Practice Scientific Storytelling What Pictures Cannot Show WRITING TO OBSERVE, WRITING TO THINK EVENT COMIC EVENT MAP POETRY OF PLACE AND MOMENT SIT SPOT PICTURES: DRAWING AND VISUAL THINKING Drawing Observational Drawing, Step-by-Step Building New Skills: Basic Drawing Exercises Drawing Tricks and Tips: Instruction for Students Page Structure and Layout THINK WITH PICTURES BALANCING FLEXIBILTY AND STRUCTURE LOOK, AND LOOK AGAIN INSIDE OUT NATURE BLUEPRINTS INFOGRAPHIC PHOTO, PENCIL, AND FOUND-OBJECT COLLAGE NUMBERS: QUANTIFICATION AND MATHEMATICAL THINKING Numbers and Quantification Making Quantification Tool Kits SHOW WHERE THE NUMBERS COME FROM USE NUMBERS TO FIND THE PATTERN HIDDEN FIGURES BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY TIMED OBSERVATIONS CHANGE OVER TIME INCORPORATING JOURNALING INTO LESSONS, FRAMEWORKS, AND ASSESSMENTS Journaling Over Time Developing Skills: Ideas, Practice, and Feedback Grading and Evaluation Evaluation Rubric From Activities to Longer Lessons Journaling and Education Standards Teaching Science and Inquiry: A Deeper Dive FINAL THOUGHTS APPENDICES Tools and Materials Activity Summaries and Possible Phenomena NGSS Connections Evaluation Rubric Cut-and-Paste Nature Journal Essentials Cut-and-Paste Quantification Tool Kit Notes Acknowledgements About the Naturalist Journal Contributors About the Authors

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Book SynopsisNew title in exciting series of sturdy, square-box 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art and providing a challenge for adult puzzlers of all levels!Part of an exciting series of sturdy, square-box 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art. This new jigsaw will satisfy your need for a challenge, with Jenny Zemanek''s A Cabinet of Curiosities. This 1000 piece jigsaw is intended for adults and children over 13 years. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Finished Jigsaw size 735 x 510mm/29 x 20 ins. Includes an A4 poster for reference.Based in Columbus, Ohio, Jenny Zemanek is a lifelong lover of all things creative. What started with happy scribbles at a young age grew into a pursuit of photography and graphic design before she found a home with illustration and hand-lettering. Jenny revels in the joys of small decorative details,

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Book SynopsisA year of stunning dog photography - plus breed facts, quotes, and more - paired with high-quality printing and a sleek easel frame.  CELEBRATE MAN’S BEST FRIEND: This calendar captures that lovable canine essence with hundreds of beautiful photos of adorable pups panting, playing, and posing. GORGEOUS GIFT: Any dog person will enjoy a year of energy, charisma, and cuteness with this calendar full of lush photos with witty captions, trivia, and quotes in the elegant gallery format. EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY: With beautiful full-color photography, coated paper, and exacting standards of color printing, this calendar offers the quality and feel of an art book. NOW PLASTIC FREE!: Each calendar is now packaged in a glossy, sturdy (and recyclable!) cardboard frame that opens into a desktop easel for elegant, inspiring display. No more acrylic, and no more shrink-wrap!

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Book SynopsisBest known for his depictions of the human form, Schiele was also interested in portraying the beauty and structure of the world he inhabited. In fact, Schiele's paintings of the countryside and his native Vienna comprise a large proportion of his body of work. Nearly one hundred of the artist's landscapes are exquisitely reproduced in this handsome book and presented alongside photographs of the scenes he depicted, taken from the vantage point of the original works. This volume proves that Schiele's mastery extends beyond his radical renditions of the human figure and reveals themes that appear throughout his work. Schiele's landscapes represent an important facet of his career and are a valuable contribution to the school of European nature painting.

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Book SynopsisArtisan Art Notebooks, the new Journals from Flame Tree in a range of hues to suit the moment and featuring magnificent art. They’re hand crafted with decorated edges overflowing with petals, teasing vines and patterns. A unique blend of the practical and beautiful, with two ribbons and lined pages, the Artisan Art Notebooks are perfect for notes, creative writing, poetry, doodles and lists. And, with robust flexi covers, they’re easy to slip into your bag, a pleasure to use. Simply, they feel good! Born in Kent, William Morris was an outstanding character of many talents, being an architect, writer, social campaigner, artist and, with his Kelmscott Press, an important figure of the Arts and Crafts movement.

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Book SynopsisHow to Be a Moonflower, the new book from bestselling author Katie Daisy, celebrates the magic and mystery of the world at night. Discover the world that awakens after everyone else has gone to sleep. In this lavishly illustrated book, New York Times–bestselling artist Katie Daisy explores the mystery and magic of the nighttime. Join her on a journey from dusk to dawn, complete with quotes, poems, meditations, field guides to different nocturnal flora and fauna, and charts that map out the cosmos. From night-blooming flowers to cozy campfires, from moon baths to meteor showers, Katie Daisy's lush illustrations capture the beauty that comes to life in the darkness. BELOVED AUTHOR: Known for her lush, painterly artwork and love of the natural world, NEW YORK TIMES–bestselling author Katie Daisy has 112K followers on Instagram, where you will find frequent posts featuring her vibrant illustrations. A CELEBRATION OF NATURE: Nature-lovers and plant-appreciators will find much to admire in this book. Illustrating everything from the phases of the moon to fluttering moths, Katie Daisy has a knack for capturing the very best this magical world has to offer. EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF NIGHT TIME: The nighttime offers time for reflection, exploration, and adventure. This book will help you make the most of those mystical, after-dark hours and observe the hidden wonders that come to life at night DELUXE PACKAGE: Featuring a tactile two-piece case with silver metallic ink on the spine and back cover, How to Be a Moonflower makes a beautiful gift for the people in your life who look to art and illustration for creative encouragement, self-exploration, and mindfulness. Perfect for: • Fans of Katie Daisy's artwork and previous book HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER • free spirits • art and nature lovers • tarot readers and moon worshippers

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Book SynopsisUnwind and express your creativity with the fun designs in Color Me Capybaras.Who doesn''t love capybaras? This hilarious collection of coloring pages is something you never knew you needed until now. Take advantage of the meditative benefits of coloring with capybaras driving cars, sunbathing on the beach, listening to tunes, and living their best lives. These detailed illustrations allow you to practice mindfulness and will keep you busy for hours.Color Me Capybaras includes: 50 coloring pages to help you de-stress Designs suitable for all skill levels, with a range of selections for beginners and experienced artists One-sided pages so your art doesn''t bleed through to the other side Anxiety-reducing benefits to lift your mood Whether you need a calming atmosphere, want to relax at the end of the day, are trying a new hobby, or just love coloring, there is something here for every

