How to start a nature journal.

[@abigailhumes4608]

Thank you! At 74 yrs. old, I began recently sketching. My favored mediums are pen, pencil, and colored pencils. I never thought of a journal! My daughter is a true artist who paints and sells her work. I am a beginner having fun, but who would like to do it better. I am enjoying the journey. Your video and seeing your nature journal have set something on fire in me! Thank you.

[@daniellebuck2554]

I think your an inspiration to all artists starting at 74 and keeping getting better! Go you 🎉

[@SDW90808]

Always enjoy John Muir Laws. When I began drawing, I started with birds because no matter how bad it was, you could always recognize a bird. lol That’s how I discovered JML and his videos teaching the structure and physiology of a bird.

[@mikaelahtee3177]

‘Hey, this isn’t a drawing, this is a diagram’ - 🤯 what a brilliant piece of advice

[@LaLa_ArtGal]

I didn't know that Jack Laws is part of Sketchbook Skool!! Two of my favorite guys on the same screen!!

[@danarenfand3384]

Do you listen to Danny’s podcast? Jack is always there!

[@LaLa_ArtGal]

@@danarenfand3384 Oh, that's cool! I don't listen to podcasts, so I've never heard that. Thanks for letting me know. 😁

[@claireskillen2219]

​@@LaLa_ArtGal they are available here on KZbin in this channel. It is so relaxing listening to them both.

[@franzferdinand1782]

I've recently been stuck on a plateau and beating myself up for not being a 'good enough' artist. Found this channel just at the right time, reminding me that no matter how long I've been drawing that I'm still learning and practice makes progress, not anything else.

[@Stewchat_etc]

Hi Franz, don't beat yourself up. We only do what we can do, not all of us are professional artists, no more than we can play golf like Tiger Woods, but it doesnt mean we stop playing golf. Enjoy it...

[@franzferdinand1782]

@@Stewchat_etc Thank you!! :)

[@marye2728]

In 2016, while in my late 60's I came across JML's videos. That chance discovery changed my life ever since to one of Awe and Wonder -- EVERY DAY! Eternally grateful for that. Even better, now in my mid-70's, I mentor kids in my family (or friends' families) in person or remotely. I've seen JML's approach transform children into "learning piranhas." Great cure for the loss of interest and enthusiasm for learning resulting from COVID limitations.

[@michellek649]

"Deep geeking out with the bird". I love it! :)

[@JF-kv1gm]

Isn't JML's nature journal incredible? So informative yet playful. I love the idea of making a design of the song that a bird is singing.

[@cindysarpalius3345]

I love your idea about changing the way you think about your drawing. I keep reminding myself that I’m learning… and giving myself permission to not be terrific at something I’m just learning to do. It is helpful to me to take pictures so that lowers the pressure of capturing a moment.

[@SN-sz7kw]

It just clicked who he is. 😂Wonderful. I have his terrific guide to nature drawing. And just requested his bird book from the library last week. 😊

[@lorrainesaliba5469]

You and John Muir Laws are just great together ! Since you introduced the PodCasts I had never heard about JML but now I follow him as well and have learned so much from him regarding drawing and sketching animals, birds and so forth ! I am ever so grateful to you Danny as you have opened so many new horizons for me ! I am super happy to be finally using my pristine sketch books and making them much more lovable than just being there untouched ! I look forward to new stuff on your Channel ...always a pleasure to watch and learn ! Sending you and JJ my warmest regards... Lorraine 🤗🎨😁

[@Mariposa713]

Everything about your channel is amazing, from your soothing voice and calm personality to the wonderful drawings and ideas, it is very relaxing, there is soo much to learn, I can’t get enough of your videos. Thank you for sharing such a great talent with the world.

[@annacount3682]

This was fun! I’m going out right now to sit on the porch and observe the nests the wrens made! Chickadees and house finches too!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Have fun!

[@radhasrinivasan203]

The concept of calling them diagrams .. awesome😀👌! That's going to help 😅

[@BirgitSchultz]

I own John's book on nature journaling for many years now and it's a go to book again and again. This was a really inspiring interview and the pages shown are gorgeous! Thank you so much for this!

