Nature Journals
It all begins with a walk, usually with my dog, Jess.
My work begins with a walk. Usually with Jess. It is all about seeing and listening. The words are quiet places until you start to listen - you can even hear the trees breathe …. sometimes. And if you are really lucky you will have an encounter. A hare runs into you. A deer crouches before you. A woodpecker drums above you. My job is to observe and record these wild things. From these observations I record my thoughts and feelings into my Moleskine Sketchbook and am on a mission to make composites of these sketches as complete paintings.
Jess looking over a rainbow on the Isle of Arran.
Each journal I make carries a journey - usually a journey through a three month period - sort of seasonal but not quite. I have decided there is much I cannot change so I am a witness instead. I witness the moving seasons and the changing landscape. There are no rules - the rules are mine to make and break - and the sketches are done for me only.
A detail from one of my Isle of Wight nature journals - these often include non nature observations creating a memory filled notebook.
It takes a little time after a complete journal for me to take it in and it is only then that I make paintings from the journals. I work using fountain pen and Noodler’s ink - which I love! Watercolour paints and brush pens add colour. I am not very purest when it comes to adding colour and often end up splashing paint onto the spreads - a bit like dappled light through the trees.
This is an ongoing process for me as everyday is a journey.
