How to Nature Journal if you can't draw?

[@mendyviola]

I can draw, but I mostly record data by writing when nature journaling because it’s faster. Most of my drawings are maps of sorts. I’ll snap photos that I can print and include later in the journal when I can. When I do draw something, I go for basic shapes and include measurements & making matching color swatches and write about what I’m seeing.

[@MarleyPeifer]

Hi Mendy! It sounds like you cover the bases with your approach. I would love to see your pages some day. Do you then do much studio or"homework" when you get back from the field?

[@mendyviola]

@@MarleyPeifer I don’t do to much studio work when I get back, but I do research what I saw back home.

[@mendyviola]

Also when it is appropriate/legal to do so, I will take specimens (mostly fallen debris, samples from my own land, etc) to press and include in a different book/journal vs drawing it. I’ve been using Rosanne Hanson’s plant press lately for this. It is the perfect size for a hiking trip along with a Field Notes journal for in the field notes.

[@sidneyn1366]

Lots of nature journalers (including me) say oh don't worry if you can't draw, you can still nature journal" and while it's true, it can be hard to believe without having it modeled. This video is a great model!!! I love the narration suggesting next steps and reframes.

[@MarleyPeifer]

Thanks Sidney. You make a good point. I think modeling is essential for learning and even better is actual practice. I tried to use an approach in the video that puts me in the shoes of the person that can not draw and I intentionally drew subjects that I struggle drawing. As I mention in the conclusion of the video, there will always be things "we can't draw" no matter how long we have been practicing so it is important to develop a mindset that allows for continual growth.

[@KristyBryson]

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[@learningtogether]

Thank you! I bought supplies to begin nature journaling with my four kids. Problem? I am totally terrified to begin! This helped me relax and think of the process vs the artistry. I’ll be sharing this video with them too. 😊

[@MarleyPeifer]

I'm so glad. Yes, it can be paralyzing. But try to focus on quantity over quality and setting a really low bar. You might also be interested in the "family nautre journal" approach where you all add to a single journal. I have a video about it coming soon.

[@kathleenwilliams767]

I love this. I take tons of photos thinking I will draw them but never do. I might combine it with another technique and make boxes to draw in so that each drawing seems finished. Thank you!

[@MarleyPeifer]

You should also check out some of the junk journal or scrapbooking techniques combined with nature journaling. That could help you transition from using photos. There is even a little sticker printer that prints little photos you can then stick in your journal.

[@kathleenwilliams767]

@@MarleyPeifer thank you for the suggestion! I have been junk journaling for a couple of years but never thought of combining them

[@1whitehallfarm]

I love your ideas your so cool👍🏼

[@MarleyPeifer]

Glad you liked it!

[@naturesketches126]

💖LOOOOVE💕 this!! That is so me! But I'm getting better 👍Thank you, Marley, and i hope you're doing well.

[@MarleyPeifer]

So glad! Everything is going great! Just got back from 7 days nature journaling at a remote science field station and still cleaning off all the mud.

[@naturesketches126]

@@MarleyPeifer wow, must be an experience of a lifetime!

[@MarleyPeifer]

Do you have an experience of feeling like you could not draw? Did you get over it and draw anyways?