Watercolour the Natural World

Watercolour the Natural World is a comprehensive guide to painting nature which also shows how art can promote understanding of our environment and the animals and plants that inhabit it.

Critically acclaimed wildlife painter Tim Pond takes the reader on a journey from pole to pole to discover pristine frozen wilderness areas, coniferous forests and dense tropical rainforests. They are introduced to species that have made these habitats their home and discover how they have evolved to survive fierce winters or sweltering rainforest temperatures.

Each section is packed with tips, techniques and concepts that can speed up the reader's progress in learning to paint mountains, forests, waterscapes, plants and animals. It applies the lessons of the life class to every subject and includes suggested activities such as painting in aquariums, zoos, Natural History museums and outdoors in the landscape. Working from a photograph is explored, too, so that readers that can't see their subjects in real life can also fully participate.

This guide is suitable for all abilities, whether entirely new to watercolour painting or an experienced professional. Drawing methods are taught to help the reader conceive the fundamentals of form. It then explores colour theory and the best watercolour combinations to capture the brilliance of nature, from green leaves and the patterns of animal coats to the bright plumes of exotic birds. Key foundation techniques are fully explained, as well as specific techniques, such as using a dry brush to create the impression of fur.

Tim Pond's career spans three decades of working in various media and for various clients, including books, magazines, newspapers, and film. Passionate about the natural world and education, Tim has attracted worldwide critical acclaim for his artwork of animals, landscape and plants. His artwork has taken him worldwide, from working as the expedition artist with Raleigh International in Alaska to sketching leaves in Mexico's tropical forest. Tim is proud of his affiliations with the Zoological Society of London, The Royal Veterinary College (where he is a guest lecturer on animal movement) and The Royal Society of Biology, where he is on a panel of judges for the Nancy Rothwell Award. He also offers independent art classes where live animals are the life models, often on farms or with owls in museums and at science festivals. Tim regularly exhibits his work - he has a forthcoming exhibition at the Natural History Museum, Tring, curated from his latest publication, The Field Guide to Drawing & Sketching Animals, now published in five languages. He lives in South West London, England.