Judith
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My sit spot was on January 19, 2020. It was a warm 39 degrees, sunny and melting snow. I was in my back yard. The Winter Jasmine had several birds on it and they flew back and forth to the bird feeder. Across the yard a calico cat was sitting on the fence. Sitting in the same spot, during our quarantine, I've noticed the arrival of the white- throated sparrows by hearing them and then watching them. Every day there is a little more color and a lot more bird and animal activity.
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1. An instructor at the New York Botanical Garden's Botanical Illustration program suggested keeping a nature journal. I was inspired by her motto that all sketching was good and the practice (always in ink) served to make you better at "seeing" the world and improving your skill. That was 1995. I have kept one ever since. I find the practice meditative and forces you to be in the moment. 2. Over the years, especially when my children were young, the journal served like a diary. Looking back at those pages brings back lots of memories. At some times, the journal is more of a field journal with illustrations and descriptions of particular specimens. In the hopes of keeping up the practice, when life got in the way, I have tried to vary the subject, from backyard flowers to cityscapes. On most excursions, even a museum, I will try to bring a journal and a pen. 3. I like Liz's style and my style is similar. I like to use ink pens. Sometimes I add watercolor washes and/or colored pencils. Recently I purchased a set of tinted graphite pencils and look forward to experimenting with them. Sometimes, I have included bits of writing or quotes that pertain to the subject or the times.
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I was inspired to start nature journaling while taking botanical illustration classes at the New York Botanical Gardens. The practice is like meditating, documenting ones life and nature therapy all at the same time. Life's demands had taken me away from this practice. Seeing this class offered was a sign! I am excited to kick start the practice of journaling again and taking the time to be mindful of all the beauty that surrounds us.
Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)