Discover the Art of Field Sketching: Nature-Inspired Techniques for Pencil, Pen, and Watercolor

by Kristin Link

An empowering guide to the many ways of noticing, connecting with, and documenting the world around you, based on the renowned workshop that Kristin Link has been leading in remote Alaska for over a decade. ​

For over 15 years, artist and illustrator Kristin Link has taught everyone from children to experts to draw everything from a single acorn to a breathtaking mountain vista. Now her popular field sketching course is available as a guide that anyone can use. 

Discover the Art of Field Sketching is a nature illustration book for artists of all skill levels. It starts with the basics of pen, pencil, and watercolor, then introduces more advanced techniques for complex landscapes and animals in motion. It features visual subject matter for wherever you you can learn to sketch a night sky, a backyard bird, or a squirrel in the park as well as a rugged mountain wilderness. The book includes 30 step-by-step lessons, and many more inspiring examples of finished products. It also focuses on the meditative and philosophical aspects to field sketching, like slowing down, presentness, and learning to love nature of all sizes. 

Discover The Art of Field Sketching is just as informative on why to get into field sketching, as it is on how to make the most of your projects.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Crafts, Nature, How To, Reference

296 pages, Hardcover

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

Kristin Link is a science illustrator, field sketching teacher, and nature journalist based off-grid near McCarthy, Alaska, in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
For over 15 years, she has taught field sketching across Alaska, to children, scientists, artists, and complete beginners, through Artists in Schools residencies, wilderness courses, and her own workshops. Her work explores the intersection of art, ecology, and place, with a focus on northern landscapes, seasonal change, and close observation of the natural world.
Kristin holds a graduate certificate in science illustration from California State University, Monterey Bay. Her illustrations have been featured in museum exhibits, interpretive education materials, fine art shows, and her weekly natural history column in the Copper River Record.
Her first book, Discover the Art of Field Sketching: Nature-Inspired Techniques for Pencil, Pen, and Watercolor (Timber Press, 2026), grew directly out of her teaching practice in Alaska.
Find her at kristinlink.com and on Instagram @linkkristin.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing that I would not only recommended it to anyone looking to learn field sketching but to any art teacher looking for text book for their class. I wasn't sure if it would be, as the cover really isn't great, but sometimes that doesn't mean anything, as every reader knows.

There are step by step instructions on how to draw the different plants and animals you will find in nature, as well as how to draw landscapes. Not only that, there is an entire section dedicated to watercolors .

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

[A Dreaming Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for providing me with an eARC.

This was a really nice intro to Field Sketching. It's something I've always wanted to do, especially when I see people carrying around their portable watercolor kits and painting on the go. The nice part about this book was that it covered different mediums which was really cool. It also strengthened my desire to visit Alaska someday, the pictures and locations selected were breathtaking. The artworks have clear step by step processes including color mixing for watercolors. The beginning chapters also cover the basics of watercolor techniques for beginners. I also liked the reflection and the inspiration parts of the chapters. This has really motivated me to keep trying to get better at art and just get started again. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to get into sketching, in specific nature/plein air art.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for granting my wish, Timber Press! And thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity to read Kristin Link's Discover the Art of Field Sketching. I try to draw and paint, I keep a number of different journals and notebooks and I *love* peeking into the pages of other people to see what they're capturing. Link does exactly that sharing her process in down-to-earth and approachable language and beautiful visuals, both the photographs and her illustrations/watercolors. It's helpful to see how her illustrations evolve from a few simple basic shapes to additional layers of details and colors until you see the finished result. She starts with some of the basics and easier methods and continues to build up to more challenging pieces (movement/animals, vast landscapes, moving water, night skies and constellations, etc.). Throughout the book, she shares her philosophy on how you might approach the process of sketching nature or keeping a field journal. There's overlap and inspiration from others in the world of nature journaling so I enjoyed seeing some of the similarities as well as how Link's interpretations might be different. Overall it's a celebration of the wonders around us, if we only take a moment to look closely and be curious about our environment. It's a great reminder to slow down, ask questions and enjoy these bits of awe that surround us.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific book detailing the author/artist's approach to sketching plein air (i.e. outdoors). She shares the contents of her toolkit and how she keeps warm when sketching outdoors in Alaska. This book breaks down each drawing exercise into many more visual steps than usual, making it an excellent way to learn important techniques such as glazing, perspective, and distance. As I worked my way through many of the exercises, I increased my skill and patience, while learning to embrace the imperfections of quick, in-the-moment sketching that captures the movement of water, clouds, and more. This book is a great gift for nature lovers and artists alike.
I am grateful to the author @KristinLink, @TimberPress, and #NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of #DiscovertheArtofFieldSkiteching for review purposes. Highly recommended and ready to order with a publication date of 28 April 2026.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Discover the Art of Field Sketching by Kristin Link