[@marnierose5361]

I love the way to turn it into a diagram as opposed to a realistic drawing... brilliant advice...thank you😊

[@laurend.statham1742]

I had to keep one of these things in Biology class back in high school. That was probably the thing that saved my grade since I enjoyed creating it so much!

[@SketchBookSkool]

That sounds awesome

[@cuttlesquish6723]

I absolutely love this video! I can't wait to try this in my sketchbook practice. It's even giving me ideas for my journaling practice, too.

[@GillianMorrison]

This discussion reminded me of the great Norman MacCaig. I think you both would resonate with his incredible observational poetry. “An Ordinary Day,” by Norman MacCaig I took my mind a walk Or my mind took me a walk- Whichever was the truth of it. The light glittered on the water Or the water glittered in the light. Cormorants stood on a tidal rock With their wings spread out, Stopping no traffic. Various ducks Shilly-shallied here and there On the shilly-shallying water. An occasional gull yelped. Small flowers Were doing their level best To bring to their kerbs bees like Ariel charabancs. Long weeds in the clear Water did Eastern dances, unregarded By shoals of darning needles. A cow Started a moo but thought Better of it-And my feet took me home And my mind observed to me, Or I to it, how ordinary Extraordinary things are or How extraordinary ordinary Things are, like the nature of the mind And the process of observing.

[@junipercrow3535]

Thank you so much for this. For whatever reason, this poem reached out and touched my heart and I had to wipe a tear.

[@lorrainesaliba5469]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful piece of poetry ! The more I read it ... the more I love it ! I will write it in my Sketchbook using my calligraphy pen ! You have made my day Gill ! Thank you ! (Lorraine )🤗🥰

[@nancywhitmore3497]

Thank you so much for sharing this poem with us! I can't usually understand poetry, but this one speaks to me and makes me want to take a walk! Thank you again!

[@marymogashoa1258]

This poetry reminds me that there is so much more to life.....especially if you observe the limitless beauty of nature... and you observe and articulate it well....OH THE WONDERFUL MYSTERIES OF NATURE!!!!

[@PTBeverly]

I don’t usually like poetry that much, but this one…I’m going to copy it and put it in my sketchbook.

[@jackbutler3273]

Hey John, I really like your drawings in your sketchbook.

[@laurenmorgan-outhisack6341]

I really enjoyed this video. I have always wanted to be nature journaler but have always been super intimidated. This video may have been the ticket to help me get over some of those inhibitions

[@erinlizzo4486]

Look for WONDER and BEAUTY. (And little, weird, mini mysteries ☺️) I’m very inspired by this video, can’t wait to get started! Thankyou!

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

Great video I just need the weather to sit outside and sketch. I did bring indoors some Autumn leaves and sketch then watercolour paint them last year which I enjoyed doing.

[@larissawrites9954]

❤ this was really informative

[@neverlookback876]

Please narrate stories... Your voice is so soothing, could listen to the stories whilst I paint or need to rest... Thankyou for your videos x

[@christinebell8980]

Very encouraging. I can't wait to start a nature journal. Thanks so much.

[@loveofchickens7665]

Hey! Hows it going?

[@aboutfeddy]

Only just found it, but I love this channel 💖

[@SketchBookSkool]

So glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@susandobson1588]

Yes, you both inspire and will I will start a journal more like diagrams and descriptions. Thank you!!

[@amandasymon4363]

Love the idea of being pulled into a gravity well - Wow! What has caused this? Why do I find this so mesmerising? I cannot wait to start my journal/nature sketch book/diagrams ✍️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️👌

[@farmerfox3332]

Fantastic! Love this conversation! Thank you for having it.

[@monikaazariah9237]

Such an exciting concept....I'm getting right into it...thanks 😊👍

[@LisaSonora]

Very excited about this class - and now especially eager to try out my toned paper sketchbook - the first time I've used toned paper.

[@lilmissmonsterrr]

This is incredibly helpful!

[@NomadicGems]

Sounds like a great way to Improve the skills. I need to do this for sure. Love the videos.

[@SketchBookSkool]

You should!

[@JJsketchbook]

Wow! Totally inspiring.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thanks so much!

