John Muir Laws

Final Payment to John Muir Laws for 2026 Galapagos Expedition I am so excited and grateful that you will be joining us! Thank you for your support and participation. This will be an incredible experience and opportunity to learn together.

Final Payment to John Muir Laws for 2026 Galapagos Expedition

I am so excited and grateful that you will be joining us! Thank you for your support and participation. This will be an incredible experience and opportunity to learn together.

A Bird a Day with Anne Chadwick (Dec. 18, 2025) What would happen if you drew one bird each day for a year? Join John Muir Laws in conversation with nature journaler and conservation leader Anne Chadwick as she wraps up a full year of drawing a bird a day. Why set a goal like this? Lessons learned? Progress made? How can this help build community and advance conservation? What’s next?

A Bird a Day with Anne Chadwick (Dec. 18, 2025)

What would happen if you drew one bird each day for a year? Join John Muir Laws in conversation with nature journaler and conservation leader Anne Chadwick as she wraps up a full year of drawing a bird a day. Why set a goal like this? Lessons…

Understanding Birds Through Sculpture (Nov. 21, 2024) Join John Muir Laws and Jack Revie as we explore the process of carving birds and how to think about birds three dimensionally. This process will improve your ability to draw birds from any angle. You may wish to bring some sculpy, or modeling clay to help you construct your own birds. (Class date: 21 Nov 2024).

Understanding Birds Through Sculpture (Nov. 21, 2024)

Join John Muir Laws and Jack Revie as we explore the process of carving birds and how to think about birds three dimensionally. This process will improve your ability to draw birds from any angle. You may wish to bring some sculpy, or modeling…

NJEF: Forest Bathing and Nature Journaling (Feb. 19, 2025) Join Jack and Dan as we explore Forest Bathing and Nature Journaling. (Class recording from 19 Feb. 2025) We have co-led a program in Yosemite National Park and are particularly excited by how synergistic Forest Bathing and Nature Journaling are! Both offer pathways to mindfulness and connection to place and self. Both practices invite us to slow down, to use our senses, and to truly engage, with the natural world.

NJEF: Forest Bathing and Nature Journaling (Feb. 19, 2025)

Join Jack and Dan as we explore Forest Bathing and Nature Journaling. (Class recording from 19 Feb. 2025) We have co-led a program in Yosemite National Park and are particularly excited by how synergistic Forest Bathing and Nature…

Skullduggery! (Apr. 18, 2024) Nasal turbinates, masseter muscles, zygomatic arches, sagittal crests, infraorbital foramina, AND sciuromorphs - oh my! Join John Muir Laws in this fun deep dive into reading skulls and what they can tell us about the animals they come from. Class recording from 18 April 2024. Cool link from the online Smithsonian Museum:

Skullduggery! (Apr. 18, 2024)

Nasal turbinates, masseter muscles, zygomatic arches, sagittal crests, infraorbital foramina, AND sciuromorphs - oh my! Join John Muir Laws in this fun deep dive into reading skulls and what they can tell us about the animals they come from. Class recording from 18…

NJEF: Journal Resources Page Insert (Apr. 30, 2021)

A class from the past! On 30 April 2021, John Muir Laws asked the Nature Journal Educators Forum for feedback on the resources inserts that later went into his blank sketchbooks, which hundreds of nature journalers now use and enjoy. You can find…

Choose to be Curious Podcast: Ep. #307: Curiosity & Nature Journaling "Slow down to the speed of wonder." ~ John Muir Laws Join Lynn Borton and me in this episode of the "Choose to be Curious" Podcast. This is an episode about nature journaling, but Jack would be the first to say: it isn't about the journal, it's about the journey. John has developed interdisciplinary programs that combine art with science and train us to observe the world with rigor and joy -- strengthening our capacity to be intentionally curious. Listen to the podcast now.

Choose to be Curious Podcast: Ep. #307: Curiosity & Nature Journaling

"Slow down to the speed of wonder." ~ John Muir Laws Join Lynn Borton and me in this episode of the "Choose to be Curious" Podcast. This is an episode about nature journaling, but Jack would be the first to say: it isn't about…

Unfolding with I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of. I use the "I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of" prompt everywhere. Why is it so powerful? How and why does it transform the way you see and think? I was invited to join the Here We Are project to reflect on being present in this wild and precious life. I hope you enjoy this audio deep dive into INIWIRMO! What is the thought behind these three prompts? Listen now

Unfolding with I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of.

