The Organic Artist:Make Your Own Paint, Paper, Pigments and Prints from Nature

I first heard about this book through an email link and being artist and jack of all trades I decided to pick it up on a pre-order. I have purchased books on making various things from nature in the past and some of them are either too simplistic, to boring, or are nothing but pictures. Of course some of the books are great and I have to say this falls into that category. It has enough information on the basics to grab your interest without being boring and it allows you to be creative with your variations. It also has enough pictures to get the information across correctly and show what you can do with the techniques, without being a coffee table book.I do have a couple of small things I can see as being problems for others. First, this book isn't really for city dwellers, urbanites, third story apartment renters, or those unacquainted with dirt. Not saying that people who live in cities won't gain anything from this book, but many of the processes are smelly, or require the ability to light fires without going to jail. Also since the book suggests, as do I, that the reader acquire materials from nature, in a humane and eco-minded manner, living in a city would make this difficult and ordering too many materials in sort of defeats the point. Second, I found some of the topics covered to be rudimentary, although I believe that is more from my preexisting knowledge on the subject rather than an issue wit the book. It is only for a couple of things, however, and even though I dabble in this sort of art (for example I make my own charcoal all the time) I still found a great number of useful things.If you are an artist or know an artist who has access to the outdoor wonders of nature, then I recommend this book for you, or for you to purchase for them. Also anyone who likes the book "Back to Basics" by Abigail R. Gehring will love this book as well. If you like to take hikes and long nature walks you will be amazed by all of the materials you can find in just a couple of minutes of looking. I can see this book getting ragged edges and a worn cover, not because of the quality of the bookbinding, but because I will look at it so often. BUY THIS BOOK.

This book is unlike any book on art that I have ever read or have in my art library. The pictures on the cover are what drew me to this book. I love to use charcoal, inks, watercolors, etc in my art. I also love to use earthy colors, and I especially love to have an organic feel to my art. So this book piqued my interest.It exceeded ALLand EVERY expectations. I'll never walk through the woods, go on a hike or look at my own backyard the same. Nick breaks down step by step different ways to create all my favorite mediums using materials Mother Nature provides.All that said, making the different supplies listed throughout his book are not quick to make, nor may all the materials be readily available. Though everything is broken down in easy to follow step by step with pictures, and photos of art Nick creates using his organic supplies. Even if you never want to make your own supplies, this book is a worthy addition to any artists library.

Overall this book will teach me most of what I need to know. The only parts of it I absolutely will not be using are the parts like the 'hide glue' that require use of animal parts to make it. I was hoping the section on paper would also include how to make paper from recycled paper but it only covers making it from leaves.

Inspiring! I love nothing more than walking in the wild, gathering plants and creating works of art from them. But up until now, most of those things we tools for survival. Bowls, bows, baskets and everything else you can think of that starts with the letter B. The Organic Artist however, allows the individual to step back in time to that moment when art was advanced one step further than function. With one foot in the past, the reader can take a step forward toward the future, where perhaps, like the author, they can create magnificent works of art that are made, start to finish, in harmony with the natural world. Neddo's own work serves as an inspiring example of what's possible and his explanations are clear and easy to follow. I'm most grateful for the teachings shared in this book.

I pre-ordered this book (after seeing a blurb about it on Ben Hewitt's blog) and anxiously awaited its arrival. I am beyond happy with it - the photos are gorgeous, the projects are interesting and varied and include some inspiring ideas I hadn't seen before. You can tell the author poured his heart and soul into this book. Highly recommended for crafty/creative types or those who wish they were.

We ordered this amazing book to use during our homeschool lessons. Our middle son loves art and nature, this book is the perfect blending of both. The book is well made and contains many photos as well as artwork, the writing conveys how much the author loves what he does. The instructions for making supplies are easy to understand, which is something I was worried about since we got this to use with the boys.To be honest and open, Nick is related to my husband, but we haven't seen him in over 15 years, all three of my sons thought it was pretty cool that he wrote a book and that they got to see their last name on a book.

Can't wait to experiment with the insights and recipe's in this book! All the instructions are clear. The ideas for inks etc are a delight and made with many "found" materials! Excellent for the artist who also loves the outdoors. I have looked for a book like this for a while and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

This book is AWESOME. So many things to make from organic materials, from your own charcoal and crayons, to inks, dyes, paints, pens, brushes, ink pots... on and on. It's almost hard to believe so much information is packed into such a small book. I can't wait to start making things.

There are some great ideas & techniques in this book and most can be done. It looses a star as some are either undoable in an urban setting (fire kiln) or because it requires animal material. Many can be adapted but some can not. I look forward to trying the vast majority of these techniques out and I'm excited to see the art that comes from organic, homemade paints and materials.

A really interesting book with sections on different types of artist materials that you can make like bamboo pens, earth pigments and inks. All made from natural things you can find on walks etc. clearly laid out and easy to understand. Most look good to do with children.

Very helpful book - lots of great ideas to make natural art products, which, in itself, is a creative thing. The book looks as if it were produced by a big publishing house, but I suspect this is down to good design on the part of the author, who has also illustrated it throughout. A worthwhile read, very heartening

Delighted to have received this book on time and in great condition. Fantastically interesting and factual book for those interested in eco friendly organic art.

Fabulous book, very informative, and guides you through creating your own tools,

This book is an interesting tool for finding new ideas and connecting with the artisan/artist that we all have inside. It gave me another perspective about the materials I've been using till now.

Beautiful book. Lots to do and try.

This book has lots of great ideas, simple instructions, and I like the author's own artwork using home-made materials. The art group I belong to had a day making and drawing with natural inks and pens - we all enjoyed it and I want to try more ideas from the book.

This was a present for my sister and she loved it. I had a flick through and was sad to give it away its a beautiful book. A nice and original collection to any art library. Especially good for the budding forest school artist.

Perfect for somebody who wants to experiment a bit more in their painting.

Just love this book ! Easy to read and great images alongside. Has projects I can't wait to try out !

I hadn't considered the idea of making my own supplies before I came across this. For the average person, I'd say some of the projects are very do-able (paper making, charcoal beeswax crayons - yes!) others not so much (fire pit in back yard of rented property - no!).

I gave this book has a gift, which was greatly appreciated.It was delivered as stated.

Very practical well described recipes and methods for making artist materials from the environment

Good for an absolute beginner.