Illustrating Nature: How to Paint and Draw Plants and Animals
Dorothea and Sy Barlowe
Dover
Nonfiction, Art
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Description
From mammals through insects and trees through rocks, this book outlines the many subjects and skills needed by any nature artist. Textures, proportions, and accuracy are emphasized as the authors discuss a variety of media and techniques.
Review
Years ago, I saw this book in Half Price Books, but couldn't justify the price at the time. As soon as I got home, I kicked myself for passing it up. Later, I purchased this online, completely unaware that it was the same volume. This is a great book covering a broad range of subjects, suffering mainly from an excess of explanation as opposed to helpful illustrations. There are illustrations, of course, but I wanted more. It is the only art book I own which covers amphibians, insects, and sea life, as well as crystals, stones, and trees. This book is well worth having in your art library, but hardly the last drawing book you'll ever have to buy. (If I ever find such a book, I'll be sure to let you know.)