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from Dinosaur Art, this new volume showcases 10 amazing artists whose work represents the cutting edge of paleoart. Many are rising stars in the field; others have embraced digital technology and continue to assert long-standing reputations as leaders in the discipline. This volume also includes state-of-the-art modellers, allowing the reader to explore restoring prehistoric animals in three as well as two dimensions. All accompanied by insights into the cutting of paleontological researcher and the very latest discoveries, with commentaries by respected scientists at the top of their fields.Trade Review"Writer/editor (and very talented artist himself) Steve White has done it again with another beautiful, large format, coffee table book packed with some of the best prehistoric animal art of our time....The book is accompanied by insights into paleontological research and the very latest discoveries, with commentaries by respected scientists at the top of their fields. A must for your library." -- Prehistoric Times

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Book SynopsisA kaleidoscopic celebration of the USDA’s pomological collection, offering an engaging, biophillic meditation upon the sweetest of the earth’s produce The United States Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection encompasses 7,497 botanical watercolor paintings of evolving fruit and nut varieties, alongside specimens introduced by USDA plant explorers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Assembled between 1886 and 1942, the collection's remarkable, botanically accurate watercolors were executed by some 21 professional artists (including nine women). Authored largely before the widespread application of photography, the watercolors were intended to aid accurate identification and examination of fruit varietals, for the nation’s fruit growers. Documenting the transformation of American pomology, the science of fruit breeding and production, and the horticultural innovations accountable for contemporary fruit cultivation and consumption, the USDA’s collection offers fascinating anthropological and horticultural insights concerning the fruits we ecstatically devour, and why. With an abundance of reproductions from the collection, this gorgeous volume encompasses fruit-suffused anecdotes and observations drawn from the fields of archaeology and anthropology, horticulture and literature, ancient representation and contemporary visual art. It includes contributions by authors Jacqueline Landy, John McPhee, Michael Pollan and Marina Vitaglione.Trade ReviewThe pictures are virtuosic... you feel you could reach out and pick from it. -- Sebastian Smee * Washington Post *These artists were in the business of rivaling color photography, not yet widely used. More than a picture book, this is a survey of visual learning; prior to the orange’s introduction in Europe during the Renaissance, Westerners went around calling the shade of the same name ‘yellow-red.’ -- Lizzy Harding * Bookforum *Not only visually arresting, but botanically accurate. -- Emily Gosling * Creative Boom *That the U.S. Department of Agriculture and art could be on speaking terms seems astonishing. Yet from 1886 to 1942 the agency commissioned artists to document fruits and nuts grown in the United States, to record the varieties and help with identification at a time when the use of color photography was not widespread. The beautiful new book exhibits but a fraction of the 7,584 botanical watercolor paintings in the collection. Lively, informative text accompanies the illustrations. -- Florence Fabricant * New York Times Cooking *A selection of the most delectable specimens. From the vivid green oranges grown in Florida to the delicate yellow cherries found in Michigan, the book provides a sumptuous journey of discovery. -- Baya Simmons * Financial Times *The book’s main attraction is its hundreds of lusciously detailed, full-color illustrations: the reader can almost taste and smell the bright, juicy fruits and nuts across its pages. But the catalogue’s accompanying texts by Adam Leith Goliner, Jaqueline Landey, John McPhee, and Michael Pollan about each fruit’s history and makeup — which encompass elements of archaeology, anthropology, botany, and the arts — are unexpectedly illuminating, and nearly as delightful. -- Lauren Moya Ford * Hyperallergic *Because color photography was not yet reliable in the 1890s, the division relied on the meticulous observation and brushwork of Newton and her colleagues to record the bounty harvested from the continent’s sprawling orchards and fields. Their stunning pictures of oranges and apples and strawberries and persimmons, which have long been a resource for specialists on the USDA website, have finally received the mainstream attention they deserve. -- Jonathon Keats * Forbes *The technical accuracy of these illustrations is a marvel, finding beauty even in the diseased and rotten... -- Holly Black * Elephant *

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Book Synopsis"... Any dog devotee will put it right on their coffee table the second they open it." —Christina Vercelletto, CNN Underscored "...a magnificent collection of photos of animals looking sweet, innocent, thoughtful, tender and sublime." —Dave Johnson, Forbes What makes dogs so unique? They are the only species that favour the company of humans over their own kind. A dog looks at us with a deep understanding and empathy perhaps greater than our own. In this charming book of dog photography, Vincent Lagrange records this treasured intimacy with our four-legged friends. Applying the techniques of portrait photography, which he learned in his youth at his father Marc Lagrange's studio, he captures our canine counterparts in crisp, perfectly illuminated pictures that allow their own soulful personalities to shine through. Text in English and German.Trade Review“Wonderfully lit and each image leaves you with something to return to.” - Amateur Photographer“For his new book, “The Dogs: Human Animals” (teNeues Publishers), Lagrange spent more than a decade photographing 200 dogs.” - Mary Jo DiLonardo, Treehugger"International photographer Vincent Lagrange tells you how best to visually capture an emotional connection with your furry (Or scaly! Or feathered!) best friend." - Tracey L. Kelley, Daily Paws"Photographer Vincent Lagrange captures the incredibly people-like personalities and expressions of canines in this hardcover volume. Any dog devotee will put it right on their coffee table the second they open it." - Christina Vercelletto, CNN Underscored"It’s a magnificent collection of photos of animals looking sweet, innocent, thoughtful, tender and sublime." - Dave Johnson, Forbes

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Book SynopsisThe very best photographs from Bird Photographer of the Year.The Bird Photographer of the Year competition celebrates the artistry of bird photography, and this beautiful book reflects this. A celebration of avian beauty and diversity, it is a tribute to both the dedication and passion of the photographers as well as a reflection of the quality of today's modern digital imaging systems.The book includes the winning and short-listed images from the seventh year of this annual competition, showcasing some of the finest bird photography and with a foreword by birdwatcher and explorer, Steve Backshall. A proportion of the profits from the book goes directly to Birds on the Brink to support their conservation work.The advent of digital technology has revolutionised photography in recent years, and the book brings to life some of the most stunning bird photography currently on offer. It features a vast variety of photographs by hardened pros, keen amateurs and hobbyists alike, reflecting theTrade ReviewReview of Volume 6 (2021)‘Treat yourself to the latest lavish round-up of the best of the competition’s entries … [with] an excellent foreword by comedian and birder Bill Bailey … One to enjoy at your leisure over the long winter nights’ Bird Watching magazine Review of Volume 5 (2019)‘Even if you don’t know your corncrakes from your cornflakes, you’ll still be entranced.’ Irish Independent Review

