Thursday, August 23, 2012

PPF: Backyard Field Journal

The week three assignment in Alisa Burke's Ode to Nature class is to create a Field Journal, and she encouraged us to start in our own backyard.  A Field Journal is a lot like a sketchbook, but with more writing and even less worrying about getting things "perfect." I enjoyed making this top page featuring a hydrangea leaf, jasmine leaves and a jasmine flower taken from my side yard. 
I did another page about some very cool seed pods:
And a page which was a summary of what's going on in my garden beds:
These were all done with pencil, pen and watercolors. I have admired similar pages when I have seen them done by others, but I had never figured out how to do it myself. So this lesson made me really happy! 
If you're interested in what other students are doing in the Ode to Nature class, I can definitely recommend stopping by the following four blogs:
Andy Lean - he's an art teachers and produces beautiful drawing, painting and photographs (he's also brand new to blogging);
Inge's Miracles of Nature - beautiful sketching and photography, with a cool Nordic vibe; 
Alexa's Trimming the Sails - Photos, stories - no incorporating nature; and
Pat's Art Kerfuffle - sketching, book making and other crafty stuff. 
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I'm posting this to Paint Party Friday (my favorite weekly meme). For more painterly goodness, check out the offerings at Paint Party Friday.

27 comments:

Amy said...

I like these pages Rinda, they remind me of exhibits in the museum or the art gallery from botanists of long ago.

Ayala Art said...

The very first one is my favorite, maybe because ti is more bold? I always like botanical art, but never have done a page. Looks great!

Netty said...

smashing artwork. Happy PPF, Annette x

Kokopelli said...

Isn't it fun to be outside and just sketch away? So much fun! Happy PPF btw! :)

Irene said...

Rinda, Love these field journal notes and drawings. They are so jolly and colourful.
Thanks for the links. Will go check them out now.
Hoping the families health issues are improving. Irene

scrappyjacky said...

I know exactly what Amy means!!

Natasha said...

I love how botanical art looks. I love the pen and watercolour look as well. great pages. :)

Sian said...

It's like a cool updated version of "Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady"

Andy said...

Hi Rinda, Thank you for visiting my blog and also for the mention on your blog post today. You are more than kind.
Glad you have put your Field sketch book up on your blog so that people can share your lovely drawings. It is an amazing course and I get the impression you are enjoying it as much as I am. Andy

Mary C. Nasser said...

Love your field journal and this dea of starting in one's own back yard! Your blog posts and beautiful work really make me want to take "Ode to Nature," too!!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Elizabeth said...

That is just wonderful! I remember my aunt showing me her field journal from many, many years ago. I just may have to start one of my own to show my nieces and nephews and perhaps spark an interest in having them do the same.

Anne Manda said...

Your pages are sweet and pretty and have a wonderful nature vibe to them! Lovely!
I have to check your links.
Happy PPF!

Jimjams said...

^^^ what she said ! These pages are wonderful Rinda. I love their colour and quirkiness.

GlorV1 said...

Hi Rinda. What great journal pages and very interesting. I too am glad that you joined in on PPF. I was reading your comment that ppf was one of your favorite meme's. Have a great weekend.

carlarey said...

Looks like you are really having a great time with this class. I love how it is making you find so much to draw and paint in your own yard.

Unknown said...

Fun and beautiful pages. Love them!

Happy PPF!

Marji said...

What fun to have a field journal! I can imagine that it makes you slow down and really sit with nature for a while. Nice. Happy PPF

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

The first thing I thought of was The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and I see Sian beat me to it! I've finally got round to blogging more scavenger shots today :o)

Karen Smithey said...

These are terrific! It's so exciting when we realize that we can do ANYTHING, isn't it?

Bravo for you!

bohemiannie! art said...

Bravo! Great job Rinda. You're an art journaler!

Carola Bartz said...

I haven't joined PPF in a million years and I miss it! Darn!!!
Lovely sketches - another beautiful idea! I checked out Alisa Burke's class and I was very tempted, but at the moment I am a bit reluctant to spend any kind of extra money since we still have some work to do on the house... One day.
I'd love to see your garden!

Anonymous said...

Amy said it perfectly! They are so reminiscent of those sketches.

Carolyn Dube said...

Your sketches are fabulous! I love the feeling you've got going in these- so free and in the moment. I love the look your text gives to this!!!Happy PPF!

Lynn Cohen said...

I like the delicacy of your drawings and painting here. Your journal pages are lovely and we share some of the same backyard foilage too. Nicely done. HPPF on Sunday!

Ritu Dua said...

very interesting ad absolutely delightful art work!

Carol said...

Very nice journal pages....will have to do something like that with the grandkids on their next visit :0)

~*~Patty S said...

Your pen and pencil and watercolor pages are very inspiring...thank you for all of the links and for sharing your creativity!
oxo