Nature Journaling and Field Sketching

Drawing from a photo gave me time to look at details and have the proportions and shapes drawn as accurate as possible; however, the challenging part was trying to illustrate actions (e.g. the feet of the yellow warbler perching on the branch, what was the bird intended behavior, etc).  I did not apply water colors.  If I were capturing a yellow warbler when nature journaling, I would have probably failed to notice the contrast in the wing bars and how many bars they have.

Very hard to get the proportions right. Doesn't look anything like a warbler! But let's keep trying!

😂 I think I will look for a pencil eraser with a brush at one end. I've worn down the eraser on my Pentel a bit and see it will get more action as time goes on. Also, I will mark the time so I can see how much time is spent on sketches.

I didn´t quite know what part to start drawing first, the bird or the tree and if I would get the scale right. I was surprised how hard it was to concentrate on the little details on the tree. I may not have noticed exactly how the claws grasp onto the tree and the line of the tail and how many little details there are on the tree. I think this first exercise will make a difference for me because I think I should draw what I most want to draw first and then fill in the other details.

My colors look muddy, proportions off, I liked my drawing more, my watercolor skill disappointed me.

Well, it looks more like a yellow bird than I thought it would.  I noticed lots of people use the trick of re-doing several variations of a line, rather than get the perfect line the first try.  t looks fine like that, I am going to try to do that.

Some benefit(s)/easiest parts include not having your subject move and being allowed more time than if in nature. It is challenging to draw from a flat 2D photo b/c it is a representation of reality. I noticed all sorts of details about the position and shape of the bird and tree branch as I tried to accurately represent them in my drawing, rather than just glancing at a photo and moving on. This would certainly make a difference when journaling.

Kaia's mom Angela

Kaia age 11

I enjoyed drawing from the photo because the subject wasn't moving and it's easier to pick up details and shapes.  I thought seeing the shapes were easy, trying to figure out the light source direction and shading was a bit tricky for me.  I have never seen a yellow warbler, so drawing it will help me remember it if I ever see one.

Argh! Almost finished with my response then lost the page. Rather than repeat everything, I'll go right to what I noticed because this was a photo: The different shapes and textures of the feathers, and that one foot was not fully grasping the branch. Yes, this would be the questions I would be asking ... and perhaps with a bird in front of me, I'd get the answer through patient observation. And now that I found the edit button, I will add that I took your bird painting class a few months ago (waxwing) and learned about feather structures then!

Drawing the bird was easy from the photo.  It was not jumping around!  Capturing the background and environment is difficult.

Johana 6 years :-)

Considering that birds are almost always in motion I often reach for a camera before the binoculars so I can snap a pic then zoom in, look at specific markings, beak shape and color etc. otherwise it's just the flash of a yellow bird in the bush,  blink and it's gone.  The idea of drawing  from life is terrifying, unless maybe it's a heron!  Drawing it made me look closer at its grasp of the twig. the eye etc.  Feathers and markings are still really intimidating!

First bird  I've ever drawn like this!  I saw more colors than I expected to, and I noticed the shading of the wing, the shoulder and the back of hte head/neck.  The yellow also has different intensities, but I'm not sure how to show that.

For me drawing from the photo allowed me to take my time, I could breathe and try to relax as I drew the bird.  It was a nice challenge; I can only get better from here 😊.  Using a photo allowed me to come back and take a layered approach, first get the basic outline, and then start adding details.  If I didn’t have the photo, I wouldn’t have noticed the upside down ‘v’ over the beak, the yellow ring around the eye.  I think when drawing a live bird, I'll initially have to focus on the primary details quickly and not worry so much about the details, things like focus on the head to body ratio, what type of beak, beak-eye to head ratio (is it a downy or a hairy woodpecker?), how long is the tail.

I found this exercise so enjoyable. Drawing the photo helped me notice tiny details I would not have otherwise.  Who was munching on that leaf? Did the warbler find a tasty caterpillar on the tree? What kind of tree is this? Drawing also highlighted the incredible variation of yellows, browns and black.  It was quite a challenge to depict with a pencil! Photographs convey dimension so clearly. I am looking forward to improving drawing 3D objects and scenes as currently my drawings tend to appear quite flat.

It's easier than drawing in real life. I can take my time observing the bird before sketching it. The most challenging part was drawing the details on it's wings, but the overall figure, face, and beak was the easiest to draw. 

Drawing from a photo certainly is a lot easier than trying to catch a glimpse of a bird in nature. The advantage of a photo is that it objectively provides details of the bird which are so important in identification.  The photo is more accurate to some extent but that can change depending upon the lighting and angle of the bird, whether it is fluffed up to keep warm etc. Drawing made me pay more attention to the shape and details.

I was determined not to be afraid or intimidated, but to just "Jump right in!". Knowing where to start was a challenge, it was easier to get some detail once I got the main outline of the branches and the bird. I probably wouldn't have noticed all the different smooth and fluffy feathers, as well as all the details on the branches had I not been drawing. Would this make a difference when journaling? I suppose so, if the goal is really learn and observe what you are drawing. It allows time to ponder, leading to questions, then hopefully some answers!

The beak and the eye were the "easiest" for me, but the contouring of the feathers was difficult. The more I looked and drew, the more I noticed. For example, the ring around the eye and the detail of the beak, and the way the claws wrapped around the branch. The nature journaling process needs to be one where you can take your time, and relax and focus on the subject. 

Had I not been drawing I most likely would not have noticed the details of the branch that the warbler was perched on. The branch had so many details with the lichens, moss, leaves and the overall texture of the branch. This is not to take away from the beauty of the bird. The bird was definitely center stage.

I observe more when drawing. I saw colors and gradations that I would have missed

I had a hard time deciding whether to focus on textures (individual wing and covert feathers, fluffiness of breast feathers) or focus on color differences (bright yellow versus slightly more muted yellow versus black on the wings). Tried to get the shape right by starting with circles for the head and the body...definitely think I got closer than if I'd free-handed it, but still room for improvement!

My pencil drawing seemed inadequate, given the lovely colours and textures in this photo. I realised I could enlarge the photo on my screen, so I guess that is quite an advantage over drawing something in the field. Great to see the other drawings and comments, a great first exercise!

It felt a bit off, like I was missing a support structure. I felt like starting came easily, but continuing past that point was really difficult. I don't feel like I noticed anything diffrent this time around. It would probably be a major different while journalling though, as you have less time to examine what you are looking at.

Thoughts about photos vs drawings: photos are kind of static, whereas a drawing is always a work in progress because is represents so many decisions, changes, alterations, and hints and so many that could still be made. A photo, and reality of course, contain myriad details that a drawing could infinitely explore.

Some really good illustrations submitted, I was not going to paint it however having looked at some of the other I will have a go. not confident with water colours, give it a try.  

Since the subject is still, I can pay more attention to details.

I felt pretty good about my first attempt, tried to get to scale right on the bird

For me, two things about sketching from a photograph stand out. First, with the picture right there I keep seeing things I want to fix, I had to give myself a timer or else I'd spend hours trying to get it "perfect". Secondly, no songbird I've seen would stay still for 15 minutes!

It was definitely difficult especially since I was trying to do it fairly quickly as if I were drawing a real warbler in the field and it might fly away at any moment.

I was very critical of my work - but it was wonderful to have time to think about proportions and angles.  I also paid quite a bit of attention to the markings, even if those didn't necessarily translate to my sketch. I haven't done much drawing from life - it's usually been from photographs, but I was thinking all the while how this might be quite different if the bird were moving about. Or if it just alit, then flew away!

1. I almost feel like drawing from a photo is more annoying because I feel like I have to get everything down. If I were drawing this bird from life I wouldn't have the time to think about exactly what angle each part is at, I would just have to get something down as best I could. There also might be behavioral activity that would make watching them way more interesting. 2. Because I was drawing from the photo, I did notice how the leg connects to the body in that you can see and infer where the joints go based on how their body is positioned.

I was surprised that the more I drew the more details I started to notice in the bird photo that I hadn't really paid attention to when I first looked at it. Trying to figure out where everything would be in the drawing made me notice more details of different feather groups, the little scaly legs and how the beak was shaped.

Drawing from a photo is technally easier because nothing moves.  Plenty of time to look, draw, erase, redraw.

I was surprised how focusing on the details changed what I saw. Shapes and striations I would have never noticed. Also little things like the toes of one foot were not wrapped around the branch. Also placement of the eye relative to the beak. So interesting to see what I miss by not paying attention to the destabilize.  

Drawing from the photo makes us observe all the ways the feathers interact, their various colors and textures.  You look at those skinny legs and how they grab the twig.  You see all the different colors of lichens.

Pretty 👍

Drawing from the photo, I felt that I had time enough to capture the bird morphology, plumage, and body proportions. To sketch the whole body in proportion was easy with the photo as reference, trying to emphasize details like the number of primary and secondary wing feathers was challenging. Yes, I did not notice before that the ventral stripes of this yellow warbler were of a different color (brown) than the stripes on the rest of its body (black). It makes a difference depending on the goal of this particular entry, to document just the presence of the bird, or to make a study towards a correct illustration.

It was hard to be confident that I could do this! Realize I need a good eraser,,, thought about shapes I saw like the other person said they did. Was happy with this try

Since the picture was clear, it was easier to draw looking at it as reference. However, I was having a little trouble with sizing and shading, as you can see there is minimal shading in my drawing. The bird came quite easily, I was having trouble with the tree branches and leaves. And the claws of the bird. I may not have noticed the brown markings on the belly of the bird if i hadn't been asked to draw it. Yes I think it would be far harder to get these details when drawing outdoors. Also, to get size positioning, negative spaces shading etc. 

It was fun creating some kind of likeness of the bird in the drawing.  It is an impression rather than a reproduction. I didn't feel confident about the drawing or the painting, in fact it is one of my first times trying watercolours and I had trouble mixing the media and confidently applying it. I am not very happy with my colours.  I also didn't feel confident about "owning" my journal page.  At first it was an empty sheet and then I put the image on it .... and then, "what will I write and where???" Regarding looking at the photo and seeing things I may not have otherwise noticed, yes and no.  I did see what was in the photo as I would have used the details for ID, however i certainly took more notice of the detail of what was there and that has re-inforced those features in my mind.  These details might be useful as notes to make at the side of drawing as I will never be able to quickly capture such details in a watercolour - not as far as I can imagine anyway!  

1. Drawing from a photo is my usual method, I tend to trace details when i cant get them right, so this was a good exercise for my minds eye. I feel the perspective is a little off, i had a difficult time positioning the head and getting the body length correct. 2. The texture and variation in the leaves and branches, i tend to draw leaves at the same angles and taper branches more than necessary

  Watercolor is unpredictable and difficult to correct.  The colors didn't transfer faithfully to the jpeg. One challenge was to put the eye in the right spot on the side of the head.  It was helpful to try to visualize the bones that underlie the masses.  The more I looked, the more I saw and it took way to long to do this exercise.  I anticipate the I'll have difficulty catching the moment when in a natural setting.

Drawing from an image allows more time to focus and add details; however, it also grants the viewer the time to dwell on aspects you may have overlooked in nature, which can be a blessing and a curse. For instance, a photo allows the opportunity and time to complete the drawing without disruption but also introduces the ability to erase and become critical of your journaling. 

I did okay for my first attempt. The eye is a bit too big. I could see the angles and the shapes, but it is more challenging to replicate. The shading and the coloring is challenging in just a pencil drawing. I noticed how the moss is similar in color to the warbler. Drawings can capture the minute details. Photographs can show clearly the intense colors.

I prefer to draw from a drawing because it shows me how the artist interpreted the image and I am better at copying other drawings. I see that the eye is too big and that a yellow warbler is smaller and rounder than I depicted. My painting skills will hopefully improve over time... I used Sibley's to copy the notes on the page. I want to learn as much as I can about birds.

