For The Love Of Nature Journaling, Celebrating Earth Day

21 Apr

Introduction

Hello friends. Tomorrow is Earth Day, the yearly event which is intended to increase awareness of the challenges facing our planet, including climate change, pollution and deforestation. It also aims to build momentum for positive changes and to create a healthier planet for current and future generations.

Here at the heart of Magpies and Diamonds HQ I have been reflecting how this would be a perfect day to talk about nature journaling (a fancy name for drawing and writing about the natural world around you). Do you keep a sketchbook, visual diary, or a journal? I used to keep a visual diary - when I was at art school, I used to sketch and keep notes in it constantly. I would carry it around in my bag, even when there was nothing interesting happening or I didn’t feel inspired, but the ordinary mundane world around me became so much more magical, as having my journal habit encouraged me to pay more attention to the little details of everyday life. Mostly I drew common animals such as pigeons, dogs, cats, buildings in places I visited, conversations I had with people I met, plants, food and drink from that day. Simple things. I worked in pencil or fine liner, or occasionally coloured pen. I'm not sure why, possibly because I began working more in paint and with fabrics, but I stopped doing this after I moved to Cambridge for work reasons. In hindsight, I am super annoyed that I didn’t continue as I would love to have a number of journals from the past decade which I could look through when feeling nostalgic, just to recall those small simple life moments that have now been lost to time. Recently I had been thinking about this, which has eventually led to discovering the world of nature journaling. Earth Day feels like a good opportunity to begin or deepen a nature journaling practice (I intend to start one this month) and I thought I would share some thoughts and ideas in this blog post.

Illustration ideas for nature journaling

The Art of Nature Journaling

So what is the appeal of keeping a nature journal? It is really a personal record of your observations and connection with the natural world, environment and seasons. There is no right or wrong way of doing this as it is so personal - it’s simply observational and enjoyable. With this in mind, you can use writing, drawing, painting, collage, pressed flowers, creating poems, maps, or making lists of what you see or experience; anything you wish really. As you move through the seasons keep journaling to create your own record of how they make you feel. Because nature is constantly flowing and changing, there is an abundance of inspiration around you to record in your journal. Usually, a nature journal is completed over the year as a way to connect with nature and express your creativity; nature journaling could also help change our nature experience, even in more urbanised areas.

There are benefits for the mind too, as it encourages you to engage deeply with your surroundings, paying close attention to the details of the natural world. This type of art can help shift your attention away from stressors, allowing you to be fully present in the moment. We know that spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and promote feelings of well-being. Nature journaling also involves slowing down and taking the time to observe and appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Whether you're sketching a landscape, drawing details of a flower, or simply listing your thoughts and observations, nature journaling could become a small sanctuary of calm.

Getting Started with Nature Journaling:

It is up to you what materials you wish to use. Go for things you enjoy or feel comfortable with. You really only need a blank journal or sketchbook and a pen or pencil as a minimum. As noted the creative practice is in finding inspiration in your surroundings, and embracing imperfection. It is perfectly fine to start small and gradually develop your own unique journaling style. Here are some more tips to try:

In The Wild – It has become somewhat rare for me to sketch outdoors now sadly, but it's lovely when I make the time. I usually keep it quite simple with only a pencil to work with, however I have been thinking that watercolour pencils may also be fun to use, and I can activate and blend with water later when I’m at home if I want to. It may also be fun to draw with larger chunky crayons to get some gestures of plants or animals. Depending on the places available to you, in the more wintery weather, a cosy coffee shop location with a window where you can settle into your chosen spot to draw may be a treat. On location, pay attention to what is around you - details of the trees, the sky, the shape of the landscape. Perhaps it's an insect or a bird that you end up drawing or writing about.

Writing - The point is not to worry writing well, gathering a recording of your feelings of a moment or experience in nature is enough. Perhaps a list of what has caught your eye, the basic shapes and sounds of the situation. It's not necessary to record every detail correctly, the purpose is just mark the memory. Sometimes coupling with loose sketches of things you saw and experiences can be really nice; recording the sensory experiences of being in nature may also sharpen your observational skills because you have to pay attention to things to record them.

Taking Your Own Photos - I believe that drawing from your own photos is not cheating as you can remember (however slightly) the actual nuances, sensory experiences and the feeling of being there. Also, it is not always possible to sit and draw for extended periods of time, so snapping pictures to take home and then create from is a useful way to work. If you are limited for time, you could also start by drawing quickly on location but also take a photo to finish the piece back at home where you will have more time. You get the energy of drawing in the moment and in-person, but finishing the piece later means it is not rushed.

Simple ink drawings that could be used in a nature journal. — Simple ink drawings could be used in a nature journal.

Some Themes and Prompts for Nature Journaling:

Seasonal Changes: Observe and document the changes in nature as the seasons progress; note the colours of leaves, the arrival of migratory birds, or the blooming of flowers.
Documenting local flora and fauna each month: Take note of the plants and animals you encounter in your area. Sketch or describe their physical characteristics, behaviours and habitats.
Reflecting on the colours, shadows and beauty of natural landscapes each month.
Reflecting and recording the impact of human activity on the environment.
Nature Walks: Go for a nature walk and document your journey in your journal. Record the sights, sounds, and smells you experience along the way.
Notes on foraging for seasonal wild food and discovering/recording recipes.
Observations of the Sky: Record observations of the sky, including clouds, sunrises, sunsets, moon phases, and celestial events like meteor showers or eclipses.
Nature's Patterns: Look for patterns in nature, such as symmetry in flower petals, the spiral shapes of shells, or the branching patterns of trees. Record your observations and reflections on these.
Tracking Wildlife: Looking for and record any signs such as tracks, nests, or burrows. Record your findings and maybe try to identify the animals responsible.
Nature's Textures: Explore the textures of nature, such as the rough bark of trees, the smooth surface of rocks, or the softness of moss. Try sketching and using colour to highlight the tactile qualities of these textures.
Nature's Colours: Pay attention to the colours of nature through the seasons, from the colourful flowers and bugs, to changing shades of leaves and soft palate of stones. Experiment with capturing these colours in your journal.

Conclusion:

Remember your journal is a your space for self-expression and introspection. These are just some ideas to help you enrich your nature journaling practice which is a tool for connecting with nature and environmental stewardship. Aim to be observant and open to beauty and complexity as you explore and record your observations in your journal in any way that suits you. I have included a short video of starting my own nature journal below.

OK friends, take care of yourself and one another; I also hope that you are taking advantage of the milder weather and longer days with some lovely spring walks, cherry blossom admiring and yummy fresh asparagus. It is springtime after all, and it always just flies by way too fast doesn’t it ??

Collette x