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Book Synopsis"A painting must stand as a painting, made by human hand," wrote Caspar David Friedrich, "not seek to disguise itself as Nature." One of his generation's most popular painters, Friedrich imagined landscapes of powerful beauty and spirituality from within the confines of his studios. This breathtaking monograph, filled with glorious reproductions and details of his paintings, argues for Friedrich's reputation as a sublime artist and interpreter of nature. In his thoughtful and well-researched commentary, author Johannes Grave explores Friedrich's approach to landscape painting as well as his revolutionary thoughts about how these paintings should be received by their viewers. Looking closely at pieces such as Monk by the Sea, Abbey in the Oakwood, and the Tetschener Altar, Grave shows how Friedrich developed an innovative approach to landscape painting, one that communicated a new sense of space and time, and which draws the viewer into a unique aesthetic experience. Highly readable, insightful, and copiously illustrated, this compelling book sheds crucial light on Friedrich's celebrated body of work.Trade Review"The sumptuously illustrated Caspar David Friedrich...is a good guide to one of the major artists of the Romantic era." --Tulsa World"Luxuriant." -The Huffington Post "[Friedrich's] haunting and mysterious canvases are beautifully reproduced by Prestel in Caspar David Friedrich." - Publishers Weekly"Caspar David Freidrich stands out, primarily for its size and lavish reproductions...of paintings, drawings and prints by this great German Romantic. It conveys a fuller sense of Friedrich's enigmatic, landscape-centered art than any single museum or exhibition could possibly provide." - The New York Times "[B]y far the most sumptuous and historically informed text [on Friedrich]. Building on the insights of previous critics and scholars, Grave skillfully assesses Friedrich's canvases (reproduced here more beautifully than in any previous book), but his greater achievement is authoritatively placing Friedrich's work in its cultural, intellectual, and aesthetic context." - The Atlantic

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Book SynopsisThis elegant colouring book features artworks of flowering plants taken from the archive of Curtis''s Botanical Magazine, the world''s most enduring and respected periodical of its kind, published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.There are 44 line artworks for you to colour in, each accompanied by the artist''s original watercolour plate. Drawn from life, these images show the detail, colour and tone of the actual plant and will inspire you to produce increasingly accurate representations while at the same time exploring the remarkable variety of botanical form.For anyone with an interest in botany and flowering plants, this book contains images to savour and treasure and promises hours of stimulation and pleasure. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Publishing and The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have collaborated to create a wonderful selection of botanical-themed arts, crafts and activity books, including origami, dot-to-dots and colour-by-numbers.

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Book SynopsisUtagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) was one of the last great artists in the ukiyo-e tradition. Literally meaning “pictures of the floating world,” ukiyo-e was a particular woodblock print genre of art that flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries. Subjects ranged from the bright lights and attractions of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), to spectacular natural landscapes. In the West, Hiroshige’s prints became exemplary of the Japonisme that swept through Europe and defined the Western world’s visual idea of Japan. Because they could be mass produced, ukiyo-e works were often used as designs for fans, greeting cards, and book illustrations. The style influenced Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau artists alike, with Vincent van Gogh and James Abbott McNeill Whistler both particularly inspired by Hiroshige’s landscapes. This introductory book presents key images from Hiroshige’s vibrant, vivid portfolio of blooming cherry trees, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, and busy shopping streets to introduce one of the greats of Asian art history.Trade Review“Some of the greatest prints in the history of art.” * The Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisShark Week expert, Dr. Greg Skomal, returns with a new shark handbook offering you a thorough exploration of the most fearsome and misunderstood shark on Earth.Discover the great white’s astonishing evolutionary adaptations, common misconceptions, and the ways these magnificent creatures are integral to marine ecosystems. Written by a premier shark expert and marine biologist, this illuminating book will take you beyond the dramatic representations in media and pop culture and allow you to appreciate the power and beauty of these remarkable cold-blooded carnivores.This great white manifesto includes: Hundreds of stunning underwater photographs A thorough profile of this shark’s habitat, behavior, anatomy, size, diet, hunting habits, and more The latest expert discoveries about this species Invaluable information about conservation efforts and threats to the population Learn from the sc

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Book SynopsisA paleoartist is an illustrator who specialises in the science and art of reconstructing ancient animals and their world. In Dinosaur Art, ten of the top contemporary paleoartists reveal a selection of their work and exclusively discuss their working methods and distinct styles. Filled with breathtaking artwork - some never before seen - and cutting edge paleontology, this is a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts, art lovers and budding illustrators.

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Book SynopsisVincent Lagrange is undoubtedly one of the most significant animal portrait photographers of our time. With the photo book Between Us, he has expressed his very personal declaration of love to our animal relatives. In sensitive colour and black-and-white photographs, he showcases his models and provides a magnificent insight into their closeness to humans.Vincent developed his love for photography at an early age in his father''s photo studio, where he practically spent his entire childhood. There, he practiced capturing the grace and dignity of his feline companion, Dwiezel, through photography. For this, he employs techniques that are typically used in human portraiture. The results he achieves with this approach are remarkable.Lagrange considers it important to emphasise the social nature, emotions, and connections of animals. And he succeeds like no other. In 2022, Lagrange''s work received international recognition with one of his images

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Book Synopsis Discover the magical world of the honeybee with this deluxe book, featuring 70 stunning images shot with ultraviolet technology. A comprehensive look into the amazing science of bees, this book collects mesmerizing ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UVIVF) photography of flowers and nature and offers fascinating research that explores every aspect of our relationship with honeybees. Learn about the history of beekeeping, current environmental impacts affecting bees, and the rise of bee products in medical and wellness spaces. As you travel through the world of bees, you''ll discover a diverse range of flora showcased in a whole new light through the ultraviolet spectrum, from orchids and anemones to manuka and cactus blossoms. A gorgeous gift for environmentalists and photography fans alike, this in-depth book invites us to reimagine the world from a bee''s point of view and better understand its importance to the future of all life on earth.P

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Book SynopsisIn 1811, architect, stone mason and shell obsessive George Perry published a lavishly illustrated volume, his Conchology or the Natural History of Shells, featuring 348 beautifully illustrated mollusc shells with descriptions of species, many of which were new to science. Despite the effort that went into producing the work, at a time when conchophilia', or shell fancying, was at its height, Perry's Conchology all but disappeared without a trace in the scientific literature, apparently actively supressed by the leading conchologists of the day and then cruelly mocked for decades afterwards. This book reproduces the stunning, exquisitely drawn and sometimes fanciful shell illustrations from this extraordinary forgotten volume. Following an introduction exploring our fascination with shells and their impact on human history, culture and science, each of the sixty-one colour plates is included alongside a description of notable shells and what is known of the mysterious organisms that make them. From the common limpet and razor clam to the valuable cowry and spectacular divine conch, the wide range of shells featured form a treasure trove of natural beauty from our oceans and shores.

