Synopsis
Artist's Photo Reference: Wildlife
By Bart Rulon
Wildlife is an endless source of inspiration for artists of all kinds. This unique reference features hundreds of dynamic, high-quality photographs from which artists can create wildlife compositions right in the comfort of their own studios. Dozens of majestic animal species are divided into six easy-to-browse sections:
-Hoofed mammals, including bison, elk and caribou
-Carnivorous mammals, including cougars, coyotes and bears
-Small mammals, such as rabbits, raccoons and squirrels
-Aquatic wildlife, including alligators, seals and whales
-African wildlife, from cheetahs and lions to giraffes
-Indian wildlife, including tigers, elephants and monkeys
Each animal subject is featured in its natural habitat and shot from several different angles for enhanced clarity and dimension. In addition, this guide features five complete, step-by-step painting demonstrations, plus tips artists can use to take their own reference photos.
Bart Rulon is a wildlife and landscape artist, and an experienced wildlife photographer. His work has been featured at shows all around the world, including The Society of Animal Artists and Arts for the Parks. He is the author of Painting Birds Step by Step and Artist's Photo Reference: Birds. He lives in Whidbey Island, Washington.
Library Journal
North Light Books adds another thoroughly appealing book to its series of photo reference guides for artists. Rulon has already published guides in this series to birds and to water and skies, while Gary Greene has given us flowers as well as buildings and barns. Rulon's latest features hundreds of photographs of animals most artists will only see in a zoo: bison, elk, caribou, cougars, bears, alligators, seals, whales, cheetahs, lions, elephants, and monkeys. Also included are meals for the big animals, such as fishers, raccoons, and rabbits. Each animal is seen from several angles and in its natural habitat. Painting Wildlife with John Seerey-Lester is a logical companion to Rulon's book. Here, top wildlife artist Seerey-Lester begins by demonstrating how to re-create fur, feathers, and eyes. Writing for advanced artists, he focuses more on larger matters-painting habitat, atmosphere, and light. The result is a worthy addition to the genre, especially for its broad use of media, including oil, acrylic, and charcoal. For the most serious of wildlife artists, see Kalon and Brook McClintic Baughan's Painting the Faces of Wildlife. The Baughans will get your patrons out of the library and into the wilderness to build a floating blind, from which they can paint directly or take their own wilderness photographs. All three books are recommended. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.