Experimental Approaches Beyond the Sketchbook
When most people think of “nature journaling,” they envision neat sketchbook pages filled with careful drawings and tidy notes. We learned this the hard way… But as the popularity of initiatives like International Nature Journaling Week has shown, the concept of nature-inspired art has evolved far beyond the traditional sketchbook format.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Experienced mixed media artist and nature enthusiast Tod Evans has embraced a much more experimental approach, exploring a diverse range of materials and techniques that go well beyond the confines of a bound journal. From squashing fresh blackberries onto the page to letting the wind and rain interact with her wet media, Tod’s artistic process is anything but conventional.
“I am coming to nature journaling as an artist who loves experimenting with a variety of art materials,” Tod explains. “I create work that veers from reasonably accurate to messy and sometimes abstracted.”
This playful, process-driven exploration has allowed Tod to capture the essence of the natural world in fresh and unexpected ways. By stepping outside the sketchbook, she has discovered a whole new realm of creative possibilities.
Finding Freedom in the Elements
Tod’s “shadow drawing” technique is a prime example of how she embraces the unexpected. “I have my watercolour paintbox nearby and a waterbrush. Ignoring the initial drawing, I create simple washes of colour in the shape of the flower petals and leaves directly over the top,” she describes. “The final result could be seen as a bit of a mess by some, but I am satisfied.”
The random patterns created by the shifting shadows, combined with the fluid watercolour washes, result in a dynamic composition that conveys the movement and energy of the natural subject. And Tod doesn’t shy away from allowing the elements to further influence her work.
“How could you interact more with the elements?” she asks. “Let the wind push wet paint over the page. Let falling raindrops react with water-soluble media. Let frost form ice crystals in watercolour.”
This willingness to embrace the unpredictable and let go of control is a core part of Tod’s experimental approach. As she says, “It feels elemental and crazy and I am delighted to see my drawn birds flapping in the lilac tree where earlier, I had watched a flock of these little beauties.”
Incorporating Natural Pigments
Another way Tod pushes the boundaries of traditional nature journaling is by incorporating natural pigments directly into her work. Rather than just drawing or painting the plants and flowers she observes, she collects and uses them as a medium.
“How can you incorporate some natural colour into your journal pages?” she suggests. “Squash and rub flowers/leaves/berries if they are in your garden or abundant in the wild. Tap pollen from flowers or catkins and press or smear to stain the paper. Maybe try your hand at making natural botanical inks?”
This tactile, hands-on engagement with the natural world not only results in uniquely vibrant and organic-looking pages, but also connects the artist more deeply with their subject matter. As Tod’s grandson discovered, there’s a joyful playfulness to squashing berries and using the juices as a drawing medium.
“We spend a happy hour squashing blackberries, drawing and chatting,” Tod recalls. “Blackberries are fun to squash, draw and delicious to eat!”
Layering and Experimentation
While some of Tod’s experimental techniques may seem haphazard, there is often a refined process underlying the seemingly chaotic results. Her “layered drawing” approach, for example, combines intentional mark-making with spontaneous elements.
“I have folded a sheet of cartridge paper into a concertina,” she explains. “I have cut a sprig of Dog Rose, a wild hedge plant that scrambles through the trees and bushes. Grabbing a pencil, I trace around the plant shadows, changing the angle of the flower and leaves periodically.”
The initial shadow drawings form the foundation, which Tod then builds upon by adding watercolour washes. The overlapping layers create a complex visual interplay, conveying the dynamic nature of the subject.
“Overlapping the two simple stages has formed a more complex web of lines and colours than in isolation,” Tod observes. “For me, it conveys the habit of this Dog Rose, how it uses other structures to clamber through on its spreading journey.”
This layered approach allows Tod to experiment with different media and techniques, each one informing and enhancing the others. It’s a process of discovery and play, where the final outcome is never certain, but the journey is always rewarding.
Embracing the Unexpected
Perhaps the most valuable lesson from Tod’s experimental nature journaling is the importance of embracing the unexpected. Whether it’s allowing the wind to dictate the movements of her wet paint, or serendipitously incorporating natural materials, she is always open to the surprises that arise during the creative process.
“It is ok if it doesn’t work,” she reassures. “That’s the point – you won’t know until you try. Sometimes you succeed but you learn more when you don’t. If it didn’t work this way, could it work in a different colour or format?”
This spirit of adventure and willingness to take risks is what fuels Tod’s artistic growth and keeps her work feeling fresh and alive. By stepping outside the confines of the traditional sketchbook, she has discovered a whole new world of creative possibilities.
“Whatever your style of nature journaling, whatever your level of experience, I do hope you have found something of interest in my approaches,” Tod concludes. “Why not unleash your inner child and experiment a little?”
As the world of nature-inspired art continues to evolve, artists like Tod Evans are leading the way in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. By embracing unconventional materials, techniques, and processes, they are redefining the very nature of the nature journal.
So grab your paints, pencils, and a sprig of your favourite plant, and get ready to experiment beyond the page. Who knows what unexpected delights you might discover?
Example: Pencil Portrait Challenge 2024