Capturing the Essence

Reviews

"Techniques, ideas and processes are clearly set out, and the book is packed-full of artistic representations of different birds species - even if you don't want to paint birds, this book is full of beauty to enjoy."
Wildlife Health Australia, 13 May 2024

"Cooper’s step-by step instructions will help you bring your feathered subjects to life, whether you prefer oil, watercolour, or acrylic."
Australian Wildlife Vol 3, Winter 2024

Reviews of the original edition:

"Beautifully presented, this detailed yet accessible book will appeal to both beginner and experienced wildlife artists. So stunning are the images, and clear and friendly the text, the book may well compel bird or wildlife enthusiasts to take up painting or sketching who have never considered doing so."
Denise Elias, Sunbird 41(2), 2011

"Each painting a true work of art! Wildlife artists, and bird enthusiasts, are fortunate indeed that Cooper has decided to provide us with an insight into how he goes about creating his art, and in doing so I believe he gives us a deeper appreciation of his formidable talent… Just try it, put away the camera, pick up the pencil! Capturing The Essence shows a master at work, but highlights that the rewards of such an approach to studying birds are tangible to us all."
Steve Tredinnick, Corella 35(4), December 2011

“The presentation of this book is visually exciting. I could not wait to read the text and it does not disappoint. It will appeal to both the artist and the observer who love birds in the wild… Capturing the Essence is a beautiful book and will capture the heart of everyone who enjoys birds.”
Noelle Rigby, The Bird Observer, August 2011

"There is absolutely no doubt that William Cooper is one of the world’s greatest living bird artists... this book contains all the information any budding bird painter could wish for."
Talking Birds, July 2011

Features

• A personal insight into the work of one of Australia’s greatest wildlife artists.
• A ‘how to’ book that will appeal to people of many age groups and experience levels.
• Describes art materials, drawing and painting principles, bird anatomy, as well as providing painting demonstrations using watercolours, acrylics and oils.
• Originally published in 2011 and now re-released so that a new generation can benefit from the knowledge and skills of one of the world's most esteemed painters, William T. Cooper (1934-2015).

Contents

Acknowledgements
A tribute to William T. Cooper
Introduction

Part A – the basics
Materials
Aids
Some principles of painting
Anatomy of birds (for the artist)
Sketching from life
Measured drawings
Black and whites
Ideas

Part B – the paintings
A painting in watercolours
A painting in acrylics
A painting in oils
Conclusion
Glossary
Recommended reading

View the full table of contents (PDF, 91KB).

Authors

William T. Cooper AO (1934–2015) originally painted landscapes and seascapes but turned to painting birds because of a lifelong love of natural history. He collaborated on many bird monographs with Joseph M. Forshaw. In 1990, William was awarded the Philadelphia Academy of Science (USA) Gold Medal, and in 1994 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contribution to art and to ornithology. A collection of his original paintings is owned by the National Library of Australia and many others are in private collections around the world.

Other books illustrated by William T. Cooper include Pigeons and Doves in Australia written by Joseph M Forshaw, and Australian Rainforest Fruits: A Field Guide, written by Wendy Cooper.