Rating: 4 Stars

As someone who loves both nature and art, Discover the Art of Field Sketching by Kristin Link quickly became a favorite on my bookshelf. This book is much more than just a how-to guide—it’s an invitation to slow down, really observe the world around you, and express that connection through drawing and watercolor.

Kristin Link has spent over 15 years teaching her renowned field sketching workshop in remote Alaska, guiding everyone from beginners to seasoned artists. This book distills that experience into a resource anyone can use, whether you’re sketching a tiny acorn in your backyard or capturing a sprawling mountain vista. It starts with the essentials—pencil, pen, and watercolor basics—and gradually introduces more advanced techniques for complex scenes and moving wildlife. I loved how accessible this book felt; no matter where you live, the lessons are adaptable—from night skies to local birds to rugged wilderness.

The book features 30 step-by-step projects that build skills progressively. Kristin breaks down each drawing exercise into clear, visual steps that make learning techniques like glazing, perspective, and creating depth much less intimidating. The watercolor section is particularly strong, with detailed explanations on mixing colors, using a “color wheel of place,” and even keeping a color diary to track your observations over time.

Visually, this book is a treat—each page is filled with beautiful photographs paired with rich watercolor sketches that truly inspire. The meditative tone Kristin brings to field sketching—encouraging being present and appreciation for nature’s small details—adds a layer of mindfulness that makes this more than just an art manual.

If you’re looking to start sketching landscapes or want a nature-focused artistic practice, this book is a near-perfect companion. My only reason for giving it four stars instead of five is that some sections could have benefited from even more examples or tips for absolute beginners. But overall, I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to connect with nature through art in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

In short: Discover the Art of Field Sketching offers a thoughtful, practical, and beautifully illustrated guide that will help you develop your outdoor sketching skills while deepening your appreciation for the natural world.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful little surprise 🥹🌿 i didn’t expect to love a hobby book this much but alas here I am haha🌱
The way everything is broken down is SOOO SOOO easy to follow ✏️ from the basics all the way to more detailed sketches. im so glad it was broken down because I didn't find myself getting as overwhelmed as I do in some other art technique books. It actually made me want to pick up a pencil and just start drawing again 🥹

I loved how it focuses on nature in such a beautiful mindful way 🌄. I reminded me that sketching isn’t just about being good at art, its more so about slowing down, paying attention and connecting to nature 🫶
The step by step lessons were super helpful, especially for things like plants, animals and landscapes 🌿🐿️ and I really liked that it builds your skills gradually instead of dumping everything on you at once.

watercolour is so dreamy 🎨💧

This book encouraged me to go outside, sit in the sun and creating something just for myself. Pressures were all removed. 🌞
If you’ve ever wanted to get into sketching (or just want something creative and grounding) this is SUCH a good place to start, or if you're like me and have a history of art but went out of it for a little while and just wanting to return back to what you once had, this is a beautiful return. 🥹✨

tropes (but I mean... make it hobby edition) 🌿
beginner friendly ✏️
step by step learning 📖
nature inspired 🌄
mindful creativity 🧠
slow living vibes 🌞
artistic growth 🎨

field sketching, nature journaling, beginner art, watercolour, pencil drawing, creative hobby, slow living, mindfulness, outdoor activities

[Cozy Champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discover the Art of Field Sketching: Nature-Inspired Techniques for Pencil, Pen, and Watercolor by Kristin Link is a wonderful guide to nature journaling for people of all skill levels. It includes 50 guided lessons with examples to help readers create their own sketches.

I have read quite a few books on this topic. I liked this one because of the beautiful examples and the accessible instructions. It provided quite a few new ideas for me and helped me to create a number of pages in my nature journal that I might not have done without this book.

I also liked that it covered multiple media and offered tips on which materials would be helpful for a field sketching project. The book also drills down into specific skills (such as sketching fur), making it a really useful guide for learning new techniques and improving skills you already have.

The final thing I liked was the way it broke down projects into steps (with examples) so you could see different parts of the process without feeling overwhelmed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about field sketching or improving their current skills.

Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for an ARC of this book.

[Mel Aras · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very pretty and helpful watercolor painting book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but my favorite part was the shadow sections in the tutorials. I struggle a lot with watercolor shadowing, so I have found them very useful. The sixth chapter was also very useful in that regard.

At first, the pictures in the book scared me as I thought they could be hard to follow, but actually, I had fun following the tutorials. I especially waited to write my review, as I wanted to see how much the book contributed to my art while I was doing my sketches, and I found the results very good. I have not yet done a landscape painting from my own travels, but I followed one of the tutorials in the book and felt very satisfied with my result.

I think this book would be ideal for those who love to travel in nature and document their experiences through drawing. I would suggest it to those who already do watercoloring, but I think people who are new to the art form can also benefit from this book.

Huge thanks to Netgalley, Timber Press and Kristin Link for this advanced reader’s copy.

[Jennyfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a watercolour artist, I am in awe of those who can sketch - the loose, free style of line drawings with tints of colour. Sketchers make it look so effortless.

Discover the Art of Field Sketching is a fantastic resource for those wanting to train their skills and become better at sketching what they see.

The book opens, as they all do, with the preferred tools used by the author, then we go into sections of theory (line types, shading and blocking, texture, colour theory etc), with step by step practical exercises interspersed between them. From doodle warmups to to detailed botanical studies, this book is a really good guide to helping one improve their sketching. I love the idea of a daily sketching diary, and I'll be putting it into practice in this coming year.

A fantastic resource for artists

~This is a NetGalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

[Book-Lover-49]

This book is an amazing resource for beginners and even some more seasoned artists.
It starts with basic techniques and builds from there. Each lesson showing how to draw and which tools to use. With the lessons building on each other and bringing whoever is following this book to the next level.

Anyone who follows the lessons on this book will for sure have improved their skills tenfold.

Highly recommend this book.

[SketchyNewEngland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes beyond the normal “how to draw” titles we’ve all seen a hundred times and really shows you HOW to field sketch. The pictures demonstrate how to begin to draw a natural, oddly shaped item and take it all the way to photo realistic if desired. The materials and techniques are well described.
I left this book feeling inspired to go outside with my nature journal and go on an adventure.
Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC review copy.

[Natalie Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved perusing this art book. It’s drawings and step by step tutorials are fascinating to see. The way this is written makes you feel like you can just pick up the simplest of art supplies and create a painting or a drawing. It’s inspiring. As an artist, I love the specifics of the art supplies used. They really do matter when you’re trying to find a similar end result to the tutorial! The tutorials are well written and documented. I enjoyed it very much.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discover the Art of Field Sketching is a wonderful book aimed at enjoying nature. I love how the author gives step by step instruction on drawing and painting. The book has photos of nature and then follows up with the steps Kristin took to paint the scene. As someone who enjoys the outdoors but is not into hiking, rock climbing etc., this feels like the perfect way to get out and appreciate nature even more.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. I have done an online field sketching course before and this was a great asset to remind me and to take it further. I had a period of convalescence lately and this prompted me to try field sketching. I look forward to taking this outside in the future and practicing. A great resource. Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for the ARC.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very thoroughly created guide that will be an inspiration to readers. Over a dozen projects teach skills and show types of sketches that can be made from animals to landscapes, mushrooms to constellations. Projects include a photo of the nature inspiration and a step by step tutorial with an image of each step in the process to enable readers to follow along and practice.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t describe how wonderful this book is. Beautiful illustrations built up with great instructions for field sketching and watercolour. Particularly focused on nature. I loved it, dipped into daily and have ordered a copy! Can’t rate highly enough….

[Karlen HK · Rating 5 out of 5]

*An ARC of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

Not groundbreaking, but very inspiring. Makes me want to get out my travel watercolors!

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

This book is a great guide to just start sketching. She shows steps for some of her sketching and watercolor work and gives inspirational tips and stories throughout.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide for beginner artists & artists who want to learn new techniques. I really loved the chapter on different ways to use field sketching skills.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some good advice and inspiring projects. But stagnate in places.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so amazing that I would not only recommended it to anyone wanting to learn techniques in field sketching,but to any art teacher looking for a good book to give to their students. Not only does this have great step-by-step instructions on drawing plants, animals and landscapes, it also has an entire section on watercolors (definitely not my favorite medium, but I know tons of people love it).

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.