Nature in the arts Books

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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Book SynopsisZen Buddhist priest Shunmyo Masuno understands that today's busy world leaves little time or space for self-reflection, but that a garden—even in the most urban of spaces—can provide some respite. In his words, "The garden is a special spiritual place where the mind dwells." With this in mind, Masuno has designed scores of spectacular Japanese gardens and landscapes with the aim of helping people achieve a balanced life in the 21st century.This book explores Masuno's design process and ideas, which are integral to his daily Zen training and teachings. It features 15 unique gardens and contemplative landscapes completed in six countries over as many years—all thoughtfully described and documented in full-color photos and drawings. Readers will also find insights on Masuno's philosophy of garden design and a conversation between the designer and famed architect Terunobu Fujimori.Zen Garden Design provides an in-depth examination of Masuno's gardens and landscapes—not just as beautiful spaces, but as places for meditation and contemplation.Trade Review"…a deeper dive into Masunos design process and ideas, so if you're after something that's instructional as well as inspirational then this is [an] option for you." -- Flowers Across Melbourne blog"The text is superb--very complex thoughts written in an almost readily understandable fashion, and most enjoyable to read. And the illustrations are even better--assisted, I am certain, by the quality of the gardens being illustrated." --Shakkei Journal"[Masuno's] ideas and design process, which are fundamental to his daily Zen practice and teachings, are explored through photographs, drawings and descriptive narrative." --ABC Gardening Australia magazine

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Book SynopsisFeaturing more than 600 sketches depicting a vast array of beautiful winged forms, Draw Like an Artist: 100 Birds, Butterflies, and Other Insects is a must-have visual reference for student and aspiring artists, fantasy and scientific illustrators, urban sketchers—anyone who’s seeking to improve their realistic drawing skills. This contemporary, step-by-step guidebook demonstrates fundamental art concepts like proportion, anatomy, and spatial relationships as you learn to draw a full range of winged creatures, all shown from a variety of perspectives. Each set of illustrations takes you from beginning sketch lines to a finished drawing. Author Melissa Washburn’s clear and elegant drawing stylewill make this a go-to sourcebook for years to come. Learn how to: Establish basic shapes and symmetry Articulate lines for body shapes, wing forms, and shading Add defining details Draw Like an Artist: 100 Birds, Butterflies, and Other Insects is a library essential for any artist interested in learning how to draw the fascinating forms of birds and winged insects. The books in the Draw Like an Artist series are richly visual references for learning how to draw classic subjects realistically through hundreds of step-by-step images created by expert artists and illustrators.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION How to Use This Book SECTION 1: BIRDS Eagle, Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Gull, Sandpiper Cormorant, Tern, Pelican, Cuckoo, Emu, Spoonbill Stork, Turkey, Pheasant, Wood Duck, Canada Goose Loon, Puffin, Swan, Barn Owl, Toucan, Macaw, Cockatoo Cassowary, Kakapo, Bird of Paradise, Weaverbird, Honeycreeper Green Heron, Thrush, Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, Quail Finch, Sparrow, Titmouse, Oriole, Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Swallow, Peacock, Downy Woodpecker, Wren, Nuthatch Kingfisher, Warbler, Blue Jay, Crow, Mockingbird, Dove Vulture, Whip-Poor-Will, Feathers, Songbird Wing, Hawk/Raptor Wing Feet: Songbird, Feet: Shorebird/Water Bird, Feet: Bird of Prey Feet: Woodpecker, Hawk in Flight, Songbird in Flight SECTION 2: BUTTERFLIES Monarch Butterfly, Swallowtail Butterfly, Blue Butterfly, Question Mark Butterfly Skipper Butterfly, Buckeye Butterfly, Checkerspot Butterfly, Birdwing Butterfly Fritillary Butterfly, Sulphur Butterfly SECTION 3: MOTHS Cecropia Moth, Luna Moth, Tiger Moth, Underwing Moth Sphinx Moth, Flannel Moth SECTION 4: BEES AND WASPS Honeybee, Bumblebee, Sweat Bee, Wasp SECTION 5: BEETLES Ladybug, Longhorn Beetle, Scarab Beetle, Flower Beetle, Leatherwing Beetle Firefly, Rhinoceros Beetle, June Bug/Chafer Beetle, Weevil SECTION 6: OTHER INSECTS Leaf-Footed Bug, Lacewing, Cricket, Grasshopper Dragonfly, Damselfly, Housefly, Praying Mantis Katydid, Cicada, Stick Insect Acknowledgments About the Author

