The Insect Artist

by Stacey Zebith Thalden

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Insect Artist: How to Observe, Draw, and Paint Butterflies, Bees, and More is a new tutorial guide with additional activities by Zebith Thalden. Due out 12th March 2024 from Hachette on their Timber Press imprint, it's 344 pages and format information is unclear from the publisher's data at the current time; but at least paperback and ebook formats will be included.

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 from the author's viewpoint about creative process, design, and important lessons about subject choice, inspiration, shading, materials, and knowing when to stop overworking a project.

There are many tutorials included which utilize basic techniques such as geometric base shape sketching, blocking, shading, base working with colored pencils, blocking with dilute acrylics, and finishing by overlaying colored pencil for detail and line/shading. The drawing tutorials are species specific and tutorials include a base palette, materials and supplies, and very detailed photographic step by step procedure.

Although it's written one-on-one for home study use, this would be a great choice for public or school library acquisition, maker's groups, artist studio reference library, and gift-giving (perhaps bundled with some supplies).

Five stars. Well made and engaging.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.