Beth
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Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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I decided to do some observations of the pattern on the side of a mountain. All along one face, the erosion of the loose shale rock creates a vertical pattern. I was struggling trying to draw it with pencil and was not happy with how it was turning out. I finally decided to bust out my watercolors for the first time! I was really pleased with the way that I could show the light and shadow of the pattern with watercolor.
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It was such a quiet afternoon. Rustling leaves were the primary sound in every direction, but other than that, it was all so still. I enjoyed drawing a leaf close-up. This particular day I think my mind was also a little preoccupied, but focusing the the details of the leaf helped me be more present.
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I love the texture and shading on this avocado!
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I like using scribbles to show texture and value. I thought the egg was going to be easy, but it was actually the most challenging. Eggs have such a perfect, smooth texture and it was hard to achieve that.
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I always find birds challenging. Even though they are made up of simple geometric shapes, they are tricky! I started by trying to identify simple shapes, and then I went back in with pen and did a more true outline of the bird with minimal texture for the different feathers. Sketching initial shapes was challenging, and going back in afterwards felt easier. So maybe sketching the shapes first was helpful...? If I hadn't been asked to draw this bird and had just seen it, or perhaps taken a photo, I might not have noticed the beautiful little branch it was on. I just loved the different colors and varieties of lichen on that branch! Natural journaling certainly helps you take in general impressions of things as well as the tiny details.
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I teach 5th grade science and a couple of years ago I started having my students keep a science journal. I also love art and wanted to combine my love of art with science, so I did some formal drawing lessons with my students to help them feel more confident drawing their observations. I have loved doing this with my class, but I would really like to start practicing this for myself. This class seemed like the perfect tool that I needed to help me better teach my students, but to really get me outside and practicing nature journaling on my own time. I like the idea of having regular journaling goals - daily, weekly, monthly. Filling a page a month seems like a great goal for me. I also like the idea of doing some field sketching while traveling. I am moving to Japan next month and think that drawing in my journal will be a really neat way to capture my new surroundings and experiences.
I like using scribbles to show texture and value. I thought the egg was going to be easy, but it was actually the most challenging. Eggs have such a perfect, smooth texture and it was hard to achieve that. 
Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)