When I first picked up Drawing Nature by Linda Miller Feltner, I wasn’t looking for another beginner sketchbook guide. I was looking for something deeper—a book that would bridge my love for close observation with the artistic process. I've always found that truly great nature sketching isn't about creating a polished, pretty picture.
It's about connecting with the world around you. If you're passionate about drawing nature and want to move beyond copying photos or simple tutorials, this book will feel like finding a hidden trail into the heart of meaningful art-making.
In this review, I'll walk you through what makes this book a standout, how it compares to other resources like nature journaling basics, and why it's quickly become one of my most-used books whenever I'm heading outside with my sketchbook.
Key Points
- Drawing Nature isn't just a technique book; it teaches observation, scientific inquiry, and how to blend both into your artwork.
- Feltner shows her process from rough sketches to finished art, making it an incredible resource for artists looking to develop depth and storytelling in their work.
- It pairs beautifully with other resources like sketching nature and keeping a nature journal, offering a full-circle approach to field sketching and illustration.
What Stands Out in Drawing Nature
The first thing that struck me about Drawing Nature was how it goes way beyond basic “how to draw” steps. From the first chapter, Feltner encourages you to slow down, look carefully, and become curious. She doesn't just want you to draw—she wants you to notice.
Reading through the book, it feels like you’re being personally guided through her own sketchbooks. She shows the messy beginnings, the half-finished thoughts, the moments of discovery that spark the final artwork. That honesty was refreshing. So often art books only show the polished end results.
As someone who spends a lot of time working on drawing animals and sketching outdoors, I appreciated how Feltner emphasizes starting with observation, not a stylized formula. That matches my own experience—the best sketches happen when I’m engaged with my subject, not just trying to replicate a style.
The Drawing Nature Approach to Sketching and Science
One of the biggest things I took away from Drawing Nature is how Feltner uses curiosity to fuel her art. She doesn’t just draw a flower—she asks questions. Why are the petals shaped that way? What pollinators visit it? How does the plant fit into its ecosystem?
This way of working reminded me a lot of nature journaling prompts I've used before to stay curious while sketching. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about allowing questions to lead you deeper into seeing.
She blends sketching, research, and imagination seamlessly. Sometimes she sketches based on something she saw briefly in the field, then fills in the gaps later with research. This felt so validating to me. I've always felt a little guilty when I couldn't capture every detail on location, but her process showed me that developing a piece over time is not only okay—it's often better.
If you're someone who loves the blend of science, storytelling, and art (or wants to love it more), this book is a powerful companion. It aligns really well with the mindset behind creative nature journaling excursions where the focus is on experience and exploration rather than perfection.
Strengths and Minor Weaknesses
No book is perfect, and while I’ve found this book to be incredibly useful, there are a few things to know going in so you can set the right expectations.
Strengths
- Process-Focused: Feltner doesn't just show her final masterpieces. She shares early sketches, rough ideas, and how they evolve. It’s incredibly helpful if you feel stuck at the “ugly sketch” stage.
- Variety of Subjects: Whether you're into nature journaling plants, animals, geological formations, or whole ecosystems, there's something here for you.
- Real Fieldwork: She sketches outdoors, not just from photographs. You get insights on how to work quickly and make observations in real conditions.
- Attention to Detail: Particularly if you live in the U.S. Southwest like me, her attention to desert life is a rare and welcome bonus. It's not just all lush forests and tropical birds.
Minor Weaknesses
- Intermediate Focus: If you're totally new to drawing, some parts might feel a little dense. In that case, I’d recommend starting with a foundation like nature journaling basics first, then coming back to this.
- Not a Step-by-Step Manual: If you prefer “draw this exact line here” style instructions, this isn’t that kind of book. It’s more about mindset and process.
That said, even if you’re a beginner, you could still get a lot out of the inspiration and examples—especially paired with something like nature journaling activities to build your confidence.
How I Personally Use Drawing Nature
I’ve found a few really effective ways to work with this book, and I wanted to share them in case it helps you build it into your own creative practice.
Sketchbook Warm-Ups
Before heading outside, I’ll flip through a few pages to get inspired. Sometimes I'll choose one thing to focus on—like observing textures—and set a goal for my sketching session. This pairs nicely with nature journaling ideas if you want even more direction.
Field Sketch Practice
Out in the field, I’ll focus more on observation and rough sketching—not worrying about creating polished art. Feltner’s approach really helped me drop the perfectionism and stay loose, something that’s also emphasized in watercolor nature journaling.
Studio Development
Later, at home, I’ll sometimes research the things I sketched, fill in missing information, and turn sketches into fuller pieces. It’s a much more layered and satisfying process than just trying to “nail it” on site.
When I'm feeling ambitious, I even use some of the ideas from nature journaling workshops in the wild as inspiration for deeper studies.
How Drawing Nature Fits Into a Larger Practice
The more I work through this book, the more I see how it fits into a holistic practice of nature journaling and artistic growth.
It doesn’t replace more structured guides like the laws guide to nature drawing and journaling or quick inspiration from something like the curious nature guide. Instead, it deepens the “why” behind what you’re sketching.
Paired with the right tools—like a good nature journaling bag and a focus on nature journaling adventure—this book can be a powerful catalyst for developing your own voice as an artist.
Is Drawing Nature good for beginners?
It depends on what you mean by “beginner.” If you're new to sketching entirely, you might want to build some basic confidence first using something like nature journaling for adults. But if you've sketched a little and are ready to deepen your skills and mindset, Drawing Nature will absolutely help you grow.
How does Drawing Nature compare to other nature sketching books?
It’s much deeper and more process-focused than many other books. It has a similar spirit to the art of field sketching, but it's even more personal and beautifully illustrated. It also complements other favorites like the laws guide to drawing birds if you're specifically interested in wildlife.
Other resources pair well with Drawing Nature
I've found that combining it with these resources creates an amazing learning path: