• Kim
      Participant
      Chirps: 7
      I recently retired from a fast paced career and thought that this journaling class would be a great way to slow myself down and begin focusing on the smallest details in the natural world around me.  By drawing the plants, insects, birds and mammals in my immediate area, I anticipate learning about the different species that inhabit my surroundings and the ways they interrelate.  While I always wanted to learn to draw, I found my tendency towards self-criticism kept me from taking a class.  I am hoping that this on-line course will allow me to develop some skills and confidence so that I can at least be comfortable expressing myself in a private journal.  The sample journals are inspiring.  I expect that I will begin by trying to capture the form of what I see, like the study of the hummingbirds, then work on incorporating details and color.
    • Joanne
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      Being in the present, capturing the moment.  I have used the connection to nature through journaling as part of my daily meditation. Most days I am up early to welcome the new day with a cup of coffee, a great backyard window, and a front row seat with a view to nature at its best.  I had the opportunity to share connecting to nature with my students when I taught elementary school.  Journaling became a daily "assignment", that quickly became a "joyful habit."  Together we all shared just a few minutes capturing and observing interesting things we saw.  "Keep it simple" I would say.  Focus on what you see. Enjoy the experience, and enjoy the sense of place where you are at that moment. "  I like to think many of those students are still out there, connecting to nature and capturing their world in their journals.  I am always looking for ideas and suggestions from other journals.  Connecting to nature journaling will not only help us continue to learn more about the natural world we live in, but just maybe help us find  solutions to protect, and save, our earth.  Capturing and recording our thoughts and observations quickly, becomes a history, or record, of wildlife, plants, trees, insects, etc., of what could someday no longer exist.  I think nature journaling helps to "capture that moment".  It just might be the moment that changes and saves this world we live in.
      • Erin
        Participant
        Chirps: 4
        Joanne--What you said about journaling becoming a "joyful habit" really struck me. I hope to feel that way soon. I also like what you said about telling your students to "enjoy the sense of place where you are in the moment". I think I will have to borrow that from you. I will be teaching a journaling class for middle school students soon. Having taught journaling to young people, can you offer some advice on removing resistance to the activity?
    • Ann
      Participant
      Chirps: 4
      I sketched in pencil, pen & ink for years. Then life got in the way ( school, work and raising a family). I found I drew less and less, until I wasn’t drawing at all. Now I’m retired, child is grown and out of the house. I signed up for the backyard feeder count that starts in November. Then an email arrived advertising this course. Perfect combo. Watching birds and field sketching. Now I can return to my two passions, nature and art. I like the the first field sketching journal. Documenting date,place,time and conditions and the thoughts you are having. I like the last one, but it seemed like finished art vs sketches and impressions. Beautiful work. I think I’ll try and keep a small sketchbook with me at all times. That way if I see something I can catch it. Nature’s all around us, better document it before it’s gone.
    • Christa
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      I became interested in field journaaling when I first saw this course listed, last year I started painting with watercolor and my favorite subject is birds and feathers. As a rather new birder I feel like this is a great way to get out into the field or even in my yard and capture what I see and having it in a journal form will make it a much more memorable keepsake thn just another waterrcolor that goes in the box with the other paintings.   I am abviously drawn to a combination of watercolor and journaling but loved seeing different styles, I feel like I will try out several styles and will narrow it down once I actually begin using the techniques and creating my own journal, but it will likely be a combination of several styles.
    • Sandy
      Participant
      Chirps: 32
      What inspired me to begin nature journaling? Three years ago, after learning about the current rate of extinction, I've felt a sense of urgency to pay attention, to really notice, birds in particular. And recently my interest in art has been rekindled. Drawing requires  attention, noticing the details. We are creating images that will someday remind us. I am drawn to the integration of scenery, plant details and animal sketches, along with the journaler's written notes. It gives a multi-faceted view of the experience. I like that each page can be different, with a few elements of continuity.
    • Maidie
      Participant
      Chirps: 9
      Two years ago I got my certificate as an Oregon Master Naturalist. I really enjoyed the course and field courses. I have wanted to start journaling but just didn't seem to have a good way to start. I also want to learn to use and feel more comfortable with watercolors, and when I saw this course I hoped to get a start with it. Very interesting to see others journals and how different there are, and how they changed over time. I don't imagine that I will be able to draw that well, but I'm willing to try. As an amateur photographer, artist and naturalist, I'm hoping to put all of this together somehow. Really, I need to learn to slow down and observe, and by drawing I'm hoping to achieve this. I don't have a different idea, but I loved the monthly journal. Very flowing, and a neat way to see the months and seasons change all on one page.
    • Tess
      Participant
      Chirps: 4
      I am actually a photographer but got interested in drawing and sketching from my Grandma and Dad. I feel like i know several bird movemts/ Stills, landing onto a tree limb, feeding on a feeder, moving along the water, preening. But, doing it in action is a challenge. I feel like a combination of sketch and some water color to show some depth of the object. As  you progress, the colors might be something to ID and animal or plant. Same as a teachable moment. Not sure what the object might  be doing and then they do it and you learn from the observations and the sketch.
    • Freddi
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      I really liked the first journaler - watching her start with constrained boxes to help her feel more “comfortable” with the empty page, then begin breaking away from her constraints and drawing outside of the boxes, but in the end, managing to bring the boxes back as a framing element because she just  liked the way they looked. Fascinating journey!
    • Richard
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      When I first saw the course in the online catalog, I thought it would really be great to get back into watercolor again and keep in practice. The challenge of using watercolor to sketch sounded interesting as well. Also learning drawing techniques would be a plus.  I've been an avid birder for a long time, and seeing the different birds at the feeder or should I say feeders gives me great pleasure in observing them. The white breasted nuthatch climbing up and down the arbor, the lesser goldfinches. I would love to draw, paint and record them.
    • Amy
      Participant
      Chirps: 22
      1. I've kept a written journal for decades, but a few years ago realized that I like to draw when I'm traveling. The process of observing while drawing really creates memories. And now most of what I write in my journal are notes on how my garden is going or what's showing up in it: the hummingbird catching insects by the bean plants (yes, hummingbirds catch insects!) and the praying mantis grooming her forelegs with her mouth for all the world like a cat washing itself. I'd love to be able to add drawings to that, and gain more confidence in my drawing, and be able to capture more in sketches. 2. I liked the variety, commitment, and willingness to experiment in Holly's journals, as well as the way it gives a sense of what's fascinating her as she moves through time (and wow, I'd love to be able to draw that well). I also liked Margaret's just-go-for-it hummingbird drawings and the way she learned more as she drew. D.J.s command of geometry and Shayna's field guides also interested me. I don't know what style I'll end up at--and there'll probably be some variety--but I look forward to the chance to experiment.
    • Sallie
      Participant
      Chirps: 11
      As an observer and lover of the outdoors and a devoted but amateur birder, I have been keeping a very undisciplined and haphazard  journal for several years.  I am constantly dropping pictures and thoughts into my journal bag, hoping to add and expand these inspirations into my journal at a later date.  But more often than not, I don't get to it!  So starting today, thanks to this class, I am hoping to record in a more dedicated manner!  (fingers crossed!). Besides recording observances and thoughts, including poetry and fitting quotes, I also try to acknowledge an E.D.I. - Exquisite Daily Image - into my journal - an idea inspired by a friend/teacher from a few years back.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to manage a journal like Holly F each day; I love her design for the date each day.  But it was even too much for her.  I am hoping to work harder on my own sketches and do less copying from my field guides.  Each of your journalists worried less about perfection and more about the learning experience.  That was a great inspiration.
      • Nancy
        Participant
        Chirps: 23
        Hi Sallie I like that. EDI. Claire Walker Leslie had a similar idea in her nature journals. It was so inspiring. An exceptional daily image I think she called it. It showed glimpses of joy and beauty in the everyday. We sure need that. Your journaling will be a source of gratitude and beauty for sure! Enjoy this class! Thanks for posting. You can do this! 👍🏻
    • Crystal
      Participant
      Chirps: 5
      I’ve been doing nature journaling for some time now, so when I saw this class, I had to sign up.  I am always looking for new ideas and techniques.  I am impressed with working on site, and even if it’s not a complete picture, it still shows the concept. I do a lot of sketches from photos that I take so I would like to work on drawing in nature.  I really like the field notes and the monthly sketches and I really liked the enlarged bits of a plant.
    • Kati
      Participant
      Chirps: 12
      I was inspired to start nature Journaling after receiving the California Field Atlas by Obi Kaufman.  i found his lose watercolor style to be so beautiful yet detailed enough to get a real sense of the subject. i painted with Acrylics in college, but watercolors were never my style. I decided to give them a try as a way to illustrate my love for nature. I wanted something beyond a quick iphone photo which is easily forgotten, once it get's lost in the mix.
      • Amy
        Participant
        Chirps: 22
        Yes, Obi's work is beautiful!
    • Karen
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      1. This course offering came along at just the right time.  After clearing away some prior commitments, I had set a goal of engaging in creative play, painting and observation.  The place where I live is inspiring me to get to know it better and instead of photographing, I want to devote the time to observe, to sketch and paint the natural world. 2. If only I could get comfortable doing quick sketches of birds!  Or any animal on the move... the various examples in several of the journals encouraged me. 3.  I'm not sure, but it might work better for me to begin with a smaller format journal.  I'd started with a little 4" X 6" because it's easy to carry and, since I think I'm very slow at painting and observing, the 7" x 10" feels daunting.  On the other hand, I liked the way  some of the journalers simply used the space for several observations and either framing them, or simply creating a moving, rhythmic series of sketches.  I'm going to think about this a little more!  It was pouring rain today, but I have plenty of natural objects in my house to sketch and paint.
    • Student Birder
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      I live in western Massachusetts surrounded by forest. I am a birder and photographer who is always tromping about in both urban and rural locations.  I wanted to document my tromping other than in just photos to make myself observe a little closer and meld a bit more with nature.  I drew a great deal when I was younger, but have lost touch with that side of myself.  I want to record my life in more than just text and a nature journal seems like just the ticket.  I liked all of the entries in the video and might take inspiration from a number of them  I think walking and sketching small things that peak my interest will be the method for me.  I’d like to do a day of good journaling each week.  Don’t want to overcommit.  I also will probably go back and add species and other info after the fact.  The thought of learning to add color to my journals is intriguing to me.
    • Phyllis
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      I think I have a lot of art in me. My challenge has been, how to bring this art into the world. Photos and sketching and drawing, a bit of watercolor perhaps and writing, journaling and essays. I love nature and photographs, and try to capture the essence or the heart of each moment, whether it is photo I take or a photo I see. Like some of the other course participants mentioned, so far I have only been able to bring this art out sporadically, and with a certain hesitancy. Now, I too, am retired and the time has arrived. All nature inspires me.  I need to begin, to take action. I needed the push to make it happen. Then, I saw this course offering. This is it, I said, the time has arrived. Seeing the variety  is encouraging. I appreciate that writing is an integral approach to the journaling process. Observing the mixture of media from such a diverse group, makes the approach seem attainable, whatever the skills we demonstrate when we come to the table. I like the idea of setting a goal to nature journal every day, even a little bit for ten weeks. To create the habit. Not sure if I will accomplish this, but worth a try. Adding simple specific touches, date, time, weather, our own spirit of the time... invaluable. One additional push...This summer, our human and animal family includes the addition of a paint 20190831_152832408_iOSmare, Sadie, who is in foal for next spring.  As the weather cools this autumn (we live in South Carolina), I hope to take my small portable chair into the paddock and observe, draw sketch, write and paint, even a little bit. So, when baby foal arrives in the spring, I will be prepared to welcome the new addition to our story, in art.     I am interested if anyone is including collage.. a leaf, a feather, grasses, fur or cloth, for example ?
      • Laurie
        Participant
        Chirps: 15
        Hi Phyllis, I hadn't thought of including objects to collage but I quite like your suggestion. It's not unlike collecting leaves to flatten between the pages of books, then forgetting about them till months later when they meet me at the turn of a page. Only with the nature journal I hope to be referring to it more often than months apart! Cheers, Laurie
    • Joni
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      1. What inspired you to begin nature journaling? I have journaled since before 1980. Most journal volumes were written journals. Around 2003 I began sketching and using colored pencils and as I began learning more by reading, watching videos, and studying others' journals-- I began sketching and using watercolors. I am a passionate birder/naturalist since about 6th grade. . . so I usually do more watching & observing during the encounter then when home I journal what I experienced. I would like to become better at sketching in the moment-- the quick gesture sketches similar to what D.J. did in his journals. 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? D.J.'s ability capture the various postures/behaviors in the moment. I also use eBird to report my observations and can't always capture a photograph of a species that needs documentation so would like to improve so I can use sketches as my documentation. 3. Do you have a different journaling idea, not mentioned here, that you’d like to share? Not really, but I always make my Date, Weather Data, and Sunrise/Sunset times prominent on my pages so they jump out upon turning a page. I put my date in a rectangular box and then use a yellow highlighter to fill it in so it shows up well.
    • Karoline
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      I have always considered myself an outdoor-sy type person and I've always liked art (though I'm not very good). I have several books on nature journaling and the idea appeals to me. I've just never started doing it. I love birds. I used to live in Florida and I was a very active birder there. Now I live in Kentucky and I bird less because I just don't know the environment very well. So, I'm hoping to combine a number of things with this course. I'd like to start birding more in KY and nature journaling the experience. I really liked the journal in the video where the lady said she'd made a resolution to do a little journaling every day / every month. I'd like to resolve to do something everyday, but I know I won't be able to keep that resolution, so I'm going to aim for every week. But I liked combining the whole month/4 weeks on one page. That seemed like it had good potential to tell a story. I'm looking forward to forming a new habit!
    • Betty
      Participant
      Chirps: 16
      I've been drawing daily for quite a while, I live in the Syracuse area, we have 43 acres of woods and I generally draw grass, flowers, bugs and little creatures I spot throughout my days.  This past summer I had a wren family set up house keeping in a birdhouse near my bedroom window.  Each morning after the eggs hatched the "father" bird, I presume, sang on a branch near the window several feet away from where we were sleeping. I was really excited about our new neighbors and I sat outside close enough to watch the pair actively flying back and forth feeding their brood. I decided to draw the tree, birdhouse, and the tiny bird scolding me from a few feet away.  I usually try to get photos to copy later on, but I'd like to try my hand at field drawing as described in the lesson discussions. When I received the notification for this class I immediately decided I would take it so I could properly journal my experiences with all the beautiful creatures I see.  I'd like to be able to leave something for my grandchildren that I hope they will someday cherish. Thanks Betty (Bee Kay)
    • Sarah
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      I used to draw and paint all the time when I was a kid, and I filled many notebooks with all sorts of doodles and sketches. Most of my subject matter was animals and plants, with the odd dragon and unicorn making an appearance every now and then. (It was the 70's...) I want to do that again. I want to take the time to sit and be still, and record my day in a nature journal. I think I would like to try a daily journal entry approach and hope that I can make that happen without life getting too much in the way of this. (HA!) All the journals in the video were very inspiring and I want to thank them for sharing their work. I can't wait to start!
    • Heather
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      This first segment was really inspirational. I loved seeing all the variations of journals and field sketching styles. I especially liked how Shayna used boxes (or the suggestion of boxes) to break up her pages. I think I will try that in my journal. Also, the way D.J. broke down the geometric shapes common in birds was really cool. And Holly's journal was so detailed and colorful - I can only hope that one day I will be as skilled! I am a total novice at sketching, but already I am so excited to make field sketching and nature journaling a part of my daily life!
    • Carrie
      Participant
      Chirps: 7
      Actually, I found a children's book for a friend that had monthly nature activities.  My friends kids love "writing in the nature book" and I thought, wow, why don't I do that?  I love going out and taking photos - mostly birds - and I would really like to try to keep a journal of other things that I see and have my experience documented with words etc.  About 2 months later, this course appeared, and I am so excited! I really liked elements of many of the journals shown.  I like the use boxes to define sections, I like the idea of doing a monthly page of observations, and I like that not all things have to be "finished".
    • Caroline
      Participant
      Chirps: 1
      I would go on sketching trips in high school, but that was many years ago. I would like to refresh any skills I might have had using my own backyard and nearby park as source material. I've always been intrigued by watercolor and look forward to learning some techniques!
    • Donna
      Participant
      Chirps: 34
      I live in New Hampshire and have hiked extensively in the White Mountains and in my own town that has many woods trails and natural areas.  I want to get away from the snap and move on culture of just taking photos and begin to spend more time observing the world outside.  I spent a week each of the past two summers on Appledore  Island, ME and loved watching the Herring Gulls and the great Black-Backed Gulls, I really want to spend time drawing and painting them.  I did do one watercolor of a sunrise there but from a photo, not from sitting out at the time. I am not sure which type of journaling I will settle with, I may try more than one technique then find my own way.  I will let you know if I find something different than those shown that works for me.
    • Rick
      Participant
      Chirps: 2
      I have been journaling for a long time, I first got interested in and bought Clare Walker Leslie & Charles E. Roth "Keeping a Nature Journal". I am very interested in the different techniques. I found that after awhile I stopped drawing and did more note-taking. I would like to get back to the basics an draw more and write less. As for the different journals, all have an interesting slant and I don't think I found any one any better or worse than the other one. I spend a lot of time on the beach and in the woods, surrounded by nature. I would like to find my own technique perhaps using some of the interesting ones from the other journalers.