ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the concept of gathering from and being inspired by nature. The practice of ecopsychology is based upon the belief that the separations between humanity and nature underlie the environmental dilemmas we face and, in a direct link, many of the emotional disorders from which we suffer. Art therapy brings art making to the therapeutic relationship as a way to facilitate the work. A wide variety of populations, including those who experience illness, trauma, and other serious challenges, regularly benefit from the experience. Drawing nature increases observational skills. Nature is alive and creates aliveness in all that it touches, just as the late afternoon sun casts an orange light on a cement sidewalk or the dry winter air creates clarity to the skyline of New York City. These observations not only keep us in touch with nature, but they force us to be with nature as we observe and then depict what we observe, over and over again.
