New Eyes for Plants, M Colquhoun

New Eyes for Plants offers fresh ways of seeing nature on a journey through the seasons with observation and drawing exercises. Simple observation exercises interwoven with inspiring illustrations invite you “to see” with a fresh pair of eyes. This opens a door onto a new way of practising Science as an Art, using the holistic approach of Goethe.

Detailed facts about plants are interwoven with artistic insights. A variety of common plants are beautifully drawn by Axel Ewald, from seed, to bud to flower and fruit. The drawings have helpful suggestions, which encourage readers to try the drawing exercises for themselves.

Margaret Colquhoun PhD researched into plants and landscape, and was the founder of the Life Science Trust, which is based at Pishwanton Wood in East Lothian, Scotland at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills. She taught and researched at Schumacher College. Axel Ewald is an artist and teaches sculpture in Israel. New Eyes for Plants has been published in several languages.

“This book invites us to go on a journey, not simply of the imagination but also of activity and transformation. The invitation is to reconnect with living forms around us by looking, and doing so that our eyes are opened to the nature of plant life … The door opens onto a new way of practicing science as an art … The drawings resonate with the relationship to nature that inspires the work of Andy Goldsworthy and David Nash, while the text achieves the directness and simplicity of intimate conversation arising from real understanding. The impulse engendered by this workbook to participate by looking, drawing and experiencing is irresistible.” —Brian Goodwin PhD, Schumacher College