When students are given fixed and finalized abstractions from the beginning, they do not have to use their own inner forces to overcome the resistance of the world to arrive at truth or to create beauty. The result is that their inner pictures are devoid of life. To arrive at a truth or to create beauty that reflects the order and harmony of the Creator, we must always begin humbly, in ignorance and ugliness. By striving out of ignorance and ugliness toward the true and beautiful, both scientists and artists can bring new, creative forces into the world. Neither memorizing data nor copying a beautiful drawing engages the true imagination of students as it is by drawing a flower from life. It is precisely this lack of an active, striving inner creativity that can result in the frequently overwhelming feelings of anxiety and alienation experienced by so many people today. As a counterbalance, education must--in all areas of knowledge--increasingly focus on the personal creation of what, through its beauty, speaks truth and through its truth radiates beauty. Drawing from the Book of Nature is about both drawing and the natural world of plants and animals. It is a valuable resource for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to develop a capacity for artistic observation of natural phenomena. Dennis Klocek provides a refreshing combination of depth and clarity, offering a wealth of insight into the lives that constitute living nature. The text is supported by easy-to-follow lessons that help the reader bring the kingdoms of nature to life on paper. This book is a resource through which teachers, students, and others can find their own way toward reuniting with beauty and truth.

A selection of the Nature columnist's best work looks at the fertile relationship between art and science, from horror films to Galileo's moon drawings, in a thematically arranged anthology.

Whether considering the role of landscape in battle depictions; or investigating monumental figures from the Colossus of Rhodes to Mount Rushmore; or asking why gold backgrounds in paintings gave way to mountains topped with castles; Political Landscape reconfigures our idea of landscape, its significance, and its representations.

Offers basic instructions on drawing objects from nature, discussing shading, contour lines, and composition.

A pair of professional artists offers valuable suggestions for realistic portrayals of flowers, animals, and other natural subjects. Detailed, step-by-step demonstrations use watercolors, oils, pencil, and other media. Over 400 illustrations.

DIVIn today's fast-paced world, creative people are as eager as ever to pursue their artistic passions, but many of them simply don't have enough time. Catering to this modern dilemma, we've concocted the perfect remedy for over-burdened artists. The Daily Book of Art includes a year's worth of brief daily readings and lessons about the visual arts that entertain as they inform. Ten exciting categories of discussion rotate throughout the course of a year, giving readers a well-rounded experience in the art world. From color psychology and aesthetic philosophy to the proverbial argument over whether elephants really can paint, art-starved readers will encounter a broad range of inspiring subjects. The ten categories of discussion include Art 101, Philosophy of Art, Art Through the Ages, Profiles in Art, A Picture’s Worth 200 Words, Art from the Inside Out, Art Around the World, Artistic Oddities, Unexpected Art Forms, and Step-by-Step Exercises./div

Activities in the whole field of nature. Specific activities projects.

Stimulating, thought-provoking guide to finding rich sources of creative abstraction in lines of growth and structure, water and liquid forms, weather patterns, earth colors, many other natural elements. Over 370 photographs and other illustrations.

The author reveals the fine art of using creativity to "connect" with the natural world, presenting a series of guided "creative encounters" designed to stimulate this bond in each reader. Original. 15,000 first printing.

Vignettes from natural settings are accompanied by a series of lessons emphasizing both practical and theoretical considerations. This edition features 23 outstanding plates from the author's Lessons on Trees.