Drawing Birds (RSPB) by John Busby
Drawing Birds (RSPB) by John Busby is an instructional book about observing and drawing birds. It covers choice of media, sketching from life, composition and approaches to interpreting a subject, illustrated with examples by Busby and more than 45 other bird artists.
At a glance
- Topics include media choice, sketching from life, composition and ways to interpret bird subjects.
- Uses the author's own examples alongside illustrations from over 45 other bird artists.
- Includes a foreword by Bill Oddie.
Reference price: £25.00
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The subject matter spans both practical drawing decisions and observation from life.
- Examples by many artists offer a range of approaches to bird illustration.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Helm |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 19 July 2004 |
| Edition | 2nd ed |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 144 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9780713668162 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0713668162 |
| Dimensions | 21 x 1.2 x 25.4 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Artists learning to observe and draw birds, especially those interested in sketching from life and composition.
- Bird enthusiasts who want an illustrated introduction to artistic interpretations of birds.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a bird identification guide rather than drawing instruction.
- Buyers who need a recently published book, as the listed publication date is 2004.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
66% 66% - 4 stars
13% 13% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
6% 6% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback describes the book as a classic reference and a useful resource for learning to draw birds, with positive mentions of its visuals and informative content. Illustration quality receives mixed feedback, including concerns about the content of some illustrations. This distinction matters if you are choosing it primarily for the examples rather than for the instructional topics. Aggregate ratings lean positive overall, but do not establish which specific illustrations readers liked or disliked.
Positive themes
- Customers describe it as a useful reference for learning to draw birds.
- Feedback praises the visuals and informative content.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback on illustration quality is mixed, with some concern about the illustrations' content.
Frequently asked questions
What drawing topics does the book cover?
The listing describes sections on choice of media, sketching from life, composition and different ways of interpreting subjects.
Does the book include work by artists other than John Busby?
Yes. The listing says it includes illustrations from over 45 other talented bird artists, in addition to Busby's own examples.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 144 pages.
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