Painting Birds Step by Step

There's something compelling about the sight of a bird in nature ... it's a unique beauty that can't be improved upon. This guide will help you capture your subjects and their habitats realistically, in a variety of mediums. "I have always thought that as painters we are only limited by how much we can see", writes author Bart Rulon. And to help you make the most of your fieldwork, Rulon offers invaluable advice and instruction on sketching, photography and on-site painting. You'll also find a treasury of bird painting tips and techniques on such topics as building and using a "blind"; capturing feather textures and complex feather patterns; understanding bird anatomy, mechanics of the wing, how birds fly and grip a branch; painting nests and habitats; composing birds in groups; painting a bird's eyes; capturing the quality of light; and achieving color harmony in your paintings. Throughout, you'll be inspired by the work of some of America's top bird painters working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, colored pencil and mixed media. Nine step-by-step demonstrations show how artists bring a variety of subjects to life. In addition, you'll find ideas for using shadows, unusual poses, action, lighting and camouflage to create unique and interesting paintings ... scenes that convey a sense of true wonder at the beauty and drama of the moment.