Drawn from the Wild

If you go down to the woods today…you’re sure of some good supplies. I think it’s fair to say that only the most dedicated muesli-knitter is likely to source all their materials this way, however... Let’s get the elephant out of the room first, shall we? I do not for one moment think that you’re going to abandon your local art shop and start combing the forest floor for inks, colours and ‘brushes’. Nor should you. However, once upon a time that was exactly what you would have done, and those earth colours you love so much? Well. Drawn from the Wild by Caroline Ross will provide you with all the information you’re ever likely to need about making plant-based inks, pastels, pens and brushes, as well as surfaces you can draw and paint on. Do you need, or even want to? I think you’ll find that, whatever your requirements, these are instructive and worthwhile explorations of the natural world.

-- Henry Malt * The Artist *

Caroline Ross’s Drawn from the Wild is an extraordinary and thoughtful guide that invites readers to deepen their connection with nature through the creation of natural art materials. 

Perfect for makers, foragers, nature lovers, and artists, this book blends creativity with sustainability, encouraging readers to engage with the landscape in a mindful and respectful way.

Ross gently guides readers through the ancient skills of making their own inks, paints, brushes, and tools from gathered natural resources such as oak galls, earth pigments, charcoals, and plant dyes. 

Her clear and detailed instructions make traditional processes accessible to the modern maker, with practical advice on safe foraging, ethical gathering, and environmentally conscious making.

One of the book’s most inspiring qualities is its celebration of self-sufficiency and creative experimentation. 

Ross encourages the reader not only to follow her methods but to explore their own local environments, discovering the colours, textures, and materials unique to their landscape. 

This deeply personal approach fosters a stronger sense of place and a greater appreciation of the natural world. It is also a beautiful way to explore your own art practice further.

Beautifully illustrated with photographs, sketches, and examples of artwork made using the materials described, Drawn from the Wild is both a practical manual and an invitation to slow down and reconnect with nature through making. 

The projects are as suitable for fine artists as they are for makers and crafters, and the book’s emphasis on low-impact, sustainable practice will resonate with anyone who values thoughtful creativity and healing through art.

In summary, Drawn from the Wild is an inspiring and empowering resource that offers a fresh perspective on art-making—one rooted in the beauty, richness, and generosity of the natural world.

* Art Trails Tasmania *

Introduction

Glancing at this book’s title, I noted the word foraged. Immediately my mind conjured up a mid-forest scene, maybe a truffle hunter or a wood cutter from a long forgotten tale. In other words, I had a definite description and a vision of what foraging was - is. Turing to the inner page, I am wrong. Let me tell you more.

About the author/artist

This artist is quite obviously at one when in nature, She tells of her own days spent mostly outdoors and she teaches from her studio in the south of England. She literally lives her life as she teaches, the same themes explored which basically cover using at hand, natural materials to make art. This is her second title, however the first one will also be hosted in my review collection here online.

What is the books basis?

Ross soon points out within her introduction that it is not a ‘rural idyll’ that we have to wait to be brought to, there are other ways, ‘ancient techniques’, ‘easily found natural materials’.

So in short need to know terms, within this title you will learn many techniques using natural materials, to draw and dye and paint without needing to live in a woodland or forest.

Who is the book branded at?

The author herself on page nine tells us that it is ‘accessible’, no matter age or experience. There is a running thread of nature and a need to live for the earth and care for it - so all the methods and ideas are founded upon a seal of care, kindness to the land we trod so well. We are all aware that nature and the outdoors is a healing, we just need to be less picky about what it looks like - what is your own area? Get out there and experience it - that is this book’s message.

Methods and materials mentioned

This title is driven into certain sections which each cover a theme. Moving on from the initial section which covers foraging, I am noting Charcoal, Surface’s to get your work on (think bark and even lessons on making sketchbooks), paint making, inks…..it goes on.

What I will tell you is that this is not about using the pre-made. This about being interested enough to make your own tools, your own paints and inks and then because you’ve had such a story with them already - use them to make art.

One point to consider

I love the universal feel of this book, but it is not for the part time artist - this is for someone who really loves the theme, is passionate about it and can devote time and care to what they do. That is not a put off or a put down of the book itself - just treasure it and use it.

Final thoughts

Please turn to the sketchbook pages from page one hundred and learn to make your own, I know from experience how personal and fulfilling making your own sketchbook can be - so do try it for yourself.

The artist includes other like artists throughout, so there are plenty of examples for visual variety and interest, yet they all marry together.

See full review here: https://www.ailishhenderson.com/bookreviews/2026/1/21/drawn-from-the-wild -- Ailish Hende