I liked drawing from the photo because I had all the time in the world. I could focus in and out. My first attempt was with pencil. I did another with watercolor. I like painting better. It is easier to deal with the textures - I think. It also forces journaling because you are waiting for the paint to dry. I liked having to really think about the shape and perspective. It was challenging to capture the fine detail - black edges of feathers, the twig. There was so much in this simple picture so I can imagine focus on just one thing instead of trying to detail everything - or an impression of everything with focus on one. There was so much I noticed because I was trying to draw. The shape of the breast and belly. The color variation around the eye. The lichen and spots on the leaves.
I am looking forward to giving myself time to really see what is front of me. I like watercolors and I think this will give me a purpose that seems more doable than artistic. Mona Brooks freed me from my terror of drawing and I look forward to bringing my journal along on my walks. I appreciate Jewel saying that mistakes will happen, it won't always be what you planned but it is a process and cements the memory. I believe in establishing habits and I think this will be a habit I value.