I use the "I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of" prompt everywhere. Why is it so powerful? How and why does it transform the way you see and think? I was invited to join the Here We Are project to reflect on being present in this wild and…

The Dyslexic Advantage (Movie) The Dyslexic Advantage is an inspiring new documentary that challenges stereotypes and reveals some of the strengths of the dyslexic mind. The film explores how dyslexic thinking powers creativity, innovation, exploration, and human achievement. I am one of the dyslecics featured in the movie. Here is the preview and a link to learn more and watch the full movie.

The Dyslexic Advantage (Movie)

The Dyslexic Advantage is an inspiring new documentary that challenges stereotypes and reveals some of the strengths of the dyslexic mind. The film explores how dyslexic thinking powers creativity, innovation, exploration, and human achievement. I am one of the…

Jack’s Summer 2025 Journal Share, Part 1 Howdy, friends, it's been a while! Want to see what John Muir Laws aka Jack was up to during his travels this past summer? Watch part 1 here, as Jack takes us through his journal from his summer vacation, including to Hog Island. Jack adds in some post-hoc (post-hawk?) composition work and Ebbinghaus-ing as he goes. Class recording from 14 August 2025.

Jack’s Summer 2025 Journal Share, Part 1

Howdy, friends, it's been a while! Want to see what John Muir Laws aka Jack was up to during his travels this past summer? Watch part 1 here, as Jack takes us through his journal from his summer vacation, including to Hog Island. Jack adds in some post-hoc…

Let’s Look at Lizards with a Master! August 14th is World Lizard Day! Let's celebrate lizards!!! From structure to scale details, how do we draw lizards? They have so much personality! Now the author and illustrator of a wonderful new guide to California Herps joins us to share his tips! (Class recording from 12/12/2024) Jackson Shedd is a herpetologist, author, scientific illustrator, independent researcher, nature journalist, and wildlife photographer with a passion for biodiversity.

Let’s Look at Lizards with a Master!

August 14th is World Lizard Day! Let's celebrate lizards!!! From structure to scale details, how do we draw lizards? They have so much personality! Now the author and illustrator of a wonderful new guide to California Herps joins us to share his tips! (Class…

Nature Journaling for Families Learn to keep a nature journal with your family in this workshop with the Children in Nature Network!

Nature Journaling for Families

Learn to keep a nature journal with your family in this workshop with the Children in Nature Network!

From Geeking Out in Nature to Bridging Political Divides: Climate Swings Podcast John Muir Laws works across vast political and socio-cultural divides to bring the joy of nature journaling to audiences around the world. In his journey, which took him from roaming the Sierra Nevadas to sparking an artistic movement, he demonstrates that the best way to succeed in difficult climate discussions is to find common ground with the simple things, like the birds and bees in our own backyards, that connect us.

From Geeking Out in Nature to Bridging Political Divides: Climate Swings Podcast

John Muir Laws works across vast political and socio-cultural divides to bring the joy of nature journaling to audiences around the world. In his journey, which took him from roaming the Sierra Nevadas to sparking an…

Interview with the Good Men Project I recently enjoyed a conversation with George Cassidy Payne about nature journaling and a little about my thoughts about living this life. He framed the article around maculinity which is an interesting perspecive. I hope you find it interesting. Read the Article Here

Interview with the Good Men Project

I recently enjoyed a conversation with George Cassidy Payne about nature journaling and a little about my thoughts about living this life. He framed the article around maculinity which is an interesting perspecive. I hope you find it interesting. Read the…

Learn to Nature Journal! Nature journaling offers numerous benefits, including enhanced observational skills, improved mental and emotional well-being, and a deeper connection to the natural world. It can also boost cognitive functions like critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, nature journaling can reduce stress and anxiety, and foster a sense of awe and wonder. Join me and the Children and Nature Network for a two-hour hands-on class where he shares his best tips and tricks for nature journaling learned through his 40 years of teaching and illustrating.

Learn to Nature Journal!

