| As John James Audubon's Birds of America was the
most magnificent ornithological publication of the nineteenth
century, Of Birds and Texas may rightfully claim that
honor for the twentieth.
Originally published in a 23" x 29 1/2"
elephant
folio limited edition in 1986, this collection
of forty exquisitely detailed bird portraits and ten
Texas landscapes, with accompanying commentary by the
artists Scott Gentling(on the right)and Stuart Gentling(on
the left)and a personal essay by Texas' most respected
writer, John Graves, won widespread acclaim. A. C. Greene
praised it as "the most stunning and prodigious
book in Texas history (and possibly forever),"
while the Dallas Morning News deemed it "the most
magnificent book ever produced in Texas."
The Gentlings are twin brothers, artists, authors,
and lecturers based in Fort Worth. Having discovered
at an early age the print edition of John James Audubon's
Birds of America, they now share a passion for art,
world culture and wildlife.
His keen interest in wildlife, particularly birds,
led Stuart to learn taxidermy. Both brothers began a
serious study of art when they were 14. Their awards
are numerous; their paintings may be found in museums
and libraries throughout Texas and the United States.
This year Scott received a commission to paint a portrait
of President George Bush for the Texas State Capitol
dome.
 Artwork
in Of Birds and Texas is created collaboratively by
the Gentlings. In the original folio are reproductions
of watercolor paintings with the color, blend and atmosphere
attributed to Stuart, while the line and small strokes
were contributed by Scott.
The folio is dedicated to John James Audubon.
Portrait of John James
Audubon by Scott Gentling.
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