I just got this wonderful guide to field sketching by Kristin Link, and every time I pick it up, I feel the tingle of new possibilities.
Her photos of the Alaskan backcountry and of her nature journal pages make me feel as if I have been instantly transported to the pristine wilderness that she calls home. The book itself feels like an adventure.
Link shares her love of nature journaling, remarking, "Sketching combines art, place and nature. Developing a sketching practice helps us slow down and be present in the places we inhabit... Sketching can be a tool for grounding, reflection and noticing at a slower pace."
She walks the reader through the process of sketching a natural subject in pencil, then ink & watercolor with 30 photographs and step-by-step sketches of her own.
The book is chock-full of photographs of Link's beautiful illustrations, journal pages, creative experiments and natural scenes. She also includes tips for creating shadows and texture, watercolor basics, and how to measure to create an accurate drawing.
I've already started using her approach of listing 5 things she sees, 4 things she hears, 3 things she feels, 2 things she smells and even something she tastes. I find it slows me down, and gives my busy brain something to do as I slip into the pace of nature.
I highly recommend Discover the Art of Field Sketching. I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy at your local bookstore or library!
No comments:
Post a Comment