–

I read a lot of books on nature journaling, and this is one of the very best out there. It is thorough, interesting, and inspiring. We could all learn much from the advice contained within. Check out the photos below and my notes here:

• “Use the prompts: I notice, I wonder, and It reminds me of.”
• Issac Newton: “If I have made any discoveries, it is owing more to patient observation than to any other reason.”
• Thich Nhat Hanh: “We will be more successful in all our endeavors if we can let go of the habit of running all the time, and take little pauses to relax and re-center ourselves. We’ll also have a lot more joy in living.”
• Don’t ignore your questions. Pursue them. “Not knowing the answer is okay. In fact, that’s where the fun begins.”
• GEt a non-photo blue pencil. It is great for blocking in shapes before you start a detailed drawing. Use it lightly and your initial lines will not show if you scan or photocopy the drawing. Best one is Prismacolor Copy-Not/Col-erase non-photo blue pencil #20028
• Many pale drawings are improved by adding darker darks.
• Details add interest and emphasis to a drawing. It also suggest proximity, as we see more detail in things that are closer than objects farther away. A useful rule of thumb is to restrict detail to areas of focus or greatest interest and to foreground elements. There is no accent if details are sprinkled everywhere, and a drawing will flatten out if detail is used evenly.
• How can you get light, fine lines on a dark surface? Emboss the paper with a fine blunt tool, and subsequent shading will skip over the embossed lines. If you want the embossed areas to have color, color the area first, then emboss the lines, and add darker pencil over them.

If you are interested in drawing or painting from nature Laws Guide to Nature  Drawing and Journaling will be of immense help. The book is comprehensive and downright brilliant, while humble and helpful in tone.  I endorse it with a hearty five stars.

–