Phenology Wheel: Avoid these Mistakes
A phenology wheel can be a fun, beautiful, and fulfilling addition to your nature journal. It can also be a project from hell. Avoid the mistakes that I made and […]
Your rejuvenating alternative
It’s a dark first week of December, you are stressed about the holidays. Icy rain falls outside. It’s cold, it’s bleak. You are still recovering from Thanksgiving. Sheesh, you are […]
Nature Journaling in the Páramo
Nature journaling in the Páramo is like nature journaling inside an ecosystem invented by Dr Seuss. Maybe that is why I like it. What is the Páramo? The Páramo is […]
Why I like Nature Journaling in the Cloud Forest
First, the good parts. Nature journaling in the cloud forest is especially fun and exciting because of the mind-boggling diversity of colors, textures, plants, and creatures. I can think of […]
Nature Journal in the Amazon?
We sketch piranhas in a canoe while blue and yellow macaws fly overhead. Red howler monkeys roar and prehistoric-looking hoatzin birds watch us drift by. You already have three types […]
This is NOT nature journaling but that’s ok
Cool nature journal page right? Actually, I have something to admit. This is not nature journaling. I did the page above while looking at a variety of photos online. That […]
Nature Journaling in Your Neighborhood
Why is nature journaling in your neighborhood harder to imagine than going someplace “special?” Do you really have to go to a forest, a lake, or a park to nature […]
Nature Journaling Birds or Plants?
I sometimes struggle deciding between nature journaling birds or plants. Focusing can be hard in nature. Sometimes, I tell myself I am going to go to a certain spot to […]
Perpetual Journal with Pam Johnson Brickell
What is a perpetual journal and how can I try perpetual journaling? How are perpetual journals different from nature journals? To answer some of these questions I recently interviewed Pam […]
Nature Journal Mushrooms with Me!
Do you want to nature journal mushrooms? Now is your chance to join me nature journaling one of the most iconic mushrooms ever! Yes, the Amanita muscaria, the one that […]
How to Nature Journal Like a Kid!
Today, we are going to steal from kids. I know that sounds bad but hear me out. To be more specific we are going to try and steal their learning […]
How to Use a Waterbrush
Do you know how to use a waterbrush? They are also called water brush pens, watercolor brushpens, and a few other names. Whatever you call them they are amazing. However, […]
Nature Journal Beach Vacation…
While everyone else is stressing between thanksgiving and Christmas you are sitting on the beach in Costa Rica. Your nature journal is in your lap. Your watercolors are in your […]
How to Nature Journal Plants
Everybody is doing it, but we could do a better job if we deliberately practiced how to nature journal plants. Today, we are going to look at several approaches. In […]
From the Galapagos to You
Outside, a few shafts of sun penetrate the wet swirling clouds. Water drips from a thousand green leaves. A confusing assortment of Galapagos finch calls repeat like a broken record. […]
Nature Sketching and Nature Journaling: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between nature journaling and nature sketching? Nature sketching and nature journaling are two popular ways to connect with nature and record observations […]
Drawing as a Learning Tool
What is drawing good for? Two main things in my opinion: decoration and learning. In today’s world we are so focused on the first benefit that we often forget drawing […]
Urban Sketching in San Diego (Balboa Park)
Urban sketching in San Diego is great! Specifically, the famous Balboa park is a perfect place for nature journaling and urban sketching. During a recent stay in San Diego I […]
Nature Sketching with Christine Elder
What is the difference between “Nature Sketching” and “Nature Journaling?” Is coffee an essential art supply? What is the best advice for new nature sketchers? How can I go nature […]
Nature Journaling Beginner
Are you a nature journaling beginner? So is Emily. That’s why she was surprised when I asked her to be on the Nature Journal Show. However, I think it is […]
Nature Journaling Germany with Verena Hillgärtner
Did you know that nature journaling in Germany is blowing up? One of the main people involved in this massive growth of German nature journaling is Verena Hillgärtner. Verena is […]
Nature Sketching with Debby Kaspari
What is the difference between nature sketching, field sketching, plein air drawing, and nature journaling? I talked to Debby Kaspari about some of these differences as well her favorite art […]
Nature Journaling With Kids
Is nature journaling with kids the same as nature journaling with adults? What about teens? Why is it good to nature journal with kids? These are some of the questions […]
Travel Sketching
Travel sketching is something I am trying to practice more. In this video you can see how I did a bit of travel sketching in Panama on my way to […]
Nature Journaling and Botanical Illustration
Have you ever wondered about the differences between nature journaling and botanical illustration? In this week’s episode of the Nature Journal Show I will address this question as I take […]
Scrapbooking and Nature Journaling
Scrapbooking and Nature Journaling Have you ever used scrapbooking techniques in your nature journal? In this video I demonstrate how. Scrapbooking and nature journaling are two forms of creative expression […]
Nature Journaling in the Canopy of the Rainforest
Nature Journaling in the canopy is an exciting and challenging new frontier. I want to use nature journaling to help save the world’s biodiversity and this is the perfect place […]
End of Season Two! Nature Journal Show Finale
The Nature Journal Show has been my main creative project for the last three years! This past season was especially exciting and eventful as I made some drastic sacrifices to […]
Nature Journaling in Costa Rica
Nature journaling in Costa Rica looks like this: Glittering hummingbirds buzz by in the tropical morning light. I jot down some quick notes and a color study. Moments later, I […]
What is Nature Journaling For You?