I’m used to drawing from photos, but I would prefer to draw in situ.  Getting the perspective on the branch was difficult.  I wouldn’t have noticed the subtleties of the coloring on the warbler, especially on his head & around his eye.  I would think the more I notice the better my drawing/painting will be.

I like the stability and clarity of the photo, though I'd rather be outside with this little guy. I noticed colors and feather shapes I would not have without drawing it. I'm definitely here to draw and not take photos-- though I'll keep doing that, too!

I noticed things that I never had about Yellow Warblers, particularly how much black is in the wing. I tried not to do a lot of erasing, but I obviously need to!

This was a fun assignment! I haven't used watercolors since high school art, and let's just say that was more than a few years ago. Nothing really came easily for me - I had to work for every stroke and every color. I haven't drawn a bird to this detail before, and over the years I've preferred writing to drawing, so this is a good stretch for me. I did this drawing twice, once with just pencil and then again with pencil, watercolors and marker. I was really intrigued by the feet holding on to the branch, and interestingly I did a much better job with them in the first pencil drawing. I might not have had the time to appreciate the feet holding the branch if I was trying to quickly capture this bird in the field. 

It was pretty easy. I've been drawing for quite a while using photos and other drawings as a reference point. The overall shape was fine but the beak and the correct angle on the head was kind of hard for me.  I probably wouldn't have noticed the turns and curves of the branch and would have tended to make it more streamlined. This would make drawing from nature look not quite as realistic so yes, I have to work on that! 

The joy of having a photo is being able to take time looking, colour matching, getting as much detail down as possible. It was only after finishing that I realized I had missed the upper part of the wing, so when I paint this again, I will hopefully remember! It was nice to try out watercolours and the water-reservoir brush; I can appreciate how handing this little kit is for taking out in the field. I might not have noticed the brown striations or streaks on the belly and how that brown carries on up to just under the beak on the throat if I hadn't been asked to draw it. Those sorts of details would definitely make a difference when nature journaling.

Drawing from the photo is good for me, as a beginner, because I have so much time to look and capture everything I watn to. I feel challenged by the proportions of the bird, I think is one of the most difficult things to do, I had to re-do the bill several times. Drawing from a photo makes me focus more on the details, I think is a great way lo learn more about birds.

1. I am a beginner and super detail-oriented. Drawing from a photo helps me to see details I would miss if the bird was moving outdoors. On the website there is a game to test your knowledge of bird anatomy.  I found that my brief exploration improved drawing the bird in proper proportion, relatively speaking. I wish I knew how to better illustrate the fluffy/downy feathers from say, tail feathers.

Drawing from the photo felt easier than trying to sketch a bird in the field. There is the luxury of everything sitting still. Using colour - in this case watercolour - is new to me, so I find it challenging and I hope to improve this. I want to learn how to use the colours for reference without losing details that my pencil and pen create. I might have overlooked the feather groupings and the colour of the legs as well as the shape of the leaves if I had not stopped to draw it. -Laurna, Toronto Canada

Comfortable.  I have done drawings before and pencil is my favorite.  Pretty much all of it was pretty easy.  I took the course to learn some new things I hope.  I do birding with friends for some years now.  Drawing will help me remember them better.  The bird likes berries so my guess is that it is in a berry type bush or a birch tree of some sort by the leaves. Paper makes a big difference in what you want to do.  Nature is one of my favorite things to watch.  I learned that the color of beaks and legs also help identify the bird in some cases. 

Getting the dimensions/proportions and details were challenging. But taking note of the warbler's position in relation to the leaves and the branches helped a lot. Through a photo, I noticed more of the details and the richness of the colors that I likely wouldn't have picked up from a drawing. I suspect I'll need to take photos first when I begin field sketching. My eyesight is not great and I feel like I'd miss a lot of the birds' details along with their environment.

Drawing really made me look at the details. It imprinted them in a way that the photograph did not. The drawing tests my patience. The photo is instant gratification.

The advantages of the photos over the drawings and vice versa? The photograph has great detail and color information that a drawing done on a smaller format using only graphite lacks. Nevertheless it makes the subject look flat. Although the photograph is focused on the bird a draftsperson has more control over which part of the picture he can add detail to as well as what to omit. 1. I felt comfortable drawing from the photograph because the subject wasn’t moving. Getting the proportions and the main pose of the bird was easy, however it was difficult to capture all the detail that I saw in the photograph. I think I should have drawn the bird at least twice as big. Also it was a challenge to capture the brightness of the bird's feathers. I think I would have been more comfortable had I been working on toned paper or if I had added a tone to the entire background (the photograph background is a medium tone and green in contrast to the yellow of the bird so that it really stands out). 2. Drawing from this photograph made me observe each part of the bird for a longer period of time than I would have just casually looking at it. This allowed me to notice the detail of the feathers around the eyes, the subtle color difference between the birds above and below feathers and the peculiar shape of the top part of the beak. I think that observing the subject for longer periods of time certainly makes a difference and it would do so in nature journaling as well.

1) A bit nervous, but tried tom look closely and draw what I see.  Once I looked at how the bird is located on the branch and how the different body parts are in relation to each other it was a bit easier to get the dimensions.  Found it difficult to get the lichen and the shading on the leaves.   2) Probably wouldn't have noticed the fringed feathers, and the different shadings - just see more of the whole and register that without looking specifically at each part.  Yes I think it is easy to just register the image rather than looking at how all the subparts of the image are in relation to each other and how they overlap - it is more likely that a phot is seen as one or two dimensional.

This was interesting. I have always been intimidated about drawing birds. I realize now that careful observations will help me improve. I did love having a subject that didn't jump around.  I will need to improve my computer skills, however. Taking the photo was the most challenging part.

This was a very fun exercise.  I'm new to drawing so the most difficult aspects of this are getting the proportions right as well as learning how to show shadows and negative space.  But I'm overall pleased with this drawing.  I'm impressed at how some people can whip their drawings together in just a few minutes!  This took me over an hour.  It's so easy to get lost in time when drawing.

I enjoyed drawing from the photo. However, I've always been better at drawing inanimate objects.  :)  I want to get more life into my drawings, eyes are my nemesis. I believe that becoming intimate with your subject always draws your attention to the finer details.   I've included my lowly attempt.  :)  

I'm so used to my subjects moving so fast when I am sketching birds. It was nice to draw from a photo! I feel like I may have made it more wooden feeling, though, because there was no movement to capture. But I was able to see details I wouldn't otherwise have been able to see. The stripes on the bird's breast I probably wouldn't have seen if it were in real life. I did a very quick sketch, in ink, because that's how I usually sketch when I am nature journaling. The hardest part for me was judging my work. I am not very talented or good at drawing.

Loved the exercise. The photo made it easy to observe, sketch, observe, sketch, observe some more and sketched and then try to get the main colours right. In nature the little fellow would have been long gone before I even finished typing these three sentences. The annotations made me think more about the details as well, notably the difference between the  finer dark grey stripping on wings compared to orangish brown coarse stripping on lower body.  Tried to complete my sketch in under 5 minutes since figured that would be well in excess of what a real nature venue would allow. Will have to try water colour paints... the colouring pencils were not capturing the shades or hues very well. Great sketches by all the other participants... congratulations to everyone. Not ready to share my attempt yet, my grandkids may see them and may be merciless in their critique.

It's a little bit hard to depict the feather of this bird but I think the part of general outline is OK. There are much more layers of birds' feather on their wings and that's a difficulty for me to draw them.

A little intimidating. More comfortable starting with the branches. A bit of a struggle to get the bird’s ratio and perspective correct.  The fine feathering structure was more varied than I realized and fell there will be a rather larger learning curve to get it accurately.  

I enjoyed this… it was a good feeling to “jump in.” It helped to format my drawing area to approximate the dimensions of the image on my iPad screen. Then, blocking in the branches provided a foundation for me to have some success with my goal of placing the warbler in relative size with its surroundings. Drawing from a photo is great! Everything is locked in place. Drawing most definitely inspired me to look closely at details and their relationships with each other. I am an amateur photo-naturalist and believe this skill (photo to drawing) will greatly enhance my observation skills and understanding of Nature’s intricacies. It seemed logical to begin labeling and jotting down questions.

I’m so rusty with drawing that I felt a little intimidated. 1. I feel like my proportions are off with the bird. It will be interesting to see if there are improvements over the course of time. Drawing from a photo is a bit easier for things like birds and animals since they are captured in the moment, and for seeing some detail. The challenge is the lighting made it a little difficult to see the detail of leaves on the tree, but I also just roughed those in. 2. I probably wouldn’t have noticed the nuanced coloring on the head and wings. 3. Making notations of those differences and nuances might trigger my memory when doing field sketches.

My first pencildrawing of the yellow bird. I am going to color it with colorpencils. Can't decide wether to go over it with a black pen first. I know that will give the drawing a harder impression than if I dont. And I dont nessecarily want that. On the other hand I will be more in control of the drawing.  /Eva

Trying to the get proportions on the beak just right really made me look at the shape of the beak. A detail I wouldn't have thought about while taking a photo. Drawing lets me pick what stands out to me.

Liz didn’t say to paint, only to draw — so that’s exactly what I did. I worked quickly and tried to capture some dimension in B&W. 1. I loved drawing from the photo … it helped see details & proportions more easily. The feathers individually were challenging - so I just blocked them in -  and the basic shape was fairly easy. 2. The little circle around the eye is never seen unless I draw a bird. The nuanced feathers and markings would not be noticed in detail except for drawing. The beak is very different when drawing from photos than seeing on the wing. All those details would slow me down and possibly cause me to ask WHY/purpose  (form follows function) questions in my journal.

1. Drawing the basic shape of the bird was easy, but adding the details of feathers/shading was more difficult. Drawing from the photo was much easier than drawing in person, since the bird doesn't move or leave. But it was difficult to make the bird look "alive" since it's so static in the photo.   2. I wouldn't have noticed the minor color differences or how the talons curled around the branch without the photo. I would have been too focused on trying to draw the shape and get the base colors for the bird before it left. With creatures, I would have to draw quickly to catch them, which may leave me without the chance to study them closely. With plants and landscapes I should be able to slow down and get the minor details.  

I'm usually more comfortable drawing from a photo than from real life or memory, probably because the photo allows me lots of time and something 2-D to work from. I only saw all of the beautiful coloured birds posted by others after I had finished mine (and my son his). My 11-year-old son thinks that drawing is more fun than photography and can be more impressive.

when you love to draw and enjoy it, all the sensations are really satisfactory and gratifying, was not exactly dificult because usually i make drawings taking a photo as reference, but using few colours with pencils, ballpens and maker pens, so with this course, i hope to learn and test new techniques and materials as watercolor and improve it, more specific i think to emphasize some details in a few brushstrokes,  influencing of course, in a more sensitive final result too.

1. It felt intimidating in one sense to try to draw that beautiful bird from such an expert photo. What came easily was the basic bird shape inside the brain already but trying to actually translate what was being seen in the photo to the paper was challenging. The finer details of the feather lines and the fluffy feathers along the tops of the legs and the exact sillouette was challenging. 2. Yes, I would not have noticed the finer details of the feather lines and the fluffy feathers along the tops of the legs and the exact sillouette if I had not been asked to draw it. Yes, it will make a difference in nature journaling, to take something that you observe and notice and ensure you capture it in the journal (but it would not have to be excat replication, you could add a note about what that part of your drawing was meant to show).

I got very happily involved in this activity! I can get really precious with my drawings and overwork them, and was stymied at first putting down the first few marks & reworking proportions.  I work from photos I've taken frequently because I draw slowly. When out hiking, I usually just take a few notes & then photograph or do a scribbly minimal sketch. Here I decided to play with a mix of pen, watercolor pencil and brush, and pencil. Messing about with media where I'm less comfortable ended up being really satisfying. I know I didn't get the feathers as exact as a photograph, but I don't mind--as long as the significant markers are accurately depicted. (Plus I'm not sure I would ever have the patience.) I did like thinking through how to create an impression of the different textures of the feathers and lichens/mosses and how they moved. Without the photo I certainly wouldn't have picked up on the depth of detail.  I do find that I remember more about my observations when I draw and write.

