Full Description
Immerse yourself in a landscape at once familiar yet new, as Pamela Taylor reveals the secrets of trees through her exquisitely detailed and accurately observed pen-and-ink drawings. As an ardent admirer of ancient and veteran trees she draws them as characters with backstories reflecting their struggle for life and their individuality. Her close observation while drawing has led her to discover more about the botany and ecology of the species, as well as the history of individual trees. She accompanies each of her subjects with advice on how to overcome artistic challenges such as managing perspective, portraying delicate details, and taking time to observe.
Contents
Foreword by T. D. Jacobsen, Hunt Institute of Botanical Documentation; Introduction; TRADE SECRETS: Drawing large specimens; The ancient beech trees of Burnham Beeches; Perspective challenges of drawing trees; English oaks: mature, ancient and staghorn; Choosing your viewpoint; Silver birches and succession; Portraying delicate details; Yew: the immortal tree?; Understanding through drawing; Elms, past and present; Illustrating a moment in time; Willows and the River Thames; When to include the habitat; TRADE SECRETS: Making a field sketch; Mistletoe in south Buckinghamshire and east Berkshire; Inspiration from the Renaissance masters; A tree with a story to tell; When drawing leads to research; TRADE SECRETS: Sketching leaves; Native or alien?; Conveying character in the details; The underground world of meadows and woodlands; Storytelling through art; Pause for thought; Take time to observe; Resources.
