Nature Journaling Group

We are a group of like-minded people who enjoy being outside, and contemplating the beauty of nature. The Gardens provides the perfect setting for this activity.

We disperse around the Gardens to observe and sketch whatever appeals to us: plants, birds, landscapes, people, insects or other animals. We then meet again at a designated spot to discuss our works and have lunch.

All Friends are welcome – just email before-hand and bring your journal, art materials and a portable stool.

About Nature Journaling

Some reading suggestions from Lesley Page, the Group Coordinator:

“Here are 8 books, 3 of which deal with Nature Journaling and how to approach it. The others are about artists who incorporate Nature Journaling and Field Sketching into their work, whether it be scientific records, or purely artistic. Some will talk about colour palettes, colour theory, art materials etc. and one is Botanical Sketchbooks which is really botanical illustration.

  1. Keeping a Nature Journal by Clare Walker Leslie and Charles Roth. This is very good from the point of view that Leslie records her approach to visual diary writing and sketching of her day to day experiences.
  2. The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling written and illustrated by John Muir Laws. A “how to” book full of worthwhile information.
  3. Drawing Birds by John Busby, a delightful book on how to draw birds in the wild
  4. Lines for Birds by Barry Hill and John Wolseley – poems and paintings
  5. 1954 – 1956 Alaskan Field Sketches of William D. Berry. Wildlife artist. Annotated drawings of animals in the wild, recording what he saw. It’s real nature journaling with a scientific approach.
  6. Explorer`s Sketchbooks 
    The Art of Discovery and Adventure. Huw Lewis-Jones, Kari Herbert
  7. Natural History Painting with the Eden Project
    Martin and Meriel Thurstan. Another How to book
  8. Botanical Sketchbooks
     Helen and William Bynum
     Perhaps really about Botanical Illustration for scientific purposes
Waratahs, Sydney Basin area, ANBG by Kathy Walter (Photo: Jill More)

Contact information:  Lesley Page, Convenor

Email: naturejournal@friendsanbg.org.au

Meet: 10.00am on the first Monday of most months at the Visitor Centre