Birds of the World-Book review.John Gould by Maureen Lambourne

Are you a Bird Photographer or Bird Artist? What do you like the most?

The Birdman's Wife-- A book Review

I have just finished reading a delightful book on the life of Elizabeth and John Gould.

John Gould is the well known Ornithologist and bird artist and his wife the lesser known real artist behind his reputation.

He was the sketcher but Elizabeth and also Edward Lear were the main reasons for his Bird Books success.
Many other accomplished  artists also contributed to his work.

John Gould was a very driven man intent on success and with a passion for birds and knowledge.
He was a very clever marketer and successful businessman.

This book concentrates on the life of the Goulds as told through the eyes of Elizabeth.

She was dedicated to her art and birds but was torn between her occupation and her role as a mother.
She was devoted to her husband and his work but sacrificed much as a mother.

Please note the link under is an article by Melissa Ashley.
It is not the text of her book.

https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/exhibits/show/gould/about/elizabeth_gould

If you like birds, and you are intrigued like I am, by the many connections between the leading lights of the day in wildlife and bird art you will find this an engrossing book.
Here are some other titles where you can cross reference the material in "the Birdmans Wife".

 

This book was also put together by Maureen Lambourne

Maureen is the great great grand daughter of John Gould.

The Books in My Library-"The Life and Art of William T Cooper"

Occasionally in some of my videos I have mentioned some of the great books I have in my personal library.
I have many on Birds and Wildlife and also on photography.
Some also are on Australian Art and I love the fictional work of the great authors..
In this day and age I believe it is important to maintain the practice of reading and indeed creating good books.
I hope to leave my collection mainly for the benefit of my grandchildren.
Today I will do a short review of "The Life and Art of William T Cooper" by Penny Olsen.
The forward is by David Attenborough.
Penny Olsen has put together some wonderful books about the Art of Bird Ilustration and also Australian Birds in general.
Since I became acquainted with work of this great Australian Bird and Wildlife Artist he has died.

Here is a link to some short videos by Sarah Scragg about Bill and his meeting with David Attenborough.

https://vimeo.com/49892627

https://vimeo.com/33327840

This book is a beautifully produced coffee table book.

It traces Cooper's career from his earliest development and shows how he moved from Landscape Artist to Birds and Wildlife.

The videos available about him complement the book beautifully.

There is also an instructional video available on how to paint like he did.

One of the things I like about the book it shows his friendships and interaction with many other significant Australia Artists and Photographers, names I have grown up with and whose books I also have in my library.

Stanley Breeden is one of them.

I highly recommend getting a copy of this to add to your library and have a real good read.

"Birds of a Feather" Studio/Gallery. Fine Art at Kapunda, South Australia

from Roger's website

For some time we have been aware of the beautiful art work of Australian Birds by Roger Murcott.
Roger has a amazing Gallery where you can view and buy his work.
Today we had the privilege of visiting his gallery while passing through Kapunda.
His work is right up there with the best.
If you like Birds as Art this is a must to visit.
There are limited edition prints,postcards and originals for sale.
Kaunda is about an hour from Adelaide.

http://rogermurcott.com.au/