An October Day

Here's a photo series from a fall color nature journaling session I had in October.

I began with a pen and ink sketch, then started splashing in colors...

...and adding in trees and background elements using a travel watercolor kit.

The final page reminds me of the day I spent outdoors under the blue sky.  I still remember the warmth of the day, how I felt, and how I realized at the very end of my painting session that I had sat down right next to a small poison ivy plant!  Lucky for me, I hadn't touched it.

I hope you take time to gather memories in a nature journal, or sketchbook.

Happy Creating!

A New Mini Nature Journal

What is it about these mini journals that makes them so easy to fill up?

A hike in the woods, a pencil sketch on a tiny square, and a splash of color with a limited watercolor palette -- each step feels easy, do-able.  And in a matter of days, I have covered miles of ground and filled another mini sketchbook.

The power of taking only a limited set of supplies is surprising!  With just a few choices, there are fewer decisions to make, and less gear to haul.

Less is more.

The entire accordion-fold journal measures 5.5" x 28", making each page about 5.5" x 4.5".

I love that I can mix a wide array of colors from a tiny kit.

My paints, pencil, pens and palette fit in this 3.5" x 8.5" pouch.  I tuck a water bottle, water spritzer and cup in a small bag and am ready to hike and work in my sketchbook.

The simpler kit makes creating easier. I find I create more.  I've been painting nearly every day for a week or more, and once you get the ball rolling, the momentum carries you into a satisfying rhythm.  You're more likely to create, so you're more likely to try new things.

Most of these pages were made in the field, or started outdoors, and then finished in my studio. 

I took a photo of these milkweed pods, and illustrated the scene in my studio.

Here are some of my reference photos.  I hope you'll feel inspired to practice sketching & painting from them!

Happy Creating!

Nature Journal: Autumn Colors in the Early Morning

The morning fog has been lovely, adding texture to autumn's beauty.

I sketched this scene in pencil, then added watercolor with my Winsor & Newton travel watercolor palette and a simple water brush pen.

I chose lavender for the fog & the distant hills.  Remember: you are the artist, and you can choose whatever colors you like.

Happy Creating!

Nature Journaling in the Garden

The last blooms in the garden add their splash of color to the larger autumnal celebration.  The Foxgloves, who have raised their bright flowery faces all summer long, go on blooming even through light frosts.

Apparently spared from the frost because it grows so close to the house, Blue Salvia blooms vibrantly, too.

I sat on my porch stoop one recent afternoon and soaked up the sunshine while sketching with my Lamy fountain pen and a travel set of watercolor paints.

It's amazing to me how calming a few sketches can be, as I tune into the twists and turns down each branching stem.  Following the shapes of flowers and leaves with my pen, and spilling in color, the rest of the world recedes, troubles recede, and I am mindful of just the present moment.

Focusing on drawing a scene just for the sake of the experience takes away any pressure to make a "pretty" drawing, and lets you experiment with different marks, fainter or bolder lines, and new color combinations.  

I love to draw and paint flowers, and find the process relaxing.  You will find your own magic in your  favorite thing to draw, your favorite materials to use. Of course, it takes practice. The trick is to experiment with subjects you think you'd like to draw, trying different techniques, and filling up sketchbook pages. With each page, you make connections and discoveries and build your skills.  

The more often you sketch and create, the easier it comes to you. 

Happy Creating!

Fall Color Hike

A sunny autumn day found me hiking in the state park with a pack of art supplies.  Combining nature time, exercise and creativity is a favorite self care activity of mine.  I sketched this scene using a small travel watercolor kit and a water brush pen, allowing the scene to be messy and playful.

This photo of the scene shows that I left out lots of details, and wasn't accurate.

I always remind my students, 

You are not a camera; you're an artist! 

A log alongside the trail made a comfy seat.

I made a pencil sketch to get the proportions and details in the right places on this beech leaf.

Here are some photos I took along my hike.  I invite you to sketch, paint, draw or create with them in your own way.

Happy Creating!

Paddle, Picnic and Paint

David & I capitalized on a beautiful late summer day to take our inflatable paddle boards out to the state park lake.  We packed in lunch and my travel art supplies.  

As we drifted on the lake, I found the gorgeous Sugar Maple leaf on the left. After we ate lunch, I sketched the contours of the leaf with my Lamy fountain pen.

I began to lay in watercolors with a layer of warm and cool yellows (Winsor Yellow and Cadmium Yellow Hue).  

After that dried, I began adding in cool reds (bottom left of the leaf) mixed with Alizarin Crimson and Burnt Sienna.  On the right and upper parts of the leaf, I mixed warmer reds with Cadmium Red Hue and Cadmium Yellow Hue.  

The few touches of green were created by mixing Winsor Yellow and Ultramarine Blue. A mix of Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna made the shadows.

Spending time outdoors in a peaceful natural place just to take in the scene instills calm and serenity for me.  I notice that adding the layer of drawing and painting to my nature time slows me down as I focus on one facet of the scene.  The meditative stillness magnifies the benefits of nature for me.

I hope you get some time out in nature to make art and connect with nature.  

Happy Creating!