This is a book for anyone interested in wildlife, for art lovers, for
tourists wanting a memento of their holiday, for everyone who loves the
west coast of Scotland. It depicts a year in the life of Oronsay, a
remote island that is farmed by the RSPB for the benefit of wildlife,
and follows artist Jane Smith, as she attempts to portray the
interactions of wildlife, farm animals and human inhabitants. A
humorous, first-hand, personal view of island life, both human and
otherwise, and is illustrated with Jane Smith's vibrant and acutely
observed sketches, paintings and prints.Themes include: The trials of a
wildlife artist - what does it feel like to sit in a bog all day? What
is screen printing? Where are a bird's knees? Why does Jane always get
covered in acrylic paint?
Natural history - from otters to oil beetles, this book is full of wild
encounters.Conservation management - sounds boring? Think of it more as
'how to grow a peregrine'. Once you start to understand the intricate
connections and links involved, it becomes like a fascinating 3D
puzzle.Getting to the island - the interplay of tides, wind, ferries and
a strand-crossing mean that travelling to Oronsay is never dull.West
coast living - the ridiculous things that happen when living on a remote
island, cut off from the rest of the world