When I draw the birds I feel like I remember them better. I. Enjoy the drawing....but wish I was better at it! Promotion is tough....and the legs and feet are impossible haha!

1)I liked drawing from the photo because the bird didn’t fly away or flit around…no wind, lol. Trying to get correct proportions and angles was difficult. I found that I was able to see more detail in the beginning then tapered off toward the end of drawing. 2)I may not have noticed the texture of the birds feathers. The details like the lichen on the branches and the length of the claws help make the drawing realistic.

I felt ok drawing from the photo. I've done that many times before. I'm not sure if I've drawn a bird before, though! What I do know is that I didn't get the proportions where I wanted them to be, but I didn't spend much time on this. Still, I feel that if I was drawing out in the field, I would have spent even less time on it. Getting the colors where I wanted them to be was fairly easy. What was difficult was determining what details I wanted to keep in. It's difficult to get the fine striping on the wings done with the brush I had (the water brush that came with the Koi field watercolor set). This really got me thinking about the different types of feathers and textures on a bird. Is this important in nature journaling? Maybe, and I suppose that depends on the purpose of the journaling. Photos have advantages over drawings in that they can show the different textures very well. Being able to show different textures in drawing or painting media takes practice. Pictures can also be created in an instant. However, drawings can show more depth. They can also represent what colors you see in the field; sometimes cameras can be very finicky and they won't pick up on the colors you actually see.

1: I felt nervous as I have never felt I had any talent for art. This is my first ever attempt at drawing a bird. Getting the general shape was fairly easy.  Getting the color right and drawing the beak was challenging. 2: The Lichen on the tree branch, two types I think.  Also the fine brown striping on the breast of the warbler was more obvious when I was trying to draw it.  When nature journaling I will need to train myself to be more observant of details.

I found it hard to make a bird look like it has feathers. I also found that I'd like to get a finer tipped paintbrush to allow for better details. I was surprised that I could get the texture of the leaves I wanted just from a quick sketch and going over it with a pen.

I felt a bit stressed about starting. Then I just went ahead and drew using a pencil. I’d like to wait for instructions before I start painting. My critique was easier and had better flow than my drawing. I’d like to even that out as I get better. The most interesting thing I noticed was that I thought the bird was facing me so that I got the right and left legs mixed up. That is one point for drawing over just taking a photo - analyzing what you see. Probably the best advantage of the photo - you’ve got it before the bird takes off.

I started with a light pencil outline, then added color with watercolor pencils, with which I have no experience. Not especially satisfied with the color from these pencils, so I'd like to try watercolor paint next time.  I like working from photos because in the wild you usually get only a quick glimpse of a bird. They don't stand still for long (except Great Blue Herons, who will stand motionless for hours).

I usually draw from photo for inspiration but not for exact likeness, close but not exact. I want to get better at drawing live  examples . Might still take photo for color reference and the patterns on subject till I get better  at drawing from live forms.   Hoping to sharpen drawing skills  from live nature forms first then develop better water color painting and notes and super simple color. I am not fast at drawing from live objects so this  is going to be a challenge for me, but I look forward to it.   Joan Stanton

• Well , here is my first horrible attempt with pure water color. I normally paint with gouache or water color pencil. Hoping to learn more techniques from this course.  Joan Stanton

It was fun to not think or add judgement to my first drawing - I'm new so it can be bad. It didn't end up looking terrible and I found that when I took the pressure off I also focused more on what the bird was perched on. I missed the moss and lichen but adding the leaves made the whole experience for me. Lil yellow came out looking as happy as I am right now!

Drawing is something out of my comfort zone, but hope to improve upon during this course. It was good to be able to refer back to the photo when I was drawing.  The branches and leaves were somewhat easy to draw. But getting the proportions of all items in the photo was a bit challenging along with drawing the warbler's head. My drawing is not ready for prime time showing....maybe next time.

I enjoyed drawing the picture.  It is certainly apparent that drawing it really make me notice lots of details. 

I found this sketch very difficult (challenging?), especially getting the proper proportions and placement of the bill and eye. Obviously, I still have a lot to learn about drawing feet. The textures and colors of the branch, and particularly the lichen, were a challenge. The bill is one of the key features distinguishing warblers, so I struggled to get the size and shape of the bill right. I'd draw it too large, then erase it and draw it again but this time too short, then again too large, then again too short. I drew 5 or 6 iterations of the bill and I'm still not sure it's correct.   This is my first attempt at seriously using colored pencils. I found it both satisfying and frustrating. It was satisfying to be able to add a bit of color to my sketch and it was easy to control where the color went, but it was frustrating in that all the colors appeared very pale and lacked vibrancy. I used colored pencils that I had on hand from a prior effort with "adult coloring books" and I was frustrated by my limited palette and inability to blend colors.   I look forward to learning to use and mix watercolors and hopefully get more vibrant colors and a wider range of shades and hues.

1. I was, at first, afraid...anxious. I wanted to do well, but I was afraid of creating something terrible here at the beginning. Patience came easily once I started drawing. Attention and forgetting time are natural to me. Getting the angles and attitudes correct was challenging. My warbler's head is still a bit too tall. Maybe more round than oval? Getting the forward-lean sleekness of the bird was difficult. 2. I definitely noticed new things like the moss at the base of the branch junction the bird is perched on. This and the bites out of many of the leaves (insect bites, I assume?) were things I didn't see until I attempted to draw them. Also, the knobbiness of the branch, the light and dark sides of individual leaves, the amount of black in the bird's tail feathers...all of these were details I didn't see in this picture until I attempted to draw the picture.  For a difference this would make, I think this level of detail would help my ability to identify similar birds. Also, even more than simply identification, the appreciation of a bird's (or a branches) beauty grows with the attention I dedicate to it. I've noticed this with the birds that regularly return to my feeder. I never realized how formal and sleek chickadees were until I observed their tail feather patterns day by day. Similarly, the intensity of a red breasted nuthatch when it fights alone for its spot on the feeder formerly occupied by four chickadees than pauses curling it's body out to stare down any potential combatants. I also included my 9-year-old son's drawing. He saw what I was doing and asked to sit and join me. I've wanted to get both my boys more into birding as I fall more in love with it, and this was a great step in that direction. For him: 1. It looked pretty hard, but everything was actually easier than I thought. 2. Probably the details on the leaves and how there were more than one in some places that I thought was just one big one. Now I know that some hard drawings you have to look at pictures and you could get pretty good at it.

I enjoyed interpreting the little textures and values of the lichen and moss on the branch. Drawing allows you to remember things more vividly than a photograph does.

I enjoyed the process of drawing the photo. The instruction said to draw following Liz' instruction but I didn't find this piece. From the comments and general feel, I assumed we could do as little or as much as we wanted. I used pencil sketching and played with the watercolour box. It was interesting looking at the bird to see that there was some shading that almost needed a grey colour. I chose not to mix colours but go quickly with what I had.  Really fun!

I have to say the drawing process was super fun!

My water color soaked up the pen and made my drawing look dirty. :(

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I wasn't sure how long to spend drawing it. If it was in the field I suppose it would be a quick gesture drawing depending on how long the bird could stay still. The advantage of the photo would be adding more detail.

I was hesitant to start and then pushed myself to rush right in & ended up starting too high on the page so the top of the bird's head is cut off. But once i realized that i relaxed about getting it 'right' this first time. I found myself drawn (pun intended) to the branches in leaves, as a result, zeroing in on the bird's feet, the lichen, leaves & shadowing, which i might not have really noticed if not trying to draw the picture. So i think that drawing in nature journaling leads to looking much more closely at things like beak & wing structures, claws around branches, etc., & could produce richer connections with the subject and so possibly stronger memories of the experience than just taking a photo. . .

i felt like i was outside looking at a real bird. I realized that there were tiny strikes of dark yellow on the underside of the belly!

If this turns out to be a double submission, please excuse!  I found that I can focus on the topic and ignore extraneous details, but I had to work on it, since everything in the photo was clear and detailed.  This gave me an accurate portrayal of the bird, and I was able to concentrate on the details in a way that I wouldn't have been able to if I was doing this while watching it.  Photos provide a good resource to go to when, after an observation outside, I want to go back and check details on what I've captured in drawing.  On a technical note,  I was concerned how I was going to show the various shades and tones of yellow, and scoured my pencil box for the "right" color to use.  I finally landed on using one color, and found that my shading with a graphite pencil provided the shading I was looking for.  A good lesson learned!

I I know the bird and so was negotiating between what I saw in the photo and what I know about the bird, its habits, etc. That was interesting! I found myself quite interested in the branch and the leaves...a fun exercise! Similarly to taking photos, finding "the focus" of the shot is problematic for me. I see a bird and it looks awesome and so I get my camera ready and once I am looking at the viewfinder I realize the berries to the side of the bird are so striking and the marsh behind it so alive... need to reflect on this longer~

The photo was nice for reasons many others have mentioned: static image, ability to zoom in, etc. I did find it difficult to capture the essence of the warbler and got caught in the liminal space between quick sketch and detail. I think you can see my indecision in this drawing, especially in the bird itself... I'm looking forward to feeling more natural with the process so my hesitations stay out of my images and I can accurately reflect my subjects personality and being :)

This was fun! I definitely noticed things that I might not have if just taking a photo—like the way some of the feathers looked like scales. Which prompted all kinds of associations.

One of the unexpected benefits of working from a photo was the ability to zoom in to investigate the details. I'm looking forward to working on my proportions and watercoloring. Both were very challenging.

I feel ok with the drawing but defiantly with practice improve I'm sure.

I don't have my full-sized journal yet so did this assignment on a small sketch pad--I think it will be easier with a larger surface to work on! 1. How did you feel about drawing from the photo? What came easily and what was challenging? Honestly, I felt relieved I wasn’t trying to capture a bird in real time! It was still a challenge however. I wasn't sure where to start so found myself defaulting initially back to those geometric shapes learned in school–bird are ovals, as D.J. said! But once I felt I had the head and back shaped correctly, it was easier to fill in the other details proportionately. I struggled with the beak and made many revisions there, while the wings, legs, markings and branch came easier. I am very curious to learn strategies for field sketching, when birds, bugs, leaves, etc. are moving around and not holding perfectly still! 2. Was there anything in the photo that you might not have noticed if you weren’t asked to draw it? Would this make a difference when nature journaling? There were many small details in the photo I didn’t notice until I reached that area on my sketch, like the fact that the markings on the underbelly are a different color than those on the wings. Leaving that out wouldn’t be detrimental to a nature journal, but the act of drawing and observing it adds more to the journaling experience. It’s a reminder to pause and stop our brains from filling in the blanks!

Well that didn't go as planned ;) This was my first attempt at drawing anything in years. I need to get some drawing pencils. I didn't think to add color yet. Drawing did force me to notice details I would have missed-such as the streaking on the belly, and the way the feet sit on the branch. Details I would not have have likely noticed if looking at the live bird.

There is still so much new to learn - about the general shape of a bird, how the feathers of the wings rest against the body, where the beak sits in the face, etc. I spent a lot of time trying to get the facial expression right. I think when I draw from Nature I will just focus on the shape first, and then try to add detail when I have more experience. I haven't used water colors before, so I'm starting out with colored pencils (just pulled out this box that I used to make botanical sketches 40 years ago).

1.  I enjoyed drawing from the photo, easier to look at details and capture what I am seeing.  Challenging was getting the proportions correct, and not being comfortable trying out the watercolors yet.  2.  I noticed the moss and lichen on the branches, and where the darker areas were on the bird.  It would make a difference depending on what I was intending to capture, and brings in details about the habitat.

