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The Bird Art of William T. Cooper

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The Bird Art of William T. Cooper by Wendy Cooper offers an in-depth look into the creative world of renowned bird artist William T. Cooper. This book celebrates his intricate and lifelike bird illustrations, reflecting his profound connection to and understanding of avian life. Through a combination of compelling narrative and stunning artwork, it provides insights into his artistic journey and techniques.
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Format: Hardback
$7499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have a passion for ornithology and art, as it delves into the exquisite bird illustrations of a renowned artist. Exploring the rich details and vibrant colours, it offers a delightful blend of artistic mastery and natural beauty, making it a visual feast for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Shortlisted, 2024 Queensland Literary Awards, The Courier-Mail People's Choice Queensland Book of the Year Award

The Bird Art of William T. Cooper showcases the extraordinary talent of William T. Cooper, widely regarded as a master painter of birds. Known for his work in bird monographs, Cooper also created numerous individual paintings, particularly inspired by species such as birds of paradise, cockatoos, and hornbills. These paintings, often expansive, feature a broad technique for the backgrounds reminiscent of his early days as a landscape and seascape artist. This approach allowed for the depiction of bird behaviour, partially concealed subjects, and more of their natural habitats as compared to the vignettes in monographs. The book includes these artworks alongside many sketches, most of which have never been published before.

Cooper's art was a harmonious blend of sketches, visions, and memories, crafted until he achieved the desired effect. He didn't aim for a perfect replication of a scene; instead, he adjusted compositions by shuffling, deleting, or including elements while highlighting the crucial interplay of light and shade. Every botanical and zoological detail was rendered with precision, akin to the demands of a portrait painter, ensuring anyone familiar with the subject would detect no errors. A romantic at heart, Cooper adored capturing the splendour of nature, embracing both its beauty and imperfections.

In The Bird Art of William T. Cooper, readers are introduced to a diverse array of birds, categorised by their broad habitats, ranging from Australia to Africa, India, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Americas.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922507600

Publisher: National Library of Australia

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 October 2023

Country: Australia

Imprint: National Library of Australia

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 233.0mm

Height: 284.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 356

About the Author

Wendy Cooper was Bill Cooper's partner in life and work. She is a respected botanist who has discovered, and named, a number of new plant species, and has also had species named in her honour. She is the co-author, with Bill Cooper, of Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest and Australian Rainforest Fruits: A Field Guide. Contributor Rupert Russell is a naturalist, writer and friend to the Coopers.

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    William T. Cooper was one of the world's most esteemed bird painters. In his paintings, birds nibble at plump red berries, they rest on twisted vines and branches covered with lichen, and they clutch forest fruits and leaves in their claws. These botanical details, the backdrops to his bird portraits, are the subject of this lavishly illustrated book written by...
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