Nature Journaling with Nancy Lowe
Why keep a nature journal?
I teach nature drawing and scientific illustration not as much for the product as for the process. Drawing and writing requires us to observe more closely - and observations of structure lead to questions about function. The close observation necessary for nature journaling or scientific illustration makes us better observers, and thus better scientists. For ten years I have taught biology professors, undergraduate biology students, high school and middle school biology students as well as community and arts groups of all ages and backgrounds. I can tailor a scientific illustration or nature journaling class for your needs, for students of any level.
Your journal can include observations about weather, geology, flora and fauna - written and illustrated, formal and informal. It can have scientific data or haiku, careful drawings or quick sketches, emotional impressions or objective observations - or all of the above! No matter what you include, a nature journal can be a tremendously useful resource that you will refer to and treasure for years to come. Track the emergence of butterflies or the blooming of wild flowers from one year to the next. Observe which species of dragonflies are mating and laying eggs at a pond. Record the distribution of tree species on a wet, north facing slope vs. a dry, south-facing slope. Set out a transect and record every species that you find inside it. Noting emergence, distribution, species lists, and especially the changes in your local habitat over time, can be useful data for scientists who are studying changing weather patterns such as global warming, drought and floods.
But what if I can't draw?
Everyone can draw. If you can't, it's just because you haven't. Drawing is a skill, just like riding a bicycle. There are some tips and techniques I will share but ultimately you have to just get on and wobble a bit and before long, something clicks and you "get it." Don't be discouraged - you can do it, and I will help you. You will be pleased with how your drawing improves, and how the very act of drawing improves you ability to SEE.
Nature Journaling Classes: Join me for a guided nature hike, drawing instruction, and other tips on keeping a nature journal. Twenty dollars per person, group discounts. No previous drawing experience required - all ages, all levels welcome!
Free nature journal and materials!