Florida Travel Journal

The beautiful thing about a travel journal is that it is a place to quickly record your observations and sketches.  There's no expectation that you will create finished or "perfect" artworks.  You are free to experiment.

These are some of my quick sketches and watercolor explorations from our trip to Florida.

This pencil sketch of a sea turtle will always remind me of the magical experience of watching an adult sea turtle swim along the beach with apparent ease in the heavy surf.

A loose gesture of the sea oats brings back the feeling of the wind and sun on my face.

And I can just hear the sound of seashells tinkling in my hand when I collected this gathering of shells to paint.

I was sketching the dunes backing the beach, and a man sat down right in my composition.  So I included him in the scene.

Bird observations remind me of how excited I was to witness Magnificent Frigate Birds soaring over the shoreline.

When I glance at this simple kelp drawing, I can just hear the surf pounding and feel the grit of the sand between my toes.

The salt air caused this watercolor sketch to dry with an interesting texture. The salt attracted the moisture in the paints, creating clumps of color.

I encourage you to take a sketchbook with you on your travels, even if those travels are to a local park. 

The act of making sketches cements the memories of the visit in your mind, and you'll have a hand-made memory book to revisit long after you return home.

Happy Creating!

Inspired by Roses

This time of year, as the days grow short and dim, a bouquet of roses in the Trader Joe's grocery store seems as nourishing as the organic Florida oranges the next aisle over.  

Placed in my favorite vase, they brought inspiration this morning.

I began with a sketch of a single blossom, and then the full bouquet.

And finished by playing with my new alcohol markers.

Taking time out to follow the lacy curves of country rose petals slows a person down, like mindfulness meditation.  

All that exists in the moment is your line and the ephemeral beauty of the flower. 

As you draw, you are connected to the essence of the flower, its natural vitality. 

What could be more life affirming in these cold, short days?

Hoping you get a break in the rush of the holidays to simply sketch & connect with nature.

Nature Journal Update

I have taken to tucking my little nature journal under one arm when David and I go out on hikes.  When we stop for water, I let my eyes find something interesting to draw.  Here are a couple of recent pages from that journal.

Quick Nature Sketches

In the evening of a quiet day at home, I spotted three White Tailed Deer close to my kitchen door, feeding on the grasses of the meadow.  They snapped to attention, ears perked at any suspicious sound, but mostly, they ate hungrily.  I found myself wishing I could sketch their elegant forms faster, but grateful for the opportunity to observe them so close by.

A Walk in the Wildwood

This afternoon was the last warm day of the week, with snow and colder temperatures coming tomorrow.  Hubby & I got out for a little exercise at the state park.  While he jogged, I meandered under massive oaks, along old stone walls, finding an enchanting wildwood stream trickling down the hill towards the lake.  I felt compelled to stop and make a quick pencil sketch in my nature journal.  Now I will remember the day, the beautiful scene and the sense of stealing the best of the day before the weather turned cold again.