Just So Stories

National Library of Australia

October 2023

ISBN:9781922507600

RRP: $64.99

So the lovely field guide to neighourhood birds which I reviewed during the past week, is compact and just the right size for a backpack or even a large pocker – as is befitting for its purpose. This magnificent book is of the big, bold and beautiful variety that would most be at home on your coffee table for both your own personal gratification, but also to bedazzle any guests.

Almost a decade after his passing, William T. Cooper’s exceptional artwork capturing birds of all kinds is presented in this sensational new book by his widow, Wendy. In 1993, Sir David Attenborough said of Cooper, “Australia’s greatest living scientific painter of birds; he is possibly the best in the world” and made the film “Portrait Painter to the Birds“, showcasing the artist’s home and talents to the world. I would suggest to that as well as taking much time to peruse the extraordinary representations of species in this comprehensive catalogue of birdlife, that you also set aside half an hour to enjoy watching these two great naturalists interacting.

This hefty volume contains page after page of the most intricate and delicate drawings and paintings of many varied bird species, many from Australia but also wonderful examples from all over the world. heavily featuring those exotic plumed favourites that were Cooper’s greatest passion.

Bill Cooper did not sit and paint from life as such, but sketched, observed, remembered and created stunning scenes from a combination of these. His early career as a landscape/seascape painter was often reflected in these later artworks. His technique also allowed for him to illustrate behaviour/s as well as mere looks of his subjects, making his true stand-outs among other naturalist painters.

Little wonder then that his great skill became so highly regarded and continues to live on after his death. I know that anyone interested in birdlife will truly value this volume, but even those with little or no ornithological knowledge will appreciate the wonder of the work of this grand master.

Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in either art or naturalist pursuits.