Nature journaling offers numerous benefits, including enhanced observational skills, improved mental and emotional well-being, and a deeper connection to the natural world. It can also boost cognitive functions like critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, nature…

Curious Careers Podcast

I hope you enjoy this discussion about nature journaling and life on the Curious Careers Podcast where curiosity leads to fascinating career discoveries! Hosted by an inquisitive 10-year-old, this unique show delves into the world of various professions through the eyes of…

Nature Journaling in Tuscany, July 20-26 I am excited to share a week of nature and cultural exploration in Tuscany! The course begins with a group dinner on Sunday, July 20th. We then explore, learn, and journal together all day from July 21st – July 25th, closing with a group breakfast on Saturday, July 26th Learn how to become more confident when painting on location in a stunning setting…

Nature Journaling in Tuscany, July 20-26

I am excited to share a week of nature and cultural exploration in Tuscany! The course begins with a group dinner on Sunday, July 20th. We then explore, learn, and journal together all day from July 21st – July 25th, closing with a group breakfast on…

Blocking in leaf Shapes

When you draw any object, start with the general shape and work your way progressively toward the details. Said another way, add the detail last (and don't overdo it). In these two demonstrations, note how we start with a light, loose, fast, framework (drawn in blue to…

Journaling in Elementary Science Classrooms Join me as I visit the University of Oklahoma Jeannie Rainbolt College of Education to discuss journaling and science.

Journaling in Elementary Science Classrooms

Join me as I visit the University of Oklahoma Jeannie Rainbolt College of Education to discuss journaling and science.

“Straight” lines on a sphere Drawing Latitude and Longitude lines on a sphere is an amazing way to doodle your way to three-dimensional confidence. Famousandfaded created this wonderful tool to help you see the lines and use them as a reference. This is an interactive model. You can enlarge it to fill the full screen. Then use your mouse to rotate the globe. Notice how the latitude and longitude change their shapes as you do so.

“Straight” lines on a sphere

Drawing Latitude and Longitude lines on a sphere is an amazing way to doodle your way to three-dimensional confidence. Famousandfaded created this wonderful tool to help you see the lines and use them as a reference. This is an interactive model. You can enlarge it to…

Listen to a fun conversation with Sara Bellis of GOGA Join me and Sara Bellis of the Get Out Get Arty (GOGA) podcast. We had a lively discussion about being small, beauty, learning, attention, growth, curiosity, play, community and so much more.

Listen to a fun conversation with Sara Bellis of GOGA

Join me and Sara Bellis of the Get Out Get Arty (GOGA) podcast. We had a lively discussion about being small, beauty, learning, attention, growth, curiosity, play, community and so much more.

Nature Journaling in Tuscany July 21 – July 25  Join me for this Nature Journaling Adventure I am so excited to share a week of nature and cultural exploration in Tuscany_ with you. Learn how to become more confident when painting on location. Learn how to create sketches with minimal materials – Be guided by me step-by-step by following demos. Have plenty of time to ask questions and receive one-on-one feedback.

Nature Journaling in Tuscany

July 21 – July 25  Join me for this Nature Journaling Adventure I am so excited to share a week of nature and cultural exploration in Tuscany_ with you. Learn how to become more confident when painting on location. Learn how to create sketches with minimal materials –…

Sierra Birds Book Launch This special event was co-hosted by Wild Wonder Foundation, Feather River Land Trust, and Heyday Books. I gave this talk in November 2024 at the new beautiful Sierra Valley Nature Center in Beckwourth, California, to celebrate the publication of The Laws Field Guide to Sierra Birds. Featuring all new illustrations of more than 200 species, this updated guide is great for novice and advanced birders alike, and it makes a wonderful gift for the bird lovers in your life.

Sierra Birds Book Launch

This special event was co-hosted by Wild Wonder Foundation, Feather River Land Trust, and Heyday Books. I gave this talk in November 2024 at the new beautiful Sierra Valley Nature Center in Beckwourth, California, to celebrate the publication of The Laws Field Guide to…

Join the Western Flyer’s Historic Return to the Gulf of California! April 15-25, 2025 Follow the route of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts in the Gulf of California, 85 years ago with this restored historic vessel. Iwill be adding nature journaling to the itinerary of this incredible trip. Please join us if you are able. It will be a grand adventure and the funds raised will support marine education for underserved students. In 1940, driven by curiosity and a hunger for experience, John Steinbeck and biologist Ed Ricketts traveled to the Gulf of California on board the sardine boat the 

Join the Western Flyer’s Historic Return to the Gulf of California! April 15-25, 2025

Follow the route of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts in the Gulf of California, 85 years ago with this restored historic vessel. Iwill be adding nature journaling to the itinerary of this incredible trip. Please…