A-Z of Bird Portraits by Andrew Forkner

A-Z of Bird Portraits by Andrew Forkner is a comprehensive acrylic painting guide focused on bird portraiture, offering step-by-step projects and practical techniques for artists who want to capture birds of prey, songbirds and waterbirds in detail. Ideal for anyone searching for an acrylic bird painting book, wildlife art tutorial, or structured bird portrait course in book form, this title combines clear instruction with inspiring subject matter from around the world.
Written by experienced wildlife artist Andrew Forkner, the book takes you through everything you need to get started and develop confidence in painting birds in acrylics. It begins with essential guidance on materials, colour selection and surface preparation, helping you understand how to achieve clean detail, soft feather textures and convincing light.
The early chapters cover:
Choosing and preparing materials
Understanding colour for naturalistic plumage
Composition and working from reference
Key anatomical features that give birds their character
Core acrylic techniques for layering, blending and fine detail
Each project helps you observe distinctive features – beak structure, feather direction, eye placement and posture – so your finished portraits feel both accurate and expressive. The alphabetical format makes it easy to navigate and revisit favourite subjects.
144 page paperback. 216 x 280mm
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