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Book SynopsisProduced in partnership with The National Gallery, this exquisite mini wall calendar presents a beautiful selection of landscapes by artists such as Turner, Monet, Constable and Canaletto. Informative text accompanies each work and the datepad features previous and next month's views. Printed on FSC-certified paper, with plastic-free packaging.

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Book SynopsisOutdoor painting tips and more from the best landscape painters working today. Many painters enjoy working outdoors when the weather is good, but they also need to know how to deal with it when the weather changes! This book includes the best instruction on the special challenges of painting landscapes outdoors from a variety of the best plein-air artists working today in all major media-oil, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, and gouache. It includes: - Materials, site selection, and practical tips - Values, shapes, composition, color, and elements of landscape painting - Bringing outdoor studies back into the studio - Complete start-to-finish demonstrations - Hundreds of gorgeous images - A wealth of knowledge from a variety of instructors

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Book SynopsisThe artist Mark Hearld finds his inspiration in the flora and fauna of the British countryside: a blue-eyed jay perched on an oak branch; two hares enjoying the spoils of an allotment; a mute swan standing at the frozen water's edge; and a sleek red fox prowling the fields. Hearld admires such twentieth-century artists as Edward Bawden, John Piper, Eric Ravilious and Enid Marx, and, like them, he chooses to work in a range of media - paint, print, collage, textiles and ceramics. Work Book is the first collection of Hearld's beguiling art. The works are grouped into nature-related themes introduced by Hearld, who narrates the story behind some of his creations and discusses his influences. He explains his particular love of collage, which he favours for its graphic quality and potential for strong composition. Art historian Simon Martin contributes an essay on Hearld's place in the English popular-art tradition, and also meets Hearld in his museum-like home to explore the artist's passion for collecting objects, his working methods and his startling ability to view the wonders of the natural world as if through a child's eyes.Trade Review'Mr Hearld's talent is for locating wonder in the determinedly ordinary.' COUNTRY LIFE MAGAZINE; '... reveals the stories behind his career and his creations.' YORKSHIRE POST; ' ... takes us into Mark's home and explores his passion for collecting objects,' HOMES AND ANTIQUES; '... with inspiration drawn from Stubbs and Samuel Palmer, the poetry of Blake and William Morris's pattern design. The result is an identifiably 'English' idiom, here wonderfully brought to life in this handsome book' - COUNTRY LIFE; 'Anyone and everyone can love the art of Mark Hearld,' YORK PRESS; 'A fascinating book - beautifully bound and the quality of its pages speak of the riches to come - An amazing account of Mark's prolific and artistic outpourings.' FISHINK BLOG; 'Whether you are a fan of Hearld's work or discovering it for the first time, this book is a treat simply to flip through and will appeal to children and adults alike.' MONSTERS & CRITICS

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Book SynopsisFrom a lonely mountain highway bathed in midday sun and glittering city lights reflecting off a calm ocean, to a haunted house peeking out of early morning mist and a winter sunset illuminating a snowy forest, this brilliant collection of watercolour masterpieces is an essential primer on representing light in all its varied forms. Artist and author Kolbie Blume breaks complex concepts into easily grasped steps, so that anyone - even beginners - can paint vibrant scenes full of light and luminance. Paintings like Ancient Glow, Twilight Seas and Magic in the Fields allow you to master everything from bright afternoon sunlight and glowing golden hour beams to shimmering starlight and magical misty dawn. Each gorgeous painting teaches you new tricks and techniques to beautifully represent outdoor scenes during any time of the day. Kolbie’s thoughtful, easy-to-follow instructions make it simple to harness colour and light in watercolour paintings transforming everyday scenes into something extraordinary.

