Adella

I noticed it was difficult to measure a large subject and fit is on a smaller page in my journaling book.  It is important to measure correctly because it will throw off the balance of the sketch although you can adjust. Some of my subjects were more difficult I think, because of the size & depth.   A flat subject was easier.

Gesture drawing helped me to realize how much motion is in wildlife.  It is really hard to capture it in a sketch.  I think the blind contour drawing has helped me to capture these skittish creatures.  The Blue Jays, squirrels, cardinals were a real challenge. I noticed their behavior is more detail that I had never noticed before. Great lesson!

This is supposed to be a Jade Plant Lol.  I think some of the leaves look okay.  This exercise was challenging, but fun.  The other drawings are too bad to post.

I compared two Florida flowering shrubs: the Firebush and the Golden Dewdrop.  The Firebush has orange tubular flowers growing in clusters with medium sized continuous leaves.  After the flowers bloom, they form dark red berries at the base of the flower.  The Golden Dewdrop has tiny purple flowers growing downward in clusters.  I noticed before the flowers bloom a tiny stem forms, then buds and then the tiny purple flowers bloom.  It reminds me of a dewdrop and hence the name. Both bushes have similar leaves but they are not exactly the same. One is more elongated than the other.  I learned that both flowers attract insects including butterflies. I believe the Firebush also attracts hummingbirds because of the flower's tubular shape.   I learned that every flower has its unique qualities, but can attract similar insects.  I can balance my drawings by using different sized plants, trees. colors.  I discovered so many details on the bushes that I wouldn't have normally noticed until I  started to sketch them.

Flowers on shrubs attract certain insects; for example, butterflies & bees.   Flowers turn into berries and the birds feed on the berries.  A garden lizard (Anole) flashes his bright red gizzard to ward off other males.  He is protecting his territory.  Common Gallinules protect their young by keeping them close by and if they wander off the adults are always aware of their location.  They show them how to find food.  The young watch and learn from the adults.

1. Hi my name is Adella. I love nature and watching behaviors of birds, enjoy plants, watching insects/butterfly.  I live in Florida and love the subtle change in seasons.  I love looking in bird field guides.  Love the photos and admire the detailed drawings.  I like helping with citizen science projects.  I never thought of nature journaling, but a friend of mine gave me the idea.  I do not have a talent for drawing, but would like to give it a try. 2. My favorite is Holly Faulkner.  I like the way she presented her pages representing each month.  I liked D.J. McNeill's sketches. I liked Liz journal.  It reminded me of the way a children's book is layed out. I would like to try a combination of my favorites. 3. Not at this time.