What is nature journaling?
Nature journaling is as easy as observing a natural subject and noting your observations, using a combination of words, pictures and numbers, whatever makes the most sense to you at the time.
You can journal on your own or with friends. You can journal at the bus stop and at lunchtime.
Boost your brain
This is an amazingly effective way to reconnect with nature and your own creativity and it has mental and physiological benefits which go far beyond the time spent. Best of all, according to the authors of Your Brain on Art, you will still accrue significant health and longevity benefits even if you are no Michelangelo!
Keep a sketchbook
One of the best ways to develop your skills is to keep a nature journal. These are images from is my nature journaling sketchbook. In it I try to capture the seasonal changes I see around me without being too precious about splashes and blots It’s a spontaneous act and a joyful one. I sometimes use the same book to test out colour mixes for larger works. Although I would use a smooth hot press watercolour paper, for ‘proper’ more formal work, my sketchbook is a lovely rough textured cold press Fabriano which feels very relaxed and casual, just the way I like it.
Join a class
If you would like to learn how to start a nature journal, I run small group classes and one on ones. Feel free to contact me.
Resources
In my work in nature journaling I rely on the work of giants who go before me. I heartily recommend the following for amazing advice and resources for anybody who would like to learn or teach nature journaling
https://johnmuirlaws.com/
https://www.journalingwithnature.com/
http://www.clarewalkerleslie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturejournalclub