The Nature Explorer's Sketchbook

by Jean Mackay

Overview

This sketchbook helps kids look more closely at nature and capture what they discover with pencil, pen, and paint. The Nature Explorer’s Sketchbook inspires exploration, creativity and observation, with beautiful sketchbook illustrations, ideas and tips, and plenty of space for kids to draw. 20 [ages of instruction andcolor illustrations followed by blank pages, with more hints and examples every ten pages. A perfect tool for home schoolers, environmental education programs, STEAM programs, or to give as a gift to young artists and nature lovers. Ages 10+

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781943431595
Publisher:	Tumblehome, Inc.
Publication date:	11/01/2020
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Jean Mackay is an artist and environmental educator who has been keeping nature journals for more than 25 years. She teaches workshops nationally and shares the ordinary, yet extraordinary things that she encounters close to home and farther afield on her blog, Drawn In.

Editorial Reviews

"The texture of the pages and their soft eggshell color make this book feel like a true artist’s delight. The guidance and exercises strike the perfect balance of encouragement and instruction, allowing explorers to observe, discover, and appreciate the natural world starting from where they are....A lovely and useful beginning." —Vicky Smith, Kirkus Reviews 

Very highly recommended, The Nature Explorer's Sketchbook is the perfect art-themed resource for home schoolers, environmental education programs, STEAM programs, or simply as a gift to budding young artists and neophyte nature lovers." —Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

★ 2020-09-15
Exercises and blank space provide nature explorers a way to record their observations.

The first 27 pages of this 80-page journal contain inspiration for what to record in art and words, along with simple instructions for how to do so. Each spread in this section focuses on one topic, such as pencil drawing, adding color, writing down questions, or recording your journey. Small text boxes highlight “Try This” ideas explorers can use to develop their nature journaling techniques. The remaining pages offer additional “Try This” exercises every five pages or so, sprinkled among blank pages for drawing, sketching, painting, and writing, some of which have smaller boxes to frame smaller sketches. The texture of the pages and their soft eggshell color make this book feel like a true artist’s delight. The guidance and exercises strike the perfect balance of encouragement and instruction, allowing explorers to observe, discover, and appreciate the natural world starting from where they are—and to try again if they aren’t satisfied with their results. There are instructions for sketching birds and insects, breaking down the body parts for artists to copy. The sample artwork throughout is skillful and beautiful but not intimidating; the visible strokes of pencil and brush imply that results can vary with attention and practice.

A lovely and useful beginning. (Nonfiction. 9-adult)

Kirkus Reviews