John Muir Laws’s guide to drawing birds is itself winged, soaring between a devotion not only to art but also to the lives, forms, and postures of the birds themselves. Here, artistic technique and the exquisite details of natural history intertwine, and drawing becomes the vehicle for seeing. As Laws writes, "To draw feathers, you must understand how feathers grow, overlap, and insert into the body. To create the body, you must have an understanding of the bird’s skeletal structure. To pose this skeleton, you must be able to perceive the energy, intention, and life of the bird." This how-to guide will perfect the technique of serious artists but also, perhaps more importantly, it will provide guidance for those who insist they can’t draw. Leading the mind and hand through a series of detailed exercises, Laws delivers what he promises: that "drawing birds opens you to the beauty of the world." An Audubon Book.

An all-access guide to the abundant natural splendor of Sonoma County Wild Sonoma celebrates the spectacular and resilient natural landscapes of Sonoma County, which along with its neighboring counties is one of the world's premier winegrowing regions. Our exploration launches with an entertaining primer on ecology basics, including the impact of fire, before a fun fact-filled survey of sixty-two of the area's iconic and commonly encountered species-from vivacious acorn woodpeckers to disease-neutralizing Western fence lizards. It caps off with a tour of six sites to experience Sonoma's diverse natural beauty, with a special emphasis on access. Written by Wild LA author Charles Hood, introduced by renowned naturalist Jane Goodall, and illustrated by John Muir Laws, Wild Sonoma offers residents and tourists from eight to eighty a sense of wonder and cause for hope.

Your ideal companion for observing and exploring the natural world! Designed to the last detail by the “modern Audubon” John (Jack) Muir Laws, The Laws Sketchbook for Nature Journaling is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in the practice and joy of getting out, observing, and recording nature. Sturdy covers and a lay-flat sewn binding make field sketching easy, and artists of all levels will appreciate the eighty blank pages of high quality paper suitable for pen, pencil, and light washes. In addition, this journal includes tips, techniques, and advice from master nature journalist and teacher Jack Laws. Reference illustrations to solve common nature-drawing problems, tools for measuring and quantifying observations, and a grommet-secured elastic band that holds everything tight at the end of the day make this sketchbook an essential tool when out in the field.

The 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.

In this groundbreaking and meticulously field-tested guide, the rich variety of Sierra life—trees, wildflowers, ferns, fungi, lichens, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects—comes alive. Easy-to-use features include: Intuitive organization, color tabs, and simple keys Similar-looking species side by side Over 2,800 full-color illustrations Range maps of species that are otherwise difficult to distinguish Index of common and scientific names Lightweight and compact—ideal for backpacking Impressively detailed and comprehensive, the guide includes: More than 1,700 species Descriptions of behavior, adaptations, and interactions between species Species and topics not found in most guides, including aquatic life, spiders and webs, plankton, plant galls, bark beetle galleries, animal tracks and evidence, seasonal star charts, weather patterns, and cloud formations

The first-ever comprehensive book devoted to helping educators use nature journaling as an inspiring teaching tool to engage young people with wild places. In their workshops, John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren are often asked the how-tos of teaching nature journaling: how to manage student groups in the outdoors, teach drawing skills (especially from those who profess to have none), connect journaling to educational standards, and incorporate journaling into longer lessons. This book, expanding on the philosophy and methods of The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling puts together curriculum plans, advice, and in-the-field experience so that educators of all stripes can leap into journaling with their students. The approaches are designed to work in a range of ecosystems and settings, and are suitable for classroom teachers, outdoor educators, camp counselors, and homeschooling parents. Full-color illustrations and sample journal pages from notable naturalists show how to put each lesson into practice. Field-tested by over a hundred educators, this book includes dozens of activities that easily support the Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards—and, just as important, it will show kids and mentors alike how to recognize the wonder and intrigue in their midst.

This beautifully produced deep dive into Yosemite National Park features stunning photography by Robb Hirsch and fascinating natural history from knowledgeable contributors. Yosemite is like nowhere else on Earth.Within its vast expanses are spectacular granite mountains, glacially carved valleys, thundering waterfalls, delicate meadows, grand trees, and charismatic wildlife. From his years of exploring and studying California's Sierra Nevada, Robb knows that understanding natural processes can thoroughly enhance a visitor's connection to the landscape. In this book, Robb provides that enriching experience by calling on experts to contribute insights into the natural wonders on view. The images and essays work together to draw readers into a deeper relationship with their favorite national park. The book features essays by these Sierra Nevada luminaries: John Muir Laws, on "Wonder, Beauty, and Nature" Tim Palmer, on rivers Greg Stock, on geology James McGrew, on the role of art in Yosemite Brock Dolman, on the water cycle Sarah Stock, on bird diversity Rob Grasso, on the Yosemite toad Kurt Menning, on fire ecology Beth Pratt, on pikas Dan Webster, on wildflowers Karen Amstutz, on Tuolumne Meadows Nathan Stephenson, on giant sequoias Adonia Ripple, on the importance of Yosemite Pete Devine, on the remarkable properties of leaves Robb’s passion is the ongoing search for the “Wow!” that can be found in every acre of Yosemite National Park—and that passion comes through in each of his photographs. The result is a breathtaking book that will dazzle, enlighten, and inspire a deep appreciation for the nature of Yosemite.