As the summer of 1821 began; John James Audubons ambition to create a comprehensive pictorial record of American birds was still largely a dream. Then; out of economic necessity; Audubon came to Oakley Plantation; a sprawling estate in Louisianas West Feliciana Parish. Teeming with an abundance of birds; the woods of Oakley galvanized Audubons sense of possibility for one of the most audacious undertakings in the annals of art. In A Summer of Birds; journalist and essayist Danny Heitman sorts through the facts and romance of Audubons summer at Oakley; a season that clearly shaped the destiny of the worlds most famous bird artist. Heitman draws from a rich variety of sources -- including Audubons own extensive journals; more recent Audubon scholarship; and Robert Penn Warrens poetry -- to create a stimulating excursion across time; linking the historical man Audubon to the present-day civic and cultural icon. He considers the financial straits that led to Audubons employment at Oakley as a private tutor to fifteen-year-old Eliza Pirrie; Audubons family history; his flamboyance as a master of self-invention; his naturalist and artistic techniques; and the possible reasons for his dismissal. Illustrations include photographs of Oakley House -- now a state historic site -- Audubons paintings from his Oakley period; and portraits of the Pirrie family members. A favorable combination of climate and geography made Oakley a birding haven; and Audubon completed or began at least twenty-three bird paintings -- among his finest work -- while staying there. A Summer of Birds will inform and delight readers in its exploration of this eventful but unsung 1821 interlude; a fascinating chapter in the life of Americas foremost bird artist. It is an indispensable pleasure for birders; Audubon enthusiasts; and visitors to Oakley House.
#127927 in eBooks 2010-04-29 2010-04-29File Name: B003RWSBYA
Review
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful. Your Artists Brain...and mine too!By CJSI loved this book because it made me "think outside the box" so to speak.Made me look at how I come up with what I am going to paint. Its easy tothink that our paintings are due to what we see...well. when you start tolook at a scene that you are going to paint as dark/light/grey areas yousee it TOTALLY differently. it will change how you think...it will as theauthor said. make your analytic brain step aside and let your artistsbrain take hold in a new way. I really enjoyed this read and how theauthor not only wrote it so anyone could understand it. he also put insketches/drawings and paintings showing the point of interest and how todrive people to look at it and not have the painting be too distracting.I actually put this to a small drawing test. and did an exercise he suggested(pick something in a photo to paint. turn it upside down. then sketch it) itmakes you SEE the dark. light. grey tones and NOT the flowers or pieces offruit. etc. Try it! It is really an interesting exercise. Lots of artbooks out there. I think this is a good addition to any art library.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Artists BrainBy NormanI am an amateur artist who enjoys. as a volunteer. helping others to find their own "artists brain." I purchased this book several months ago. as I had heard from a professional artist how influential this book was for him. I have read Your Artists Brain twice. will be studying it again and again. It is a "go to" reference book. The author begins with the basics. then soon delves into a real study of drawing skills. compositional skills. and even watercolor techniques. all written in an understandable and often witty style. He shows you. best of all. how to free yourself from slavery to reference photos to make your drawings and paintings so much better. If you have already studied drawing. you will find lots to inspire you to get better and better. If you are an absolute beginner. it might be a lot to grasp at first. but it is written so clearly with lots of illustrations. you will learn fast and well. I purchased it as a Kindle book to read on my iPad mini to easily take it with me to doctors waiting rooms. etc. Wish I had purchased the real book. though. to better study the illustrations.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good information. well presented; definitely worth the investmentBy Paul GlobusMr. Purcell is an excellent artist and does a good job of explaining what often goes wrong when people try to draw or paint using the (mostly dominant) verbal / logical side of the brain. You think youre seeing whats directly in front of you when youre actually seeing a compromised version of the subject. Armed with the knowledge of how to train yourself to see shapes and forms. drawing and painting become easier and more fun. I recommend this book as one of the better ones for the aspiring artist. Also. Mr. Purcells work as showcased in the book is superb.
