I had a class where we were assigned to different topics, there were reading a book then writing about it, bird watching, and nature journaling. I got bird watching and I was unhappy at first but I dealt with it. I told my mom about my unhappiness and she got me this course! I forgot to tell her it only lasted for a week, but I hope this class improves my drawing skill of real animals.

Journalling was a daily part of my ESL teaching, freewriting while my students wrote. The freedom from worrying about mistakes & simply 'thinking on paper' has so much to offer - for language fluency in L2 learners & teachers alike. I can see from these nature journal clips that it's much the same here &, still a beginner in drawing & painting, look forward to getting into the habit of letting go of my tendency to perfectionism in my first nature journal. All of these journals offer inspiration & i think i'll just wait & see which of their strategies pop up as i begin mine for this course. It will be a great boon to be able to pursue it together with my dear friend & walking buddy Susie.

I've always been interested in drawing and painting, and art in general, but I've never taken the opportunity to delve into as I would have liked.  I though that nature journaling could allow me to step into that realm.  I've been trying my hand at nature journaling for several years, although not consistently, but I'm making an effort to make it a habit.  I want to capture those fleeting images that I see in the out-of-doors, things that a camera doesn't do justice for.  I wanted to capture the details and to note what I saw, as well as improve my technical skills of drawing and painting. I like the idea that Holly Faulkner had, of having a page per month, and entering a variety of sketches of things she observes, and not being "locked in" to having to make a sketch per day.  I also like how Shayna shared her progression of moving from placing everything in boxes to allowing a more free-form style of capturing her observations. I'm including one of my first nature journal entries, looking at the bird feeder outside my kitchen window.  I took a photo, and then worked off of that, since the birds were flying so quickly.

Ive drawn and painted in spurts over my lifetime during each of which I have been fully  immersed - daily activities set aside as I lose track of time, drawn ever deeper into the process  - with long dry spells between I am now in my late seventies - and am no longer have the physical strength or stamina  for many of the cottage and gardening season activities that I loved. I was attracted to this course as a 'right sized' endeavour - which would rekindle my love of drawing and painting and writing and through this activity extend/expand  my enjoyment of the cottage and gardening and the old train bed walks I take with an artist friend .  She also has been looking for ways to re-start her drawing and painting - and so the two fo us have signed up - and will share our experience with each other - and it is our hope that this will  sustain our engagement long enough to establish a pattern/a habit of daily/weekly observation and representation of  the natural world.

I’m an avid journalist and nature lover, but aside from taping or tracing leaves into my journal, I’ve not really sketched or painted nature. Probably because I’ve never considered myself much of a visual artist.  I love the idea of observing more carefully and making deeper connections between my outside and inside worlds—and trying to do this more visually. There were many techniques I appreciated in the sample journals that I’ll likely incorporate: drawing boxes with specimens that escape them; little color palettes; finding geometric shapes. I’m eager to learn more drawing/painting skills and have enjoyed reading others’ comments here too.

The first time I saw a nature journal, in a book by a nature journaling instructor, I was so taken by the beauty of it that it never left me. Fifteen years later, I was struggling with depression, and to feel better I started trying things I had always wanted to do but for some reason had never done. I've been working at it on and off ever since, and it has become a part of my journey. Art and creativity don't come naturally to me, and I have trouble with the muscles in my hands, which prevents me from doing some things, like using colored pencils or a water brush. But I have also discovered that I love watercolor, and for the first time I have created a few sketches that I can stand to look at. I love all of the approaches in the video. Some for their color and beauty and others for their close study and attention to detail. I'd like my journal to be unstructured enough to practice any of these approaches.

I have been bird watching for as long as I can remember and been involved in conservation and native rehab projects for most of my life. I had never thought to record my observations and experiences until recently. I have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of working in Policing. It was suggested as a rehab and mindfulness to assist with recovery and I just love it. I really liked the idea of drawing and journaling everyday for a year, today being the 1st January 2022, I will begin my journey.. below is my first nature journal entry d:28/12/21. I like some of the other ideas which i will include in my next pages.