What is nature journaling for you? We talk about it all the time but what is it? I have my idea but what does it mean for you? Does the […]
Nature Journaling During the Holidays?!
What happens to your nature journaling during the holidays? Do you get too busy with buying gifts, preparing food, and family obligations? In addition to the stress of the holidays is […]
Nature Journaling a Home Experiment: Challenge day 30
Have you ever done an experiment and nature journaled it? Did you now that baking brownies two different ways and doing a side by side test of them can count […]
Nature Journaling the Cardinal Directions: Challenge Day 29
Did you ever draw compass roses as a kid? Do you include the cardinal directions in your nature journal pages today? Today’s Prompt: Cardinal directions, two minute sketch each direction […]
Questions in your nature journal: Challenge day 28
How do you use questions in your nature journal? Did you know asking questions is one of the best ways to learn in nature? Today’s Prompt: Questions, Questions, Questions Questions […]
Nature Journaling Your Self: Challenge Day 27
Have you tried nature journaling yourself? Today’s Prompt: Parachute yourself into your nature journal page I first heard this expression from Mark Simmons. Mark is a nature journaler, comic artist, […]
Nature Journaling With a “Muggle”: Challenge Day 26
Have you ever nature journaled with a muggle aka someone who doesn’t nature journal? What about with a group of muggles? Today’s Prompt: Nature journaling with a muggle In the […]
Smaller than your pinky: Challenge Day 25
How often do you nature journal something smaller than your pinky? Are you biased towards bigger subjects? Today’s Prompt: Smaller than your pinky I can’t remember who on the Nature […]
Nature Journal Inter-species Relationships: Challenge Day 24
Why do we usually nature journal one organism or species at a time? How can we nature journal inter-species relationships? Today’s Prompt: Inter-species Relationship There are a lot of interesting […]
Dawn, Day, Night: Challenge Day 23
Do you always nature journal at the same time of day? Today’s Prompt: Dawn, Day, Night Last year I did a prompt for nature journaling inktober challenge about nature journaling […]
Gratitude Journal/Colors: Challenge Day 22
Do you ever gratitude journal? Do you ever just play with colors? Today’s Prompt: Gratitude/Colors How can we combine these seemingly unrelated things? Both of these practices have useful benefits. […]
Above and Below Water: Challenge day 21
Have you ever nature journaled something that lives below the water? What about something amphibious? Today’s Prompt: Above and below water I usually nature journal terrestrial nature. How about you? […]
Test Page in Your Nature Journal: Challenge Day 20
Are you afraid to test new ideas in your nature journal? Does your inner perfectionist block you? Today’s Prompt: Fill a test page in your nature journal with a new […]
Nature Journaling Critters at Home: Challenge Day 19
Can you find animals to nature journal in your own home? Have you really looked? Today’s Prompt: Find and nature journal three critters in your home (not your spouse) Sometimes, […]
Simplify the Complex: Challenge Day 18
How do you capture the complexity of nature on the pages of your nature journal? Today’s Prompt: Simplify the Complex One inevitable challenge when nature journaling is prioritizing. Unfortunately, your […]
Sharing Nature With Others: Challenge day seventeen
Have you ever seen something in nature that you immediately had to share? How did you share it? Today’s Prompt: “Something in nature that made you want to call a […]
Page Layout in Your Nature Journal