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Book SynopsisUse a single continuous line to make beautiful art, all in 15 minutes or less! This interactive instructional book includes space for you to practice directly on the pages as you learn. Professional artist Heinke Nied has perfected the quick one-line drawing technique and teaches it to art students in her native Germany. Now she brings the technique first made famous by Pablo Picasso to English-speaking artists in 15-Minute Drawing: One-Line Drawing. Included in the book are:   A review of necessary tools and materials Instruction on how to use pen and ink Drawing techniques Step-by-step drawing projects that include florals, plants, portraits, objects, and much more An inspirational gallery The easy-to-follow projects require only a pen or pencil, so they’re very transportable and fun to do wherever you like to draw. Additionally, one-line drawing is a calTable of ContentsIntroduction What Is One-Line Drawing? Drawing Tips Tools & Materials Warming Up Your First Rose Flowers & Leaves Plants Faces Lifestyle Still Life Celebrations Keeping a Sketchbook Inspirational Gallery About the Artist

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Book SynopsisFrom striking desert sunsets to misty mountains to fields of gorgeous wildflowers, Kolbie Blume's projects help you learn basic watercolour skills and techniques with the added bonus of resulting in beautiful paintings worthy of prominent display in your home. Each chapter teaches progressively more advanced techniques and subjects, allowing you to build upon your skills as you work through the projects. The final paintings Kolbie teaches show you how to combine all the skills you've developed in a variety of unique, exciting ways - the sky's the limit! With all the tips, tricks and techniques you need to dive into watercolor painting, this collection of brilliant watercolor projects is the perfect guide for the beginner painter and any artist looking to improve their landscape skills. This book contains 30 projects.

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Book SynopsisFurbex: A Dog's Life of Urban Exploration is a dazzling photographic record of Claire's adventures among the abandoned spaces of Europe. It captures her ghostly presence in ruined hotels and grand houses; crumbling castles and palaces; broken down factories and prisons, forgotten theatres and cinemas. All have fallen into disrepair; most still display the faded trappings and trampled luxuries of their glorious or inglorious pasts; and many have been spectacularly reclaimed by nature. Fascinated by shadows and light, past and present, and the mysterious, dark worlds of abandoned places, Alice van Kempen uses thrift shop props and long exposures to create photographs with the air of Old Master paintings; while Claire's tragi-comic presence imbues every image with the pathos and comedy of a silent movie. In Furbex, they not only present the finest of their unique photographic portfolio, but also recount the tales and raise the ghosts of the lost worlds they have discovered. The result is a haunting and hilarious gift of unique photographs, which will appeal to urban explorers, dog lovers (most particularly the cult following of the bull terrier breed), and all lovers of the Gothic, the mysterious and the absurd. AUTHOR: Alice van Kempen is a self-taught photographer from the Netherlands, who has been photographing dogs around the world for over 25 years. Her passion is for 'furbex' photography (urbex photography with a canine twist), which she practices by exploring abandoned places with her beloved bull terrier Claire, who has 21,000 followers on Instagram. Their many awards include first prize in the pets category of the International Photography Awards; and the Reader's Choice Award in the Smithsonian Photo Contest for 'The Orient Express', an image of Claire in an abandoned train. SALES POINTS: . A haunting but humorous collection of photographs documenting Claire, the bull terrier and urban explorer (Urbex) . Author is an award-winning photographer and an Instagram star . A charming gift book with appeal to dog lovers, photographers, and urban explorers alike 100 colour photographs

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Book SynopsisNothing makes a fantasy fan's imagination catch fire like the dragon, one of the most enduringly popular beasts of legend. Now, with DragonArt, readers can learn how to bring these mythical creatures to life, with: More than 30 lessons broken down into simple colour-coded steps, from basic shapes, to details including claws and wings, to spectacular finished dragons and beasts Full-coloured illustrations to captivate and inspire readers A playful, engaging text that includes "historical facts about dragons" Additional step-by-step demonstrations covering other fantasy creatures, such as wyverns, basilisks and gargoyles Extra hints, tips & tricks provided by DragonArt's dragon mascot, Dolosus With the tips and suggestions in DragonArt, fantasy lovers can let their imaginations soar.