1. I love nature and art and wanted to get back into drawing (something I haven't done much of as an adult). This seemed a great way to combine the two. Further, I teach middle school science and want to introduce journaling to my students. I think they would really benefit from this. 2. I like a clean page (no lines). I also like how some of the journals make boxes to contain, define their data. I am curious about what I see and would also utilize field guides to confirm what I'm seeing or learn more about it. I like the use of color, but am lousy with water color. So I might stick to colored pencils (for now).

I'd like to try drawing and journaling fish I see diving as a way to pay more attention to details and to remember details for identification. Obviously this will be different since I can't take the journal underwater. I don't photograph fish but I do have access to a lot of good photos. Ideas????

1.  I started journaling when I was taking my master's degree in Outdoor Education from Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN.  There was a class in the progam specifically on nature journaling.  Then elements of journaling were incorporated into several other classes.  One class was a week long canoe trip in the Boundary Waters National Park up in Minnesota.  One of the requirements on this trip was to have a daily journal. All through my life, I have always drawn from pictures or things in nature.  Since then I have started to put my drawings into a journal format.  As a high school science teacher, I'm using journals in my classes.  In the classroom setting the focus is on class content, not so much on outside observation due to the climate of the classroom.  The students journal every week.  The format is to divide a full page spread into five sections.  Each section is labeled as D1, for day 1, D2, D3, D4, and D5.  D1 is Monday and D5 ends up as Friday.  Then specific things are required in each day.  D1 is the title and statement for that week's topic of study. This information is given by an electronic newsletter from the science dept.  D2 is a picture, D3 is 4 bullets of information, D4 is another picture or chart, and D5 is the question and answer.  The question is again listed in the electronic newsletter (aka: Science Zone).  Throughout the week from demonstrations, class lecture, text book reading, and visual materials, the students are to get the information to complete each day of their journals.  The students are given guidelines about colors, outlining and use of space.  This is my first year doing it and so far it has promising results. In looking at this first section, I have found this class to be thought inspiring and look forward to completing it as I look for new ways to add to my nature journal and as a tool for the science classroom. 2.  In seeing another nature journal on the internet (Amazon.com) which I ordered a copy, I've started using the format that they used.  This was before I started this class.  Now from this first section, I see the value of dates, locations, and weather.  These different details, provide valued information for what is put down in each page of the journal.  I haven't done weather but now I plan to add it to my pages. At this time, I'm planning to experiment some with watercolors in my journaling process.  I've done watercolor paintings in the past but at this time I have been using colored pencils with black outlines, which is the format from the journal copy I purchased.    In my own journal I have also been using common names and scientific names. I'm seeing there are some common points to journaling but yet there are differences in styles which I can use to improve my own skills. 3.  My ideas have been mixed in with the above response.  1) journaling in the classroom and 2) copying the style of another journal that involved colored pencils, black outlines, and bit of information and facts.

I have been birdwatching many years but still have difficulty identifying certain groups of species like sparrows. I am thinking that by drawing and colouring my drawings I can improve my bird id skills. I have started taking drawing lessons only recently (at 60!) and I « discovered » watercolour crayons which I would like to use with my drawings. I often take nature pictures on my iphone which I like but end up throwing out not knowing what to do with them. By transferring them to a sketch book I would have a record of what caught my attention which I would like to share with family and friends.

1. I love to watch birds and keep lists.  Recently took an intro drawing and watercolor class and thought nature journaling would be a good way to continue to practice art skills and record my outdoor adventures.  2.  I want to use a journal with good watercolor paper so that I can continue to improve in that technique. 3. I have been keeping a nature journal for a year, but I don't do much field sketching.  Much of the time I'm on a paddleboard at it doesn't work (I have tried)!  So, I take digital photos with a small waterproof camera or my phone if on land and draw from the computer later in the comfort of home.  I do make notes in the field or write down my bird lists as soon as I get home to combine with the photos later.

