Capturing the Essence: Techniques for Bird Artists Paperback – September 6, 2011

This book is very helpful for anyone interested in learning how to draw or paint birds. It has some very helpful info and diagrams - I especially liked the comparison of the avian and human skeletons, as it helps you put into perspective the various parts of the birds. The diagrams of feathers and feather patterns were also very helpful, and the paintings are terrific. Note that most of the birds shown are Australian birds, which actually made it sort of fun for this USA artist.

Nice book showing how to draw a rough sketch and take it to a realistic painting. The colored pictures are beautiful. This book is not for beginners, but more advanced artists who already have the basics of each medium taught in the book.

This book, though not as good as Law's book for anyone who wants to learn to draw and paint birds, is a fine suppliment to his book and worth having if one can afford the price. The weakness of this book is it does not go into the same level of detail as Law but it does cover some aspects lacking in Law's book. The aspiring artist may wish to review the book on his own to determine if he will find it useful.

One of the best books on Bird anatomy and technique I've seen. This is a great study/reference book for artists. I highly recommend this for the knowledge and inspiration on its' pages.

Excellent service ,great packaging ,loved it ,and ,good book ,will buy again from seller.

Artist WT Cooper gives the benefit of his years of experience here in this accessible and delightfully presented beginners guide.He gives details of materials and how best to use them, he recommends useful techniques and habits of observation that will sharpen your skills and awareness.At all times his chatty writing style is engaging and easy to follow.My only criticism is that I was hoping for more tips on the best ways with gouache, and also that it seems some of the information would either be common sense or come naturally to any practising artist.All in all though its a very good starting point for anyone interested in bird illustration.

Fantastic book for any bird lover, birder, a begginner in drawing, an artist.The treatment of how to master shadows, is great.Also, how to achieve a 3D effect with simple measures.Thank you W. Cooper

This is one of the most beautiful how to draw books on the market from the recently deceased Bill Cooper, world class wildlife artist.

This is a great little book. Not only is Cooper's art wonderful to study and enjoy, the artist includes a lot of advice for artists based on his personal experience and study. And it's very readable, and readable for the non-artist too. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in birds and bird art.

A great book for wildlife painters or those just interested in the art itself. This was listed, brand new, at a quarter of the price elsewhere. Always a pleasure to buy from The Book Depository.

this is a beautiful book that takes a close up view of one of australia's greatest wildlife artists, showing his techniques and approach to the subjects he paints. his knowledge is highlighted by many sketchbook pages and some interesting "step by step" pictorial essays that show his process. the book also contains an examination of bird anatomy, with helpful methods of conveying it accurately, background studies and a general explanation of different media and ways of using it. throughout the book, examples of his finished works complement the instructive text. joy.

A truly great artist. This little book is a gem with beautiful paintings, sketches and demonstrations. Sadly William T Cooper is no longer with us but he has left a legacy of wonderful bird paintings. A book well worth having if you are a wildlife artist or someone who just likes looking at great bird art!

Great book by one of the worlds great artists who paints birds. Bill Cooper's laconic style makes the book easy to read and processes are well explained. The license on the back page to be produced when a critic questions a work, gives the artist the right to paint what we like. As we know from history what is in the painting may or may not reflect reality. PG