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Book SynopsisFocuses on how to draw domesticated animals - the tamed creatures that share our lives. This book features everyone's favourite animals, ranging from the popular breeds of dogs and cats to horses and other hoofed mammals, and reptiles. It shows each type of animal in general and then goes into the various traits that make each breed distinctive.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter Dogs Head Body Puppies Breeds The Artist’s Process: Mutt (Teddy) Chapter 2Cats Head Body Kittens Breeds The Artist’s Process: Tabby Chapter 3Horses Head Body Foals BreedsThe Artist’s Process: Proportions Chapter 4Other Hoofed Animals Head Body and Tail Baby Hoofed Animals BreedThe Artist’s Process: Alpaca Head Chapter 5Rodents, Rabbits, and Ferrets Rodents Head Body and Tail Rabbits Head Body and Tail Breeds Ferrets Head Body and Tail The Artist’s Process: Drawing Soft Fur in Pencil Chapter 6Birds Head and Beak Body The Artist’s Process: Feathers and Legs Chapter 7Cold-Blooded Animals Reptiles Head Body and Tail Amphibians Head, Nose, Mouth, and Ears Body and Tail Fish Fins, Body, and Tail The Artist’s Process: Drawing Scales, Reptile Skin, and Avoiding an Unnatural Look Afterword Index

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Book SynopsisAn elegant reference guide to the meaning of plants in art and life. From early Egyptian reverence for the acacia and the lotus, to the Victorian language of flowers and the works of Vincent Van Gogh and Georgia O'Keeffe, we have long sought meaning in nature. Significance has often been ascribed to particular plants, referencing their uses as food or medicine, their associations with saints and heroes, or more abstract or aesthetic qualities like fortitude, beauty and strength. Weaving together botany, mythology, folklore, religious texts, and centuries of art and literature, this richly illustrated, elegant reference guide engages the cultural significance and underlying meanings of over fifty plants. Each entry is accompanied by a work of art or botanical illustration, bringing together the world of art and plants in an elegant and seamless fashion and deepening our understanding of how plants have been used by artists in the past and what they mean to us today. This is the ideal reference volume for the artistically inspired botanist as well as a pleasure to read and leaf through.

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Book SynopsisCalling all cat people! Channel your feline fervor with these step-by-step drawing projects and coloring pages filled with adorable kitties.From Vera Kay, a rising young artist who goes by @veekachoo online, How to Draw Squishy Cats and Kittens teaches you to draw cats in all kinds of cute positions and situations, including sleeping, jumping, scratching, chasing, and more. This fun book is divided into chapters focusing on:  Degrees of floof How to add floof Adding color to line art Common cat poses Cats and their kingdoms A squishy birthday party! Each chapter comes with a coloring page and is filled with helpful instruction and tips for drawing cats, both digitally and with traditional drawing tools. Veekachoo’s hundreds of thousands of online followers give her lots of positive feedback and often credit her art with inspiring them to start drawing. This is the first book fr

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Book SynopsisThis practical book is an inspiring guide to the innovative technique that combines ink and dry coloured pencil, and explores a wealth of natural subjects from berries to butterflies. Packed with examples and learning points, it explains the different methods of mark-making in ink and drawing with coloured pencils. For those new to the technique, Helen Hanson encourages you to develop an individual style and, for those who enjoyed her first book, she explores a new world of subjects. This book is a treasure trove of ideas and examples that both artists and lovers of nature will enjoy.

