Description
NATURE JOURNALING
Instructor: Jane Eckenrode
Saturday, April 8, 2023 (time TBD)
Workshop Fee: $35 for SBPC Members Only
At its core, Nature Journaling is simply the practice of becoming a good observer. Whether you enjoy drawing and painting or simply appreciate nature, you can build confidence by practicing skills that quickly establish a framework for a diagram, drawing, or description.
Students will practice perceptual skills, experiment with portable drawing and painting media to carry outdoors, and discuss strategies to organize their journals. Refer to the provided materials list, or bring your favorite journal and tools. Jane will also bring extra pencils, pens, and watercolor pencils to borrow for this indoor session.
Suggested Materials for Nature Journaling
The only materials that are required are the simplest – a pen or pencil, and an unlined or lined
notebook. If you happen to have favorite journaling supplies feel free to bring them.
If you wish to enhance your nature journal by adding color or experimenting with pens and
pencils, these are suggestions for a basic journaling kit or additional items to include with your
favorites.
Most of these or similar supplies are available at Michael’s or Jerry’s Artarama. Office supply and
Walmart stores also carry some of these items. Or, order supplies online at websites such as
jerrysartarama.com, dickblick.com, or amazon.com.
• Journal – Watercolorists may prefer bright white paper, but slightly off-white paper can reduce
glare when working outdoors. A journal with lined paper is fine. A 90 lb or heavier paper holds up
better than lighter 60 or 70 lb paper for watercolor pencils or color washes. One widely available
example is the Strathmore Visual Art Journal, either the “drawing” or “mixed media” edition.
• Drawing pencils – Any HB, 2B, or softer drawing pencil.
• Kneaded eraser
• Paper blending stump or tortillon
• Pens – A ball point pen is fine. Or use a Pilot Precise Rolling Ball v7, Pilot G2, or similar pen to
experiment with ink wash.
• Watercolor Pencils – A basic set of 12 watercolor pencils is handy.
• Artist’s brush or water brush – A medium size traditional watercolor brush is fine. Or try a water
brush that has a hollow barrel to hold water. Choose a large or medium tip rather than a small tip if available
• Pocket Palette – You can create a pocket palette with an Altoids or similar mint tin, the clear
plastic tray from a pack of mint gum, or the lid from a plastic tub of cottage cheese or yogurt.
You will also need double sided tape and a set of paints to dab colors into your palette.