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Book SynopsisIn Geninne’s Art: Birds in Watercolor, Collage, and Ink, popular Santa Fe artist Geninne Zlatkis presents a personal field guide to how she creates her charming paintings and collages of birds and nature. Brimming with inspiring examples of the artist’s work, this beautiful book takes you inside Geninne’s studio for an in-depth look at how she creates. You will discover, step by step, how this devoted artist spends time photographing nature, selecting her materials, and developing her personal imagery. Explore: How her studio is set up, how she works, and what materials and tools she uses How she captures nature with both a camera and phone for reference Her artistic process through the step-by-step creation of 5 watercolor paintings, 5 collages, and 5 ink drawings, with notes on each medium and technique As a special bonus, the book includes 32 pages of collage papers, painted and selected by Geninne, for you to use as you explore and develop your own artistic voice. Vibrant, detailed, and richly imaginative, Geninne’s interpretation of the birds she has observed so closely will inspire you to use the natural world as fodder for your paintings, drawings, and collages.Trade ReviewLovely...If you're a playful artist avid about collage or ink drawing, you might be smitten. * Arts & Activities *

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Book SynopsisFrom distinguished critic and curator John-Paul Stonard, a dazzling, panoramic world history of art from ancient times to the present for the twenty-first century reader. Creation tells the extraordinary story of how people all over the globe, from prehistory to the present day, have created images in order to understand the world they inhabit. It explores the remarkable endurance of this creative impulse, and by tracing the diversity of artistic forms through the ages, offers a comprehensive and exhilarating introduction to world art.Historian, critic, and curator John-Paul Stonard has assembled a dazzling array of paintings, sculptures and artifacts to tell a story of vitality and renewal. Fully illustrated, each chapter of Creation allows intimate access to key works of art and the conversations surrounding them, from the earliest cave paintings of the Palaeolithic Era to the conceptual art of today. Stonard has written a captivating anTrade ReviewA worthy and richly illustrated successor to Ernst Gombrich's fabled The Story of Art * Sunday Times, Best Art Books 2021 *Stonard traverses the sweep of human history, moving between cultures and hemispheres ... His book consists of myriad flashes of brilliance and inventiveness ... In sheer scope and ambition, Creation finds a precedent in Ernst Gombrich’s The Story of Art (1950) ... Stonard both emulates and expands upon Gombrich’s masterly and ubiquitous account. But he also offers something distinct, substituting the grand narrative with a pluralistic, incidental and shifting approach. It leads into the near present in the style of a prolonged ellipsis – a promise of "more to come" -- James Cahill * Literary Review *If The Story of Art were written today, it would look very much like Creation … This bountifully illustrated book is a history of connections … [Stonard has a] lucid, thoughtful style ... He manages to show both how the great names of Western art and their peers elsewhere in the world were driven by the same forces, but above all that making art is "part of what it means to be human" -- Michael Prodger * Country Life *Creation has moments of delight and insight * The Critic *