Do you think about composition and page layout in your nature journal? Today’s Prompt: Page layout in your nature journal The Wild Wonder Nature Journaling conference is in full swing! […]
Sketchnoting a Class at Wild Wonder: Challenge Day Fifteen
Sketchnoting is the number one way to get more bang for your buck at the Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference. Today’s Prompt: Sketchnote a class at Wild Wonder How do […]
Haiku in your Nature Journal: Challenge Day Fourteen
Do you want to write poems in your nature journal? Today’s Prompt: Haiku in your nature journal Remember how there are three languages in nature journaling? Images, numbers, and words. […]
Leaf Comparison: Challenge Day Thirteen
Have you ever compared two things in your nature journal? Today’s Prompt: Leaf comparison John Muir Laws, myself, and other teachers talk frequently about the technique called “Joint Comparison.” In […]
Sketch something you usually avoid: Challenge Day Twelve
What is something you usually avoid drawing? Today’s Prompt: Sketch something you usually avoid Uh-oh, here we go with another challenging one. That’s because the idea is to grow during […]
Steal Like an Artist: Challenge Day Eleven
How do you feel about stealing ideas? Today’s Prompt: “Steal Like an Artist” Look up one Wild Wonder Teacher and Steal Ideas I can tell you are already having some […]
Nature Journaling Challenge Day Ten: More Blind Contour Drawings!
Remember when we did blind contour drawings earlier in the challenge? Today’s Prompt: Three blind contour drawings in one minute Now, it’s time to work faster. Blind contour drawings have […]
Watercolor First: Challenge Day Nine
Why would I want to do watercolor first? Today’s Prompt: Watercolor First I have to admit that I never do this. I always start with the drawing. However, there is […]
Nature Journaling Multiple Languages: Challenge Day Eight
Have you ever nature journaled in multiple languages? Today’s Prompt: Nature Journaling Multiple Languages First of all you don’t have to be bilingual or polylingual to use multiple languages in […]
Nature Journaling all Your Senses: Challenge Day Seven
Why is nature journaling usually 90% visual? What about the other senses? Today’s Prompt: Nature Journaling all Your Senses When you were in kindergarten you probably did an art activity […]
Challenge Day Six: Nature Journaling Change and Process
Have you ever nature journaled a process or change over time? Today’s Prompt: Nature Journaling Change and Process Some of the most fascinating things we can witness in nature are […]
Challenge Day Five: Nature Journaling Your Food
Have you ever tried nature journaling your food? Today’s Prompt: “Something you are going to eat” Your parents probably told you not to play with your food as a kid. […]
Challenge Day Four: Nature Journaling Nearby Nature
Have you tried nature journaling “nearby Nature?” Today’s Prompt: “Nearby Nature” You don’t have to go to Yosemite to nature journal. As a matter of fact you don’t even have […]
Challenge Day Three: Blind Contour Drawing
Have you ever done blind contour drawings before? Today’s Prompt: “Three blind contour drawings in three minutes” Blind contour drawing might be the single best exercise for improving your drawings. […]
Challenge Day Two: Seasonal Nature Journaling
What is seasonal nature journaling? Today’s Prompt: “Seasonal” Sometimes, a little ambiguity in a prompt leaves you with more creative potential. However, many artists have also pointed to the usefulness […]
Nature Journaling Challenge: Day One
Today is the first day of September and the first day of the Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Challenge! Today’s Prompt: “Write about your nature journaling intentions for September” What do […]
Thirty Day Nature Journaling Challenge!