As for photography versus live model, I already find it hard to spot warblers with binoculars so drawing a bird in situ seems to me about impossible Of course, other species can be drawn live more easily, for ex. great blue heron, feeding ducks and I am looking forward to trying that next spring.

I spent a lot of time trying to get the shape and proportions correctly with pencil.  Colouring the fine black lines on the wing and red streaks on the breast without the lines becoming blurry was another difficulty. As I was using WC pencils for the first time, it was trial and error finding the right colours as well. I also wondered how to do the colouring in of the warbler. I started by spreading a light yellow all over the bird as a background and then added darker colours (orange, ochre and last black).  Sometimes, the colours bled  and ended up with a  muddy look. Eraser particles tended to get stuck on the wet paper. I used mixed medi paper and F-C watercolour pencils. I am, of course, open and eager for suggestions and constructive criticism. Thank-you for your attention Michel

Drawing from a photo is easier than drawing while looking at a bird. Getting the exact shape and gestalt of the bird is difficult. Seeing samples from other students' drawings is quite intimidating!. I'll learn how to import!

I enjoyed it, since the bird was sitting still. Although I found it slightly intimidating at first, I did enjoy the overall experience. Getting the proportions right is something I need to work on. Also the slight angle of the head was challenging. 2) Yes if I would not have noticed the different colours of the branches, or the different colours in stripes on the chest of the Warbler. I hope to improve my drawing skills when nature journaling  

1. How did you feel about drawing from the photo? Good.  It gave me lots of time to observe the bird. 2. What came easily and what was challenging? The wing was challenging. The head was easier--less detail. 3. Was there anything in the photo that you might not have noticed if you weren’t asked to draw it? Would this make a difference when nature journaling?  I don't think I would have noticed all the black lines in the wing and the detail of the stripes on its chest. I guess the difference would depend on the purpose of the journal entry.

I love trying to draw/paint from a good photo like this.  I think I got the form down pretty well.  The proportions may be off a little, but not too bad.  I felt like it wasn't as vibrant as I wanted it to be so I added a second darker color to the background for added contrast.

1.  I was very intimated by the process.  So much that I put it off for days.  But once I started I felt very good.  I realized that I need to develop my patience and slow down.  2.  Yes, the wings.  Yes absolutely.

1. It was fun and interesting to draw from the photo. I noticed right away that preparing to draw/paint made me look much more closely at the details of the bird. The general shape was easy but capturing the nuances is hard. The particular way the bird is holding his head and body is hard to capture. 2. There is lots in the photo I would not have noticed, like the streaks of red on the breast and how some of the wing and tail feathers are primarily black. I would like to learn how to capture some of these important details without getting too hung up on trying to produce a ‘technical drawing’ of whatever I am seeing.

1. Drawing from the photo was fun! The fact the bird is sitting still makes it easier. When drawing from a photo the challenge is not experiencing the habitat. 2. I didn't see the moss on the sticks until we had to look closer to make the artwork. And yes, that makes a difference with nature journaling for sure.  

1. Drawing from photos is my comfort zone. Yet, in this particular pic, it was hard for me to catch the proportions/shape of the bird. 2. The proportion of the head to the body, and the tail to the body. Yes, the shape is very important for nature journaling, because it is part of the identification process.

This was tricky for me but I will say it’s a lot easier when the bird isn’t moving lol. Excited to see how I improve

1. At the beggining I felt it was really difficult, I thought the backgruond was easier to start on. 2. A lot of details in colors, shapes, shadows, etc.

sketching created a type of investment into the process.

1. Drawing from a photo has the clear advantage of the stillness of the subject. I can't imagine being able to capture the tiny claws of a warbler from life. I can't say any of it came easily, but I enjoyed the process of trying. The flatness of the near-consistent yellow of the bird made indicating any kind of contour -- already a challenge -- even harder. 2. Even though I am a "plant person" I spent some time thinking about what kind of twig this was, even though I didn't try to draw it. Considering the context of where the subject is (and where I am) will be an interesting aspect of nature journaling, I think.

My first attemt was in charcoal pencil, this one is in graphite pencil. Much room for improvement, and I look forward to getting better. 

It's been years since I've drawn and seems I'm more free-form in my later years, but it was fun and I can see how much I can improve. Very exciting!

As an avid birder, the challenge is getting the right proportions on a bird I know very well.  I am keen to learn to illustrate what I see rather than what I know to be true from lots of experience observing.  I have a long way to go, excited for this challenge.

Drawing from photo was good. I noticed a lot of details I wouldn’t ordinarily see.

1. Was very thankful the image wasn't moving! The biggest challenge was proportion. 2. The beak shape, especially the curve at the tip. Helps to understand a warbler beak a little better. Yes, this will help journaling!

At first I was nervous about getting the drawing “just right”, but then I relaxed and just did my best to notice curves and small shapes and put them together. My goal for this class is to learn to observe more in nature and make a record for myself of what I saw.  So I need to be nice to myself and have fun. I had a hard time getting the shape of the head and beak to look natural, but I feel good about what I got in the end.  I might not have noticed the texture of the bark and mosses.  I think the branch, leaves, and moss all help tell the story.

I appreciated drawing from a photo because it didn't move.  When I looked at it on my phone I noticed the colors, and when I expanded it on my desktop computer, I was amazed at the details.  In my brain, I think of feathers one way, but in the photo, you see how many different textures and colors are really present.  I was also surprised by the size of the bird's claws - I don't think I would have noticed that if not for the photo.  Until I read other's comments, I wasn't really paying attention to the context - the branch.  I usually watch birds at my feeders, but I'm sure that where this bird is perched is significant - hence, the importance of noting PLACE in my journaling.

My first sketch...I spent about 25 minutes. I feel that the detail and shading are most challenging. Also getting the proportions right. It's interesting how a slight variation in head shape and beak length will change the bird completely. My first attempt is very elementary and I look forward to improvement.

Water colors are a lesser-used medium for me. I found myslef applying the color as I would with an acrylic and that was problematic. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful detail in the feathers. All in all the end product was not too bad but I definately have tons of room to grow .

It appears easy to see the bird, the branches and leaves. I did use the round ball approach, perhaps easier to see as it was "still".  I expect the detail would be quite different in the field, learning what to note and what to omit may be a challenge?

Some comfort in drawing from photo, but I notice it doesn’t feel very dynamic.  I tried drawing the underlying circle and egg shapes, then a contour drawing.  The contour drawing worked better for me since I had to look at it so carefully; with the shape approach I was more in my head.  I notice the color of the stripes on the chest through drawing, even though I wasn’t using color.

At first I was intimidated, but it was a bit easier than I thought. Drawing the various types of feathers is challenging.  wouldn't have paid as close attention to that if I was not drawing it. I also paid more attention to the various angles of the body and the negative space (learned about that in Liz's last class.) Since it was a photo, I didn't even think to write notes until I looked at the comments below. I think a photo is definitely easier for birds that don't stay still but I would love to be able to draw more quickly and capture general gestures of wildlife on the move.

I appreciate drawing from a photo because I can spend as much on details as I want. I can really pay attention to the direction and length of feathers, the light in the eye and beak and the strength and grip of the bird. I absolutely cannot accurately portray feathers - I get lost in the number and closeness of the various lengths and shapes (ugh). I think when nature journaling, I might use my experience from drawing from a photo to better understand the shape of birds I regularly see and allow the journaling to capture posture and action and the context of the garden, yard, trail, etc.

As you can see the proportions are off and values aren’t necessarily interesting to view. I was struck by the ease that one of the sample journal artists drew his birds. They were believable images. I really want to capture the essence of what I am seeing. My feelings about the subject. So much to learn and practice as I ease into another phase of life. How can I share the importance of small spider mites? Anytime I post a drawing I am afraid of what I didn’t accomplish or portray. Once it is posted it is available to the world at large for critical view.

I don't have any drawing or sketching experience, so I felt uncomfortable doing this exercise. But I'm glad I attempted it. Drawing forces you to look at more details than if you were just looking at a photo and it improves your observational skills. In areas in which your drawing skills are weak, you can write what feature you were trying to portray. On the other hand, photos are 3D and more lifelike looking. Nature journaling feels like a good way to pique your interests in the natural world.

I was quite nervous about drawing. I've never considered myself good at discerning perspective, and it took me several tries to get the size of the head in proportion to the rest of the body. The result is acceptable, but I still feel dissatisfied with my ability to really judge the proportions or perspective correctly. However, without drawing the image, I would have been less likely to notice the bird was actually facing away from me, turning back to look. I might not have noticed the way the moss clings to the twigs, or the way the fluff of the breast extends over the legs. I wouldn't have noticed some of the leaves have been chewed on by something, and the way the toes extend below the twig. Drawing gives me a chance to ponder the details and "see" more clearly, even if the result of my drawing isn't quite as detailed or clear as the photo.

Drawing from a photo lets me go back and forth a lot to try to get the lines right. Nothing came easily. Getting the proportions right was difficult. I made a pencil sketch  and it's hard to get the shadings right. I paid  attention to more details  than I would have  had I  just looked at the photo. Yes, drawing could make a huge difference to  my observational skills

1) I like drawing from a photo.  The bird doesn't move and I can get posture and proportion better.  I can erase and correct.  I'm still working on the need to get an "A" on the test.  I found the wings to be really challenging.  How much detail to put in and how to draw what i was really seeing. 2) I didn't notice all the lichen and interesting stuff going on on the limb until I started trying to draw it. This definitely would make a difference in nature journaling.  I guess there's always a decision about where to stop and what details to put in.

It went better than I thought it would! I was very nervous and had to get over my innate need to get an "A" on every test -- this wasn't even a test! It was nice to work from a photo, because the subject was standing still. It was nice to be able see every detail. Working just in pencil, it was hard to capture the difference between shadows and actual black or brown feathers. If I had not had to draw the bird, I don't think I would have been so aware that certain feathers were very sharp and straight, and others more soft and fluffy. It was hard to know when to stop.

1. I think drawings have a more personal advantage over photos. There's more effort and emotion put into them, and the artist can add their own personal touches and interpretation. The advantage photos have over drawings however is that they're more realistic, and they can capture the moment perfectly. 2. Drawing from the photo was a lot of fun. The most difficult part for me was getting the legs and feet right. I have always struggled with this when depicting birds. I hope that I can improve by the end of this course. 3. If I wasn't asked to draw this Warbler, I wouldn't have noticed the touches of yellow on its feet. It wouldn't make a huge difference in nature journaling, but if it was a more distinct characteristic on the bird ex.(the yellow feet of the Snowy Egret) than it would make a bigger difference.

Sorry I inserted two images by mistake. Getting used to how this works! I find it easier to draw from a picture rather than in real time. Likely because that is how I drew in the past and the three dimensional aspect is different from a picture. I look forward to learning how to draw in the field. I find the proportions and the detail difficult. I enjoyed examining the bird and the leaves, the variations of color and shading. I would like to learn how to draw quick and simple sketches with enough detail to identify species later on. Looking forward to more lessons!

1.I liked drawing from the photo - it was easier for me than drawing from a painting. or drawing from life. Could see details. But is 2 dimensional. Nothing comes easily for me when drawing or sketching.  I will be 79 in a couple of days and I have always had trouble with spatial perception and transferring what I see to paper.  I think I am finally beginning to learn how to look at something and figure out how the parts make up the whole. 2.I probably would not have noticed the ruffled feathers on the belly, the layering of the wing feathers, and the slight shadowing on the far side of the throat. I think it would make a difference. Your sketch would look too flat if it did not indicate this dimensionality. I can see why some journalists choose to have small side boxes showing details like the above.

