Thanks for another wonderful review Rosalie! Several years ago while visiting my daughter in Seattle l came across Colors of the West and Birds of the West. I remember having a stern conversation with myself- these won’t be practical for someone who lives in Missouri, you don’t need these- but the nature lover in me needed them!
I was recently researching books on wildflowers and was excited that Wildflowers of the West is being released on September 1st. And what a great idea for Eastern editions- how about a collaboration between you and Molly? That would be amazing! And wildflowers first please!
Hi Rosalie, Thank you so much for the recommendation. I have Molly’s book about trees and frequently pull it off the bookcase to enjoy. Your flip through of her bird book has convinced me I should add it to my collection of natural history/art books. I’m really appreciating these newsletters. I have a few authors I could suggest if you are ever looking for more.
'A Trail Through Leaves' by Hannah Hinchman, one of my favourites and inspired me to started keeping an illustrated journal. Not sure if its still in print but you could probably find a used one
'A Pacific Northwest Sketchbook' Jude Siegel, aimed at inspiring readers to keep an illustrated nature sketchbook. Focused obviously on the PNW
"Finding Sanctuary" by Barry Van Dusen Author/artist visited all of the Mass Audubon Sanctuaries, nature centres museums and camps producing drawings and painting of each place. Stunning book
'Field Notes on Science & Nature' edited by Michael R. Canfield, forward by E.O.Wilson A collection of a variety of naturalist types with samples of the writing, notes and illustrations
"Northwest Trees" Stephen F. Arno & Ramona P. Hammerly, a guide to trees of the NW. The pen and ink illustrations are amazing
Any books by Kathleen Dean Moore. These books are not illustrated, but her writing is beautiful. Her sense of place and love for it comes through so clearly along with her very strong enviromental ethics. Another author whose work I turn to often for inspiration and solace.
Hope some of these books are new to you and you enjoy them.
This is WONDERFUL! I know about a couple of these, but many are new to me. Thanks for taking the time to compile. I know some are out of print, so I'm hoping to find some used copies out there. I have another of Hannah Hinchman's books, Little Things in a Big Country, and have been considering it for a future pick. Thanks again!
I love her block prints too. I first encountered her and her work through the Winslow Art Center in Washington State. If you go onto the center's website at winslowartcenter.com and search on Molly Hashimoto you will find some upcoming courses and also some free recordings of past talks and demos by her.
this looks like an absolutely fantastic book, Rosalie! I love that it’s not a traditional field guide and that she shares art process as well as personal stories about birds. Thanks so much for the recommendation, I’m definitely going to get a copy!
Thank you for the recommendation. I absolutely love the block prints and watercolors you shared. I will be adding this book to list of nature books to add to my collection.
I recently purchased her Trees of the West when I was out in Oregon. I fell in love with her block prints. After reading your beautiful review, I may have to purchase the birds as well!!
Does the Trees book have a similar format? I'm intrigued by the combination merging technique with natural history, and showing same subject in different media.
Yes it does have the same format. There are chapters on different kinds of trees and locations as well as techniques and tools that she uses for watercolor, carving and sketching.
I love this one, and her Trees of the West book. The colors and shapes are just gorgeous, and I found I retained more about what I learned from her artistic descriptions.
I love and own all of Molly Hashimoto's books! They are a wonderful combination of watercolor paintings, block prints, featured artists from history, painting & sketching tips and travel tips. I bring the birds & trees books with me camping to browse at the campsite since I'm in the PNW as well, so they are great resources for ID'ing and learning about local trails! I'm excited for the Wildflowers book coming in the Fall!
Thanks for another wonderful review Rosalie! Several years ago while visiting my daughter in Seattle l came across Colors of the West and Birds of the West. I remember having a stern conversation with myself- these won’t be practical for someone who lives in Missouri, you don’t need these- but the nature lover in me needed them!