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Book SynopsisAllen W. Seaby's life has been described as "a classic tale of Victorian self-improvement." But there is more to the tale than just upward mobility. A. W. Seaby was a pioneering, innovative and inspirational man who rose to become a prominent print-maker, teacher, author and illustrator. Best-known for his colour woodcut printing using traditional Japanese methods, and as a prominent wildlife artist, the story of Seaby's many accomplishments is recounted by his grandson, who inherited Seaby's love of birds and became internationally renowned in his own right, Robert Gillmor. Alongside this personal recount, Martin Andrews (Seaby's successor as President of the Reading Guild of Artists) selects aspects of his career and expands upon his techniques, his illustrative methods, his circle of fellow artists and the books he published to give a full and rounded account of a man whose work is currently enjoying a well-deserved renaissance.

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Book SynopsisA contemporary paint-every-day watercolour guide that explores foundational strokes and patterns and then builds new skills upon the foundations over the course of 30 days to create finished pieces.Trade Review“To the outside observer, Jenna Rainey’s work seems completely effortless, but it is in fact built on an extremely solid foundation of techniques, materials, and color theory. By pouring all of her hard-won knowledge into Everyday Watercolor, Jenna has created a wonderful resource for any aspiring watercolor artist.” —NOLE GAREY, founder and editor, Oh So Beautiful Paper“In this beautiful, inspiring, and accessible book, Jenna Rainey graciously breaks down her process and welcomes artists and enthusiasts alike to join her in the joy of watercolor painting.” —SATSUKI SHIBUYA, watercolor artistTable of ContentsCONTENTSSection OneTECHNIQUE 1718 DAY 1 STROKES 24 DAY 2 CURVES AND CIRCLES 32 DAY 3 STRAIGHT LINES AND TRIANGLES 38 DAY 4 LAYOUT 44 DAY 5 COMPOUND STROKES 50 DAY 6 COMPLEX CURVESSection TwoFORM, PERSPECTIVE, AND LIGHT 5556 DAY 7 LIGHT TO DARK LAYERING 62 DAY 8 BACKGROUND AND FOREGROUND 66 DAY 9 PATTERN 72 DAY 10 LIGHT SOURCE AND SHADING 76 DAY 11 VARIED HUE BLENDING 82 DAY 12 CAST SHADOWSection ThreeCOMPLEX SHAPES AND FORMS 8990 DAY 13 ANGLES AND FOLDS 96 DAY 14 PAINTING IN SECTIONS 102 DAY 15 COMPLEMENTARY COLORS 106 DAY 16 FINE LINES 110 DAY 17 HIGHLIGHTS, MID-TONES, AND SHADOWS 118 DAY 18 GESTURESection FourVALUE, VOLUME, AND DEPTH 125126 DAY 19 MOVEMENT 132 DAY 20 VALUES 138 DAY 21 SUBJECT IN A LANDSCAPE 146 DAY 22 ATMOSPHERIC PERSPECTIVE 154 DAY 23 GRAYSCALE VALUE 160 DAY 24 VOLUMESection FiveAPPLICATION 171172 DAY 25 WIDE LANDSCAPE: DESERT 180 DAY 26 WIDE LANDSCAPE: JUNGLE 186 DAY 27 FINAL DESERT PIECE: PART ONE 192 DAY 28 FINAL DESERT PIECE: PART TWO 198 DAY 29 FINAL JUNGLE PIECE: PART ONE 206 DAY 30 FINAL JUNGLE PIECE: PART TWO 210 DAY 31 AND BEYOND