First attempt at Yellow Warbler. Proportions are off; not quite plump enough. The process draws attention to structure and details that would not have been otherwise evident - the layers of feathers, the subtle shading. First time I've used colored pencils in a drawing. Shading my pencil, dark lines via pen.  Would love to know how to draw that bark twig realistically. 

• Using only pencil I found myself looking more at the detail to try and express the colour differences in the birds plumage and the structure of each lichen a little more, this I would not have noticed so easily had I not drawn them. The blemishes on the leaves, and the amount of variation in colour on the warbler I dont think I would have taken as much notice of either. Really enjoyed this exercise!

I enjoyed drawing this Yellow Warbler from its photo, although it would also be interesting to draw it from life.  The photo is two dimensional, but it does help me to see details, form, etc., in an accurate way.  As I am not a trained artist, I do find this challenging, but my naturalist training is helping me with composition, relative size in relation to the branch, and focusing on the details.  If I had not been asked to draw it, I might have missed the bit of gray lichen in the lower left corner, on the branch.  In nature journaling, it can be important to capture such a detail, unless you want to focus only on the bird itself.

Noticing details came easy but it was hard to show them with just pencil. Labels helped and I was happy with the capturing of those key features. When it was done I noticed that the shape wasn't quite right and I'd like to try that again. It felt like I went straight to the ID details and forgot to start with those basic shapes. Since I didn't have color I found myself thinking more deeply about how to clearly communicate the colors in words.

I forgot to add my sketch. My pencil wanted to be everywhere. Trying to figure our proportions and, well, moving from blob to bird…really a challenge for me.

I notice so many more details now when I am sketching. Many details I can translate onto my page, or even suggest them. That is a little frustrating. Using the sketchy-sketchy technique has really help. I’m learning what to leave and what to erase. Drawing from a photo feel like a great way to start. My subject doesn’t move, the light remains consistent. Doing it on the fly outside feels like a pipe-dream at this time, but I’m ready and willing to improve and try!

So this is my attempt at the Yellow Warbler, which was interesting experience that I really enjoyed! My experience in drawing is very limited but I had the luxury of a still image. I found the easiest and (I say easiest not lightly) part for me was the slow sketch of the bird and then more difficult as I tried to add the extra details of the bird. then came the watercolours, with no experience and the recommended course material I began to slop the colours on. It became a exercise in colour management and water control fairly quickly. Saying that some of the shading and lighter browns I wouldn’t have noticed at first if I didn’t take my time so that was incredibly rewarding. Personally I had a excellent time and I’m fairly proud of what I produced. Next time I would incorporate a journal style and some notes. The yellow warbler

I usually get very nervous when drawing. I'd like to know how to be more relaxed and draw more comfortably.

I liked how I had to really spend time tuning in and focusing intently to see all the details.  

It was a fun task.  Getting the different layers of feathers is a challenge.  And proportion  along with details offer their own difficulty for me.  With the picture to refer to is absolutely a help and I can imagine trying to draw this bird as it is moving, standing still only a short time will need some good advice.

Drawing from the photo was easy because the bird didn't move and I had plenty of time to draw everything I saw.  The challenging part was figuring out what to draw first and making sure of placement and that everything was the correct size.  If I wasn't asked to draw the picture I might not have noticed the position of the Warbler's legs, one seems to be straight and the other is bent.  I think that might make a difference when nature journaling  because  it shows how the bird balances  on a branch.

I realized when doing this sketch that it required time, which is good for me to experience as I often guide youth in nature journaling, and this is the first time I have taken time to sketch myself.  And for me, this is pretty good.  I look forward to getting better!  The advantages of sketching over photos is that one becomes intimately connected to the organism observing.  The internal and eternal connection is a strong bond.  Another advantage is that the details are noticed.  The advantages of photos is that they show precisely what the organism looks like.  Photos can be revisited for a specific point in time with out change, such as a quick visit by a bird or an organism that will change over time, such as a flower.  I enjoyed this exercise and look forward to the next. 

The outline was challenging as were the small details and the shading. I noticed a lot about the birds feathers and how they fall together on its back and a lot about the body shape and the coloring and the head shape.

Im not yet at all confident with the media (used pencil, ink pen, watercolor pencils), but I enjoyed the exercise. I used it to learn about the parts if a bird (mainly the feathers). It was challenging to convey exact feathers as well as feeling of feathers ( some look fluffy and I was not able to convey that). It was good to have the photo so able to take time to do the drawing. I spotted many things I probably would not have seen in field, unless the bird is very cooperative and close by!

Thank you, Liz, for creating this course.

This was an enjoyable exercise.  Watercolors are new to me, so they were the most challenging part of the exercise.  Things I would not have noticed without drawing this photo are 1) the shape of the wings laying on the warbler's back, 2) the way the rusty red streaks grew softer further down on the breast, and 3) the loose grip of the warbler's feet on the branch below it.  I look forward to seeing improvement in my art as I continue this course.

Getting the stance seemed really important. Loved the contrast between the dark eye and bill and the yellow of the feathers.  What a yellow! Very different from a goldfinch. It made me think of whether colored pencils can even approximate nature's hues.  What color would I choose to color this bird? And the rusty streaks on the breast! Swoon!

I am looking forward to improving my drawing skills by the end of this course! I did the sketch quickly as if I was watching a real bird who would move any second. I think that helped me get a gestalt that has some energy . Would like to get a few more well crafted details. I might not have noticed the shape of the bill if I had not drawn the picture. Since the bill is an id marker I think it would make a difference in a nature journal.

I really enjoyed this. The warbler is very cute in the picture.

Not much art experience here: I am relieved that my pencil sketch is at least identifiable as a bird.

Drawing from the photo doesn't seem as daunting as drawing moving nature.  I did notice more of the dark markings from the photo while painting it.

I was happy to be drawing from an image that wasn't moving about, changing positions.  I sketched with a #2 pencil and did not add color.  Might not have noticed leg color and toes without sketching.  Had trouble with the slight tilt of the head.  Definitely flatter than it should be.  Transition from wing to back was challenging.

I liked the fact that the bird didn’t move so I could really study it in one position and with constant light. I also could zoom in when I was unsure of the details of what I was seeing. Ironically, that also made it harder in some respects because it played to my tendency to be overly detail-oriented which took my attention away from the general proportions. I wouldn’t have notice the shape of the bill and the surprisingly rounded, low hanging belly if I hadn’t drawn it.

I think drawing from a photo seems easy at first, but in regards to depth perception, my bird turned out much flatter. Still, the photo does show colors that might not have been noticed in nature, particularly if one is not familiar with the bird.

It felt nice, although strange. The legs came easily but the shape of the head and details in the wing not so much. Drawing makes me focus on shape but I definitely simplified it and made it flatter than it should be.

I loved the activity

In the very short class I took with you earlier this year, you really liberated me from feeling like I need to draw perfectly.  I started by looking at bits and pieces of shapes and shadows and not thinking so much about a bird.  It was super relaxing because I wasn't constantly criticizing every pencil stroke, more just having fun and wondering if my drawing would fit on the page. :) Making it look three dimensional is hard for me. Really seeing the lines, the fluff, the feather contours came easily.  I would not have noticed how much dark smudgy coloring is on this little Warbler if I hadn't been drawing it.

It was a bit challenging, but not overwhelming. I drew some ovals and circles, like D.J. had done. that helped. And then kept making a lot of adjustments, erasing, redrawing. Trying to get proportions and  angles of the bill, tail, legs, wings, with respect to each other. I just did pencil for now, but if I had painted in color, I think I'd recognize it. It was fun to try this. And just that one tip from D.J. helped me get started. As I drew, I kept noticing more about the bird, that I did not pick up on first glance, such as all the detail in the wings. With photos, I have mainly looked at those reddish streaks on the yellow breast. Also, shape of the bill, angle to the head, size of the eye. Doing this drawing, I realize that by doing the nature journaling, I will cultivate my observation skills and attention to detail. Even the stance of the bird, its posture, and I wonder, what is the habitat, what kind of tree is it sitting on? These are things I would try to draw and take notes on, to investigate later.

I answered the questions on the page.  I think there is a lot of room for growth here, but this first attempt made me happy and excited to see where I go as I progress through the course.  Seeing everyone else's work, really inspired me, as well!

I forgot to add an image to my comment. Here we go. {shudders}

I only used my pencil for this because I'm a stick figure drawer with no watercolor experience. It was daunting to start. And my scale is way off. There's lots of lichen on the branch the warbler is on. Some of the leaves have been nibbled. And I've never noticed the reddish-brown 'stripes' on the warbler's belly before.

1. I felt pretty good about drawing the photo. I found it  pretty easy to draw the warbler. It was difficult to get the wings right. At first I used the water brush to paint the wings, but I couldn't get the lines thin enough so it turned into a black blob. Then I painted over the wings with yellow and restarted them. I decided to use a very thin paint brush to get fine lines.2. I would not have noticed the position of the feet or how the wings fold.This would make a difference in nature journaling because your drawing would be more realistic with the more detail you can add.

1.  I draw from reference photos a lot, so this felt normal. Drawing the shape of the bird and the branch came easily. However, trying to get all the details in (especially the wing) and enough contrast using just a mechanical pencil was a little challenging. 2. If I wasn't asked to draw it, I would not have noticed the way the the light and shadows fall on the bird. I also paid a lot more attention to the warbler's feet and how the are clutching the branch in a surprisingly loose looking way.

1. The drawing is okay for a first time - nothing special. Proportions seem alright, shading is meh. 2. What did I notice in drawing? Details! I would otherwise 'see' the whole without necessarily noticing all the minutiae that actually make up the image. 3. I'm an archaeologist and we typically draw our artifacts and features, along with photographing them. Why? Because photographs provide us with an objective, 'scientific' image (more or less), while drawings pull the subjective human mind into the object. In drawing, we represent only those details that help us tell the story's picture - the characteristics that are most important to us.

I had a good time doing it.  It took me a while because I’m traveling and I don’t always have access to Wi-Fi.  My friend Francis and I have been zooming and trying to do the lesson together.  I like drawing from photos because I can take my time getting the image on paper.  It’s also easier to capture details, that I may miss if I was drawing in plain air.               

I liked being able to refer back to something that doesn’t move. While drawing I noticed the color variations in the Wabler, bark and leaves. I do believe this would make an excellent reference to an unfinished drawing

The advantage of drawing from a photo was the subject never moved. One of the problems I had was trying to paint in the details on such a small image.

I like drawing from a photo reference.  However, the challenge for me was seeing the fine details in the photo.  I had difficulty with the background.  I wondered if I should have did the background color first then paint over it?  Should I have used a different brush?  Did I use too much water?  I had a harder time manipulating the paint to cover the negative space as opposed to coloring in the subject.  I think I would have seen more details to add if I was nature journaling.

I had fun doing this I definetly noticed the way the light reflected on his eye, the way the wing feathers layer and the way it’s toes grip the branch. Also I love seeing all of your beautiful sketches.

Not having drawn or sketched in over 30 years, i felt a bit anxious.  With that said, i actually enjoyed it and I don't think i did too bad a job, although scrolling through some of the sketches below, I'm definitely a first class beginner! I actually found the beak and the feet to be the most challenging.  Getting the correct length and angle of each was difficult for me.  If i had not drawn this bird, i probably would not have noticed the stripes in the underbelly.  As well as the curve of his claws as they clutch the branch.  I think this is what draws me to nature journaling vs photography.  Noticing details definitely makes a difference.

I felt pretty good drawing from the photo. For me drawing the warbler was fairly easy. I found it challenging to paint the bird with detail using a water brush. I could not get thin, detailed lines so I decided to paint details with a thin paint brush. If I was not asked to draw the photo I would not have realized how many layers of feathers there are on the wings and how they all fold together perfectly. Noticing how the wings fold would make a difference when nature journaling because the more details you can include, the better and more accurate your drawings will be.

