The Impact of Nature Journaling on My Artistic Journey

Discovering Nature’s Palette

a pair of male and female ruby throated hummingbirds that have been visiting my garden

It was the first time I had ever really noticed my surroundings. I sat at the edge of the woods and listened; with every inhale, I immersed myself in nature’s rhythm. While sitting in the field of grasses, wildflowers, and weeds, I realized that I was slowly building a relationship with the land around me. It took time, but I learned to recognize the seasons beyond humidity, sneezing, snow, and changing leaves. 

You see, there are so many patterns in nature that can tell us about time. Just from quiet observation, I’ve learned when chicory, goldenrod, and aster bloom; I’ve noticed that red winged blackbirds appear when spring is here to stay. I recognize the many songs of my backyard birds and what time they sing.  

I would never have noticed these changes and patterns had I not picked up a sketchbook. My nature sketchbook, as I like to call it, is my happy place; its where I’ve learned when to expect Eastern bluebirds in the spring and annual cicada chatter in late July. It’s my catalog of bird sightings and mixed media experiments. My sketchbook is full of observations, messy sketches, ideas for future paintings, and memories of the place I love so dearly.  Journaling has inspired me to truly see the world around me rather than just look at it.

What is nature journaling?

Nature journaling is the creative practice of deepening our connection with the natural world through observation and wonder. It's a space to engage with nature by collecting observations, recording thoughts, and cultivating curiosity.

Personally, I sit at the crossroads of nature journaling and keeping a sketchbook; as a nature artist, my sketchbooks are overflowing with creatures and flora from Appalachia, and I like to think that many of my nature observations will become finished paintings. Sometimes, though, those ideas and drawings live in the crinkled and stained pages within my sketchbook as simple entries from an afternoon hike.

Keeping a nature sketchbook has provided a place for me to explore new mediums, observe, and create freely. It’s a place full of memories, failed paintings, and the occasional bird sighting of the week.

sketchbook sneak peeks & nature journal ideas

Nature journals come in many forms, and I believe you can be as scientific or artistic as you’d like in your observations—remember, sketchbooks are place for creative expression.  

journal entry from my latest trip to Davis, WV--my first sighting of a common yellowthroat.

Nature journals can include: 

• drawings, paintings, and gesture sketches 

• color swatches 

• expressive renderings of discoveries 

• scientific data (date, time, location, Latin names)

• poems 

• a place to experiment with new supplies

• sound maps 

• leaf rubbings 

• stories and memories 

• inspirational quotes

• pressed flowers and leaves 

• thoughts, reflections, and questions about natural occurrences 

These are just a handful of ideas to fill your nature journal. 

watercolor swatches and a forsythia branch

benefits of nature journaling

Keeping a dedicated space for capturing moments, engaging with nature through my senses, and building a relationship with nature is a valuable tool for both my artistic growth and reflection. Nature journaling has taught me to engage with the natural world through observation and documentation, fostering mindfulness and encouraging me to really slow down and appreciate my surroundings. My practice has also helped enhance my observation skills while promoting a deeper connection to the natural world.

Additionally, nature journaling is my creative outlet, allowing for self-expression that can inspire new paintings and ideas. It’s the perfect space for letting my creative juices flow while also documenting observations and the ever changing world around me.

fishing up sketches of Virginia bluebells and a downy woodpecker from a spring hike

how nature journaling has helped me grow as an artist

Time spent in nature is time well spent, right?

I always make time for getting outside, whether its bird watching, gardening, or taking beastly for a walk—I always find a way to get outside. I’ve realized that spending more time in nature and journaling has allowed me to observe and appreciate all the intricate details that are often overlooked in life. Keeping a journal encourages me to be present, nurturing a sense of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds me.

By documenting my experiences, I've developed a greater awareness of plant life, animal behavior, and changing seasons. Through nature journaling, I've cultivated a more meaningful relationship with the environment, fostering both a creative outlet and a respect for the world around me. Not only am I learning about nature and its role in my life and work, I’m focusing more on what brings me joy and inspires me to paint. Over time, my nature journal has become a valuable resource, reflecting my growth as an artist and deepening my connection with nature.

Carolina Chickadee fledglings in watercolor

dedicated practice

Just like nature, we exist and thrive through rhythms and rituals. Having a dedicated sketchbook practice has allowed me to create freely and articulate ideas for future paintings while also providing me a space to observe the world around me.  My nature journal is the perfect addition to my work flow and sets the tone for my studio time. It is a place for play and practice when my creativity feels stagnant. 

the art of seeing

I’m a quiet observer of the world around me. I’m always listening and noticing, making notes of my findings and tracking nature through observation. Through observation and sketching details of flora and fauna, I have developed a deeper understanding of anatomy, form, color, and texture. Nature journaling has taught me to use my senses to understand nature’s rhythms and recognize change based on the animals and plants I document.

slowing down

I crave living slowly—a simpler and wilder life spent in nature. Journaling has become a form of meditation for me; it's a time where I can exhale my worries, unwind, and invite calmness into my practice. I’ve been given permission by this tiny sketchbook to experience the world through my senses and savor every second of it. 

connection

I’ve always felt deeply rooted in Appalachia, and I've learned that the flora and fauna here are just as rich as the culture. Through nature journaling, I have found a deeper connection with this land and why it's so special to me.

My awareness has deepened as I catch myself noticing little moments like the arrival of spring when I hear the burbling song of red winged blackbirds or the sight of goldenrod along roadsides means autumn is slowly creeping in on summer. I’m close to knowing the time of year based on the birds I hear and see, and I find that amazing.  

final thoughts

While I still sit a at the intersection of nature journal vs. sketchbook, I do believe I’ve discovered the best of both. My nature sketchbook is a place to create without inhibitions, to make mistakes and experiment, and to document all the beautiful, strange, and wild things I find outside. It has strengthened my connection with the natural world and encouraged me to live a little wilder.

silly gesture drawings of Canada geese 

I’d love to hear your thoughts; do you keep a nature journal or would you like to start journaling? What’s preventing you from starting a nature journal? For my fellow artists out there—have you ever considered nature journaling as part of your artistic practice?

Until next time, folks.