Drawing from Nature

The talented and prolific Jim Arnosky, who has created so many wonderful works of natural history for children, here explores his method of drawing from nature. The book is divided into four sections, devoted to water, land, plants and animals. Arnosky provides many tips for capturing scenes featuring each (or all) of these elements, including step-by-step instructions for particular scenes or creatures, as well as general advice on how to look at the natural world around us. His book therefore offers both a helpful work of art instruction, and a manual on being mindful out in the world...

Drawing From Nature was originally published in 1982, and then reprinted in 1987 to coincide with the four-episode television show made from the book, show more and broadcast on PBS. The 1987 edition has the same content as the original (I examined both for this review), but a new cover with a photograph of Arnosky. The four episodes of the television series, also called Drawing from Nature, correspond to the four sections of this book, and make for lovely watching, as Arnosky takes his viewers out into the wild to observe, and then back to his drawing board, to capture what has been observed. They can be viewed on the Vermont PBS website, HERE. As for the book, it is informative and appealing. I am not an artist myself, and approached the book more as a reader and admirer of Arnosky's, who was curious about his method. Many of the observations he makes, and the instructions he gives - the way that water shapes the land, the importance of drawing in the same direction as movement or growth - make perfect sense, although I would most likely not have thought of them, on my own. I enjoy hiking, but this book has shown me that I don't observe nature as closely as I should. It has also given me a greater appreciation for and understanding of Arnosky's own gift for observation, which he translates into wonderful books. Recommended to young artists and nature lovers, and to fans of Arnosky's work. show less