To add to the fun for September I have created a thirty day nature journaling challenge! This is meant to inspire people in the nature journal club and beyond to […]
Flower Pressing and Nature Journaling
Have you combined flower pressing and nature journaling yet? If not you are in for a super fun surprise! Pressing flowers and nature journaling can be a liberating, crafty, botanical […]
Nature Journaling for a Wild Life: Book Review
Roseann Hanson sent me her Book “Nature Journaling for a Wild Life” and one of her minimalist paint kits that I will review in this video. I will share some […]
Nature Journaling and Birding: Becoming a Better Birder
Nature journaling and birding go together like birds of a feather. In fact, nature journaling is as useful as your binoculars in making you a better birder. Would you go […]
Nature Journaling for Beginners: Essentials
Do you want the best tips on nature journaling for beginners distilled from years of teaching, interviewing beginners and experts, and watching how newbies learn nature journaling? I have talked […]
Art Journaling and Nature Journaling with Alex Boon
Alex Boon combines elements of art journaling, scrap-booking, and even bullet journaling into his nature journaling practice. He also gets inspiration from the work of such artists as Edith Holden, […]
How to Nature Journal Tidepools in Costa Rica
I have done lots of nature journaling in tidepools in California but right now I’m going to show you how to nature journal tidepools in Costa Rica!….Did I mention I […]
How to Nature Journal a Tree in Costa Rica
Want to learn how to nature journal a tree in Costa Rica? Now is your chance to join me vicariously on this tropical nature journaling adventure. In any event a […]
How to Nature Journal in the Rain!
Do you want to learn how to nature journal in the rain? Before you answer that question let’s looks at some special tools and tips to help your nature journaling […]
Nature Journal Shopping List 2021
Its time for my nature journal shopping list for 2021! Whether you are buying a gift for a nature journaling friend or for yourself this list will help you. There […]
#InktoberNatureJournal (Final Week!)
You have made it to the final stretch of inktobernaturejournal! This month-long challenge is almost over! Right now, I will go over the last week of prompts for #inktobernaturejournal. Day […]
#InktoberNatureJournal (Week Three)
Can you believe it is already week three of #inktobernaturejournal? It’s true, I have gotten the weeks mixed up a little. However, the important thing is doing a little bit […]
East Bay Nature Journal Club with Erica Stephens
Erica Stephens is a Naturalist, Nature Journaler, Educator and the founder of Naturalist Nest and the East Bay Nature Journal Club! In this LIVE show we discussed the East Bay […]
#InktoberNatureJournal (Week Two)
Here are the prompts for #inktobernaturejournal week two! Remember, the most important thing is to do a little bit every day. Even if you can only squeeze in a 3 […]
Inktober for Nature Journals! (Week One)
It is about time for an Inktober for Nature Journals! This is your opportunity to commit to nature journaling everyday for 31 days! Each day has a prompt that you […]
How to Draw Old Trees
Right now, I’m going to show you how to draw old trees. Do you remember seeing this tree in my last nature journal in the rain video? Drawing old trees […]
Bird Illustration with Liz Clayton Fuller
Liz does bird illustration. She paints birds for field guides. She paints birds in front of a live audience twice a week. And to top it off, she has a […]
How to Nature Journal From Your Car
I’m going to show you how to nature journal from your car. A car is an amazing thing. Not only can it move you (and your art supplies) from one […]
Wild Wonder and the Nature Journaling Magazine (Amaya’s Experience)
The following is a guest post from our amazing nature journaling teen amabassador Amaya Shreeve! Amaya has been on the Nature Journal Show several times. In this article she describes […]
You Make This Possible
Do you enjoy the Nature Journal Show? Do you believe that nature journaling can make the world a better place? Me too, and that’s why I need your help. Because […]
Nature Journaling Questions: A Taxonomy
Nature journaling questions are essential to what we do as nature journalers. However, we are not taught how to ask questions. In fact the dominant society and most schools teach […]
The Nature Journal Club: Pencil Miles and Chill with Yvea
The Pencil Miles and Chill gatherings have become a mainstay of the nature journal club during 2020. Yvea Moore will tell the origin story of the gathering in this conversation. […]
All the Nature Journaling Supplies from Wild Wonder Conference 2021
Below you will find all of the supplies from the 2021 nature journaling conference! I did my best to find links where you can find all the nature journaling supplies. […]
Nature Journaling Prescribed Fire
Recently, I taught nature journaling at a prescribed fire training program in Quincy California. The North Complex fire, one of the biggest wildfires of the 2020 season, hit this area […]
Nature Journaling After a Fire
Let’s practice nature journaling after a fire in Northern California. We will explore the regrowth in Annadel State Park after the 2020 Glass Fire. So you might be asking: “How […]
Nature Journaling Reptiles
Nature journaling reptiles is one of my favorite things! Let’s sketch and learn about these animals together with Rachael from Doodlebugs animal adventures. Rachael will share Russian tortoises, weird frogs, […]
How to Nature Journal a Collection
Right now, I’m going to show you how to nature journal using the “collection” technique. This is one of the basic nature journaling approaches. You can use it even if […]
Nature Journaling Adventure
Nature journaling is more than a hobby. It is more than an art form. In fact it is a way of seeing the world. Whether you are nature journaling at […]
Birding and Drawing ALL the Birds!