I was recently researching books on wildflowers and was excited that Wildflowers of the West is being released on September 1st. And what a great idea for Eastern editions- how about a collaboration between you and Molly? That would be amazing! And wildflowers first please!
Ah! I had no idea! Just looked it up -- it looks gorgeous. Excited for September to roll around to check it out!
Hi Rosalie, Thank you so much for the recommendation. I have Molly’s book about trees and frequently pull it off the bookcase to enjoy. Your flip through of her bird book has convinced me I should add it to my collection of natural history/art books. I’m really appreciating these newsletters. I have a few authors I could suggest if you are ever looking for more.
Hi Sheila, I'd love to get your recommendations for future books to check out! Feel free to comment them here. :)
Hi Rosalie, Here's a few of my favourites;
'A Trail Through Leaves' by Hannah Hinchman, one of my favourites and inspired me to started keeping an illustrated journal. Not sure if its still in print but you could probably find a used one
'A Pacific Northwest Sketchbook' Jude Siegel, aimed at inspiring readers to keep an illustrated nature sketchbook. Focused obviously on the PNW
"Finding Sanctuary" by Barry Van Dusen Author/artist visited all of the Mass Audubon Sanctuaries, nature centres museums and camps producing drawings and painting of each place. Stunning book
'Field Notes on Science & Nature' edited by Michael R. Canfield, forward by E.O.Wilson A collection of a variety of naturalist types with samples of the writing, notes and illustrations
"Northwest Trees" Stephen F. Arno & Ramona P. Hammerly, a guide to trees of the NW. The pen and ink illustrations are amazing
Any books by Kathleen Dean Moore. These books are not illustrated, but her writing is beautiful. Her sense of place and love for it comes through so clearly along with her very strong enviromental ethics. Another author whose work I turn to often for inspiration and solace.
Hope some of these books are new to you and you enjoy them.
This is WONDERFUL! I know about a couple of these, but many are new to me. Thanks for taking the time to compile. I know some are out of print, so I'm hoping to find some used copies out there. I have another of Hannah Hinchman's books, Little Things in a Big Country, and have been considering it for a future pick. Thanks again!
I love her block prints too. I first encountered her and her work through the Winslow Art Center in Washington State. If you go onto the center's website at winslowartcenter.com and search on Molly Hashimoto you will find some upcoming courses and also some free recordings of past talks and demos by her.
Ooh, great to know for folks in that region! I'd love to take a workshop with her.
I look forward to your monthly nature book recommendation. Thank you!
this looks like an absolutely fantastic book, Rosalie! I love that it’s not a traditional field guide and that she shares art process as well as personal stories about birds. Thanks so much for the recommendation, I’m definitely going to get a copy!
Thank you for the recommendation. I absolutely love the block prints and watercolors you shared. I will be adding this book to list of nature books to add to my collection.
I recently purchased her Trees of the West when I was out in Oregon. I fell in love with her block prints. After reading your beautiful review, I may have to purchase the birds as well!!
Does the Trees book have a similar format? I'm intrigued by the combination merging technique with natural history, and showing same subject in different media.
Yes it does have the same format. There are chapters on different kinds of trees and locations as well as techniques and tools that she uses for watercolor, carving and sketching.
A very colorful and well organized book !
I love this one, and her Trees of the West book. The colors and shapes are just gorgeous, and I found I retained more about what I learned from her artistic descriptions.
Thank you for sharing this. A beautiful book
Nice review and good selection of images. Looking forward to more.
Such a gorgeous book (which is now on my list). Thank you for sharing!
I love and own all of Molly Hashimoto's books! They are a wonderful combination of watercolor paintings, block prints, featured artists from history, painting & sketching tips and travel tips. I bring the birds & trees books with me camping to browse at the campsite since I'm in the PNW as well, so they are great resources for ID'ing and learning about local trails! I'm excited for the Wildflowers book coming in the Fall!
Love Molly's artwork!
What an incredible book! I love her prints!