Natural History Illustration in Pen & Ink

Sarah Morrish

Books on drawing animals abound, but those working at what we might call the more serious end of the scale appear less frequently. This utterly comprehensive guide covers, as its title suggests, not just animals but birds, plants, insects and invertebrates as well as ancillary items such as feathers, nests and egg cases. There are detailed studies not just of techniques but the creatures themselves, on the basis that to understand their structure, you also need to know about their habitat and behaviour.

The only medium used is pen and ink, which leads to very nedetailed work in both black and white and colour. At over 200 pages, this is a very thorough and, it’s fair to say, intense study that won’t be for everyone, but which should satisfy those who are curious or particularly demanding. If you’re serious about drawing wildlife in all its forms, you won’t do better. Crowood Press, 208 pages (P/B)

ISBN 9781785009228