1. I like jumping right into drawing. At first I was just going to use pencil, but I so love the vibrant yellow and the contrasting black that I decide to break out the colored pencils. (I haven't a clue how to use watercolor yet.) The general outline of the bird came fairly easily, but the folded wing was hard, with its layered feathers. 2. I would not have noticed how the warbler's talons gripped the branch, nor how the feathers in the wing layer up sort of like a folding fan. I also would not have noticed the sparkle in the bird's eye, the brownish feathers on its belly, or the slight bluish cast to its beak. 3. Having a photo in which the bird is captured in a pose makes the whole process a lot easier. I imagine it will be incredibly difficult to capture this amount of detail in the field, where the bird would be in motion and likely would fly away.

• Drawing from a photo is going from 2 dimensions to 2 dimensions, it takes skill but looses some of the magic of 3-D to 2-D. On the other hand, your subject remains still so you can pick up on the nuances. There were things I would not have noticed if I were not drawing it. I would not have seen the insect bite in the leaf and might not have noticed the moss or lichen on the tree. I also was made very aware of how the birds feet wrapped around the twig and I might not have made note of that and just been dazzled by the color of the bird.

I had fun sketching and painting the Yellow Warbler. I love how the bird is bright yellow and the contrasting orange stripes (chest) and black stripes (wings) make the bird stand out in the green background. I wasn't able to make the stripes and the yellow turned out more greenish. But, I think I did a great job for my first try!

1. I've done most of my nature journaling from photos, which I've always thought is cheating... in a way. Yellow Warblers in the flesh do not hold-the-heck still so I don't have to fight to keep its details in my noggin. It's easier to draw a motionless bird in a photo. 2. Loads more details in photos. You can see where and how the feathers lie. I think for a person with a poor memory for moving birbs, photos give greater detail, but weak satisfaction. My Internet service is wonky, so hope this wasn't my second post on this topic.

  Drawing makes me notice details on the bird and background I would not necessarily pay attention to when birding or taking a photograph of the bird. This is what makes nature journaling fun. You begin to ask what insects the bird may be eating in the tree or bush with insect damaged leaves. You want to know more about the kind of bush and what kind of lichen is growing on it. Getting the correct proportions is always a challenge to me. A birds complex wing feather arrangements are another challenge. Also the angle of the photograph foreshortens some aspects of a bird which can also present problems. T

Drawing makes you look at the details.  You can't draw each detail, but you are picking out the exact form, the shades of color that identify the bird.  Drawing made me not only look at the bird, but at the twig it was sitting on, that the twig had growths on it, that some of the leaves were damaged and eaten.    Drawing makes you look at all the details, instead of just writing that the bird is a yellow warbler.

Capturing the essence of the feathers was a challenge. I saw distinct sections of different feather types in the photo but had trouble making those areas distinct in the drawing. I might not have noticed the brown stripey bits in the chest. The yellow/black combinations of the wing feathers are more striking but the caramel colors in the stripes are lovely. Making those tones distinct from the black was a challenge. When nature journaling, looking for those secondary areas would be important.

1. Drawing from the photo felt alright, however, it made me really fussy about the accuracy of what I was drawing. Am I drawing what is there, or what I think is there. I was curious about whether or not I was paying enough attention to detail. 2. The overall drawing experience was fair, I found the shape of the bird a bit challenging. I didn't't make very much notes either. 3. The lichen. I would have noticed this perhaps, but if I was out in the field I think I might have been captivated by the warbler.

Nice that the bird in the photo stayed still for the entire experience.  :)  My first attempt was too fat, and so I had to erase its belly/breast and skinny it up.  I like the detail in my eye, but it is too big and too far back.  Was going to try to fix it and then decided to embrace it as a first attempt and move on.   Struggled with the bits between the legs, and with balancing shading with wanting to make the black stand out.  Decided to just stick with pencil, which made it hard to distinguish the rusty streaks on the breast.   The details around the eye certainly would have escaped me had I not taken the time to draw it.  And the nostril as well, though I notice now that my attempt to capture that in my drawing was lost when I shaded the beak.  I definitely leaned on some of the skills I learned in your earlier short 1h live lessons earlier this spring!

I noticed so, so much more as I tried to draw—details of the bird itself and my inexperience with pastel pencils, first among those noticings. It was lovely to have the subject still, and I appreciated being able to zoom in for a closer look. I would never have noticed the toes had I not been asked to draw it. Such a surprise that they don’t actually grip the twig, at least not at the moment of the photograph. Such fun to get started!

I I I liked drawing from the photo. It has to be easier than trying to draw a bird in the wild. Is that even possible? They don't tend to stay in one place for very long. Even at our feeders they are constantly coming and going. I found the legs and feet challenging. Seems like  the legs are longer and the feet are bigger than I would have drawn from memory. Worked on the beak for a while and I still didn't get it right. I wouldn't have drawn all the toes. Enlarging the picture helped me to see all of the them. I can definitely see how you have to focus on details and small parts at a time when nature journaling. Otherwise a lot could be missed.

Using the photo, I was able to revise my drawing as many times as needed to correct discrepancies between my drawing and the photo.. I have a difficult time with proportion and tend to make my heads overlarge  I would not have noticed the coloration of the wings with as much precision if not asked to draw. This kind of careful observation is important in differentiating between species and genders. Although I consider myself to be a careful observer this exercise shows me how far from that I really am and how much I need to discipline myself. Drawing the photo of the bird forced me to repeatedly look at the image

I enjoyed drawing from the photo as it provided unlimited time to study the subject. Overall shape came relatively easy. Proportion and perspective were a greater challenge.   I definitely would not have noticed a lot of the more subtle identifying features had I not been asked to draw the warbler. This would make a big difference when nature journaling as I am s rank beginner at drawing and only a moderately experienced birder. I can see how nature journaling will give me a healthy boost up the learning curve.

Much easier to notice the details when working from a photo. If drawing in the field, would not have spent as much time noticing the lichens on the branches. Working with watercolors is a challenge for me, and I've never used this type of brush! Hoping to master it a bit better by the end!

., n I noticed how long the birds feet were, I feel okay about the drawing, I think my lead may have been a little soft. Just sitting down to draw was the hardest, getting going. Then I didn't want to stop. I wonder how to draw/sketch this bird in the wild as they don't sit still for very long, so this was nice, sketching from the photo.

Much easier to draw from a photo since the subject doesn’t move as others have said. Shading came easily with pencil but proportions challenging, I didn’t erase though. I’ve never understood wing patterns and lengths before so this drawing was very helpful in that regard. The cheek, shoulder, breast and short, medium, long and tail feathers were clear.

Loved sitting on the deck and sketching--I can relate to many others' thoughts and feelings. Someday I'll finish viewing everyone's posts. How wonderful that so many people are on this journey together!

Advantages of Drawings: Makes the viewer pay more attention to detail. Has more character than a photo. You can choose what details to include. Advantages of Photos: Captures all the details correctly. A drawing could be anatomically incorrect. Usually includes color which a simple sketch does not.

Drawing helps to focus the eye on fine details and to journal them for later memory.

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I'm excited to learn more about capturing color and shading with just pencil--that was the most challenging part for me with this exercise. This was a lot of fun!

A photograph keeps the subject still which is an advantage. The challenge was paying attention to proportions, what makes this bird look like this bird.

it  made me concentrate but i used to much water with the water colors . the diffrent shads of yellow

Great fun doing this exercise.  But how did I end up with a bird with an attitude?? Beak, eye, and posture a challenge.... Also I didn't start far enough to the right, and it cut my warbler's tail short! Looking forward to more instruction and practice!

this was an enjoyable first attempt. I also enjoyed seeing the work of others...

Enjoyable for sure.  It will be a challenge to capture the image I want to but love the idea that this will call me to be more observant.  Seeking to deepen relationship with the natural world around me, and this will help me pay attention and notice.  That said, getting the proportions was a big challenge and the shadings.  The bill took several takes too.

I spent an hour drawing and painting this bird - and while I’m really quite happy with it, I’m not going to do much drawing or painting if it always takes this long. I hope that speed and getting-it-right-the-first-time are some of the skills I learn in this course! Also hard to imagine trying to capture a bird in the field; good thing my interest is more in plants. ☺️ I enjoyed the idea from one of the journalers about letting your subject jump out of its box a little. Really fun effect!

I found getting details of plumage difficult to get right. Also the lines were not as clear as I would have liked - tried 2H and HB, also a 0.35 Rotring pencil which is what I have. Will try and get the recommended pencil.

It took me a couple days to finally attempt this assignment. I don’t draw, but I want to change that. Nothing came easily. I’m not sure I would have noticed the different shades of yellow, the bird’s legs or the differences in the feathers had I not been drawing. If actually journaling in nature, it would be difficult to see many details since the bird would have been in motion and even the branches and leaves would likely be moving. 

Drawing: It is a record of your visual image of the object(s) you are observing. Photos:  Real specific accuracy such as proportions, dimensions, details, colors (most of the time), etc Challenging: Proportions, and feathers Probably would not have noticed the details in the area where the wing feathers meet the tail.  

1.  It took a few days for me to decide to do the drawing - not sure why, but I think I had some fear that it would be difficult or challenging.  In the end, I enjoyed drawing from the photo and looking at the detail of the bird.  I noticed the details of the feathers, the shape of its various parts.  I was challenged by the proportions, and the surrounding details.  2.  I would not have noticed all the details of the feathers had I not been asked to draw the bird.  Nature journaling, I hope, will allow me to notice details that I might miss otherwise.  I'm wondering especially how to capture bird details from my own observations rather than a photograph.  

1. I enjoyed trying to draw. It is fun to really look at the details and try to recreate them in the sketchbook. That said, the bird in my drawing is too small and its shape is different from that in the photo. Putting the branches in the space was easy but drawing the bird was difficult. There is a lot of detail in the bird from its orientation on the branch to its individual feathers and I did not get those details correct in my drawing. 2. When drawing the leaves I noticed that they were attached alternately and I definitely would not have noticed that if I just looked at the photo. I would have glossed over the blemishes in the leaves as well. So drawing something really improves one's observational skills.

1. I  loved drawing from the photo because it allowed me to observe all of the details and take my time. It was a challenge to include everything and keep my proportions correct.  2. My focus of course was drawn to the bird which allowed me to observe the details including the placement of the toes on the branch. I probably would not notice the alternate veining of the leaves or the details of the lichen on the branch if I had not drawn it.

1 - I LOVED drawing from the photo.  I didn't have to readjust my perspective.  But this isn't really my goal.  It was easy to see details. Challenge was to get relative proportions.  2 - I definitely noticed much more than I would have even if I had been able to look at a bird for the length of time it took to do the drawing.  I noticed the layers of feathers better than I would have in the field.  Noticing these things from a photo will enhance my notice of details in nature.

Drawing from the photo let me take my time.  If I had seen this bird for just a few seconds I might not remember much detail.

I like drawing from a photo.  It helps me to see details and colors.  The bird was relatively easy to draw but the feathers were challenging.  The tree branch with the moss and lichen was challenging also.  I don't know how to shade within a leaf to make it look realistic.  In fact, I don't know if I would be able to notice those details without the photo.  

So many different shades of yellow! Explored mixing colors, some disappointing, some surprising. Sketching took forever as I have had little experience. But it does look like a bird... Looking forward to learning how to achieve some of the things I saw and attempted.

This was my first attempt to draw a bird! And I was surprised how much I enjoyed doing it. I do hope that the yellow warbler will have better proportions at the end of the course! Coloring came the easiest. the shape of the beak I would have not noticed as much. a very good first observation exercise of a bird. Nicole

I like drawing from a photo. I wouldn't have noticed all the details and shapes of the birds and the leaves if I hadn't drawn it.

