The renowned wildlife artist devotes an entire book to his homeland's birds. Paintings, drawings and text by Raymond Ching (also known as Raymond Harris-Ching and Ray Ching.) 69 paintings in watercolor and oils. 78 pencil studies in black & white.

Out of print.

From the publisher:

Raymond Ching's first book devoted entirely to paintings of New Zealand birds is an event, if only because, as an established and celebrated bird artist, he has been led back to the birds that were his first subjects some twenty or more years ago. The book is both his most notable single set of bird studies so far and a revelation from the point of view of New Zealand bird painting, of intuitive recording and of an artist's fresh view of the most familiar natural scenes.

These paintings and drawings, so carefully reproduced, show Ching as a painter creating works not just of great beauty but of fascinating ornithological detail and accuracy. Some seventy-eight pencil studies and sixty-nine paintings in watercolour and oils are featured: birds in their environment, flying, feeding, swimming and nesting, the soft colours of their plumage painted with great delicacy and evoking a powerful response.

Kiwis are shown, perhaps for the first time observed nesting and feeding. From the wilds of the Murchison valley, the rare Takahe is figured; from rivers and estuaries, the unique Blue Duck and curious Wrybill; from habitats ranging over all parts of New Zealand, nearly seventy different species are included.

Raymond Ching holds a unique position in New Zealand wildlife art, for the technical brilliance and lively spirit of his work have made him one of New Zealand's most widely known and respected painters. This new book will be a welcome addition to the collections of all who enjoy his work and have an interest in fine books.

Raymond Ching holds a unique position in New Zealand wildlife art, for the technical brilliance and lively spirit of his work have made him one of New Zealand's most widely known and respected painters. This book will be a welcome addition to the collections of all who enjoy his work, and stunning bird paintings. Includes seventy-eight pencil studies and sixty-nine paintings in watercolour and oils. Many birds are featured in their environment, flying, feeding, swimming and nesting.