To a Young Bird Artist: Letters from Louis Agassiz Fuertes to George Miksch Sutton

by Louis Agassiz Fuertes

These collected letters were written by Louis Agassiz Fuertes, one of the country's most well known bird artists, to ornithologist and bird illustrator George Miksch Sutton when Sutton was still a boy struggling to learn the art of bird painting. Written between 1915 and 1927, the letters are filled with Fuertes' observations of bird behavior, descriptions of his bird study and painting techniques, and advice on how to paint lifelike avian images and make one's way in the rapidly changing birding world all at a time when birding was becoming less an exclusive activity for scientists and more a popular hobby for the general public. Words of wisdom from the "father of modern bird art" A birding classic brought back to print.

Genres: Birds

147 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1979

About the author

1874-1927

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is learning to paint birds, I was very grateful and excited for the existence of this little book, which is made up of letters from Fuertes to Sutton as well as Sutton's notes and memories. It is wonderful both because it provides incite into how Fuertes worked and because it shows both artists' enthusiasm for bird painting and their absolute delight in being able to share their thoughts and paintings with each other. Definitely a must-read for bird and wildlife artists.