How to Start a Nature Journal

There is no better season than this, the present one, to start a nature journal. All needed to begin this wonderful lifelong habit are pencil and sketchbook. Place these 2 items in a tote or hands free back pack and head outdoors. Invite a friend, family member, or surprise someone who lives alone by asking them to join the expedition.

Pause often en route. Look around and ask yourself: "What do I see?" "Anything that surprises me?" “Why have I not noticed this before?” Make a notation of date, time, season, weather conditions. Describe the habitat or the immediate surroundings of where you are. What to put in and where to place all of this information in the sketchbook journal is insignificant. Hastily scribbled pen and ink sketches... fanciful doodles... measurements...musings ... or beautiful illustrations? It does not matter. Your journal will be unique to you. A reflection of your personality and its response to nature.

Include in your 'field kit' a small hand lens or hang one around your neck. These easy to transport visualizing aids will reveal wonders previously missed. Later when filled with sketching and drawing confidence, you can add a handful of artists dry pastels or a few water soluble graphite pencils to your stash. Be selective. Do not pack more than the basics. Narrow down and edit out only what you will use in these beginning plein air drawing forays. Here's a hint: Include only the colors that will match the palette of the days planned destination. Cool blues and greens if heading to the shore, warm golds and browns if heading out to the desert.

Lets agree right here that you will not criticize your art-making. Do not curse your handwriting. You need not be bothered with correct spelling either. A journal is for your own enjoyment. Sure, scientists and explorers like Lewis and Clark shared their exciting expeditions with the world. Other work can be found impressively bound and housed in museums and libraries for research study, but that does not mean you have to share the inner workings of your journal with the world. Not yet!

-Cynthia Padilla