Nature Trails 2014 - A Natural Sketchbook Exchange

I've never written a blog before but there's a first time for everything, right?

I've been learning botanical illustration for about three or more years now.  It's been a dream of mine since I learned to love nature as a child living with my father in the city.  Dad taught me all about nature and every Saturday we would take the bus to the park in the very early morning and go for walks.  He would make a list of birds and I would make a list of flowers and plants.  I learned to be very quiet on these walks.  By not disturbing the natural world around us, we were given quite a show on those Saturday mornings.

So about three years ago (after my children left home and life calmed down a bit), I decided it was time to live my dream.  I already had many, many books.  I love to learn of the explorers and the master botanical artists.  So I dove in with absolutely no knowledge of how to properly draw a plant or how to use watercolors.  Quite a struggle with no formal art training. It's been frustrating but more so, it's been a wonderful journey and I've taken so much joy in seeing myself improve little by little.  And the internet is a wonderful thing.  I've met so many artists.  Some with a talent that just takes my breath away.  Most of them, although in their own league of exceptional artwork,  accepted me with open arms.  All of them sharing their knowledge, their beautiful work and most important to me, their friendship. 

This year, I was asked to be a part of this wonderful sketchbook project.  I was overwhelmed by that gesture.  I felt so honored to be asked to be part of this group of amazing and talented people.  But also, I was so concerned that my work might not be able to stand along side the others.  And to think that I might ruin someone's book!  Very intimindating for sure.  But also, how wonderful would it be to "hang out" with these guys for over a year working on our sketchbooks?  And, in the end, I will have a priceless collection of works  all in one little book, from people who I truly admire and call my friends.

So my sketchbook pages are completed and on their way to the next artist.  Since it is winter here and I've been dreaming of flowers, I decided to put those in my sketchbook.  I had some complex, complicated ideas, but I decided to keep it simple.  This worked well for me as I am a slow painter and it allowed me to just relax and enjoy the process.

Tulip and Crocus with watercolor

"To see the world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wildflower" William Blake

The title page