Drawn from Nature by Helen Ahpornsiri [Review & Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

An intricately crafted journey through four seasons of flora and fauna.

ISBN: 9780763698980
Hardcover $22.00

My thoughts:  Most of us have gathered wild flowers, perhaps pressing them because they are so lovely and we want to remember the moment. Or perhaps you've gathered colorful leaves in the fall marveling at their colors and declining beauty.The author of Drawn from Nature has taken a love for the beauty of plant life and created works of art from the already beautiful and even the not-so-pretty that is found out-and-about in the wild out-of-doors.

I am so amazed at this book and the intricate work of this artist. Just to sit looking at these beautiful images is a treat to enjoy. But that is not all this book includes. It is broken down into the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter with plants and animals becoming active and springing into action with glorious color and going on through the seasons to the bare branches, darkness, and stillness that encompasses Winter.

A beautifully pictured and told story of our seasons.

A must see is the video that Candlewick has on youtube.com that captures the artist creating her art utilizing the design that she sees in real bits and pieces of nature. It is fascinating!


About the book: Helen Ahpornsiri's intricate artwork transforms leaves, petals, and seeds into bounding hares, swooping swallows, and blossoming trees. Using nothing but pressed plants, this journey through the seasons captures the wonder and magic of the natural world between the pages of a book. This standout title with beautiful nonfiction text will take readers through an extraordinary year in the wild.

About the artist/author: Helen Ahpornsiri is an Illustrator based in East Sussex, UK.

All images are made using only real flowers, petals, stems and leaves. These are grown or foraged responsibly before being placed in a flower press. After 1-6 weeks of pressing, the flora and foliage is flat and ready to use – preserved in their natural colours, with no paints or dyes. Each piece is then cut and delicately positioned to form detailed illustrations; all brimming with the intricate twists and tangles of plant life.

The artist at work  - the delicate work of creating these beauties can be appreciated by viewing her skilled hands as she creates a butterfly from ferns.

GIVEAWAY

Candlewick Press is graciously providing 1 copy for a giveaway.

Begins March 15

Ends April 7 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA and CANADA addresses only.

No P.O. Boxes, please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press on behalf of the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own, alone, and are freely given.