When I first picked up Drawn to Nature by Clare Walker Leslie, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd been diving deeper into nature journaling lately, trying to build a stronger daily habit of sketching and observing the world around me. The idea of flipping through a book that blended sketches, watercolors, and personal observations sounded refreshing—and a lot less intimidating than a textbook-style guide.
It turns out, Drawn to Nature is exactly the kind of inspiring, approachable collection I needed. It's not a technical manual—it's a glimpse into 25 years of Leslie's journals, showing how powerful it can be to simply pay attention to the world around you.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by “perfect” nature journal pages you see online, Leslie's work is a breath of fresh air. Her sketches are loose and lively, her notes sometimes include spelling errors, and her watercolor swatches feel spontaneous and real. This book makes nature journaling feel accessible, not reserved for professional artists or scientists. And as someone who loves sharing nature journaling basics with beginners, I found this book reinforced so much of what I've experienced firsthand.
Key Points
- You don't need perfect skills to start a meaningful nature journal—expressive sketches and quick notes are just as valuable.
- Paying close attention to small daily details (urban or rural) builds a stronger connection to the natural world.
- Nature journaling, as shown in Drawn to Nature, supports mindfulness, creativity, and lifelong learning at any age.
What I Loved Most About Drawn to Nature
One of the most comforting parts of Drawn to Nature is its honesty. Clare Walker Leslie doesn't pretend that nature journaling is about producing museum-worthy art. Instead, she encourages you to capture the fleeting moments—a bird hopping along a sidewalk, the color of evening clouds, the sway of grasses.
When I started my first nature journal, I remember being so self-conscious. I thought every page had to look polished, and that my drawings needed to be anatomically perfect. But Leslie's pages showed me that it's the act of paying attention that matters most. Her field sketches are sometimes just “swooshes” of color, or quick pencil lines with little notes. It's not about perfection; it's about capturing a moment in time.
I loved seeing her raw observations, especially the way she documented even small, ordinary moments. It reminded me that journaling doesn't always have to happen in the wilderness. Some of her entries come from city streets, kitchen windows, and local parks—a powerful reminder that sketching nature can happen anywhere.
Why Drawn to Nature is Perfect for Beginners
If you're new to nature journaling, this book is a fantastic starting point. Leslie shows that even quick field sketches and a few words can create a meaningful record. You don't need a fancy setup either—just a small notebook, a pen, and a few colors will get you started.
When I was first gathering my nature journaling supplies, I spent way too much time worrying about which pens or watercolors were “best.” In hindsight, I wish I'd realized sooner that starting simply is better. Leslie often works with a basic felt-tip pen and a child's watercolor set—proving that you don't need expensive materials to create beautiful records of your observations.
Even better, the book feels welcoming to people of all ages. I've shared it with younger relatives and with friends looking for nature journaling activities to relax and slow down. Everyone seems to find a way in.
How Drawn to Nature Encourages Daily Mindfulness
Nature journaling is more than a hobby; it's a way of slowing down and paying attention. This book captures this perfectly. Leslie's observations often come from seemingly ordinary moments—the sort you might overlook if you're rushing through your day.
When I was working on building my own daily nature journaling habit, I noticed that even five minutes of sketching changed the way I experienced the world. Instead of rushing from one task to the next, I started noticing things—a bird call, a new flower blooming by the sidewalk, the way the clouds moved before a storm.
Leslie's book helped reinforce that habit. Her journal entries are full of reminders to simply look, listen, and wonder. Whether you're noticing the way dew collects on a leaf or sketching a rabbit spotted on a morning walk, the process itself is a form of mindfulness.
How Drawn to Nature Compares to Other Nature Journaling Books
If you've explored books like The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling or Keeping a Nature Journal, you'll find this book has a different vibe. Those books are wonderful for teaching techniques—things like contour drawing, shading, and how to break down complex subjects.
On the other hand, feels more like a personal diary. It's a glimpse into a creative life deeply connected to the outdoors. For me, it's a perfect companion to more structured guides. It reminds me that creative excursions don't have to be “productive” in a traditional sense—they just have to be real.
I sometimes use this book as a warm-up before more technical practice sessions. Flipping through a few pages reminds me that it's okay to be loose, expressive, and imperfect before I dive into more structured drawing.
How Drawn to Nature Inspired My Journaling Practice
Before reading, I used to feel guilty if I missed a day in my journal. I thought I had to capture everything perfectly and consistently. But Leslie's work taught me to embrace a more forgiving rhythm.
Now, if I have a busy day, I know I can just add a quick color swatch showing the morning light, or jot down the call of a bird I heard outside my window. Some of my favorite entries are just a few messy lines and a feeling scribbled in the margins.
Her approach also helped me explore different themes. Some days, I'll focus on plants, other days on the weather, or the sounds I hear during an afternoon walk. It’s opened up new ways to document and connect with nature.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Read Drawn to Nature
Drawn to Nature is ideal if you want inspiration without feeling overwhelmed by instruction. Whether you live in a bustling city or out in the countryside, Leslie shows that there's always something worth noticing.
If you're someone who loves browsing nature journaling ideas or wants to try watercolor nature journaling but isn't sure how to start, this book will make you feel at home.
Even if you’re a seasoned sketcher looking to reignite your love for spontaneous field journaling, you'll find so much joy and permission in these pages. Leslie reminds us that our journals don't have to be masterpieces—they just have to be honest.
If you're ready to start your own sketchbook journey, I highly recommend also checking out my guide on how to teach nature journaling if you want to inspire others too.
Is Drawn to Nature a good book for beginners?
Absolutely. Drawn to Nature shows that anyone can keep a nature journal, regardless of skill level. Even a few quick sketches and observations can create a powerful record of your experiences. If you're looking for a starting point, you might also enjoy learning about nature journaling for adults.
Do I need art supplies to get started with nature journaling?
Not much at all! Clare Walker Leslie often uses just a felt-tip pen and a basic watercolor set. A simple nature journaling supply list can help you gather a few essentials without overcomplicating things.
How does Drawn to Nature differ from other nature journaling books?
While books like A Field Guide to Nature Journaling or The Laws Sketchbook for Nature Journaling offer structured techniques, Drawn to Nature is more about inspiration and personal storytelling. It invites you to notice and capture everyday beauty, rather than striving for technical perfection.
How can I use Drawn to Nature to inspire my own journaling practice?
One of the best ways to use Drawn to Nature is to open to a random page before you go outside. Let Leslie’s sketches and notes inspire you to look for similar moments where you are. You can also pair it with resources like international nature journaling week or nature journaling adventures to create a fun, ongoing project.