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Book SynopsisStitched Textiles: Nature is the fourth title in this successful theme-based series. It contains an extensive section on techniques, featuring step-by-step guides to machine- and hand-stitching, attaching embellishments and found objects to your work; painting and printing on fabrics including cotton, silk and Khadi paper; and using objects found in nature, such as leaves, to make unique and iconic prints. The book includes three beautiful, inspirational projects based on different facets of the natural world: Ocean, Rainforest, Botany, Birds and Animals. Stitched Textiles: Nature also features examples of the author, Stephanie Redfern's own intricate and detailed works based on nature, exploring the means by which the pieces have been created, and the wonderful stories behind Stephanie's journey as an artist. The wealth of information and visual stimuli in Stitched Textiles: Nature is intended to inspire the reader to create their own works inspired by nature. Stephanie begins by exploring the use of sketchbooks and study pages; progressing to picking out iconic elements from sketches and photographs; and eventually assembling a stunning, personal piece of stitched textile work on fabric or on cotton-blend Khadi paper; applying handstitch in metallic threads; machine stitch in whimsical and beautiful patterns; embellishing with natural beads or found objects.Trade Review'Stephanie’s work is notable for her use of paper, painted and marked, fabric, stitch and poetry that can be found in her wall hung pieces and art books. These meet to create uniquely beautiful, complex surfaces with a minimalist aesthetic. The book captures the essence of her approach to mixed-media through an exploration of her art practice and process.' 'Steph has a unique way of presenting her work and the way she cuts her collage elements make flowers, leaves and trees pop out of the page. My favourite element of design in the book is the sun featured in Light and Shade II. It is a small part of a stunning piece featuring a bird based on a Lady Amherst’s pheasant that has been composed in such a beautiful way (cut, stitched and embellished), that despite not being the focal point of the piece, it catches the eye and nestles in the brain. That is what you get with so much of Steph’s work – the little details that could stand alone as piece of art but sit quietly, waiting to be discovered.' 'I love Steph’s work and am thrilled that I now have something else to pore over when I’m needing some inspiration.' Read the full review here. -- Samantha Packer * www.samanthapacker.com *The natural world has provided Stephanie Redfern with myriad inspiration throughout her practice and in this, the fourth title in this successful theme-based series, she offers a guide to creating contemporary mixed media textile artworks inspired by nature. Her style is richly detailed, with multiple layers of materials and papers embellished with a range of techniques however she breaks down the process so all can have a go. The introduction covers tools, materials and techniques - from machine and hand stitch to silk painting, printing and incorporating found objects. A helpful section follows on developing original designs and there are four projects (with templates) based on Ocean, Rainforest, Botany, Birds and Animals. Each page is packed with detailed photography and instructions for every step of the way, with multiple examples of work by Redfern and others for inspiration. There's no doubt that Stitched Textiles: Nature will inspire beginners but experienced makers will find plenty of new things here to try too. * Embroidery, The Textile Art Magazine (Sep/Oct 2018) *Another book in the Stitched Textiles series. Step-by-step techniques for textiles interpreting the natural world. Sources include the ocean, rainforest, flowers, birds and other animals. Textile techniques include hand and machine stitching, painting, printing and embellishment. There are three original projects to follow to practice the techniques. See how Stephanie uses her photos to develop design ideas, how she uses a sketchbook, creates collage and design sheets. Her sample textiles often use paper. You'll discover how she goes from idea to design. Stephanie creates some fabulous cut-out shapes of animals and birds, but for me, some of her backgrounds are far too busy and detract from the focus of her work. Her simple Rainforest 1 works much better. She also shows her artist's books and scrolls. Well worth buying. -- Karen Platt * www.karenplatt.co.uk *In the introduction to this colourful and attractive book the author states that 'there is something in nature to inspire everyone, from a forest to a single tree; from the ocean to an intimate study of a shell; the beauty of a single pebble, leaf, or a perfect butterfly.' She proceeds to offer practical advice on techniques and themes to encourage readers to embrace the variety of the natural world. The section on materials and equipment includes a wide range of items she uses in her work with numerous attractive illustrations and a realistic attitude to cost. It is reassuring to read that 'there are no rules; you can work in any way you like' rather than feel it is necessary to follow directions to the letter, particularly for less experiences stitches. The potentially scary process of designing is broken down into smaller sections and again helpfully illustrated. The science and language of colour is treated simply but accurately. Techniques mentioned include machine and hand-stitching, embellishment, colouring and printing and also trace the development of a design from sketch to stitch. The latter half of the book is devoted to a variety of nature-inspired themes; after an introduction each include a step-by-step project. These are far from prescriptive and include many suggestions for variations and the use of alternative materials. The book is extremely colourful with very attractive illustrations; the contents are accurate and down to earth with a good mix of information and ideas for stitching. it is very much a 'dip-in' book and would be especially suitable for relatively inexperienced stitchers. However even the more experienced would find it a useful collection of information and techniques. -- Hilary Jenkins * Sew Region Magazine *I am a long-time admirer of Stephanie Redfern’s beautiful work and this book – the latest in the Stitched Textiles series from Search Press – does not disappoint. The focus of Stephanie’s work is the natural world and is a source of inspiration we can all get access to, be it from the countryside, plants, the sea, birds or animals. The first half of the book takes the reader through selecting appropriate equipment and materials for making your own textile pieces, including the selection of natural embellishments for your work such as shells, feathers, pebbles etc. It then moves on to a detailed and comprehensive section about taking and using your own photographs for inspiration, making and keeping your own sketchbooks and collage techniques. Stephanie then demonstrates her use of machine and hand stitching and how she uses the embellishments found to add in to your work, various methods of fabric painting and then how to develop your design ideas into a finished work. These topics are extremely well-illustrated and comprehensive if you are new to this kind of textile work and will give you the confidence to have a go. The latter half of the book successfully talks the reader through various natural themes and how you might interpret them in your work. She covers Ocean, Rainforest, Botany, Birds and Animals. The final section looks at Collections of natural objects that you might gather and how to use these to inspire your work. There are three step-by-step projects in the different topic areas, including a lovely ‘book of birds’ to get you started and give you confidence to make your own unique pieces. All in all, a very comprehensive book that packs a lot into its 126 pages – a great resource for stitchers who love the natural world and want to interpret it in a unique way. -- Julie Briggs * thesewingdirectory.co.uk *The book covers the materials Stephanie uses in her work, which she describes as textile- and mixed-media-based, design and inspiration and process and practice. Having been drawn into her stand at the Fair by her wonderful appliqued art it has been great to read about how she goes about the process of creating a piece. I do not come from an art background and so I am always interested in how other people create especially with paints and printing. The chapter Themes contains more inspiration ideas and design advice and step by step projects. I haven't had the time to get started on one of these yet but have decided that it will be a summer project with my daughter once the summer holidays have started. In summary, I think this book has a great balance between detailed how to and more general design information which could lead you down your own path to creating truly unique textile art. I have been really inspired to seek out natural images from when we lived in New Zealand and to begin to use them in some art pieces. It may be some time before they appear so don't hold your breath! -- Abigail * Cut&Alter *Stephanie presents the latest title in this successful ‘Stitched Textile’ series, with a collection of exciting mixed media designs reflecting her knowledge and love of the natural world. She encourages the reader to be inspired by nature and to create work using combinations of fabrics and threads and papers with hand and machine stitching and embellishments. Detailed chapters covering materials, design and process are followed by three confidence-building step-by-step projects – a picture and two books. The reader is encouraged to change and develop the ideas shown to create their own unique piece of work. This is an inspiring book and perfect for anyone wanting to develop their work further. Good value for money. * East Kent Embroiderers Guild *Stephanie Redfern shows you how she takes nature as her inspiration and creates mixed media art. Learn how to incorporate many techniques and materials, create inspirational resources and interpret nature in your own unique way. This large format book also features plenty of lush good-sized photographs to inspire creativity, and three staged projects so you can put all you have learned to use. All the photographs are a good size and accompanied by explanatory text in an easy to understand, descriptive style. As this is a book on picture making rather than washable, wearable art many of the materials featured will already be owned by general crafters. They include colored pencils, acrylic paints, papers, a sewing machine, threads, fabrics and more. Discover how to look for inspiration in nature and make a record of it for reference, and choose a color scheme. There are various techniques you can try out before putting together to make your picture. These include machine and hand stitching, print making, painting and more with plenty of examples of finished work. The author looks at different themes and how to go from inspiration through planning your project to the finished work. Themes include rainforest, botany, ocean, birds and animals and the three projects are in this section, allowing you to put into practise some of the techniques and ideas explored earlier. In my opinion this book’s most appealing feature is the way the author discusses her work from initial inspiration, through how she uses different techniques and combines them to make pictures. Her style is mostly fairly abstract but even if this does not appeal it is the processes that get the creative juices flowing. They show how accessible this type of collage making is whatever your own level of expertise or chosen craft. An inspiring and enjoyable look at mixed media work. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *I’ve enjoyed almost all of the books in the Search Press ‘Stitched Textiles’ series but Stephanie Redfern’s book, ‘Nature’, is the best yet. It is, of course, a design source with which she is thoroughly at home and much of her work is based and grounded in the world of plants and animals. For this book, Stephanie focuses on materials, inspiration, design and technique and each of these sections contains good, solid advice. I like her ‘no nonsense’ approach to the gathering of information and turning it into sketchbooks and design boards. (I had thought I was the only person left who still makes design boards.) These really help when it comes to translating an initial concept into stitch. There’s a lovely section on colour theory, much of which is illustrated with stitched pieces, thus making it particularly interesting. Sections on machine stitching, hand stitching and incorporating embellishments, such as metal, driftwood, leaves, seed-heads and pebbles, are good. There are great ideas here on ways to fix the, sometimes bulky, item to your work. We then move in to colouring fabric, which includes printing with paint and digital prints. A particularly successful section is headed ‘Developing a Design’ where we see Stephanie’s work in step-by-step photos as she progresses through pattern-making, colouring, placement and stitch. We are then treated to a double-page spread showing the finished piece. A solid section headed ‘Themes’ varies from ocean to rainforest (especially loved the rainforest one), botany and birds. -- Maggie Grey * Workshop on the Web *Table of ContentsIntroduction Materials Equipment Design and inspiration Techniques Themes: Ocean Seahorses and Starfish: step-by-step project Rainforest Artists’ books Butterfly Scroll Book: step-by-step project Botany Birds A Book of Birds: step-by-step project Animals Templates Index

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Book SynopsisAn easy, no-skills-necessary guide to drawing flowers, leaves, and cacti with 200 step-by-step prompts.Trade Review" We love Peggy's take on teaching the art of line drawing. Her joyful approach to embracing imperfections throughout the process is a breath of fresh air. From her perspective, a crooked line is your crooked line--it adds unique character to your artwork. Thanks to her inclusive style, beginners and pros alike can feel confident in their creativity." --BRIT + CO " For anyone who has ever said "I can't draw," Peggy's stepby- step guide to botanical illustration is for you. Her ability to break down complex illustrations into simple shapes will have you creating pieces of artwork you didn't know were possible. Her style inspires the artist in all of us." --SKILLSHARE

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Book SynopsisErnst Haeckel (1834–1919) was a German-born biologist, naturalist, evolutionist, artist, philosopher, and doctor who spent his life researching flora and fauna from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean. A vociferous supporter and developer of Darwin’s theories of evolution, he denounced religious dogma, authored philosophical treatises, gained a doctorate in zoology, and coined scientific terms which have passed into common usage, including ecology, phylum, and stem cell. At the heart of Haeckel’s colossal legacy was the motivation not only to discover but also to explain. To do this, he created hundreds of detailed drawings, watercolors, and sketches of his findings which he published in successive volumes, including several marine organism collections and the majestic Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms in Nature), which could serve as the cornerstone of Haeckel’s entire life project. Like a meticulous visual encyclopedia of living things, Haeckel’s work was as remarkable for its graphic precision and meticulous shading as for its understanding of organic evolution. From bats to the box jellyfish, lizards to lichen, and spider legs to sea anemones, Haeckel emphasized the essential symmetries and order of nature, and found biological beauty in even the most unlikely of creatures. In this book, we celebrate the scientific, artistic, and environmental importance of Haeckel’s work, with a collection of 450 of his finest prints from several of his most important tomes, including Die Radiolarien, Monographie der Medusen, Die Kalkschwämme, and Kunstformen der Natur. At a time when biodiversity is increasingly threatened by human activities, the book is at once a visual masterwork, an underwater exploration, and a vivid reminder of the precious variety of life.Trade Review“…as energetic and colorful as Haeckel’s life. It’s scientific eye candy that feels as fresh as Haeckel’s groundbreaking biological art must have seemed more than a century ago.” * The Washington Post *“A dazzling graphic work... One is left astounded by these mesmerizing wonders.” * Le Monde *“…a glorious, oversize volume collecting Haeckel’s artistic work.” * The Wall Street Journal *“The book’s prints and commentary shed new light on the prolific output of Ernst Haeckel and his impact on modern science and philosophy.” * vice.com *“Through Haeckel’s steady hand everyone can grasp the beauty, the elegance - and sometimes the sadness - in all walks of life.” * smithsonianmag.com *“…a glorious book… his influence on art and the natural sciences remains profound, and his stunning artworks continue to stand the test of time.” * American Scientist *“This is a bible for those who love pattern.” * The Times *

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the museum! There are more than 160 animal specimens to be discovered in Animalium, the first in a series of virtual museums. Wander the galleries - open 365 days a year - and discover a collection of curated exhibits on every page, accompanied by informative text. Each chapter features a different branch of the tree of life, from the simple sponge to the enormous elephant.Trade ReviewA rich , informative and truly wonderful cabinet of curiosities is beautifully displayed in this imaginative and covetous book. -- Chris Packham Animalium (Welcome to the Museum) grants admittance to your very own private, virtual museum. 'Curator' Jenny Broom (who studied fine art at the Slade), has created a truly unique concept, whereby you can pore over each 'room' and 'exhibit' at your leisure. With fascinating facts and beautiful illustrations by Katie Scott, Animalium is a must for any child with a love for the animal kingdom. * Mumsnet.com * A glorious book featuring page after page of extraordinary creatures. Fish, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are exquisitely drawn complete with Latin names and fascinating facts. This is a book Charles Darwin would have treasured. -- Harriet Green * The Guardian * The most beautiful book of the year is Animalium (Big Picture Press, GBP20), a big illustrated museum of creatures "curated" by Katie Scott and Jennie Broom. One for browsing and wondering at. -- Melanie McDonagh * The Evening Standard * "Stunning illustrations of 160 animals in a virtual museum. Kids over five will love this, as will the grown-ups!" * Prima magazine *