Have you ever had a big birding day or a big year? Christina Baal’s plan is to see and draw all 10,000 birds on the planet! In this talk she […]
Botanical Art and Nature Journaling
Botanical art and nature journaling are essential to how Dion Dior makes meaning of the world. She shares some of her pages, favorite supplies, and technical tips in this talk. […]
Nature Journal Adventure: Kayak Nature Journaling
Join me on a nature journal adventure with my friend and fellow nature journaler JP! It was Superbowl Sunday but we decided to nature journal instead. We saw a dead […]
Birding and Nature Journaling: a Live Conversation with Timothy Joe
Birding and nature journaling should be an obvious match. That’s because you will be more observant, patient, and full of wonder if you do both. You could take my word […]
Journal Organization Marathon!!
I have been bad. I have avoided this for five years. Now I need to do five years worth of journal organization in one morning! Since the cameras are live […]
How To Nature Journal Biocultural Diversity: Mariia Ermilova Terada
Mariia Ermilova Terada shows us how to nature journal biocultural diversity. Not only does she nature journal in three languages but she also incorporates the human-nature connection into her pages. […]
How to Nature Journal Old Trees
Drawing old trees is one of my favorites! I’m gonna show you how to nature journal old trees; in this case a charismatic old oak tree. I’ll use ink, watercolor, […]
How To Nature Journal From Your Window!
Do you know how to nature journal from your window? This nature journaling technique is useful on cold, snowy, or rainy days. It is also useful during global pandemics or […]
Nature Journal Style: The Nature Journal Show with Vitor Velez
Vitor Velez has a nature journal style that is instantly recognizable. When you see his Instagram you might be awed. In fact, you might even be intimidated. “How can I […]
Nature Journal Homeschool Ideas and Growth Mindset: Podcast Interview
Want some nature journal homeschool ideas? Want to learn about how a growth mindset can help your kids? Check out this interview with homeschool mom, podcaster, and art educator Dallas […]
Nature Journal Homeschool Family
This nature journal homeschool family will inspire you! Crystal and Amaya share their perspective of nature journaling in a family with four kids. Because of their experience I ask them […]
Rosalie Haizlett on the Nature Journal Show
Rosalie Haizlett is a conservation-focused illustrator. She has built a career around painting maps, botanical art, and detailed nature scenes in watercolor and ink. In addition to her art sales […]
Nature Journaling Podcast!
I’m usually the one asking the questions but this time I’m in the hot seat. Recently, I was interviewed for the Journaling with Nature Podcast. Check it out and consider […]
How to Nature Journal Where You Grew Up
What was your connection to nature where you grew up? In this video, I show you how to nature journal where you grew up as I explore the natural area […]
How to Nature Journal Bugs!
We learn how to nature journal bugs and why they matter in this exciting conversation with the Beetle Lady! Why are kids fascinated with bugs? What about bugs grosses some […]
The Nature Journal Show in 2020…
It was a weird year but the Nature Journal Show persevered! In 2020 I made over 60 episodes packed full of humor, tips, interviews, and motivation. Making these episodes for […]
Fish Illustration With Paul Vecsei on the Nature Journal Show
Paul Vecsei’s fish illustration is world class. His underwater fish photography is spellbinding, and his fisheries work is critical. So let’s dive into the world of fish, why they matter, […]
How to Nature Journal on a Kayak
Learning how to nature journal on a kayak can take your enjoyment of nature to the next level. You are guaranteed to see new things because a kayak is an […]
Extreme Nature Journaling with Kim Mcnett
Extreme nature journaling has lessons for all of us even if we are just nature journaling from home. Do you want to find a deeper connection and purpose in your […]
How to Use a Viewfinder for Drawing Landscapes
Did you know that you can improve a drawing 75% before you even start drawing? Knowing how to use a viewfinder for drawing landscapes is the first step. Whether you […]
How to Nature Journal Without Fear!
