Birds and Light: The Art of Lars Jonsson

Jonsson, Lars

ISBN 10: 0713664053 / ISBN 13: 9780713664058

Published by Christopher Helm, 2002

232, 180 colour illus. 300x280mm. HB. 4to (300x280mm), orig. boards. Vg in d/w. This book is a retrospective of Lars Jonsson's career as one of the world's best-known and most admired bird artists. Here are pages from his earliest sketchbooks, alongside finished plates from the field guides as well as some of the magnificent full-scale paintings that are so highly prized by collectors, presented at various stages in their development. Throughout the book the artist discusses the artistic process, from the importance of sketching from life and field observation to the discipline of painting for field guides and the development of the ability to express subtlety of environment and atmosphere in paint. His thoughts on these subjects, and his engaging account of the progress of his own career, make this a fascinating read for all those interested in birds, birdwatching and bird art. [9780713664058]. Seller Inventory # S62284

Synopsis:

This work describes the life and work of one of the finest bird artists in history. Here, Lars Jonsson talks of a life's work made from studying and capturing the relationship between birds and light. This work is part autobiography and part exploration of technical method, and throughout it is a celebration of birds, wildlife and wild places. It is illustrated with reproduced artwork, including pages from his earliest sketchbooks, examples of his identification plates, through to the development and completion of finished canvases.

From the Back Cover:

"Lars Jonsson is one of those rare artists whose work is so true and pure that it influences whole generations of younger artists. His work shows a tremendous range from realistic illustration to loose impressionism, but even his most detailed illustrations still capture the essence and spirit of the subject, and even his most impressionistic works show an intimate knowledge of the details. His paintings are eloquent, evoking memories and feelings of watching nature, and looking at these paintings is for me much more than a visual experience. What a treat to have such a beautifully-produced collection of his work, with a very insightful text that explores his development as an artist and the thoughts and philosophies behind the paintings. Simply a marvelous book."--David Allen Sibley

"Lars Jonsson came to the North American natural history art world like a bolt of lightning . . . a very refreshing bolt. Most nature art in North America was detailed but stilted. The open, loose quality of Lars Jonsson's art has both the flair of a talented hand and the verisimilitude of an observant eye. I once heard a masterpiece described thus: 'When you see it, you feel that you are seeing it for the first time and it looks as if it is done with no effort.' Much wildlife art is exactly the opposite, but Lars Jonsson's work gives us fresh, new glimpses into the natural world and conveys a sense of reality with seemingly effortless grace. He has helped to open people's eyes, and that is what true art should do."--Robert Bateman

"Lars Jonsson is one of the great wildlife painters of our time, as well as a thoughtful and articulate writer. This autobiographical book will allow the reader to observe the progress of paintings as they evolve in the studio and the field--a look at this wonderful artist at work. Jonsson's powers of observation are legendary in the birding world, so this is a real treat. Birds and Light will appeal to birders but also to a fine arts audience and those readers who covet any beautifully produced book."--Jonathan Alderfer

Bibliographic Details

Title: Birds and Light: The Art of Lars Jonsson
Publisher: Christopher Helm
Publication Date: 2002
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included