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Book SynopsisDrawing the Natural World is a practical and comprehensive guide for artists of all abilities to celebrate through art the beauty of the flora and fauna that make up our planet. The book is divided into the fundamental concepts of art – colour and tone, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space – to introduce the essential techniques and demonstrate how they can be used in drawing the natural world through practical projects. Further chapters cover the anatomy of animals to ensure posture and gait can be accurately captured, and the fundamentals of composition. There is also introduction to the different materials and equipment that can be used, and a guide to basics of drawing. Each of the projects in the book includes a fully illustrated step-by-step sequence to follow, plus helpful tips and advice. There’s also background information about the featured animals and plants to broaden the reader’s awareness of and connection with the natural world. This comprehensive guide is for all abilities, whether they haven’t drawn for years or decades or are an experienced artist looking for fresh inspiration. Accessible book that will inspire wonder at the natural world and help to understand the critical roles that animals and plants play in life Packed full of the author’s beautiful, inspirational drawings The book includes chapters dealing with colour and tone, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space, aligning it with the national curriculum Features easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorials and a host of tips and techniques that will quickly improve the reader’s observational and drawing skills Subjects are studied from a wide variety of angles and postures as well as in movement Will appeal to all abilities and ages Crammed full of information - blends natural history and science with art Trade ReviewStep into the wonderful world of art with Drawing the Natural World by Tim Pond. Whether you're an inspired beginner or a seasoned artist, this comprehensive guide offers fresh inspiration. Each stroke of your pencil is as unique as your handwriting. Pond’s focus on fundamental concepts such as proportion, contour, gesture, weight and structure opens the door to seeing the natural world with new eyes. Discover joy in drawing while exploring colour, detail, pattern, and texture. Step-by-step demonstrations and friendly expert advice will boost your confidence and grow your skills. Dive into creativity and self-expression with every line you draw. * Artists & Illustrators magazine *Divided into concepts of colour and tone, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space, Tim clearly describes each technique and sets practical step-by-step projects to work through. His work is beautifully reproduced throughout and background information about the featured animals and plants are included to broaden the reader’s awareness of the natural world. This is a book to immerse yourself in and learn from to discover your own relationship with nature. * Leisure Painter magazine *[Tim Pond] gives the impression of a man completely on top of his subject and able to marshal and explain a wealth of material both concisely and coherently at the same time, which is no mean feat. What marks the book out from other titles on natural history is the way Tim interweaves subjects and techniques, so that you may find yourself drawing ungulates in a section on three-quarter views. ...this is a thoroughly comprehensive guide. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *Profusely illustrated with an informative commentary and step-by-step instructions, "Drawing the Natural World" is thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, making it a welcome, instructive, and highly recommended pick for personal, professional, community library and art school Drawing/Painting instruction collections * Mid-West Book Review *Artistically, Tim has an economy of line that betokens both confidence and an innate understanding of both subject and working methods. It also adds a simplicity of explanation which adds to the appeal of the book. Tim is an engaging artist and writer who presents his work both simply and comprehensibly. -- Henry Malt * Artbook Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction Materials Getting Started: Dynamic Drawing Study Sheets Chapter 1: Anatomy Anatomy Essentials: Tetrapods Posture and Gait Front Legs Rear Legs Anatomy Essentials: Birds Anatomy Essentials: Insects Chapter 2: Line Line Essentials Contour Drawing Descriptive Lines Construction Lines Chapter 3: Shape Shape Essentials Negative and Positive Space Sight-size Drawing Comparative Measuring Drawing Giant Animals Gesture Drawing Animal Portraits Chapter 4: Tone Tone Essentials Lighting and Shadows Using Mid-tone Paper Chiaroscuro Sculptured Drawing Chapter 5: Form Form Essentials Planar Analysis Glass Animals Three-quarter Views Creating Roundness Perceived Volume Linear Modelling Chapter 6: Colour Colour Theory Colour Mixing Holly in Ink Apples in Colouring Pencils Capturing Light in Pastels Tropical Fish in Watercolours Chapter 7: Space Space Essentials Linear Perspective Atmospheric Perspective Foreshortening Reclining Poses Looking Through Chapter 8: Pattern and Texture Pattern and Texture Essentials Contrasting Textures Stripes Scales Hair and Wool Plumes Chapter 9: Composition Composition Essentials Rule of Thirds Focal Points Index

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Book SynopsisPerfect for Procreate beginners or more advanced artists, this inspiring book shows how to create impressive paintings using very quick and simple techniques.These tricks provide the perfect base for aspiring artist to build confidence and grow their skills. More advanced artists can also take the techniques in this book and use them to speed up their digital-painting process.Procreate for the iPad continues to be the most popular digital-painting software in the world, with around 30 million users. 3dtotal Publishing''s previous Procreate titles have sold over 74,000 copies to date, so the desire in our audience to learn more about this software is proven. This book goes right back to basics, covering the use of selection tools, gradient fills, custom brushes, and more to quickly and easily build up quality paintings. These methods are introduced in an in-depth chapter of must-know basics, which are followe

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Book SynopsisThis timely study of Winslow Homer highlights his imagery of the Atlantic world and reveals themes of racial, political, and natural conflict across his career Long celebrated as the quintessential New England regionalist, Winslow Homer (1836–1910) in fact brushed a much wider canvas, traveling throughout the Atlantic world and frequently engaging in his art with issues of race, imperialism, and the environment. This publication focuses, for the first time, on the watercolors and oil paintings Homer made during visits to Bermuda, Cuba, coastal Florida, and the Bahamas. Among these, The Gulf Stream (1899), often considered the most consequential painting of his career, reveals Homer’s lifelong fascination with struggle and conflict. Recognizing the artist’s keen ability to distill complex issues, Winslow Homer: Crosscurrents upends popular conceptions and convincingly argues that Homer’s work resonates with the challenges of the present day.Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University PressExhibition Schedule:The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (April 11–July 31, 2022)National Gallery, London (September 10, 2022–January 8, 2023)

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Book SynopsisA gorgeously illustrated volume devoted to the natural history drawings and watercolors of Leonardo da Vinci and other outstanding artists of the Age of DiscoveryTrade Review"Amazing Rare Things is a book to savor in your favorite chair. You'll imagine yourself with naturalist and artist Maria Sibylla Merian as she tramps into the wilderness of Surinam. The sumptuous drawings and watercolors reproduced in this volume bear witness to the endeavors of Merian, Leonardo da Vinci and other artists who recorded the plants, animals and insects they observed with intensity. The accompanying prose bristles with detail. . . . The coupling of words and images is primal, yet transcendent."—Susan P. Williams, Washington Post Book World"A true feast for anyone interested in natural history, this marvelous book makes the underappreciated artworks of a passionate, talented group widely accessible."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)"All the essays and naturalist Attenborough's introduction are written for a general audience. The paper and print quality is superb, with an amazing level of detail visible in the color plates. Recommended for public and academic libraries."—Library JournalSilver medal winner for the 2007 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award in the Nature categorySelected as a 2008 AAUP University Press Book for Public and Secondary School Libraries"Scientists often wonder who first illustrated biodiversity, and I imagine that artists often wonder about the chronology and development of accurate depictions of natural history. Amazing Rare Things is a welcome and long overdue integration of art and science."—Margaret D. Lowman, author of It’s a Jungle Up There and Life in the Treetops"Animals were the first things that human beings drew. Not plants. Not landscapes. Not even themselves. But animals. Why? . . . There is a common denominator that links all these artists—the profound joy that all feel who observe the natural world with [a] sustained and devoted intensity."—From the Introduction by David Attenborough

