The Country Set E-Book

Hannah Dale

• Herausgeber: Batsford
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 31

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

A delightful book filled with adorable animal paintings of countryside wildlife by Hannah Dale, creator of the popular Wrendale Designs. This charming book features 50 quintessentially British birds and animals painted by award-winning artist Hannah Dale. From the red deer to the harvest mouse, from the sparrow to the barn owl, the nation's favourite creatures are brought to life in Hannah's unique and quirky style. Each illustration is brimming with character and is accompanied by insightful and entertaining text introducing the animal. Did you know that the little wren's voice is ten times louder than that of a cockerel, weight for weight? Or that the clever magpie can count? Smaller pictures include their tracks and feathers, to help you identify where they've been near even when you can't see them. A new and larger edition of a bestselling book, the gorgeous animal paintings get even more space to shine. It's an irresistible book for any nature lover.

Leseprobe

Contents

Introduction

Woodland

Farmland

Rivers and Ponds

Sea and Coastline

Garden and Meadow

Index

Introduction

I’m currently sitting at my desk by the window, hoping for a sudden bolt of creative inspiration to strike and wondering how I can possibly distil a subject as broad and wonderful as ‘British Wildlife’ into a mere introduction. It is a grey January day and despite the bare, damp trees and empty, rather sad-looking flowerbeds, I can see a handsome cock pheasant stalking slowly through the undergrowth, the glint of his head like a green jewel against the brown and grey background. An inquisitive robin is hopping along a stretch of trellis and I marvel at his ability to make a living when everything looks so bleak. A lone rabbit ambles through the flowerbed in search of any green shoots and I just see the flash of his white tail as he disappears under the fence. And there it is; inspiration. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such a diverse abundance of wildlife in Britain, from the remarkable barn owl that can detect and locate its prey from the tiniest sound in the undergrowth, to the sociable otter making a game of sliding down riverbanks on his belly. Did you know that the little wren’s voice is ten times louder than that of a cockerel, weight for weight? Or that the clever magpie can count? I find it fascinating to see how evolution has shaped the characteristics of each and every animal to be perfectly suited to its environment, and how adaptable they are. Many species have learned to live happily alongside us in our ever-changing world and even in the cities there is an abundance of life if you know where to look.

I first discovered my love of drawing and painting wildlife while studying for a degree in Zoology at Cambridge University. As well as fuelling my fascination for animals and their behaviour, I was lucky enough to get involved in various fieldwork projects, studying species in their natural habitats. One such project was looking at bowerbirds in Queensland, Australia. These fascinating birds build elaborate bowers to attract potential mates, and during one observation sitting, I happened to take a sketchbook. I had always loved drawing and painting and I took so much pleasure from sketching the birds and animals that came into my field of view, capturing something of their character and personality.

After a stint in London, I picked up my paintbrushes again a few years later when I settled back in my home county of Lincolnshire with my husband, Jack, and our three young children. We keep chickens and I began sketching them pecking around our garden – I particularly love drawing birds; they have so much character, which I always try to capture in my paintings. Looking at their bony beaks and scaly feet, I am always reminded of the dinosaurs from which they evolved. One of my favourite subjects is guinea fowl – they are so expressive with their long eyelashes and raucous nature!

I feel incredibly privileged to live surrounded by British countryside and farmland and am constantly inspired by our wild neighbours – from the Mad March hares with their characterful faces and gentle personalities to the charming pheasants, strutting wildly across the road. This book provides a small snapshot of some of Britain’s most well-loved wildlife. I hope that the illustrations capture something of the essence of the wonderful personalities we share our world with and, above all, inspire you to celebrate the great British countryside.

Hedgehog

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