I would love to know more about the actual process of your reference to painting.. do you take photos of your subjects? How are you getting such good views of birds or mice? Or are you adding that in from internet-found references later? I especially want to ask because I love nature journaling but there are some awkward elements - I also would like to know, if you sketch and add color later.. how do you decide accurate values? Much thanks :) I am inspired by your work 💗
I try to do as much sketching from life as I can, but sometimes that's not possible and then I use references as a help. Preferably my own photos. It all comes down to practice and a bit of luck in the end. I usually do pencils sketches in the field and if there's time, color, but very often I make quick color notes and finish the piece at home. Seeing and drawing correct values comes with practice, as a help you can squint your eyes or use a colored film or your phone (black and white mode) to help you figure out the scene. I hope that helps! I've written more about all of these things in my blog. :-)
Thanks for doing a video on the practical aspects of creating a nature journal. It helps to have the advantage of your experience. I like the idea of the insulated pad. It’s compact and looks like it would make even the hardest rock bearable! Insect repellent is becoming a necessary part of days in the field here in my part of the States, not just for pesky mosquitoes but because of the proliferation of deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease. I picked up a deer tick a few weeks ago and just completed a course of antibiotic as a preventive measure.
That pad looks cozier than it is, I always make sure I have a at least tree stump or a patch of grass beneath it. But you learn to sketch more quickly with it. ;-) I know some people like to bring small foldable stools, also very recommended when you don't have to carry your gear very far.
great point. deer ticks are a huge problem here in upstate New York and we pick them up daily on our farm just walking around and doing chores and many friends and family have already been infected and had to deal with life long complications. insect repellent is vital to remaining safe outdoors and only 100% deet works best. we do not have the luxury of debating chemical exposure issues, in this case the chemical is necessary to maintaining good health. Getting bit by black flies which draw blood and mosquitos that carry West Nile, and Zika in some areas down south, is also a problem. I wear insect repellent hats and scarves and high boots, again we need to be vigilant in staying safe in the outdoors. I also carry bear spray when I go out to the back woods and mountains, no need to explain why. These safety measures become second nature and makes my time outdoors less worrisome.
Hi Julia, Thank you so much for this video. I was just trying to figure out what to put in a field kit. Since the weather it is warming up you want to get out to draw and paint. The one thing you forgot was sunscreen, I can't live without it. Because of my meds I burn up. Last year I invested in a cheap beach umbrella to stick in the ground for when I want to make a day of it. I keep it in the trunk of the car and it comes in very handy. I also use a collapseable camping cup for a water basin if I'm using my sable travel brushes instead of my water brush with cap. I also have a small piece of the Old Masters soap. Good for everything. I made a nice pad to sit on years ago in girl scouts and still use it. Micron pen, pencils, eraser, brushes, sketchbook, bottle of water, mister bottle of water for paints, paper, paints, and me. I carry a little caddy with plastic cups in in to sort my goodies and keep them under control. Thanks for this video, it's great! Kathy B. (Fairylady0227) 💜
You're right, sunscreen is definitely useful! It sounds like you already have a great travel caddy put together, I love your list and that you have a beach umbrella for further sun protection! I usually hike with a daypack so I need to fit everything in there - really minimal. But it's great to hear what other artists bring with them, I always like to make adjustments! ❤️
Thanks Julia - great video. I have been a journaler for quite a time and I too use the pentel waterbrushes. Love them. My kit looks much the same as yours. Nothing beats a sunny day out seeing what nature has to offer - kind cold in my part of WI this time of year though. Do you go out in the winter? I have had my water freeze up on me before. Keep the good videos coming.
Thank you! It's always good to have a water brush in your kit somewhere, isn't it? I go sketching in the winter, although not as often. We often don't have proper winters here anymore, so it's just muddy and rainy without any snow. I once got the tip to paint with vodka when it's freezing outside! ;)
Hi Julia! for painting outside with watercolor or mix media I bring the brushes with water tank, same as those you have, also a little tin box with charcoals (4 or 5 colors) and watercolor simple set of 5 colors too, a pencil , eraser and a fine nib permanent marker, sometimes I bring color pencils.
Thank you for sharing this informative and helpful video. Your suggestion of a small insulating mat is a great idea! Again thank you and much appreciated :-)
Really great for adding detail, I frequently use them on top of watercolor or instead of pencils for rough sketches. I've never tried them as a replacement for watercolors though.