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Book SynopsisWatercolour the Natural World is a comprehensive guide to painting nature. Critically acclaimed wildlife painter Tim Pond takes the reader on a journey to discover pristine frozen wilderness areas,coniferous forests and dense tropical rainforests. Each section is packed with tips, techniques and concepts that can speed up the reader's progress in learning to paint mountains, forests, waterscapes, plants and animals. It applies the lessons to every subject and includes suggested activities as well as working from a photograph. This step-by-step guide is suitable for all abilities, whether entirely new to watercolour painting or an experienced professional. Drawing methods are taught to help the reader conceive the fundamentals of form. The book then explores color theory and the best watercolour combinations to capture the brilliance of nature, from green leaves and the patterns of animal coats to the bright plumes of exotic birds. Key foundation techniques are fully explained, as well as specific techniques, such as using a dry brush to create the impression of fur. AUTHOR: Tim Pond's career spans three decades of working in various media and for various clients, including books, magazines, newspapers, and film. Passionate about the natural world and education, Tim has attracted worldwide critical acclaim for his artwork of animals, landscape and plants. His artwork has taken him worldwide, from working as the expedition artist with Raleigh International in Alaska to sketching leaves in Mexico's tropical forest. Tim is proud of his affiliations with the Zoological Society of London, The Royal Veterinary College (where he is a guest lecturer on animal movement) and The Royal Society of Biology, where he is on a panel of judges for the Nancy Rothwell Award. He also offers independent art classes where live animals are the life models, often on farms or with owls in museums and at science festivals. Tim regularly exhibits his work - he has a forthcoming exhibition at the Natural History Museum, Tring, curated from his latest publication, The Field Guide to Drawing & Sketching Animals, now published in five languages. He lives in South West London, England. SELLING POINTS: . Tim Pond is an author, teacher, lecturer and the associated artist at Zoological Society London . Broad appeal for all abilities of artist and anyone interested in nature . Accessible and easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorials with inspirational illustrations . Combines two popular art subjects watercolour and natural history . Subjects include: Mountains, Polar, Temperate, Tropical and Subtropical Regions, Grasslands, Water Worlds 500 colour illustrations, 10 colour photographs

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Book SynopsisThis astonishing book illuminates the groundbreaking new science of whale cultures--with startlingly human parallels--across our oceans.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to paint beautiful botanical watercolors using 16 easy-to-follow lessons that also introduce the modern incorporation of gouache and ink! Enjoy hours of creative engagement as you learn how to paint eucalyptus wreaths, shape olive branches, detailed wildflowers, shade tropical leaves, and more. Lessons in Modern Watercolor Botanicals include: - Detailed instructions for 3 skill levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced - Over 100 pieces of traceable artwork, so no drawing experience is required - Easy-to-understand diagrams, pictures, and instructions - Each lesson builds upon skills learned in the previous lessons - "Why Art?" essays exploring the joys, challenges, and inherent value in artistic pursuitTrade Review"If you're thinking about experimenting with watercolor and/or gouache, look no further. Sarah's stunning imagery paired with thorough and extensive direction will bring you back again and again. It's a must-have staple for both beginners, hobbyists, and professional creatives." -Peggy Dean, Best-selling Author, Illustrator, Designer, Founder of The Pigeon Letters "Sarah has penned (and painted) the complete book of watercolor & gouache for anyoneready to dive into the wonderful world of painting. From mindfulness to technique, thisbook is not only an introduction to painting but a complete guide to the skilled art ofcolor movement and blending. Sarah's botanical imagery is captivating and herdescriptive instructions dance across the page as fluidly as her art. What a wonderfulway to spend a season immersed in watercolor, what an incredibly inspiring how-to book." -The Crafter's Box

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Book SynopsisTrue beauty is found in nature, making this the perfect sketch book for your art inspiration!As if being responsible for dazzling sunsets and the aurora borealis were not enough, nature is also guardian to the universal principals of design. With mathematical perfection, its recurring structures seem to magically adapt as they show up in hundreds of ways: the radial star at the center of snowflakes, fruits and flowers, and the arms of starfish; spirals at the heart of nautilus shells, unfurling plants, and swirling storm systems.Borrowing the beauty of nature's forms can help you create beautiful artwork. Observing the structure of nature's forms can help you to be a better designer. The inspiration is limitless. Nature's design magic is a balancing act found in its perfect ratios. The sections of this sketchbook--Star, Branch, Spiral, and Fan--focus on four of those disceptively simple design principles and why they work. Author/artist Yellena James uses her own nature-based drawings to guide readers toward looking closely at each design form and the places where it occurs. Readers will discover ways to use each form in their own artwork, realistically, abstractly, or as motifs in repeat borders and patterns. In a non-academic fashion, the text explains nature's beautiful balances, and the art of using them when you draw and design.Table of ContentsIntroduction Elements of Design Principles of Design Introducing four shapes Chapter 1: Stars Introduction to Stars Looking at stars: -star shaped sea life -star shaped plants -star shaped seeds and fruits -star shaped crystals -3d stars -snowflakes Draw a perfect five-point star Draw nearly perfect star by hand Draw star ornaments Add stars to underwater scene Draw star shaped ornaments Draw a star centered sea anemone Add star shaped elements Add black and white star motifs Finish this composition Animated sea creature Draw your own sea creature Chapter 2: Branches introduction to Branches Fractal branching Draw a branch Looking at branches: - plants - corals Inflorescence Draw branches based on inflorescence Sketching branches Movement in branches exercise Add branches to composition Finish this drawing Add branching to leaves Branch pattern exercise Chapter 3: Spiral Introduction to spirals Fibonacci spirals Different types of spirals Draw some fern exercise Looking at spirals: - spiral shaped shells - spiral shaped sea life - spiral shaped plants Draw your own pinwheels How to draw a shell step by step Add color to shells Draw spiral seashells Draw spiral ornaments Add spirals to jellyfish Finish this composition Chapter 4: Fans Introduction to Fan chapter Looking at fans: - fan shaped branches - fan shaped sea life - fan shaped plants - fan shaped mushrooms Fan mushrooms exercise Modify this fan shape exercise Draw fan shaped plants Draw black and white fan motifs for patterns How to make a perfect tile for pattern Add fan elements to composition Complete this fish drawing Guided fan drawing exercise Chapter 5: Putting it all together Introduction to putting it all together Coloring page Guided drawings Finish this composition Background for sketching About the author Resources Acknowledgments

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