1. What inspired you to begin nature journaling? I live on a ranch—I spend lots of time outside and my house has lots of windows so I’m constantly hearing and seeing nature. I take lots of pics but wanted a way to draw/paint and write to capture my days. 2. Which ideas do you want to try? I like that all the journals I saw are sort of continual and stream of consciousness. I do like tracking the date, conditions, and other notes about what I’m observing. I really like the magnified views and details the one journaler did.

1.) The National Park near my home has some phenomenal and breathtaking views, as well as beautiful birds, and I would love to be able to capture that beauty in something tangible and that I can show to other people. By putting these things on paper, it helps me to develop a deeper love and appreciation for birds and nature in general. 2.) I want to start with a drawing and add annotations around it. Then if I have time, I would like to research a little about what I am documenting and add some more information about it. 3.) Maybe include how the item or place makes you feel or your interaction with it.

1. What inspired me to begin nature journaling? As I go through my Senior year of high school, I have had to think about what I can do to continue learning after my "required" school is over. This is a fun way to spark my creative side (which doesn't come out unless I really force it to) and to continue learning outside of textbooks. Birds inspire me to put my hand to something Im not that great at: Drawing. In fact, my first real piece of art (you know, not the 5 year old's stick figure "drawings") was of a Cedar Waxwing. Since then, the only thing I really feel comfortable drawing is birds. So I don't want to settle for mediocracy in doing the thing I love. But to reach for greatness, and see where this wonderful journey through God's creation leads me. 2. Something that I found fascinating about several journals from the video, was the special noting of...well...noteworthy things. For example, the "magnifying glass" technique in Shayna Muller's work. Another thing that stuck out to me was the attitude of "its ok if its not perfect." In fact, DJ McNeil, purposely omitted some features because he hadn't seen it well enough to draw it. I'm naturally a perfectionist, so I would struggle to leave a bird faceless or to leave a scene unfinished. But its a relaxing and often motivating thought to be okay with however your drawing turns out.

1. What inspired you to begin nature journaling? I began nature journaling as part of my journey through healing from trauma (a decade of domestic abuse). There is something about being present in nature and observing details closely and understanding that we are all part of a bigger picture that instills hope and possibility and that is no small thing when your mind is filled with anxiety and worry and always overactively scanning your environment for perceived threats. Nature journaling is grounding and inspiring and so good for our mental health. 2. Now that you’ve heard from several other journalers about their processes, and had a peek at their journals, which ideas or approaches do you want to try? I love the idea of recording time, place and weather. In the past, I've just jotted down the date but the extra details bring the memory alive so much more. I will also keep using watercolor, as I love it.   3. Do you have a different journaling idea, not mentioned here, that you’d like to share? I'd love to bring in the art of hand lettering and practice decorative lettering in combination with nature observations.

I love how this is a mix of art and science. It really shows a level of connection to the nature rather than just a study of it 1. What inspired you to begin nature journaling? I am a forever learner and started birding march 2020 during quarantine. I realized while I like learning the science I really love the beauty and connection. I’m excited to mix my love of learning with my hobby of art 2. Now that you’ve heard from several other journalers about their processes, and had a peek at their journals, which ideas or approaches do you want to try? I want to go with whatever feels right in the moment. Perhaps like the first one of having drawings and words in loose boxes 3. Do you have a different journaling idea, not mentioned here, that you’d like to share? maybe adding how you felt that day. Adding what your human experience was being with the subjects

1) This course was a gift from my husband. It was a beautiful surprise. Some time ago I started to paint and draw and also we like to go outside and appreciate nature. So he taught it would be nice to combine both activities. I am excited. 2) I like the idea of appreciate and record God´s creation. Also have a close connection with nature and learn about different species. I want to enjoy and relax at the same time memories are created on my 1st nature journal.

