Saturday, March 08, 2008

Green Hour Challenge #3 and My Nature Journal

We really completed Barb's Challenge at The Heart of Harmony last SATURDAY, but I'm just getting around to posting it. (Correction: We did the nature walk, but not the drawing last Saturday!) Besides a reading assignment from Handbook of Nature Study, we were to take a 15 minute nature walk (ours was over 5 hours last weekend!), and then create an entry in your nature journal. Alexandra drew in her Nature Journal, too.



I've decided to post my entire nature journal, since it is so small! I find I really enjoy drawing in my journal, but don't take the time to do it very often. And, I really never drew much as a child or adult and am surprised at how much I like my drawings. Except for the spider weaving its web and the tree, all of my drawings have been from photos. So, above is the photo I used to draw, and below is my drawing.




The rest of these are drawings (and the photos I've used) I've done over the past 6 months. I like Charlotte Mason's idea to use nature journals, and I hope to use it more faithfully with our nature walks. I try to date and title my drawings and say a little about the item. I'd like to add poetry or more of my thoughts in the future. I know I will always treasure my journal and I hope Alexnadra treasures hers, too.



I bought Pocketful of Pinecones 2 weekends ago and have really enjoyed reading it. I love the part where the mom discovers her journal from her childhood. I hope to hang onto ours forever!






11 comments:

Robin said...

Man, Dana! That journal is going to be an awesome treasure for you. Your drawings are so good. And I admire the amount of time that must have taken. Do you have any pics of Alexandra's journal? Is she enjoying her journal, too? And final question *sorry* Does she have the same nature finds in her journal, or does she journal about her own finds?

Dana Leeds said...

Thanks, Robin. It does take some time, but I find it relaxing. Alexandra basically does the same drawings that I do, though she has a few less in her book. At this point, she "kind of" enjoys it. I'm trying to just encourage her to draw in her journal, but it isn't mandatory. Hoepfully, she'll see that I enjoy it and join in!

Anonymous said...

Nice job!But I warn you, once you start nature journaling, you will be hooked!

Dana said...

Your sketches look great! Have you ever checked out the books by Jim Arnosky - "Sketching Outdoors in Spring," (also has a book for the other seasons.) He talks about his experiences drawing outdoors and gives some good tips.

Barb said...

Great journal entries and wonderful experiences. I really like the Jim Arnosky books too!

Thanks for sharing your link.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom

Ms Eva said...

I am completely fascinated with insects! I love your illustrations! You found some fantastic insects! :)

Rhonda said...

Wonderful journaling. You have a talent.

Kathy said...

Your nature journal entries are so inspiring! I long ago gave up mine so I could focus on helping my children with theirs, but I would like to pick it up again. Thanks so much for sharing.
Kathy @ www.restorationplace.typepad.com/

Sherri said...

Wow...the drawings!!!
I love all of my childhood journals, as well as the ones that I am keeping now. I am always encouraging my children to write!!!

Tina in WA said...

Wonderful drawings.

You found a lot of insects to draw.

live4evermom said...

I love your entry. Looks like lots of fun over in your neck of the woods.

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