In this video I show you how to nature journal without fear, because I think it’s the most important thing for your nature journaling. Why Nature Journaling Without Fear matters […]
Nature Journaling in the Grand Canyon! Post-Trip Share (Part 1)
I’m back from nature journaling in the Grand Canyon for 21 days. In my live “Show and Tell” video I share experiences and pages from the adventure! You already know […]
Homeschool Nature Study With Dallas Nachtigall
Homeschool nature study and nature journaling are exploding in popularity as parents realize the many benefits for their children. Despite my experience with nature education, I’m not a parent. So […]
Nature Journal for Beginners with Heather Crellin
Do you want to learn how to start a nature journal for beginners? In this conversation with nature journaler Heather Crellin you will find tons of good ideas! Even though […]
How to Draw Rocks in Your Nature Journal
If you know how to draw rocks then you will always have a subject. The bird flew away, the deer were hiding, and you missed the wildflower bloom. However, the […]
Nature Journaling at the Beach
Let’s go nature journaling at the beach! It’s Labor Day weekend in the U.S. and thousands of families are going to the coast. Why not bring your nature journals and […]
Nature Journal Homeschool: Interview with Amaya
Nature Journal + Homeschool = motivated and engaged teen learning. It’s a simple equation but don’t take my word for it. Amaya is a homeschooled teen who shares her passionate […]
How to Choose a Sketchbook for Nature Journaling
How do I choose a sketchbook for nature journaling? Which paper is best? What size should I choose? Don’t worry, don’t waste money, and don’t blindly get the same journal […]
Nature Journal Interview: Fiona Gillogly
In this nature journal interview you will get a peak into the story of another nature journaler. You might not be as young as Fiona… And you might not have […]
Birding and Nature Journaling: Special Technique
Let’s combine birding and Nature Journaling to see more birds, learn faster, improve our memory of field marks, and go deeper with each bird. In this video I show you […]
How To Draw With Binoculars
Do you know how to draw with binoculars? Are you a birder, nature journaler, or urban sketcher? If so, you can see more, draw better, and learn faster with this […]
How To Draw Standing Up
Learning how to draw standing up can make you a better artist in addition to multiplying your drawing opportunities! Here, I describe several mistakes you are probably making right now […]
Nature Observation: How to See More With Your Nature Journal
Nature observation used to be essential for your survival. You would not be here today if your ancestors were not observant. This was the case for most of human history. […]
How to Nature Journal in 10 Steps
Do you want to learn how to nature journal? Do you want to avoid the most common beginner mistakes? Right now, I show you 10 steps to getting started with […]
Bullet Journal Review and the 7 Benefits of Journaling
Have you heard of the Bullet Journal? Six months ago I bit the bullet and decided to try this journaling system. Since then I have journaled every day and analyzed […]
Nature Hobbies in Your Journal
Do you have nature hobbies or art hobbies beside nature journaling? Have you ever wanted to bring your nature journal along to your other hobby? In this video, I try […]
Pets in Your Nature Journal
Pets and nature journaling are a match made in heaven. If you have a pet and you have not nature journaled them yet then you are missing out! In this […]
Avocado Seed Journaling in Your Nature Journal: 100 Days
Have you ever sprouted an avocado seed? What if you journaled an avocado seed’s germination for 100 days? In this video, I interview Kate Rutter who did just that! She […]
Nature Journaler Interview
As a nature journaler I am always curious how others got started nature journaling. And what about you? Do you ever wonder about the story behind the nature journalers whose […]
Tree Drawing In Your Nature Journal
Tree drawing is a cornerstone of nature art in general and nature journaling in particular. When you learn how to draw trees better your sketchbook or nature journal will improve […]
Nature Journaling For Kids and Families
Nature journaling for kids could be the solution for your summer. Are your kids already bouncing off the walls at home? Are you worried about them losing focus, losing momentum, […]
Landscape Drawing In Your Nature Journal-With Charcoal!
Do you want to practice landscape drawing while improving your nature sketches? If so, practicing drawing landscapes with charcoal can help you. First, and most importantly, drawing with charcoal will […]
Nature Comics to Show Action in Your Nature Journal
Have you ever witnessed an exciting event in nature? An action even that you could not represent in your nature journal? If so, then nature comics might be the perfect […]
Flower Drawing in Your Nature Journal
Do you like flowers? Do you like drawing? If so then this video about flower drawing in your nature journal is for you! First, it is important to understand some […]
Nature Journaling at Home: In Your FRIDGE!
