“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth are never alone or weary of life.” – Rachel Carson, American author and biologist (1907-1964)
If you are reading this, you already know that nature journaling is all about discovery. Whether you sketch right in your own backyard or travel to more wild places, whole worlds open when you start to observe and draw from nature. You may start with a tree and find a forest or begin on a rocky ocean shore and discover the amazing realm of tide pools. When you observe and sketch nature, you begin to see things that you may have missed before—bird nests tucked in thickets, golden threads on a butterfly’s chrysalis, the color of shadows on snow.
I have been recording nature in my journals for many years. What I love most about it is the sense of discovery and renewed sense of wonder that is central to my life. My journal is more than a record of what is happening in nature. It is also the place where I am recording what I am experiencing and learning—my journey as an artist and naturalist. Sometimes I make notes about my subject, but more often I include a word, quote, or poem that is a reflection of the moment. I am putting myself on the page, too.
One of the best parts about nature journaling is that your journal is for you. That may sound obvious, but if there is a message I most want to share it is this: it is up to you to decide what goes into your nature journal. You decide how much time you put into it, what materials to use, and how you want to approach it. You decide whether it is beautiful or sloppy or scrawled with notes or has no words at all. There simply is no “right way” to keep a nature journal. The only rules are the ones you make for yourself—which, of course, you can break and remake as you see fit.
Keep looking. Keep exploring. The art of discovery is a beautiful thing.
Find more of Jean’s nature journals on her website www.jeanmackayart.com and Instagram @jeanmackayart. She offers workshops by request. You can find more about the Arts and Birding program Jean facilitates at https://hogisland.audubon.org.