Bird Impressions

‘Like all the best artists, Darren’s work is based on direct observation from life. It is a privilege to look through his sketchbooks where he has caught the movement, the fleeting observation, in quick confident lines, or made more studied drawings when his subject allowed. The best of his paintings draw on the immediate experience in the field.’

From the Foreword by Robert Gillmor MBE

Darren’s first solo book Bird Impressions was published in 1993 to much critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Natural History Book of the Year Award. It was centred around Darren’s work in Wales where he lived at the time, with chapters on Anglesey, Snowdonia, the Severn Valley and the Pembrokeshire island of Skomer.

The watercolour paintings and sketches in Bird Impressions were executed in the field and were the direct result of Darren’s encounters with birdlife, paying homage to his two great influences Lars Jonsson and Charles Tunnicliffe. Further, when on Anglesey Darren would work from the home and studio of the late Charles Tunnicliffe, revisiting and painting at places associated with the artist like Cob Pool, South Stack and Cemlyn Bay. Bird Impressions was published by Swan Hill Press and limited to one edition of 7500 books.