After a bonkers day at work, I came home and decided I wanted to work in the yard and be outside. Not only is nature one of my self-care methods, but being active also helps purge the stress I carry home with me. So, I grabbed the rake from the garage and put on the rubber boots and gloves.
My yard backs up to a bog, which is wonderful for all things nature. It’s a wildlife highway back there, in addition to playing host to a variety of plant life that cycles throughout the warmer seasons. During the spring and summer months, it becomes a wall of green and an aviarium. I don’t have to go very far to nature journal.
Actually, none of us do.
John Muir Laws, founder of the Wild Wonder Foundation, would encourage you to investigate what’s inside your refrigerator, get curious, and sketch away! By the way, the Wild Wonder Foundation has a plethora of resources for nature journaling, including educational videos on how to draw and paint. It’s an amazing resource.
But back to the bog…
When I first stepped off the back deck I immediately saw it—the mystery feather. What a gift! For me, feathers are a special message from the Universe. And, when I happen upon one while out walking or during one of my runs, I pause to appreciate it and express my gratitude.
It was just lying there on top of the soggy earth. Its soft blended grays a beautiful contrast to the dark brown beneath it. I was surprised it was in such good condition. I picked it up and placed it inside to dry a little while I raked. It was the perfect inspiration to nature journal later.
The process:
I first start by doing a light pencil sketch to get the proportions how I want them. One of my favorite mechanical pencils is a Pentel Twist Erase size 0.5. This is a time when I look closely at the subject, noticing the natural lines, bends, shapes, and colors—where they separate and blend. As I’m looking closely, I let my mind wander and wonder. I get curious.
I notice…
I wonder…
It reminds me of…
All these wonderings and thoughts I write down without judgment or filtering. Curiosity is good for the brain, and it’s just simply a fun state to be in. I sometimes even do a little measuring and counting when the subject calls for it. Words, numbers, and pictures are the essential three languages of nature journaling.
When I’m satisfied with the pencil sketch (which is not detailed, just an outline), I begin to ink it in. I like using 005 black micron pens. I prefer the fine tip because I can make adjustments more easily than with a thicker point.
When finished, I jot down all of my thoughts and wonderings. I record what I notice, I wonder, and the connections I make from the “It reminds me of” prompt.
Oh, and don’t forget the metadata section! The metadata is that square in the upper left corner where I record the date, time, place, and conditions. I usually do that first before I begin the sketch.
Here is a diagram of all the parts of the page spread:
Now that I've documented the feather, I do want to research and try to identify who left this perfect gift behind for me to find. If I find out, I will post the answer! Also, I may go back and add a watercolor wash to capture the blending gray tones of the feather.
Have you stumbled upon any unexpected treasures recently? Will you try to document them?
Let me know how it goes!