The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling - by John Muir Laws (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Gold Medal, 2016 Foreword INDIES Book Awards

The best-selling, ultimate guide to nature drawing and journaling!

A potent combination of art, science, and boundless enthusiasm, this art instruction book from John Muir Laws (author of The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds) is a how-to guide for becoming a better artist and a more attentive naturalist. In straightforward text complemented by step-by-step illustrations, dozens of exercises lead the hand and mind through creating accurate reproductions of plants and animals as well as landscapes, skies, and more. Laws provides clear, practical advice for every step of the process for artists at every level, from the basics of choosing supplies to advanced techniques. While the book's advice will improve the skills of already accomplished artists, the emphasis on seeing, learning, and feeling will make this book valuable--even revelatory--to anyone interested in the natural world, no matter how rudimentary their artistic abilities.

Review Quotes

"Holds strong crossover appeal among environmentalism, earth sciences, hiking, and art instruction." --Library Journal

"This beautiful art book will teach you how to be 'still, quiet, and attentive . . . to organize your thoughts, piece together answers, and ask richer questions.' The overall goal is to stimulate your curiosity, and you won't find a better guide." --Foreword Reviews

"More than anything a thorough instructional guide to thinking like a naturalist Laws is, after all, one of the world's foremost naturalists." --Earth Island Journal

"Those new to drawing and journaling will find it an amazing resource, while veteran creators will appreciate the depth and specificity of Laws tips and hacks. All, however, will find inspiration this book will elevate the wonder that lies in us all." --Lake Tahoe News

"☆☆☆☆☆" --Kids' BookBuzz

"The definitive guide to nature journaling." --The Blue Heron

"An outstanding survey, highly recommended for aspiring nature artists who want details on how to use journaling and art to best advantage." --Midwest Book Review

About the Author

John (Jack) Muir Laws is a principal leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement. Jack is a scientist, educator, and author, who helps people forge a deeper and more personal connection with nature through keeping illustrated nature journals and understanding science. His work intersects science, art, and mindfulness. Trained as a wildlife biologist and an associate of the California Academy of Sciences, he observes the world with rigorous attention. He looks for mysteries, plays with ideas, and seeks connections in all he sees. Attention, observation, curiosity, and creative thinking are not gifts, but skills that grow with training and deliberate practice. As an educator and author, Jack teaches techniques and supports routines that develop these skills to make them a part of everyday life.

Laws has written and illustrated several books including How to Teach Nature Drawing and Journaling (2020), The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling (2016), The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds (2012), Sierra Birds: a Hiker's Guide (2004), The Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada (2007), and The Laws Pocket Guide Set to the San Francisco Bay Area (2009), all published by Heyday. He is a regular contributor to Bay Nature magazine with his "Naturalists Notebook" column.