Daring to Fly, reviews: Colin Woolf - Wildlife Paintings

This is a stunning large format book which not only showcases the brilliance of the artist, but also gives an interesting insight into what drives someone to succeed in this career. The reason it is such an interesting read is that the book was written by the artist's wife, Joanne, so the author has certainly had plenty of access to the subject. From Colin's early days as an almost obsessive naturalist and then as a student of animal physiology at Nottingham University, it is clear that he was destined to spend a life studying animals and birds. So it is not surprising that, after a few diversions along the way, he has become such an established and brilliant painter of birdlife.
The book includes many examples of his work, from peregrines and barn owls to ptarmigan, woodcock and pheasant, and all of them are not only instantly eye-catching but also infallibly accurate. With sections on mountains & moorland, woods & fields, river, lakes & wetlands, sea & shore and woodcock there is something to keep everyone happy. The reader is taken on a chronological trip through an artist's life and Jo has not spared the horses. From the fears of setting up in business alone to detailed accounts of every research foray, we learn what it takes to be an artist of this ilk, and I have to say there is a surprising amount of dedication.

Will Hetherington, Shooting Gazette, September 2008

This big and profusely illustrated book details the artistic life and work of Colin Woolf, from early days and pictures to his full-time devotion to art. The majority of the book focuses on his bird drawing and paintings, and includes a fascinating section on his watercolour process and techniques. Subjects are wide-ranging but Colin has a special liking for birds of prey, wildfowl and wading birds.

RSPB Birds, Autumn 2008

Fans of Woolf's art will find plenty in this book to keep them interested, whether that is the opportunity to examine his paintings and sketches, or the process of creation of his more well-known works. For those unfamiliar with the artist, the book serves as an excellent introduction to the painter.

Birdwatch, December 2008

A stunning husband and wife collaboration - 260 of Colin's images and words by Jo, this really is a fabulous production. Tracking Colin's career, his style of work, and the sheer range of subject matter...beautifully presented in a large format...

Field Sports, Autumn 2008

Review by Wildlife Extra web site- http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/reviews/

This expensively produced book reflects the eye for detail Colin Woolf shows in his paintings. The artists admits it took a while to find his true vocation and the words tell the surprising story behind his career. The large format book (345 x 245 mm) shows clearly why he is one of the country's top painters of birds. I find his pencil sketches and detailed close-ups of birds even more appealing than his work where the subjects are set in a full background. I'm sure this book will bring him a host of new admirers.

The Countryman, October 2008

Daring to Fly is about the life and work of Colin Woolf, one of the leading wildlife artists in the UK today. Expertly written by his wife, Joanne, this is a truly beautiful book, both in its content and its appearance.
If you do no more than just flick through its 178 pages, you will surely be impressed by the beauty and variety of Colin's paintings. However, the book is much more than a compilation of his work. When you delve deeper into the text you gain an insight into his development, his motivation and his enthusiasm for his art.
Throughout the book, Colin's attention to detail is clear as he strives to achieve excellence in all he does. Likewise with this book - the paper, the cover, the colour reproduction and the high production standards all reflect Colin's quest for perfection.
Colin is a regular exhibitor at the British Birdwatching Fair, the Falconers' Fair, the CLA Game Fair and many other country shows. If you have seen him at any of these events and admired his work, you will enjoy this book. If you own one of Colin's paintings you may well find it featured and will be able to learn the story behind the image. If you are unfamiliar with Colin's work, here is your chance to find out about the man and his paintings.
This is a book that will be appreciated by anyone who admires the beauty of birds of prey. Equally it will appeal to those interested in wildlife art and the dedication and techniques required to produce the finished article. This is one of those "coffee table" books which you are proud to show off to friends and family. As is clear by now, I really enjoyed the book and I thoroughly recommend it.

Marion Eldrett, Falconer's & Raptor Conservation Magazine, Autumn 2008

This book showcases the amazing work of top wildlife artist Colin Woolf. Colin works in pure watercolour and his brush techniques are so clever and subtle that you almost believe you could actually touch and feel the subjects he brings to life...A worthwhile investment for all nature lovers.

Welsh Country, Jan/Feb 2009

Picking up this book, you will be instantly aware of three of the qualities that have helped establish Colin Woolf's name at the very top in British wildlife art circles, namely:
ï His commitment to the highest production standards - as evidenced by the heavyweight cover, specially printed Japanese silk end papers, top quality art paper and exacting colour reproduction.
ï A painstaking attention to detail - reported beautifully in wife Jo's text - to make sure every drawing and painting is 'just right'.
ï An artistic ability to capture the emotion that many of us feel when confronted by awesome landscapes and exciting birds but which we lack the skill to reproduce ourselves.
Colin has always suggested that showing his work in Birds Illustrated magazine in the early 1990s gave him valuable national exposure and helped him realise his dream of making a fulltime living from his artistic output. In my view, this is a typically generous, but misplaced, belief. While giving up a fulltime job for the insecure life of a wildlife artist must have seemed a huge gamble, anyone who knows Colin's dogged determination and appetite for work will understand that his reputation and popularity are entirely the result of his own efforts and the support of his family.
With more than 260 images to savour, you can enjoy both the diversity of his subject matter and his willingness to explore new techniques. Colin has a very loyal following and many of his regular patrons will be overjoyed to add this celebration of his life's work to their collection. I'm equally sure the book will win him an army of new admirers.

David Cromack (Editor, Birds Illustrated magazine)
www.birdsillustrated.com

At the age of 21, Colin Woolf was about to embark on a career in scientific research, driven by a fascination for biology and anatomy. Although he had always been aware of his natural ability to paint and draw, the idea of becoming a professional artist had scarcely crossed his mind. Ten years later, having found the world of medical science too restrictive, he was contemplating this very prospect - a decision which necessitated a massive leap into the unknown.
Colin is now widely recognised as one of the UK's leading wildlife artists. He has exhibited widely throughout Britain and the Channel Islands, and his work is admired and collected by wildlife and nature lovers the world over. Working in pure watercolour, he has almost re-defined the use of this medium, mastering its full potential and stretching pre-conceived boundaries to create works that are both lifelike and breathtakingly beautiful.
Written and edited by Joanne Woolf, Colin's wife, this superbly illustrated book offers an insight into Colin's emergence as a successful wildlife artist, describing his early adventures in the natural world and the surprising choices that shaped his future. Containing over 250 full-colour reproductions, it explains the ideas and inspiration behind each image, and also reveals a few of the working practices that lie at the heart of Colin's ability with watercolour.

www.wildart.co.uk