Jane

1. I used to draw and paint often as a teenager in my early 20s until life became too busy. Also, I lived in a place where it wasn’t safe to be on your own outdoors. Now in my early 60s, when the pressures have eased, I’ve been longing to get back to my art. I didn’t know there was such a thing as nature journaling until I saw the course advertised. I’ve never wanted to write a diary but do worry that I forget so many of the things that I experience. I’ve just changed career from another field into bird conservation, and now have opportunities to be in nature much more than before. So, everything has come together to make nature journaling something I would like to try. 2. Strangely enough, I like the idea of starting each page with notes on the place, date, time and weather. I would never have thought of doing this! I like it because it shifts the focus to scientific observation, rather than having to make a work of art, which takes some of the pressure off. I’m not keen to do too much other writing - maybe only some unique features or personal responses - so am aiming to fill my pages with different views of the same subject, like the person who drew the Mourning Doves. I am also going to try his technique of first blocking the main shapes of the head and body, as I really struggle with getting the proportions of a bird correct. 3. Drawing from photos is obviously an alternative but I think the special thing about nature journaling as described here is that it is done ‘live’ which creates a completely different dynamic and emotional response, along with particular challenges.