Drawing Birds

British illustrator Raymond Sheppard (1913–1958) was celebrated for his drawings of nature and animals for books and magazines. He published three art instructional books with Studio Publications and is perhaps best remembered for a 1952 edition of The Old Man and the Sea, which he co-illustrated with Charles Tunnicliffe.

• Introduction 6The history of drawing birds 8Materials 12How to start 18BIRD FEATURES 24 Wings 24Feathers 26Eyes 28Beaks and bills 30Feet 32BIRDS IN FLIGHT 34Bird groups 40Waders and waterbirds 42Common moorhen step by step 44Wildfowl 50Canada geese step by step 52Seabirds 58Atlantic puffin step by step 60Birds of prey 64Lanner falcon step by step 66Owls 72Snowy owl step by step 74Garden and woodland birds 80European goldfinch step by step 82Game birds 88Red-legged partridge step jby step 90Index 96

Birds are a perennially popular subject and this eminently readable guide will help you get to grips with many of their complexities. Andrew Forkner also includes some helpful notes on structure and plumage and features such as beaks, feet, and feathers. Concentrating on black and white removes a layer of difficulty at a stroke, and enables those finding their feet to concentrate on shape and structure. While birds are not a subject for the complete beginner, a considerable degree of practice is required and Andrew provides plenty of instruction and exercises that will develop your skills as you work. This is a well-executed and nicely progressive guide that should appeal to the beginner as well as the more experienced worker.