Trees in Winter

by Richard Shimell

TREES IS WINTER is about the healing properties of nature and of walking, especially during the coldest season, when the inclination is for so many of us to stay indoors. It is also about the joy of learning a craft and practising it. This beautiful book will feature over thirty of Richard Shimell's stunning prints of winter trees, all created in his studio on the wooded slopes of Dartmoor National Park. Alongside his work, Richard will share is own inspiring journey of finding creativity and connection with the landscape around him.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Art

161 pages, Hardcover

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn into this book by the beautiful prints of trees. The author's story of how he became a printmaker and his love of nature and walking is engaging and emotional.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

In recent years I have looked more at trees in winter and realised how beautiful they are. The prints in this book are beautiful and the story of Richard's life and how he came to printmaking is interesting. An abrupt ending.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t quite remember where I first spotted this book, but the concept really appealed to me. I asked for it as a Christmas gift because I love looking at prints and I love trees, so it felt like a winning combination.

The book is actually a mix of two different things: a collection of prints and a memoir. It covers how Richard became a printmaker, but also touches on his life before and around his art.

I really enjoyed the journey, though the ending caught me off guard. There wasn't any wrapping up or a final conclusion. It just finished. While that felt a bit abrupt, it didn't take away from the artwork.

These are my favorite prints, in the order they appear:
• East of the Moor: This one is dreamy with pastel, golden colors.
• Into the Woods: This has a completely different vibe. It’s dark, and I’m not entirely sure I’d actually want to walk any further into the image.
• Almost There: A lovely yellow color with a glorious tree. There is a path (or maybe a stream) running through that leads you right into the print.

[Mary Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have bought prints from Richard in the past as his work is gorgeous. So I bought this book to support him (as a fellow artist) and I was thinking it would be a book of his work and progress. It was so much more. It is an autobiography of his life and how he came to printmaking. As well as some lovely photos.

My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that I wish that there was more images or information of his process and it ends so abruptly. He's talking about looking for a new home and walking through the woods of the area he and his partner are thinking of moving to. Mentions some big trees and then... that's the end. I feel there should have been some sort of conclusion about the journey or a warning.

However, I did enjoy his book and I'm glad it was more than I expected.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Shimmel has written a beautiful book that combines personal memoir, a meditation on the beauty of nature and Richard’s introduction to the world of print making and design.

His prose is reflective and calming ; his transition between different homes ( city and country living ) and finding his true self in a balanced environment is touching - sharing the challenges with his parents felt raw but also provided as a sense of cathartic closure.

The incredible art work of Richard is shared throughout the book provides moments of pause and a feeling of engaging with the natural world

4.5 out of 5 as just a tad more about the process of designing and printing would have added another depth and dimension. But that’s not a criticism as this is a book that I will return for tree imagery and Richard’s words

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trees and Dartmoor - beautiful nature

I've loved reading this book filled with beautiful prints for many reasons. Great nature writing about Dartmoor, Devon, walking, weather and most importantly the shape and form of trees. All subjects close to my heart, as a photographer who enjoys the colours and intricate shapes of trees I identified with this book and enjoyed reading another person's life experiences connecting with nature.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A joyful, celebratory book of the benefits of woods, walking, and tree appreciation and of the joys of printmaking. Plus, from me, an admiration of the skill of reductive lino-cutting, a process which, the only time I tried it, felt like it required me to turn my head inside out. Only sixteen prints included, however, not the promised thirty.

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. This should have been great and appealing - trees, winter, walking, printmaking. It was let down by the quality of the writing and lack of editing. Despite being a journo the author has no idea how to write a memoir nor construct a story. As if we want to hear about his parent’s diabetic coma and imminent loss of limbs. Fgs. If only he’d have got some education on creative writing.

[Joe Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I’ve ever read And I don’t say that lightly. I love trees and walking in nature and have rarely resonated as much with an author than when I was reading this! Would thoroughly recommend!!

[Laura Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but wonderful art and nature memoir.