Drawing on ancient techniques, a primitive-arts instructor shows how to reconnect with nature by making and using your own all-natural art supplies.
The Organic Artist encourages you to return to those days when art was made with all-natural materials, like charcoal and birch bark. Immersing you in the natural world, this book seeks to inspire creativity by connecting you to your organic roots.
In addition to offering a wide variety of suggestions for using nature as supplies for art, this book also introduces the concepts of awareness and perception that are foundational to the creative process. You can refine your drawing skills, as well as increase their appreciation for the visual arts and the natural landscape. Projects and skills covered include:Making paper and wild inkWorking with soapstone, clay, wood, and rawhidePrintmaking and stencilingNatural pigments and dyesCamouflage and body paintingNature journaling, and more
“Clear, concise and easy to follow . . . a pleasure to both use as a how-to book and read through.” —Michael Pewtherer, author of Wilderness Survival Handbook
Nick Neddo has been teaching people primitive skills since 2000. His interests span from Stone Age skills and technology, to nature observation and art. Drawing, however, is his first and greatest interest. His skill set also includes wilderness survival, tracking and awareness, basketry, and hide tanning. He currently teaches at the Roots School in Vermont, where he runs classes and workshops for both adults and children on primitive arts, Stone-Age living skills, wilderness survival, and nature awareness. He is the author of The Organic Artist: Make Your Own Paint, Paper, Pigments, Prints and More from Nature as well as The Organic Artist for Kids: A DIY Guide to Making Your Own Eco-Friendly Art Supplies from Nature. He lives in Montpelier, VT.