I don’t know how to load drawings or photos of them. I am happy to have drawn a yellow warbler that is recognizable as one. - I’d love to know how others got a feathered look using the recommended water colors. My red streaks are pretty crude.

I had a difficult time getting starting on this exercise, and I spent a lot of time thinking about it before beginning.  Then, when I did start I found I started with the branches, drawing them in and then making the bird fit the branches, which I also found difficult.  Once I was working on the bird, though, it became easier.  I blocked in some rough shapes and worked from there. Having the photo allowed me to take my time and pay attention to the details.  There was grey shading on the head, back, and shoulders that I would have missed if I wasn't asked to draw the bird - subtle coloring and shading became more noticeable, as I worked on the drawing.  When nature journaling, it's nice to be able to get all those details, but I think I'd miss a lot of them.  Having that photo helps to keep those details to reference when drawing.

A good exercise to look at the detail in the bird and it's surroundings.  I noticed his head was more cocked and I missed that part in my drawing.  Proportions were hard but I'm assuming that takes more practice.  A decent beginning but I think I will have to focus more on the details.

I like drawing from photos.  they sit still. :) I find it difficult to get the shape of the bird right.  and the bill.  But, it was absorbing to look closely and draw and time fell away.  That is my favorite part about drawing/art.

First time I ever saw a yellow warbler—or at least had one pointed out to me—was in the Galapagos...the start of my semi-serious birding adventures. So it was especially cool to see the sample nature journals from those wonderful islands. I love photography and take lots of pics of birds and nature. I prefer drawing/painting from my photos vs real life, so I wonder how these two dynamics are going to play out as I start nature journaling, I’m also super self-critical about my drawing & painting skills. Hope that the lightness and flexibility of journaling is liberating for me. This drawing begs for color! Can’t wait to learn out pointers for incorporating water color into this process.

Yellow Warbler As I listened to the recordings of the Yellow Warbler while drawing in my journal, I recalled when I first investigated them last summer. They were visiting my garden on the Eastern migratory corridor of the Rocky Mountains. Bright flashes of golden lightning issued from the flocks of American Goldfinch that dominated. But there was something shy and sweet that emanated from the bushes. The male came forth with a muted, almost avocado green on the back - darting out and then quickly in the dwarf wild plum bushes. Sitting still - stop weeding the cilantro and basil - soon he invites his mate to join him on the dill flowers where hummingbirds have been flitting about all day. Will they be nesting? It's a noisy place in the city - just glad they came to visit. No Photos Please - they are much too shy and quick. But their picture will stay vibrant in my memory of the sunshine the Yellow Warblers brought to us that day. My journal entry was at a very relaxed pace, due to my reflections and inspirations. In the sketch, I was able to appreciate each part of the bird's anatomy, as I thought of its flight and song and purpose. I will add color later when they return this year- late June I hope.

I wasn’t sure if this was suppose to be done with a lot of details. Since it was a photo and I could keep referring back to it, I could have taken a lot of time. I chose to do a quick sketch, not a lot of accuracy or detail. I find it easier to draw from a photo because my mind can focus on just that. 

For me this was the first time using watercolor for something this "complicated". After finishing the bird I got a little impatient and didn´t put that much effort into the branches. After a while I figured that the paper I was using wasn´t quite watercolor-friendly. My mom joined me in drawing the Yellow Warbler, you can see her result above as well. I´m very excited to draw this picture again at the end of the course.

I liked drawing from the photo because it gives you time draw and look again and make changes.  This warbler seems to be easier to draw than some other birds. It was challenging to draw the feathers.  I did not notice the darker streaks of feathers in the bird's chest.  This would be important because it would be a point of identity.

This was a lot of fun! Sketching out the image was much easier than using the watercolors (very new to water colors). Definitely paid more attention to trying to be ‘accurate’ than I may have otherwise been.

I noticed so much more about the yellow warbler as I drew it! I didn't know it that it had a kind of charcoal-smudged cape with distinctive feathered epaulets. I was also struck by the distinctive black edging on the wing. To draw it using pencil was challenging, as I tried to make the grey features different from the reddish-brown features. I also wanted to represent the fluffiness of some of the feathers vs. the sharpness of the wings.

1.  I did not mind drawing from a photo at all.  Especially a bird as they never sit still.   2.  The excitement of drawing a warbler was the easiest part.  I love warblers.  The wings were a challenge for me.  3.  Um, everything about the bird.  If it was moving I'd be lost.  4.  Probably.  It's hard enough ID'ing birds let alone trying to draw one on the spot.  Maybe once I start learning how to draw birds better it will come easy but right now a photo works for me.

The benefit of drawing the bird, is that you really remember the details which helps with identification. A photo is faster and more accurate. I really enjoyed drawing this. I am nervous about adding color, so I thought I should upload before I try...

i cannot ever get it to look 3 dimensional. It looks like a flat side view not like his head is angled toward the viewer. I supposed this is done by shading?

Felt oddly nervous about drawing from the photo without more specific instruction, as though I might screw something up. Still, getting the shape of the warbler was pretty easy and capturing the beak and eye. There are details I'd have missed if I hadn't been drawing the bird, like the bird's toes and the positioning of the legs. I was surprised how clearly I could see the delicate toes and toenails. I also wouldn't have noticed the wisp of feathers partially covering the leg on the left.

It is easier as the subject remains stationary. Feathers and shadings are a challenge with a pencil.  Closer look brings the tree branch details  - the lichen and moss.  The absolute black eye.  Leg angles - Nature journaling requires these details.

1.  It was fun.  I was able to capture more details than the live objects.  Getting the proportion and shapes right was challenging. 2.  Details in the leaves and the bird.  Shading in the feathers.  Overall shape of the birds.

My 6-year-old daughter decided to join me for the for the first exercise, and we had a blast! I felt comfortable drawing the sticks and leaves and then totally lost with the bird. I would not have noticed the moss if I hadn't drawn the image, and I can see how that would be a nice environmental detail for a nature journal. I like that when you draw, you really need to hone in on the details to capture them, and often with general photography you trust the image to do that for you.

I probably would not have noticed the feet as much.  It was a great exercise.

I’ve been trying this year to add a page to my journal every few days. I’ve also been doing some drawing and watercolour courses. I approached drawing this bird as just drawing it. I intended to draw quickly and tried to draw confidently. I’ve always been more of a photographer than a drawer but I love the focus that drawing gives me and my results are improving. I’m so impressed by everyone’s contributions to this discussion. Here’s mine (note that I am in Australia and we do dates differently. This is dated April 6.)

At first I didn't trust myself to get started, but then it just kind of flowed.  Having the time to draw from the photo really let me focus on the details.  When I'm just looking at a photograph, I don't really notice the finer details of color variations, patterns, and proportions.

I didn't think much, had no prior training or practice in drawing...just listened to Liz and drew what I saw. I liked what I did and look forward to learning more. Wow! SO many drawings look like professional work already!      

When drawing from a photo, you have so much more time. So I was trying to work quickly to capture key details and get to just a little more than a gestural drawing. I was also trying out a "field brush" where the water is in the handle of the brush. I discovered that severely limited my ability to control how wet the sketch got, and I couldn't get any detail on the wing until I switched to a normal brush.

I was more focused on the bird in the beginning and less on the foliage at first.  I later realized that habitat is important too.

I liked drawing from the photo because I could take my time and really look at the bird. I saw much more detail than looking at the bird in the wild. I did this pretty quickly and struggled with the feathers. That's something I need to learn. However, my biggest issue is sketching the legs and especially the feet. I find this very hard. Like others, I can lost in the detail and spend too much time on things that not that important.

I like drawing birds from photos because I get distracted easily outside and using a photo gives me the opportunity to look closely at what I'm drawing, particularly when it's a subject like a bird that would normally move out in the world. None of drawing birds comes easily, but figuring out angles and proportions comes more easily than knowing what to do with wings, feathers, and feet. I had to force myself to revisit the feet after sketching them in half-heartedly at the end. When drawing out in the field I'd most likely not be able to see the feet well enough to draw them accurately so a photo reference would be required if I wanted a complete drawing. Beaks and eyes are challenging but fun to work on and when you get them right it almost makes up for anything else in the drawing that's not quite right.

It's a bit difficult drawing from a photo because there's just so much detail to take in..  proportions, light aspects, scenery... and it's all right there in front of you to compare your drawing against. I don't think I've ever drawn a bird before so that was a challenge in and of itself. I loved figuring out how each feather was folded together and the patterns they form. The careful attention to detail that's required for sketching will definitely impact my ability to take in the small details of a scene/subject. Even with this bird, I was immediately drawn to the dark eye and bright yellow color and would probably have noticed this in nature, but it's doubtful that I would have picked up on the muscles in the bird's talons or the breathing hole and the bluish tints in it's beak. I've learned so much about bird anatomy just from this simple exercise.

I started a bit stressed out because I do not draw very well. After a few starts I decided to approach the drawing a more relaxed way and to really observe the photo and let the focus take me away. That was much better -I stayed present and just observed, drew and wrote notes. I am looking forward to doing more!

I feel like my drawing didn't capture the spirit of the bird as much as eye wanted. It looks like a mischievous look in the eye I didn't capture. The beak was very challenging and I erased it three times before sticking with this one. The feet also were difficult. If I hadn't been drawing I wouldn't have noticed the soft brown lines coming from the eye of the bird or the little rippled edges of the leaves and the way the light hit them. It was very relaxing. Seeing extra details would add more vividness to the pictures, giving them more life when nature journaling.

I found this very intimidating as I can't draw at all. Most of the journal example videos looked very professional and I thought - oh boy this class is too hard for me. Anyway, I went ahead and drew the bird. I felt nervous and unsure. Nothing came easily. I used the "circle" type method to try and get the body and head right but it didn't help. I persevered and ended up with a recognizable bird so that is a good start. I did not even try the feathers much. I just wanted to get a drawing that at least resembled the photo in general terms. It was great that the photo "didn't move"! I wouldn't have noticed the lovely way the feet curl around the tree branch if I had just taken a photo. Nature journaling encourages , actually demands, observing details. That is more fun than taking a photograph I think. I need to overcome my frustration that my drawings are not only not perfect, but are the opposite. And accept where I am now and that what I do now is the best I can for where I am right now. Easier said than done but a good goal.

I definitely felt a bit nervous, trying to get everything perfect, but then I remembered no one is looking at the picture except for me. Drawing the bird shape was a bit easier than filling it in. I had a hard time trying to get the patterns of the feathers into the sketch but that's definitely something I noticed more than if I were taking a picture.

Once I realized that there is not time limit, I took my time and tried to get as much detail as I could.  Doing the contour of the warbler was easiest for me but when it came to the eye and beak this was another story.  I erased my eye and beak 4 times before I was happy with it.  My distances and proportion of the eye never added up.  

Here's my Yellow Warbler. It was much easier to draw from a photo than from live observation.

I felt intimidated at first because I'm not artistic. But I'm taking this class to enjoy nature as I see it, and I feel my bird turned out o.k.; just a little longer and chubbier.:) Getting the bird's body dimensions and details was difficult for me.  I found I enjoyed drawing the leaves. Although I used no color in my drawing, I think I would not have noticed all the beautiful colors and details of the branches had I not drawn this.

I felt at ease while drawing from the picture because I knew that all the details were already captured and always there for reference. I'm not sure that any of it came easily; I had to think about every part. The part that was especially challenging was creating the varied texture on the branch. Oh, and capturing the bird's expression was tough. Had I not drawn it, I wouldn't have noticed the extra detail around the bird's eye or its nostril. Not having those details would not have a dramatic difference while journaling but having them makes it more special. 