Come nature journaling at home with me as we explore my fridge! What is nature and where is it? And do you have to drive somewhere to find it?In spite […]
Botany Basics For Nature Journaling
In this video we learn botany basics to help you understand flowers. In so doing we can draw them better in our nature journals. Sometimes it is easier to draw […]
Drawing Prompts For Nature Journaling at Home
In this video you will learn ten drawing prompts that are fun, helpful, and engaging. Have you ever experienced creative block? Have you ever felt a lack of ideas or […]
John Muir Laws Interview on The Nature Journal Show
John Muir Laws (aka Jack Laws) could inspire a hard boiled egg. In fact, after this interview you will never look an egg the same. But maybe you have never […]
My First Nature Journal
Have you looked at your very first nature journal recently? Or are you just starting out with nature journaling? In this video I share the good, the bad, and the […]
Best Watercolor Palette
A good watercolor palette is one of the best art investments you can make so I am going to show you my favorite palette and four reasons why it is […]
Best Brush Pens: Follow Up Review
Have you experimented with brush pens? Do you have time to sort through all the different types as well as their confusing names? In this video I review several types […]
Nature Journal Class: Unlock Your Potential!
Do you think you can’t draw? Is your perfectionism a problem? Do you procrastinate when you really want to be nature journaling? If so, this nature journal class can help […]
Landscape Painting From Photos: How-To
Are you stuck at home but you still want to make art and nature journal? Me too! That’s why I made this video on how to make a landscape painting […]
10 Nature Journal Ideas You Should Know!
Every hobby has special concepts and lingo and nature journaling is no exception. Have you ever encountered nature journal ideas or language that you were unfamiliar with? If so, this […]
North Bay Nature Journaling Paradise!
People who live in the North Bay are in luck! Because the San Francisco Bay Area is the epicenter of the Nature Journaling movement! If you live in Sonoma, Napa, […]
How to Paint Landscapitos!
Do you want a fun and creative way to connect with a place and create a memory? Painting small landscapes is the answer. In this video I have ten tips […]
Nature De-Stress…
Have you ever had the feeling that time slowed down, your breathing became relaxed, and you felt a renewed connection to the world around you? I had this experience recently […]
The Latest Nature Journal Adventure!
Come on a nature journaling adventure with me!
How to Nature Journal When You Don’t Have Time!
Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time ? Do you ever wish that you could carve out more time or be more disciplined about drawing or journaling […]
How To Learn More From Your Old Journals
Do you need some nature journaling ideas, inspiration, and motivation? Did you know that you can learn a lot just by reviewing your old journals? In this episode of The […]
I’m Trying Bullet Journaling!
Are you curious about fun analog ways to plan and organize your life? Join me in this experiment as I try out Bullet Journaling and see how I can incorporate […]
Too Loud, Too Crowded, Too Busy? Ten Cures for That…
Is there a potential nature journaling location that seems to too loud, too busy, or too crowded for you to get your sketching groove on? In this video I give […]
How to Deal With the Blank Page!
Have you ever stared at the blank page of a new sketchbook for a little bit too long? Have you ever been on a roll with your nature journaling and […]
Good Tips For Any Nature Journaler
You all asked for more interviews and shares with different nature journalers in our community so here you go! In 2020 I’m planning on doing lots more interviews like this.
First Field Trip Of the Year in February
Hi everyone, I have started off the New Year with a pretty bad throat infection so I won’t be leading a field trip until February. Stay tuned to my calendar […]
The Best Gift For You!
What do you think the best present for a nature journaler is? In this holiday episode I share my opinion on the subject.
Two Books You Need in 2020!
In this episode of the show I review two books that I think you need. While these books aren’t specifically about nature journaling I think they can help you take […]
How To Learn Faster and Avoid the Talent Trap
Do you ever get intimidated when you look at other peoples drawings or nature journal pages? In this episode of the show I give you some tips for how to […]
Secret Nature Journaling Locations!
Do you need some inspiration for new nature journaling locations? Check out this video where I nature journal at the Bohart Museum of Entomology on the UC Davis Campus!
Nature Journaling for Beginners!
Are you interested in nature journaling but don’t know where to start? In this video I cover the basics on nature journaling for beginners. In addition to this video you […]
Nature Journaling During the Holidays
Do you want some ideas of how to stay sane this holiday season and get more nature journaling in?
