Exploring the Beauty of Nature Through Art Journaling

Art journaling is a beautiful way to express thoughts and feelings and nurture creativity. When you combine it with the grounding and inspiration that the outdoors offers, it becomes an even more powerful wellness support system for self-discovery and mindfulness. Let me share the value of using nature as your journaling inspiration with practical tips and ideas.

What is Nature Journaling?

The classic definition of nature journaling typically comes from a more scientific study background: documenting observations and creating realistic sketches. While this is valuable practice, it may seem out of reach for someone focused on the mindfulness and stress-relieving benefits of journaling in nature. Instead, I encourage you to take your art journal outside, explore your local environment and notice the often overlooked details. Whether sitting in your backyard, hiking a trail, or visiting a park, your journal can help you slow down and take in the nurturing qualities of the natural world around you.

Benefits of Journaling in Nature

1. Mindfulness: Engaging with nature through mindful observation and expressing the present moment through art can be incredibly grounding. Focusing on your surroundings in the present moment helps reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being.

2. Creativity: Being out in nature is a nourishing experience that makes creativity more accessible. Whether you sketch what you see or doodle whatever comes to you, your creative energy can flow more freely and lead to unexpected discoveries.

3. Observation Skills: Slowing down to journal in nature encourages you to improve your ability to notice details you might usually miss and requires you to pause and look at things carefully. This skill can extend beyond your journal into other areas of life.

4. More than Human Connection: Spending time with nature builds a deeper appreciation for the plants and other animals (yes, I'm referring to humans as animals as well) that we share this beautiful planet with. Eventually, this can lead to a stronger sense of interconnectedness with the world overall and a stronger sense of self-worth. (Source: sciencedirect.com)

   
   

Optional Supplies for Journaling in Nature

Starting your nature journaling journey doesn’t require expensive supplies. Here are some basic items to get you started:

• Sketchbook or Journal: Choose a size that is easy to carry. Watercolor paper can be a good option if you plan to use paints.

• Pencils and Erasers: These are great for beginners and sketching. A variety of pencils can give you different textures.

• Colored Pencils or Watercolors: Adding color to your page can help you express yourself more. If you'd like to take your art to the next level, you might want to try a travel watercolor set.

• Markers: If you choose a double-tipped option, markers can add more bold colors and a variety of line thicknesses.

  
  

Nature inspired doodles

Choosing the Right Location

You can do this anywhere in a pinch, but finding a peaceful, inspiring location can really elevate your experience. Look for areas that are easily accessible and have diverse landscapes or unique features that will add to the inspiration. Parks, beaches, forests, or even your garden can be great spots to settle down and doodle.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location

1. Access: Make sure it's easy to reach and safe to work in.

2. Scenery: Look for locations that appeal to you visually.

3. Amenities: If spending an extended amount of time, consider whether you have access to bathrooms, shelters, or seating.

4. Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon offer beautiful light, but isn't necessary.

   
   

Photo from a trail near my home.

Observation Techniques for Journaling in Nature

When you find the perfect spot, it’s time to observe. Using a variety of techniques will create a deeper, richer experience.

1. Slow Down: Take a moment to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Listen to the sounds, feel the textures.

2. Engage All Senses: It’s not just about what you see. What do you hear? Smell? Feel? Noting what comes in through all your senses will make your experience more poignant.

3. Focus on Details: Instead of only observing from afar, remember to zoom in on particular elements like leaves, flowers, or patterns in the soil. Can you get even closer?

4. Use a Different Perspective: Change your angle. Get low to observe insects or look upward to capture the light coming through the leaves.

   
   

Even the common clover flower can be inspiration when journaling in nature.

Techniques to Try when Art Journaling in Nature

Here are some great techniques to try if you're feeling stuck and just don't know where to start when you open to a new page.

Sketching

• Continuous Line Drawing: Focus on drawing without lifting your pencil. This technique can help you loosen up and observe the form of the subject without worrying about perfection.

• Gesture Drawing: Practice drawing quickly instead of focusing on realism (that's not our focus here). Set a timer for one to two minutes to capture the essence of a scene or a moving animal.

  
  

Painting

• Watercolor Techniques: Use wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry techniques to create unique textures and blends. Wet-on-wet involves wetting your paper with clean water and picking up color with a wet brush, while wet-on-dry means painting on dry paper. Don’t hesitate to experiment with both on one page, and try various colors inspired by your surroundings.

• Nature Imprints: Use leaves, flowers, or natural objects to create prints in your journal. (Make sure to only pick plants that are abundant, and never the first or last one you see. We want to be good stewards.) You can apply some paint to the object and use it as a stamp. This can create an organic tactile quality to your entries.

  
  

Mixed Media

Combine different materials, such as incorporating natural objects like petals and twigs into your journal. Use glue to affix these items at home and create a three-dimensional effect.

Pressing

You may have done this as a child, I know I did. Press a flower or leaf into a future page in your journal. Not only will you have a preserved piece of nature, but it'll also be a welcome surprise and reminder of your excursion when you eventually get to that page!

Capturing Your Wildest Reflections

Recording your thoughts and feelings after observing nature can further enrich your journaling experience. Spend time reflecting. Ask yourself questions like:

• What emotions does this scene evoke?

• How is this location significant to you?

• Can you note a memory related to this experience?

  
  

This reflective practice can lead to deeper self-awareness and understanding. Sharing insights in communities like ours at Wildly Creative Wellness adds another layer to your journaling, allowing others to connect with each other's experiences.

Closing Thoughts on Art Journaling in Nature

Art journaling in nature opens a world of creativity, mindfulness, and observation. It encourages you to explore the beautiful art that is Nature, and over time, you'll form a stronger bond with the more-than-human world. Your sense of self, purpose, and interconnectedness gets heightened the more you're immersed with your kin. As you embark on your journey, remember: there are no rules (in your journal, be kind to our more-than-human kin). Allow yourself to enjoy the process and embrace the imperfections (you may notice that nothing in nature is quite "perfect."

Whether you're a seasoned artist, a beginner journaler, or something in between, taking your art journaling practice outdoors can be a graceful dance of creativity and discovery. So grab your supplies, step into the fresh air, and let the natural world speak!

Next Steps

If today’s post ignited something in you and you’re craving more from your self-care practice, you might love W.I.L.D. Spark: 7 Days to Creative Release. It’s designed to help you explore art journaling at your own pace, with gentle guidance along the way.