Is this primitive? Yes! Was it a challenge? Yes! Was this a fun exercise? Yes! Do I have room for improvement? Oh double yes! :)

Once I got over the fact that my drawing wasn't going to look like a photo, I was able to relax and really take notice of the details. Finding the starting point took me a few minutes. I decided to give a faint impression of the tree so the little warbler had something to land on. The feathers were the biggest challenge. There are so many textures and patterns! I wouldn't have noticed the little smile on the bird's face if I was just looking at the photo. It was a pleasant surprise. I was also intrigued by his little feet and wanted to get them just right. It's something about how he's holding on to the branch that captivated me. This would make a big difference when journaling because I have a deeper connection to this little fella. I also want to learn more about the different feathers and their functions.

When you have a photo you have more time to draw and you can go back and look at the subject any time. There could be many details that you might have missed in the field if you aren’t trained to pay attention to certain important details right in the beginning.  When drawing you can see more color, shape and dimension .  There can also be a sense of wonder and awe along the way.

What fun!  I just grabbed my granddaughter's sketch pad, a pencil and two colored pencils... and forgot about making dinner. I loved examining the relationship of the wing to the body with the different textures and colors as I tried to draw the little bird.  I would not have noticed these components if I had just a photograph to study. 

1. I prefer drawing from photos over real life events.  It gives me the opportunity to notice so many little details I would have overlooked. 2. There are so many things I would not have noticed if I wasn't drawing it; the different types of moss/lichen on the branch, the reddish/brown feathers underneath, the perfectly circular eye, the chewed on leaf... I think nature journaling forces you to slow and pay attention to the little things.

It is fun to draw from a photo as I can zoom in for detail and the bird doesn’t move.

I was surprised that I could draw anything remotely ressembling a bird!  Drawing has always intimidated me! Photography is my hobby, but my usual focus (!) is on composing the image, etc., and many of the fine details the bird identification are lost.  I like trying to place the eye in relation to the bill, placement of feet, shape of head, etc.  It was fun!

I’m pleased my drawing looks like a bird! I felt a bit intimidated at the thought of trying to draw anything. At first I was really trying to get the shapes right but once I started focusing on the details I let go of my perfectionism (a little) and just enjoyed noticing and trying to get some of the details. I found the feet to be really tricky!

The photo allowed time to really examine the scene.

It was difficult to capture the bird's pose - the bird has such an alert, energetic presence. My rendering slopes down too much at the tail. It's dismaying to see the differences between the photo and the drawing but feel as though I have limited ability to bridge the gap. I do enjoy finding the lights and darks in an image and taking note of textures.

After taking Liz's Drawn to Birds yesterday, I immediately signed up for this class. It has already been so much fun! Drawing from the photo was definitely easier than drawing from nature. When I try to draw birds at my bird feeder, they shift and fly away so I end up drawing from a field guide. The leaves weren't too difficult, but the overall shape of the bird was challenging. Trying to determine the relative sizes of the head and body was not easy. If I had not been drawing, I probably would not have noticed the lichen, moss, and the reddish color on the bird's breast. When nature journaling, noticing these details will make my drawings so much more realistic.

I enjoyed this first exercise, especially because it forced me to slow down and to notice details I might have glanced past otherwise. For example, I noticed some of the surrounding leaves had nibbles taken from them, the specific way the warbler's feet wrapped around the branch, and the beautiful patterning on its chest, details I might not have noticed in a photograph. I found it quite difficult to match the shapes, angles, and lines of the warbler, even when I thought I saw them quite well, with my own representation on the page. I did feel okay about how some of the details turned out, but mostly I'm excited to pick up some new tools throughout this course, and to hopefully see some improvement at the end!

The most challenging was drawing the bird and trying to get its anatomy correct. I’m not sure I would have noticed all the detail on the branch in the photo or it’s texture from the lichen and moss. Yes. I think noticing more detail does make a difference in nature journaling. One may start out drawing the bird but then notice the detail and decide to place mor emphasis on this detail rather than the bird. Noticing the detail opens up more journaling avenues.

Need to learn to use the watercolors.. I like them, but they're a bit messy. I think photos have an advantage in getting everything recorded at once, so no details are lost. However, the sketching process makes *me* pay attention to the details as I'm drawing them.

I think drawings have the advantage of capturing feeling through the eyes and hand of the person drawing - as long as a scientific approach isn't required.  Photos have the advantage of capturing actual colors and detail in a clear image.  I enjoyed drawing from the photo, because I tend to be slow and might miss a lot of details if I were drawing from nature.  I think the overall proportions came easily to me, although there are some areas that are a little off.  What was challenging for me was the relationship between the eye and the beak, and capturing the position and definition of the feathers.  I might not have noticed all the detail in the branches and feathers if I didn't draw it, and this detail can be important when reporting on your observations in your journal, to differentiate the various birds and their environment.

1)  I felt intimidated at first drawing from the photo, but relaxed when I realized the bird was not going to fly away and that I could take my time. It was challenging to get proportions right and to capture the essence of a living creature.  The easiest thing was making observations. 2)  I would not have noticed the details on the branches, eg the lichen and mosses.  I also would not have been as aware of the subtle colors on the bird and leaves.  I think this makes a difference when nature journaling because it exercises observational skills leading to questions, the next drawing, getting lost in the moment, etc.

Photos are quick and easy but one's attention to detail really comes into play when you try to draw/paint it. I kept wondering how much detail do I need to add?

Getting the shape of the warbler was not too difficult but I struggled with the beak. I did notice a slight up angle on the bottom of the beak and how it wraps around the head. Just had a difficult time trying to capture it. I like to do drawings from photos to loosen up and practice shapes. There is less pressure to be quick because your subject isn’t about to fly away!

It was a fun sketch to do.  I love drawing birds.  Drawing the bird was easy, except for its feet... I probably would not have noticed the lichen or the moss on the branches. I would have been focused on the color of the bird and it's markings so I could identify what kind of bird it was.  Yes it would make a difference in journaling, because the type of tree and leaves are part of the birds habitat.

There is so much I wouldn't have noticed if I didn't draw this yellow warbler, particularly the fine details, like the color of his legs and feet, or the way the the reddish brown is patterned on his breast. I am sure it all makes a difference with nature drawing because so many differences between species  are so subtle, that they are important to notice and document, if you really want to learn what you are looking at. Drawing is such a good way to focus, and to take the time to really notice.

• When you draw, you pay attention to all the details in the photo, even the tiny ones. But when just looking at a photo, you don't notice those tiny details.
• Drawing this photo was very interesting. I'm a little bit sad, because I don't know how to paint properly. Hoping to learn it here.
• Drawing the bird was easy but getting it's beak right was challenging. Still couldn't get it right.
• Yes, there is a lot that I wouldn't have noticed if I didn't draw this. I wouldn't have noticed how it's feathers are placed, how it's legs are placed and how the branches are.
• This would help me to notice more details when nature journaling.

What a treat that the warbler stayed still! It was very quiet; I would have liked to hear it sing on this cold March morning. Leaves are easier for me to draw as it feels there is more room for interpretation. The proportions, curves and angles of the warbler were tricky to capture accurately. The eye is so rich and perfectly circular in the image, the beak a triangle. Painting, well...I find it extremely hard to find the right colors. I don't know how to mix, and the water came out to fast from the brush. Maybe I was squeezing to hard? I went to dipping it in water and that was worse. I used a watercolor pencil for the streaks and it wasn't sharp enough and made wider streaks than intended. Being asked to draw it helped me see the details: where the wing met the body, shape of the beak, the twiggy nature of the feet.  Fun!

It was a tough draw! I am very rusty, but it was fun to play around and work on how to approach it. There are absolutely elements I would not have noticed if I had not attempted to draw the bird. I perhaps would not even have noticed the prominent red coloring around the chest and throat, instead focusing on the yellow and black, had I just spotted it in the wild or glanced at the photo. This would certainly make a difference when journaling. 

photos of course have the  advantage of rendering the image in a perfect way; however, digital photography has made most of us snap happy. I point and click and click and click and do not necessarily look at the all the little details in the bird. Drawing forces us to study minute details of the thing we are recording.

My image would not upload. It was in JPEG format and only 4 MB. Don't know what I did wrong. I felt challenged, a little scared and wondering how much detail I should in. I ended up drawing the entire picture with pencil, not just the bird. If I had not been drawing, I might not have noticed the red stripes on the bird's breast and the leaf that had been chewed.  I guess you should try to draw everything you see. But not sure.

My first thought was that it was pretty unfair to be asked to draw a bird without receiving any instructions on how to do it, but I have to say, the end result was not as disastrous as I thought it would be. Still, I can't wait to learn some techniques and tools in this course, including how to use watercolor :)

I’m really new to sketching and this was challenging, but I was surprised at how not terrible my bird’s shape and proportion came out. I can’t wait to learn some tools in the upcoming lessons to see how my style develops. The feet were challenging for me, and painting it didn’t do it any favors, but whatever. I’m here to learn!

Kind of scary until the head was drawn and it surprised me by looking like a bird! The head was easy; trying to get the body proportioned was more difficult.  I would not have noticed the brownish stripes on the bird or the way the feet were wrapped around the branch. This would make a huge difference in nature journaling because the more you notice, the better able you are to identify the object.

Amazed; surprised at liking my drawing. I stopped thinking and just drew; shape, shape, shade, get some scale on the beak, position eye, then more shading with shape of tail. I was out of my comfort zone until I wasn't. DJ's journal and narrative was a big difference maker. Feet were most challenging, partly because of the angle. I would not have noticed the bird's bend to the right without trying to draw the legs and feet. In journaling, that's significant.

I think it was probably easier to see details on a photo of a bird than in real life because obviously the birds typically are moving around but it was less relaxing. I think when in nature, I feel like I would sketch and not worry but here where it's clearly that I'm seeing all of the details, I felt some sort of pressure to include all of the details (of the bird - didn't do much with tree). It was interesting as I started going along how I started to notice the layering of the feathers and slight tone differential of all of the yellows and browns. When I came to the neck towards the end of my time, I didn't realize at first there had been a pattern there. 

Taking the time to stop and observe was itself grounding, relaxing, drawing is a little unnerving, when done for critique. Still it is so good to put pencil to paper. What was easy was the angles of the contour, what was challenging were the proportions, and the feeling of 'hereness' of the bird. I would not have noticed the blunted point of the beak, the wrinkleliness of the branches, the lichen, the slight turn of the head towards us, the very different angles of the legs, the orange breast streaks.

I definitely notice more detail in the photo when I am drawing from it.  I was afraid that my drawing would not look like the Yellow Warbler that I know but it does have some resemblance.  The outline of the bird cam easier than I thought it might.  Filling in the wings and rest of the bird was harder than I thought it might be. -like how to get those primary feathers to look like primary feathers.

I enjoyed drawing from the photo. What came most easily was that the bird stayed nice and still! The angles of the legs and the way the feet wrap around the branch was the most challenging and also what I might not have noticed if I hadn't drawn it. And yes, this would make a difference when nature journaling....

It was a blast.  I really enjoyed creating. The shapes came pretty easily and the proportions were harder.  The shading also seems harder.  How do you make the shadows and the darker lines in black and white.  I noticed the lines on the feathers and around the eye, also the moss on the branches.  These differences would be missed if just looking at the photo.

1) At first it seemed easy. Getting the outline was okay. It was more difficult when I began adding details. I felt like I was messing up the more I added, and I was happier when it was more of a general shape and feel. 2) I definitely notice the bill and eye details more - particularly the shape and color.

I felt find drawing from a photo.  Easier than chasing a fluttering bird.  I think any time you are asked to draw a thing you pay more attention to the details, like the black eye, the layers of covert feathers, the red streaking.  You can dig down deeper into the little things.  I think the goal, for me, to do the NJing is to pay more attention to these details.    

Having a photo to draw from wasn't too bad.  I found it a little difficult to get the posture of the bird right.  And without coloring it in, it's hard to distinguish between the greenish & black on the back of the bird and the bright brown on the front. I definitely noticed more about the feather structure than I would have from just looking at the photo.