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.
By:
John Muir Laws
Imprint: Heyday Books
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 279mm,
Width: 215mm,
Spine: 25mm
Weight: 1.157kg
ISBN: 9781597143158
ISBN 10: 1597143154
Pages: 96
Publication Date: 07 June 2016
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Acknowledgments Why Keep a Nature Journal? OBSERVATION AND INTENTIONAL CURIOSITY PROJECTS THAT FOCUS AWARENESS Collections and Field Guides - Finding Patterns - Exceptions, and Changes Over Time - Recording Events - Maps - Cross Sections, and Block Diagrams METHODS OF DEEPENING INQUIRY Writing - Diagramming - Depicting Birdsong - Lists - Counting and Measuring - Data Tools - Your Curiosity Kit VISUAL THINKING AND DISPLAYING INFORMATION Taking Notes - Structuring Your Thoughts - Plans, Projections, and Sections - Organizing a Page: Titles, Icons, Frames, Callouts, and Arrows YOUR JOURNALING KIT AND MATERIALS Field Kits - Essential Tools - The Right Journal - Your Palette NATURE DRAWING You Can Do It - Flow - Structure and Shape - Linework - Value - Color - Details and Texture - How to Show Depth - Composition - Shortcuts and Hacks MEDIA-SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES Graphite - The Non-Photo Blue Pencil - Water Soluble Pens - Markers - Toned Paper - Colored Pencil - Iris Step by Step - Watercolor Pencils - Gouache - Heron Step by Step - Rock Pigments HOW TO DRAW ANIMALS Insect Anatomy - Ladybug Step by Step - Insect Textures - Butterfly Step by Step - Transparent Wings Step by Step - Spiders - Amphibians and Reptiles - Ensatina Step by Step - Leopard Frog Step by Step - Scales - Birds - Lazuli Bunting Step by Step - Song Sparrow - Birds in Flight - Duck Profile Step by Step - Assembling a Mallard- Sketching Waders - Red-Tailed Hawk Step by Step - Mammals - Muscles and Fur - Mule Deer, Bear, and Mountain Lion Step by Step - Tracking HOW TO DRAW WILDFLOWERS Flower Symmetry - Foreshortening - Coned-Shaped Flowers Step by Step - Leaves and Petals - Plant Textures - Mushrooms Step by Step HOW TO DRAW TREES, NEAR AND FAR Contour Lines - Shadows, Branches, and Bark Texture - Conifers - Douglas Fir Step by Step - Oak Tree Step by Step - Rethinking Trees HOW TO DRAW LANDSCAPES Landscaptios - Rocks - Rock Outcrop Step by Step - Sketching Mountains - Mountain Landscape Step by Step - Grasses - Oak Woodland Step by Step - Coniferous Forest Edge Step by Step - Waterfalls - Drawing Water and Waves- Clouds - Sunsets - Mountain Sunset Step by Step A Final Thought Notes References About the Author
Reviews for The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling
“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
