Marydee
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The context for my nature journaling and reflection is set against the backdrop of fire and smoke. I live in Portland, Oregon. We had rented a vacation home in eastern Oregon, months ago. Our plans were to hike and get out into the wilderness of the Cascades. The dangerous levels of smoke in the air that week forced us to stay inside.
After our last dinner, my husband began the preliminary packing of the car for the trip home the next morning. He stuck his head in the door and whispered, “You’ve got to come out here. Be really quiet. There’s a black-tailed deer bedding down, just behind the house.” I quickly grabbed my sketchbook, marveling that I might actually have a nature experience to draw! Quietly I sat down about a dozen feet from the doe. I was amazed that she didn’t flee. Her large ears and eyes stayed focused on me for a bit until she decided I was not a threat.
I have been around deer all my life, but this was the first time that I had the opportunity to observe one so closely for such an extended period of time. As I drew I appreciated the dimensions of her body, the colors and textures of her coat, the unique markings on her face and how those amazingly large ears swiveled to track the sounds around her, searching for danger.
All of the sudden behind me I heard a sound, an animal sound I’d never heard before. The sound indicated a fairly large animal. It was sort of like a “m” sound, a hum. I froze, looking out of the corner of my eye to see if I was in any danger. However, when I glanced back at the doe, her ears were still. She sat placidly chewing her cud. She sensed no danger so I relaxed. Then, a surprise burst into a view. An independent fawn, still with black spots, bounded around the corner as if to say, “Hey Mom! I’m home!” It was the fawn making that noise! I didn’t know that deer made noises. I watched them, sketching them until dusk made them disappear in perfect camouflage for the night.
My “failed” vacation ended up being one of my favorites. I learned many lessons about being still. The lesson I hold most closely came from those two deer. Even amidst the worst of times, there is beauty and wonder if you keep your eyes open and embrace opportunity. -
Well, I am amazed that the painted version came out as well as it did! I really liked my second drawing and was hesitant to ruin it, as I had on two prior attempts when I tried to do the green background with a wash. I am in awe of those who accomplished that feat. In drawing I was keenly aware of negative spaces which helped me place the bird and size it better. I used several water color techniques; a preliminary wash, layering and dry brush. While I didn't post many drawings (It has been a strange and demanding year since I did my first drawing in January.) I really enjoyed the course, spending lots of times mixing colors and impressed with those who do it well. I certainly look at watercolor paintings with newfound respect. I look forward now to doing more paintings since I have gotten over my fear of the medium. Thank you everyone for your inspiring drawings and paintings. If the smoke ever clears from Oregon, I am going out to do more nature journaling.
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1. What inspired me to begin nature journaling? I had never heard of such a thing until I saw the course pop up in an email. I live in an urban environment and know that being in nature is calming, even if it is just my yard, watching the birds at my feeder or while I jog around the neighborhood. I love the idea of focusing and drawing, even in little bits. I have always wanted to try using water color. I am excited to add a bit of art and intentional time with the natural world, even it ends up being a drawing of a pear. 2. Seeing the other's journals was enlightening. I especially liked the woman who seemed more of a beginner with drawing and see how she progressed. And the gentleman who talked about the basic shapes of a bird's body made me stop my jog this morning and truly contemplate the basic shapes of the crows sitting on the wire. 3. Since we are entering the rainy season and shorter days here in Portland, Oregon, my actual outdoor sit time may be limited, so I think I might make a journal that includes produce that I either get from the garden or the farmer's market and then include comments about how I prepared that bit of food in a meal for my loved ones.
The context for my nature journaling and reflection is set against the backdrop of fire and smoke. I live in Portland, Oregon. We had rented a vacation home in eastern Oregon, months ago. Our plans were to hike and get out into the wilderness of the Cascades. The dangerous levels of smoke in the air that week forced us to stay inside.
After our last dinner, my husband began the preliminary packing of the car for the trip home the next morning. He stuck his head in the door and whispered, “You’ve got to come out here. Be really quiet. There’s a black-tailed deer bedding down, just behind the house.” I quickly grabbed my sketchbook, marveling that I might actually have a nature experience to draw! Quietly I sat down about a dozen feet from the doe. I was amazed that she didn’t flee. Her large ears and eyes stayed focused on me for a bit until she decided I was not a threat.
I have been around deer all my life, but this was the first time that I had the opportunity to observe one so closely for such an extended period of time. As I drew I appreciated the dimensions of her body, the colors and textures of her coat, the unique markings on her face and how those amazingly large ears swiveled to track the sounds around her, searching for danger.
All of the sudden behind me I heard a sound, an animal sound I’d never heard before. The sound indicated a fairly large animal. It was sort of like a “m” sound, a hum. I froze, looking out of the corner of my eye to see if I was in any danger. However, when I glanced back at the doe, her ears were still. She sat placidly chewing her cud. She sensed no danger so I relaxed. Then, a surprise burst into a view. An independent fawn, still with black spots, bounded around the corner as if to say, “Hey Mom! I’m home!” It was the fawn making that noise! I didn’t know that deer made noises. I watched them, sketching them until dusk made them disappear in perfect camouflage for the night.
My “failed” vacation ended up being one of my favorites. I learned many lessons about being still. The lesson I hold most closely came from those two deer. Even amidst the worst of times, there is beauty and wonder if you keep your eyes open and embrace opportunity. 
Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)