[@judyhoomalamalama]

Looking out my window today I saw a bird in the very small bird bath that I have . I think i will just draw 1 when this happens again. What a great idea . Plus the hummingbirds come to test a very small bucket pond I have . Great ideas for just sitting in the yard or looking out my window

[@winniepurple8736]

beautiful!!! I call it garden journaling!.. love these videos thank you!!

[@SketchBookSkool]

You are so welcome!

[@naomiayala450]

Such a fabulous strategy ☺️🙌🏻

[@merryw5885]

Thanks!

[@atokea77777]

Useful & inspiring ! Thanks a lot !

[@susanmacdonald4288]

I got two of John's books for Christmas, but with a move not long after and things still a little chaotic, I haven't had the change yet to really concentrate on them. I will have to pull them out soon!

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

I have sketchbooks for different subject matter such as for my professional work and for learning to use ink as well as for a visual journal of my life with my Eskies. Now I need to buy another one lol.

[@lulu.borges]

so nice guys love y'all❤️

[@tracy85777]

WOW! Twenty hours a day? Awesome.

[@saltandlight44777]

Another favorite is Edith Holden...

[@ellenschwarz4945]

Thanks so much for this Video ❤ hugs from Germany 🙂

[@jacqueevelyn6411]

Really good talk. before the video is finished I am gathering the bag together, thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nicola-Lore]

lovely nature journal-ing !

[@teamirina3587]

fantastic idea! 😊👍🙏

[@cath4life42]

Awesome video and I am excited to observe more nature. Is that a white color pencil that he uses a lot with his sketches you make the birds stand out? Or watercolor in white???

[@VickersConnie]

Ok. Gotta do it. NOW!

[@carollutton3340]

Please let us know what exactly kind, brand that sketchbook is the hard bound one. The paper looks like it is not white but a light grey. I don’t think the white gauche he used would look the way it does if the paper was white. Also looks like the paper is good with light wash. Thanks for doing these videos. My favourite thing to do is sketchbooks you can do them anywhere and you don’t need a lot of time. I just recently accidentally found this channel I’ve wanted something like this for so long. I subscribed to a sketchbook magazine until it went out of business and have been mourning it ever since. I’m so glad I’ve kept all the issues. I really appreciate you doing this.

[@lisamartens4837]

It looks like The Grey Book, by Hahnemühle. They also have one with Tan paper, called The Cappuccino Book

[@carollutton3340]

Do you know what kind of paper it is. Multi media, 90lb etc?

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@carollutton3340 you could try asking on John Muir Laws channel, what he uses.

[@lisamartens4837]

@@carollutton3340 It is 120gsm paper. Very smooth. It's great for Indian ink, pencils, fine liners, acrylic markers as well as other water-based pens. You can use watercolour and gouache, as long as you don't make it too wet. There will be some wrinkling of the paper.

[@cathihargaden1608]

I 💜his attitude and mindset really helpful

[@gin6752]

I like the initial approach to be overtaken by beauty and wonderment, but then depart from asking the why of the mystery. As an artist attuned with nature, I don't want to use my linear mind to objectify nature but to be at one with it, and for me the art expresses that essence. Like Joseph Campbell said, it's the difference between prose and poetry.

[@ruthballardart]

The Spark link is not working.... can you send an updated link?

[@flisjohnstone]

Thank you

[@LaLa_ArtGal]

Can we find out which sketchbook that is?

[@monikaazariah9237]

I think it's a greytone sketchbook

[@monikaazariah9237]

@test ! Yeah me too....this nature journaling is so fascinating ❤️

[@Glassed_in_Nature]

I know it’s kind of late but he actually sells his own sketchbook that you can find on his website, or recently he’s been using a strathmore 8.5 x 11 hard bound grey or tan toned 400 series sketchbook. I hope this helps and happy journaling.

[@Robert-ko6wr]

But your birds are perfect. How do you draw/water color so quickly? How do you get the artwork so perfect? The birds I'm looking at stay in one place for a few seconds and then they fly away and are gone. There isn't any time to gather a "density of information" on the birds/animals I see.

