"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein

About a year ago I started to use my nature journal more often. This has been most satisfying and has helped me both as a naturalist and as an artist. As a naturalist, I find I look more closely and ask more questions about my subject. I look at things from a different perspective than through the lens of a camera. I observe a single object for a longer period of time. As an artist, it helped me get past judging and criticizing my work which stopped me before I started.

Just by doing more, my skills are improving. I now use my journal work to do a study of a plant before a do a detailed drawing at home. And from a personal level, I get absorbed in the work and take a break from the ills in the world.

The key is using the journal to capture information - not worry about making a pretty book. That may come, but that is not the purpose. Here are some tips to get started.

Do it for yourself:

• It is for yourself!
• The journal is the tool
• There is no right or wrong
• It doesn’t have to be pretty
• Find what interests you
• Get ideas from others and try different techniques

Deepen your connection to and understanding of nature:

• See more
• Develop appreciation
• Learn something new
• Expand your critical thinking
• Expand your creativity  

Catsclaw - Senegalia greggiiAnza-Borrego Desert State Park, Culp Valley Campground 05/29/2016 Go slowly and with thoughtful intention:

• Observe closely
• Ask questions
• Wonder
• Connect with past experiences

Record what you see, think, feel, and wonder:

• Record Date, Time, Location, and Weather
• Note Habitat
• Note Species of Plants and Animals (counts, sizes, locations, behaviors)
• Write descriptions, write questions, write ideas, write feelings
• Draw pictures. Stick figures will do with words attached.
• Draw for information and observation

Field kitField kit
Explore media but keep it simple:

• If it is not easy and accessible, you won’t do it.
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Optional watercolor, colored pencils
• Get ideas from others

The key is just to start and keep doing it!