I had an interesting chat with another long time nature journaler last week, who felt that their work wasn’t progressing and that it was affecting their confidence.
Most of us go through these stages, where things don’t go as planned, and we can’t seem to make what’s in our head appear on the paper. It’s frustrating….
Read MoreWinter journaling for me usually means an ongoing battle with rain and wind. So I often have to resort to other methods to keep up my journal. This year is no exception, it’s been raining almost every day, and pretty breezy too.
As I work in a very ‘traditional’ style of nature journal keeping, for ‘finished’ pages, that’s a problem. I used to feel ‘guilty’ about not completing everything outdoors, but my home journaling patches, a marsh and woodland, have no shelter or cover. I’ve tried different methods to stop my sketchbook getting damp, but
Read MoreI’ve been sketching outside for years, regularly drawing nature on my walks. In that time I’ve had a few fair scrapes with the weather and terrain. Here are a few problems which I hope you’ll avoid after reading this!
Read MoreAfter that big rush of excitement of getting supplies together, and finding a sketchbook, often come the big questions.
Where, and what shall I journal?
There’s just so much to draw and record out there! Once you begin to notice nature in a different way it’s a little overwhelming, especially when you go outside to journal for the first time. Where do you start?
You may have heard the expression……
Read MoreI used to believe drawing was a talent you were born with, and only certain, special,people were gifted with the ability to do it. When I finally understood that drawing and painting are simply skills you learn and develop like any others, it revolutionised both how I drew, and thought about drawing.
Most nature journalers are striving to create images which are realistic, and that can be challenging.
By knowing and understanding our subject, we can make our drawing more realistic. That boosts confidence and helps us on our journey to find our personal artistic style!
So, here’s what I think is the most important tip
Read MoreNature and creativity make for a happier, healthier, and more connected life. I'm trying to engage more fully with the natural world, finding wonder in the ordinary and everyday; through nature journaling, in my wildlife garden, and seeing what's happening in my local patch. I'm learning to slow down, become more mindful and grateful, and doing my bit to protect our planet! Join me?
