Once described by Sir David Attenborough as 'the best ornithological illustrator alive', William T. Cooper was a generous mentor to many wildlife artists. His willingness to share his knowledge and skills is epitomised inCapturing the Essence: Techniques for Bird Artists. First published in 2011,Capturing the Essence is a step-by-step guide that offers practical advice to observing birds, retaining the essential information and then painting them from field notes and sketches, photographs and other observations.