From Field & Forest: An artist's year in paint and pen

Anna Koska is a well-known illustrator who is celebrated by food journalists and restaurateurs for her drawings of fish and fruit. She sources inspiration from the flora and fauna in the fields and forests surrounding her home in East Sussex and creates illustrations in watercolour, pen and ink, oils, and egg tempera. This book combines image and narrative text to create a beautiful journey through the seasons, taking time to appreciate our surroundings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: Pavilion Books

Illustrator Anna Koska, renowned for her captivating fish and fruit illustrations, has garnered widespread acclaim from food journalists and restaurateurs. In this contemplative and artistic journal, Anna delves into the celebration of the natural world, encompassing the transformative seasons, the vibrant blossoming of flowers, and the luscious ripening of fruit. Working with a diverse range of mediums, including watercolour, pen and ink, oils, and luscious egg tempera, Anna's illustrations are reproduced with exquisite detail, accompanied by her musings and observations of objects, engaging us in the everyday realities of her artistic practice.

Drawing inspiration from the flora and fauna surrounding her home in East Sussex, Anna's illustrations transport us to the heart of nature, encouraging us to pause and admire the beauty and significance of everyday occurrences. Whether she is capturing the intricate details of wasps feasting on fallen apples in the orchard or attempting to capture the ethereal cerulean blue of a winter sky, Anna's illustrations evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us.

In this book, image and narrative text seamlessly blend together to create a captivating journey through the seasons. Anna takes us on a thoughtful exploration, allowing us to appreciate the intricate details and nuances of each season as we immerse ourselves in the natural world. Through her illustrations, Anna invites us to slow down, connect with our surroundings, and find solace in the simple joys of life.

Anna's artistic journey began with her fascination with fish, particularly a red mullet, adorned with bronze, copper, gills, and scales. Her artistic exploration expanded to include mackerel, whose vibrant hues resembled the Scandinavian sky. Eventually, she was captivated by a sketch of figs, and Anna's alluring tones further enticed her artistic pursuits.

TheObserver Food Magazine praised Anna's work, stating, "It started with my favourite fish, a red mullet, all bronze, copper, gills, and scales. Then mackerel, coloured like a Scandi sky. Soon enough, I was seduced by a sketch of figs and Anna's alluring tones."

Through her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to capture the essence of nature, Anna Koska has created a body of work that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. Her illustrations invite us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and to contemplate the intricate connections between humans and the environment.

In conclusion, Anna Koska's artistic journal is a testament to her dedication to the celebration of the natural world. Through her captivating illustrations and thoughtful musings, she invites us to slow down, connect with our surroundings, and find solace in the simple joys of life. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the environment, and of the transformative power of art to inspire and educate.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 163 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911641766