The Insect Artist - by Zebith Stacy Thalden (Paperback)

About the Book

"The first part of the book will be a brief discussion of materials; the bulk of the book will consist of lessons, beginning with simple insects (such as a ladybug) and progressing to more complicated forms, such as butterflies. Each lesson will start with basic shapes and then add detail and color. There will be a total of 15 lessons. A final section will highlight artwork created by six of Zebith's students, with brief discussions of the technical issues each artist faced"--

Book Synopsis

"Art and science collide beautifully" in this step-by-step, fully illustrated guide to drawing and painting the wonderful world of insects (Lila Higgins).

The Insect Artist offers a complete course in illustration and lifelike artwork. The 15 projects are designed to build on one another, beginning with techniques that strengthen drawing and acrylic painting skills. More advanced projects focus on design principles, realistic environments, and creative challenges. Clear instructions and visual demonstrations describe each step of the process and reference photos show the anatomy and coloration of each insect. Short outdoor exercises are included as lessons on actively observing nature. This is a book for artists of all levels and anyone interested in rediscovering the natural world through artistic expression.

Packed with creative tips:

• Achieve rich colors, surface textures, and spatial depth
• Measure proportions accurately
• Simplify tricky forms and patterns
• Establish an inspiring and supportive art practice

Review Quotes

"This is a very well written and beautifully illustrated guide to gaining skill and familiarity with surface rendering, shading, concept, linework, and finishing, all as they relate to realistic natural and insect subjects. The tutorials are written accessibly and encouragingly and include a wonderful amount of clarity..."--Nonstop Reader

"Substantial (a whopping 344 pages) and thorough. There are plenty of different subjects, a lot of exercises and demonstrations, and some pleasant changes of pace as new topics and ways of working are introduced."
--Art Book Review

About the Author

As an artist, educator, and author, Zebith Stacy Thalden honors an array of biological treasures. She shares her fascination of the numerous species on our planet: living, extinct, undiscovered, and those yet to evolve. Combining art and ecology, her work celebrates biological diversity and the interconnectivity between humans and other species. She received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA, focused on painting and entomology, from Goddard College. Her artwork has been featured in both solo and group exhibitions in galleries, cultural centers, and art museums throughout the United States and abroad. Follow her at ​ZebithThalden.com.