First published in 2011, Capturing the Essence is a step-by-step guide that offers practical advice to observing birds, retaining the essential information and then painting them from field notes and sketches, photographs and other observations.

The author takes the reader through the processes
involved in oil painting, watercolour and acrylic
techniques, and a piece of art is built up in stages to
demonstrate the skills required in each of these media.
While the book concentrates on birds, much of the general
basics will be relevant to painting a wide variety of natural
history and wildlife subjects.
This re-release edition will ensure a whole new generation
of artists can learn and benefit from William T. Cooper’s
timeless knowledge and expertise.