John Muir Laws
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John Muir Laws
@johnmuirlaws.com
Nature Stewardship through Science, Education, and Art
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…
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.
johnmuirlaws.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:24 PM
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…
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.
johnmuirlaws.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:13 PM
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…
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.
johnmuirlaws.com
August 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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!
johnmuirlaws.com
August 11, 2025 at 5:24 PM
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…
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.
johnmuirlaws.com
July 4, 2025 at 10:03 AM
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…
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
johnmuirlaws.com
June 28, 2025 at 5:38 PM
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…
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.
johnmuirlaws.com
June 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
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…
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 a child. Curious Careers offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the working world. Listen to the Podcast
johnmuirlaws.com
June 17, 2025 at 1:55 PM
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…
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…
johnmuirlaws.com
March 18, 2025 at 12:57 AM
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…
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 represent the work you would do with a non-photo blue pencil), and work into slower and more precise lines as the drawing develops.
johnmuirlaws.com
February 2, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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.
johnmuirlaws.com
February 2, 2025 at 6:16 PM
“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…
“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.
johnmuirlaws.com
February 2, 2025 at 5:14 PM
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.
johnmuirlaws.com
January 31, 2025 at 4:31 AM
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 –…
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.
johnmuirlaws.com
January 27, 2025 at 12:24 AM
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 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.
johnmuirlaws.com
January 26, 2025 at 5:50 PM
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 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 
johnmuirlaws.com
January 26, 2025 at 1:13 PM