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Book Synopsis100 Japanese Gardens is an ambitious attempt to profile the finest gardens in Japan, while also highlighting lesser known, but equally accomplished landscapes in less-visited parts of the country. A celebration of Japanese landscape design, this book features gardens from Kyoto and Tokyo, as well as from the sub-arctic island of Hokkaido and the semi-tropical islands of Okinawa. Author Stephen Mansfield travelled the length and breadth of Japan on a quest to identify the most impressive gardens in this vast and culturally varied archipelago. His erudition and love of the Japanese garden shines through on every page, making this the perfect primer for travel to Japan or an enjoyable armchair read for gardening enthusiasts. Mansfield's insightful descriptions of each garden examine design concepts and principles, space management, compositional elements, and the iconographic and metaphysical role of Shinto and Buddhist influences. Through his exquisite visuals and engaging stories, we experience Japanese garden designs not merely as landscapes, but as large-scale art installations.Trade Review"Is it a garden book? A travel guide? Pure eye candy? This visual romp across Japan, which explores some of its most serene and green spaces and includes addresses, visiting hours, and other practical details for each, is all of the above. Locales include the grounds at Shisendo (a 17th-century Kyoto hermitage) and Tokyo's Nezu Shrine, site of the Bunkyo Azalea Festival." --Publishers Weekly"…the book is far more than a travel guide. It is an ideal read for all lovers of Japanese gardens. Highly recommended!" --Shakkei Vol. 25 No. 4. Spring 2019"…It would be well worth having if you were going to Japan to view gardens…" -- Washington Gardener Magazine"…if there's [little room] in my suitcase, I can take Tuttle Publishing's pocket sized 100 Japanese Gardens by photojournalist Stephen Mansfield." --Hortus Journal

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Book SynopsisArtist and illustrator Elizabeth Gould is finally given the recognition she deserves in this gorgeous volume that includes hundreds of her stunning and scientifically precise illustrations of birds from nearly every continent. For all of her short life, Elizabeth Gould's artistic career was appreciated through the lens of her husband, ornithologist John Gould, with whom she embarked on a series of ambitious projects to document and illustrate the birds of the world. Elizabeth played a crucial role in her husband's lavish publications, creating beautifully detailed and historically significant accurate illustrations of over six hundred birds -many of which were new to science. However, Elizabeth's role was not always fully credited and, following her tragic death aged only thirty-seven, her efforts and talent were nearly forgotten. This marvelous volume offers a new and timely tribute to Elizabeth's reputation and skill. It opens with an introduction to her life and achievements that reflects the latest scholarship. Following is a geographically organized collection of full-color plates depicting birds from nineteenth-century Europe, South and Central America, Africa, Asia, and Australia including previously unpublished original artworks. Filled with the highest quality reproductions, this volume allows readers to appreciate first-hand Gould's talent for capturing the unique character of each species and the beauty of avian diversity. At the same time it offers a valuable reconsideration of a woman who left a lasting legacy as one of the greatest bird painters of all time.Trade ReviewIn BIRDS OF THE WORLD we find lithographs whose knowingly slapdash linework, paired with bright pigments and quick washes, makes prints such as her candy-cloudy Senegalese woodland kingfisher feel like daydreams as much as records. As Her Majesty’s navies and naturalists patrolled the world, Gould limned its limits, whetting the visual imagination of an ever-reaching empire.

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Book SynopsisA FLAME TREE SKETCH BOOK. Beautiful and luxurious, the sketch books combine high-quality production with magnificent art. Perfect as a gift, the thick paper stock makes them ideal for sketching and drawing. Features a wide range of well-known and modern artists, with new artworks published throughout the year. BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED. The highly crafted covers are printed on foil paper, embossed then foil stamped, complemented by the luxury binding and bookmark ribbons. The covers are created by our artists and designers who spend many hours transforming original artwork into gorgeous 3d masterpieces that feel good in the hand, and look wonderful on a desk or table. THE ARTIST. Lucy Innes Williams is a painter and illustrator with an artistic interest in highly ornate textiles, patterns, and the decorative arts of the early-mid twentieth century. She uses a combination of gouache, watercolour and printmaking. THE FINAL WORD. As William Morris said, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

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Book SynopsisThe beauty of the apex predator captured up close and unflinchingly.