1. I have long wanted to start nature journaling, but either got frustrated by not being "good" at it immediately, or just never took the time to figure it out. I recently moved to a new city, but to the region I have long called home. While I planned my move, I decided to finally take up nature journaling as a way to get to know my new surroundings, reacquaint myself with the region, and get outside when I have a an annoying tendency to stay inside. 2. I am inspired by the journalers who -- implicitly or explicitly -- recalled a time and place where they observed the subject of their sketch, and even remembered how they felt that day. The casual mention of a warbler in the field, to the near-scientific notation of location, date, and weather. For so long I have thought of nature journaling (and journaling generally) as a product for someone else to look at, not for myself. I am certain that this is why I have had such a hard time sticking to it. I always got frustrated if I couldn't write something "profound" in a journal, so what was the point? These journalers have demonstrated that the nature journal isn't for anyone by themselves, and the joy, memory, education, and perhaps even therapy, that comes from their experience.

As I am new to sketching and painting, I know that I will depend on words and reflections often in my journal. But I would like to get to the point where I can illustrate the same things I might write about in pictures, colors, shapes, etc. but I think I will always incorporate thoughts and reflections in writing as a complement to pictures.

I live on one of the Southern Gulf Islands and with my job and house and garden and sailboat, I feel like a rarely have time to do anything let alone anything artistic. Except that I need to journal every day just to stay in touch with me. I always feel the need to express the beauty around me. On our last trip, this one to the interior of BC, I bought a book called Nature sketch and started sketching out of it because i have always wanted to be able to record the beauty of our travels somehow. So I really want to learn to sketch, draw and paint! I liked how the author of this book learned about what she sketched and wrote it down so I could learn it too. My friends who are biologists tell me stuff all the time which I promptly forget. I know I will remember it better if I sketch the details of what they are talking about. It also feels when I do like Nature is not separate from me, and I am more a part of it. Also, in my profession I use lots of plants and flowers. I keep a blog just for fun (nothing to do with business!) and would love to illustrate it because it feels so personal and is a way of putting more of myself into it. As you can tell, I am a complete beginner. But as a child I used watercolours to show all kind of animals and nature living their lives in an interwoven way. I would like to do the same thing again with this course. Thank you!

1. I've had a lot of extra time to pursue my lifelong hobby of arts and crafts since working from home. I find art courses helps to keep me consistently inspired and they help me to broaden my horizons in terms of drawing subjects. Journaling has always been a hobby as well, so it made sense to combine the two.   2. I would love to implement templates across my pages, although that idea may be inspired more by my love of comic books and manga. I also think that consistently having a place for flora, fauna and scenery would help make for nicely varied subjects. I'm also going to base my art off of photos more often than not to I don't run into the problem of having incomplete details, especially with birds. I also want to try to use mixed media, both watercolor and colored pencil and see which gives me better results.   3. Templates and themes within my journal, though not entirely a new idea, may be an interesting way to help organize my pages and make them as organized and informative as possible.

1. I love birds and have always had a hard time drawing birds for some reason, despite the amount of time I spend watching them. I love being out in nature and appreciating the little things. I hope this will nurture that vein in my soul! 2. I really liked the idea of capturing the general shapes and motions of birds, even leaving out facial features when the bird flies away, and not pretending to have seen the face and filling in the blank. I also like the idea of incomplete drawings, like that is a natural part of the journaling process. It takes away from the obsession with perfection, and redirects the focus on the goal of the journal entry, whether that be general shape of birds. I also was surprised at people being able to capture birds despite how much they move! I'm interested in trying the journaling style that includes mostly drawing (for that is mostly why I am taking this course) but includes notations and questions, because I'm sure I will have some!

1. I've been intimidated by nature journaling but Liz's Robin watercolor class gave me some confidence so I thought I'd give this a try. I love art and can watch little insects and animals for hours - seems like the perfect combo! 2. Noting flora and fauna and general observations about the environment (sounds, colors, patterns, etc) and maybe leaving some space for extra details that can be looked up later. Love the zoomed in details in the first journal!

I am not real good at all this tech stuff, but I hope you get it and can make sense of my meanderings.