[@madhavmankar1898]

Thanks you.❤❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

You're welcome 😊

[@glennawalko1795]

I’m interested in knowing what sketchbooks JML uses. The pages must be thick to accommodate different mediums. And just the right size to take in your to-go-bag. Thanks!

[@helenwhs]

I think it’s actually mixed media paper. He mentioned that he likes it when watercolor warps the pages and gives the book a fat, well-handled appearance :D

[@peckerdecker]

*Use a basic pen* (forget pencil) *Pen* - means *commitment* . Regular pen - Great way to learn/ have fun and improve making images:) Stay happy everyone:)

[@aussiet8001]

Do you take photos to work from?

[@RhaniYago]

Just this morning I encountered a "little wonder". Walking back home there was a black bug on the street. Approx. 5 cm long. I stopped, bent down to watch it. It was made up of "three parts". I think it felt threatened - who wound not if suddenly somthing a thousand times larger than you bends over you - and it lifted its back part and then its front part with the antennae lifted as well, as if it wanted to attack me. Such a brave little bug. I stepped away and waited, it went back down to its normal position and then continued its way to the side of the road. What a pity that it did not understand me when I said that I would not harm him. It was a really interesting and wonderous (does that word exist?) experience. If I find out what kind of bug it was I will certainly try to draw it.

[@funkoreangoguma]

Really inspiring! Thanks❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

You're so welcome!

[@brendawalsh8254]

Do you take pictures of the birds and flowers etc? I could definitely not remember all the details of a bird and I doubt the little guy would sit still long enough to pose for me lol

[@R_H21]

I would like to know what kind of sketchbook JML used in this video. Looks like it does well with watercolor/gouache, if that’s what he used.

[@tabuena.fineart]

cool stuff!

[@mplcreative]

What kind of paper is used in the nature journal? I make my journals and want to use paper that will be able to take watercolor.

[@angela14962002]

❤❣❤❣❤❣

[@gailaroonie]

Love this!

[@lauryreed7468]

Great info.

[@irenegauger9496]

So interesting!

[@teamirina3587]

thank you!

[@gabysanders5887]

This is amazing but unfortunately it does not work for me..... I work from 8 to 8 every day and I dont have time to go out and try to draw nature. I would love to start sketching however i have time at night before I go to sleep. Since Im infront of a screen most of the day I dont want to take ideas from the internet...so.... I want to start sketching...but I really dont know where/how to start.....can you give me some guidance please?

[@kristinstewart5556]

Do you have any houseplants, rocks or shells you have collected?Also check out Draw Tip Tuesday. There are many short uploads of easy ways to get started. hopefully you have weekends. 12 hours a day 7 days a week is a lot!

[@gabysanders5887]

@@kristinstewart5556 thank you!!🥰

[@herstrangekind]

You might also look at keeping a commonplace book. It’s sort of an illustrated journal of ideas and information, things that are interesting to you.

[@carmellewis2466]

I really understand what it's like to be so full on working that trying to create space for something you'd love to do can feel exhausting. I started by looking up at the sky and watching clouds and how they changed shape depending on the weather (and they're quite easy to draw!), then I started to watch the moon go through its phases and look for the stars in the sky. I learned so much from moon and cloudwatching and stargazing. Just keep looking for the beauty...it'll take you to a world beyond worlds...and a world of your own beyond work. Good luck!

[@BeingAndHappenings]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lmmaude]

Interesting paper that looks like newsprint but copes with water-based paints

[@sonyahansell2661]

It looks like he’s using a 5x7 sketch book?

[@cannkann6596]

Didn't know Matt Damon is a professional artist too 😄

[@nikolinagrekov7073]

I like the it's not pretty but it's a diagram point of view, takes a lot of pressure off

[@lifesfluff]

rad

[@DesertVox]

I wonder how the ancient artists knew how to sculpt or draw wild animals very accurately when all they could get was a glimpse of that animal in the wild. This is not still art, and there was no photography.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Why is that not art?

[@Cynthia.B]

I think you meant "still life" art, right? Ancient cave paintings are amazing!

[@pesto12601]

Sure.. it helps to be able to make pretty pictures though like your journal clearly shows... otherwise, it is just a bunch of scribbles with words..

[@recoveringsoul755]

Well, he's been doing it for many years