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Book SynopsisShowcases the work of twenty leading paleoartists who expertly bring these extinct animals to life in exquisite detail.Dinosaurs are endlessly fascinating to people of every age, from the youngest child who enjoys learning the tongue-twisting names to adults who grew up with Jurassic Park and Walking with Dinosaurs. As our knowledge of the prehistoric world continues to evolve and grow, so has the discipline of bringing these ancient worlds to life artistically. Paleoart puts flesh on the bones of long-extinct organisms, and illustrates the world they lived in. Mesozoic Art presents twenty of the best artists working in this field, representing a broad spectrum of disciplines, from traditional painting to cutting-edge digital technology. Some provide the artwork for new scientific papers that demand high-end paleoart as part of their presentation to the world at large; they also work for the likes of National Geographic and provide art to museums aroTrade ReviewPalaeoart has truly crossed the bridge into the realm of fine wildlife art in both the quality and creative content of the work compiled in this tome. * Julius T. Csotonyi, palaeoartist and mural illustrator for the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and LA Museum of Natural History, and author of The Paleoart of Julius Csotonyi *A must-have for scientists, scholars and young dino artists! * Creator of Age of Reptiles, concept artist for Jurassic Park III, and character designer for Disney’s Dinosaur *This is an ambitious collection of some of the most breath-catching depictions not only of our world in the past, but our world at any time. Sometimes weird, but often startlingly natural, Mesozoic Art helps us see life in the past not as science fiction, but living, breathing fact. * Dr Elsa Panciroli, palaeontologist, author of Beasts Before Us and The Earth: A Biography of Life *This book offers new, fresh, naturalistic and exciting depictions of our favourite creatures. Prehistoric Animals are not monsters and these young artists give them the respect they deserve. No doubt Mesozoic Art will inspire a whole new generation of Palaeoartists! * David Krentz, palaeoartist, designer, concept artist, storyboard artist on Prehistoric Planet, Emmy award-winning concept artist on Primal *I was entranced by the work here…Darren and Steve’s captions also provide an effective, insightful commentary…this is obviously a must-have book for anyone interested in palaeoart…More than that, this feels like a definitive summation of where we’re up to in the world of palaeoart, committed to print to be perused for decades to come. * Love in the Time of Chasmosaurs *The gorgeous paintings are accompanied by thought-provoking notes designed to attract artists and scientists alike…Arts and prehistoric science library collections alike must place Mesozoic Art on their lists of important, key acquisitions. * Donovan’s Recommended Reading *Mesozoic Art pulls together a powerful subset of palaeoartists…The print quality equals that of the best fine art books. Paleontology enthusiasts, and perhaps even Audubon aficionados, will not be disappointed. * New York Journal of Books *Table of ContentsForeword Introduction Artist Profiles Gabriel Ugueto Joschua Knuppe Corben Rainbolt Stephanie Dziezyk Emiliano Troco Lucas Attwell Julia D’Oliveira Midiaou Diallo Joanna Kobierska Jed Taylor Pablo Rivera Greer Stothers John Conway Ville Sinkkonen Danielle Dufault Julio Lacerda Brennan Stokerman Raven Amos Mark Witton Jaime Chirinos Glossary

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Book SynopsisA practical guide to painting nature's flora and fauna from award-winning botanical painting authors Meriel Thurstan and Rosie Martin. Recording the wildlife that surrounds us is an age-old art. The authors, in collaboration with the Eden Project, show us how to accurately and beautifully capture the natural world on canvas and make the most of the revival of this art form. Step by step, they take you through the whole process of capturing the essence of some of the most beautiful things on earth. From dinosaur skeletons and fossils to birds, butterflies and frogs. Learn how to paint the subtle scales on a fish, the iridescence of a feather or the lustre on a shell. The authors take you through the full range of skills and techniques you need to undertake natural history drawing and painting. Key techniques are explained with practical step-by-step demonstrations. Beautiful illustrations by the authors are featured throughout and will inspire you and illuminate the techniques you are learning. Painting Nature’s Details is a stunning book on an art form that is fast becoming the new botanical illustration.Trade Review'I don’t care if you tell me you’d never want to paint these yourself, just buy the book and marvel at what Rosie and Meriel have found' * Art Book Review *

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