As humans, we’re very good at making assumptions about ourselves. I know I am!
The two things people usually say to me about wanting to start a nature journal, (after ‘Oh, I wish I could do that’) are: ‘But I can’t draw, and I’m not a natural history expert’.
I thought I’d share my own nature journal story, because, believe me, if I can keep a nature journal, you can too! The photos here tell the story of how my journals have changed over the years...
So, off we go then….back, back, far back, to the time of the dinosaurs Okay, it’s really the late 1960’s, but how great would that be…?
Well, my lifelong love of nature began as a child. I was always either outdoors, or inside drawing, and writing stories and poetry. (So not much has changed then!)
In the 1980s I became fascinated with the concept of ‘traditional’ nature journals, through Edith Holden’s wonderful work, published as ‘The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady’, the journals of Beatrix Potter, and the paintings and travel writings of Marianne North. I gazed at the pages of gorgeous work, thinking how amazing it would be to have my own journal….
Except, I couldn’t. I knew I was completely useless at art. I failed my Art ‘O’ level, after begging to be allowed to take it as a subject in my (very) academic school. This made me consider myself a creative failure for many years. In addition, I’d only taken ‘O’ level Biology as a science subject.
Despite not having scientific leanings, I used my other academic skills, and also volunteered with several wildlife organisations. This helped me to get a job in the UK environmental sector. For over 25 years, I helped create opportunities for people to connect with nature and worked on some fantastic projects. I kept drawing as a secret hobby, because I was ashamed of my failure, but I loved it so much I wouldn’t give up.
Through the work of Cathy Johnson, an artist and naturalist from the USA I’d long admired, I discovered a new world! I bought her book, Artists Journal Workshop, joined her Facebook group, connected with some amazing and supportive people; began to draw regularly from observation, and record the world around me.
During this time, I drew all sorts of different things, which boosted my confidence, along with the connection with, and encouragement from, my new community. Gradually I realised that my sketching and writing was becoming more and more focused on the natural world I loved so much. Constant observation, practice, and not being an expert helped me question things. I learned, and continue to learn so much about drawing, and about the natural world. (Possibly being incredibly nosey and wanting to know everything helps a lot!)
What happened though, was I began to keep a nature journal and it just evolved, naturally. It’s taken me years to find my journaling style, and it’s still evolving. I’ve tried all sorts of different approaches, being inspired by many talented artists. Eventually though, I realised that, although I might love someone else’s beautiful layouts, detailed data charts, or exquisite calligraphy, plain and simple works for me. Pencil and watercolour are where my heart lies, along with telling my little stories. My journal is a homage to those original artists and naturalists who inspired me.
Nature journaling has become an integral part of my life. I feel it if I haven’t done an entry. My mission now is to get as many people as possible finding how fantastic it is to connect with, and experience, nature, through creating their own journal pages
I hope my story will encourage you if you have your own fears and concerns about starting a journal. There is so much help and support available in our wonderful, global nature journal community.
Please join us!
Find Jules online through her website: www.drawnintonature.com. She also regularly shares her beautiful work on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.