Crowood: 676 books

To study a plant in detail is to make a fascinating journey of discovery. Even plants we think we know well will often surprise us as we look at the intricacy of their structure and how they are put together. This fascinating guide explains what flowering plants are and their relationship to other...

Rivers can be enchanting or exciting, but are always absorbing. They provide a myriad of painting opportunities and challenges for the artist. Focusing on watercolour - one of the most direct of mediums - this practical book explains how to paint a river and capture its life, light, movement, colour...

For over 150 years Britain's railways have relied on a system of semaphore signalling, but by 2020, all semaphore signals and lineside signal boxes will be gone. In his previous book, author Allen Jackson covered the GWR lines; here, he continues his journey by providing a pictorial record of the...

High magnification photography is immensely exciting and rewarding. Through the close-up lens, everyday objects produce striking images, and small creatures show amazing detail that usually goes unnoticed. This book is both a practical guide to each step of the close-up process, as well as a source...

The term 'Brutalism' is used to describe a form of architecture that appeared, mainly in Europe, from around 1945-75. Uncomprimisingly modern, this trend in architecture was both striking and arresting and, perhaps like no other style before or since, aroused extremes of emotion and debate. Some regarded...

The Language of Mixed-Media Sculpture is both a survey and a celebration of contemporary approaches to sculptures that are formed from more than one material. It profiles the discipline in all its expanded forms and recognizes sculpture in the twenty-first century not as something solid and static,...

This practical book explains what is meant by macro photography and how to get even closer to your subject: not just a close-up of a butterfly, but details of the eye and wing scales. The techniques described explore ways to photograph virtually any creature, whether terrestrial, marine or from freshwater....

Underwater photography is a challenging discipline. To capture an underwater world of glorious colours, extraordinary creatures and mysterious depths, you must have confidence in your diving abilities and be very comfortable with your camera. This practical book explains and offers advice to the reader...

Locomotive kit building remains the best route to achieving a varied range of motive power in most scales but it also retains a mystique, being associated with expert modellers and expensive tools. However, in this invaluable, richly illustrated volume, George Dent demonstrates how anyone can successfully...

Drawing with graphite and coloured pencils enables the artist to capture every detail of a plant, and to enjoy, study and celebrate their wonderful forms. Whether the illustration is a striking monotone or vibrant with colour, pencils give you absolute precision. This book, written and illustrated...

In Stage Design - A Practical Guide Gary Thorne, a freelance theatre set and costume designer, introduces the concept of art and design for performance, drawing on his considerable experience in a wide variety of theatres. The book begins from first principles, and assumes no prior knowledge of the...

Watercolours are the first choice for many painters, but few master the full potential of the medium. This book encourages you to be bold and colourful. Written by an internationally respected artist and teacher, it offers practical ways of working with watercolours, and shares ideas and thoughts...

The sea and sky have captured the attention of artists for centuries. Their energy and drama, or their tranquility and beauty, can be portrayed powerfully and magnificently in a painting. This encouraging and user-friendly book gives practical advice on how to set about sea and sky painting, and explains...

Insect photography is a challenging and stimulating art. Well-shot images give stunning results, which can aid study and enhance enjoyment of the natural world. This practical book explains how to reliably take those photographs. Through introducing insects and their behaviour, it advises on when...