How To Do a Curiosity Wander
The curiosity wander is the most basic nature journaling technique in the field. It is open ended and easy to do in a short amount of time. In this video […]
Mix up Your Media!
Do you get stuck in artistic ruts? In this video I describe a personal rut and how I got out of it.
The Nature Journal Show!
Those of you that follow my youtube channel have seen that I started a weekly nature journaling show! I am really excited about it and have been putting a lot […]
If I could only have one item of clothing…
I can’t wait to share with you some of the stories from my latest nature journaling adventure. But before I do, I wanted to show you a product that helped […]
What you have been waiting for…
It’s here! The behind the scenes story of my recent trip to Tanzania is finally finished after weeks of being back and days of video production work. Thanks for waiting […]
Lions and leopards and baboon liver…Oh My!
Do you want a peek into my nature journal from my recent Tanzania trip? Do you want a chance to ask questions as I share stories about the trip in […]
Journaling to Save the World
It was dark and drizzly as I started the engine of my car this morning. The pale glow of the dashboard clock said 4:26 am as it blinked into life […]
10 Landscape Painting Tips on a Hot Day!
Did you see my last video and want to learn more? In this one I share the technical side…Let me know where you are at in your learning journey. What […]
Follow me in this video as I discover that it is hotter in California than it was in East Africa!
The Last Nature Journaling Adventure Video?
Join me on this foggy and cold nature journaling field trip to the biodiverse coastal dunes of Sonoma County! This will be my last nature journal adventure post before my […]
My Favorite Journal for Everything
Do you want to know what journal to use for nature journaling, sketching, and mindset journaling? In this video I describe my choice and why I have used this same […]
Nature Journal With Me
Follow me to the coast for a fun and challenging nature journaling outing.
Interview: How to Use Journaling For a Better Life
Sitting down with Kim Lavere and learning about her journaling practice and the role that it has played in her life trajectory was inspiring. I definitely have been stealing some […]
Nature Journal Quick Tip:
Nature Journaling is not about drawing pretty pictures. It is about accelerating your learning and deepening your observations and connection in nature. Ironically, if you are focused on pretty pictures […]
Rainy Day? Eleven Nature Journal Ideas
It has been a really rainy/snowy winter, but that should not keep us from nature journaling. I spent a rainy day making this video with Eleven nature journaling ideas you […]
One Journal To Rule Them All?
“One Journal to rule them all, One Journal to write them, One Journal to connect them all, and on these pages bind them,” –Gandalf the Great In this video I […]
Taste The Rainbow (While it Lasts)
You are lucky. Life has existed for 3.5 billion years on this planet and you happen to live during the period that has arguably the greatest variety of living organisms […]
What I did This Winter
Happy new year everyone! I’m excited for all the cool plans I have for providing fun and valuable content and art this year. But to start with I’m gonna share […]
A Year Begins and Ends: So Does Your Life–That’s A Good Thing
The end of the year is a good time to reflect on the finitude of your life. Mortality is a good thing and in this video I show an exercise […]
Journal Page Flip
On the Trail of a Journaler
Do you know someone who has an interesting journal-keeping practice or story? If so, I would love to know because I’m lining up people to interview.
More Than Just Drawing Plants
It is easy to think that nature journaling is just about drawing plants and animals when it is actually so much more. In this video I describe some of the […]
Be An Untutored Savage
Shocking news! Despite popular rumors to the contrary, becoming a great naturalist is not about memorizing more scientific names.
Nature Journal Inside! No Excuses
I had to cancel the nature journaling field trip for today but here is a video that I made to motivate you to nature journal at home! Consider it your […]
Book Review: Essentialism
I consumed this book three times before regurgitating. It is one of the most influential books that I have read this year: This book review is dedicated to those people […]
Bioneers Conference
Besides education, making products, and going on nature journaling expeditions I also have to do networking to make new connections and grow my business. Follow me to the world famous […]
Track-a-Long: Canine Curiosity
Learning to track is like learning how to read nature’s written language. Whether you are an engineer, a biologist, or a parent of wild children, tracking can strengthen your critical […]
The Quest for the Ultimate Nature Journaling Bag Continues!
In August I asked Tom Bihn Bags to send me one of their products to test for nature journaling and to use on my Tanzania trip. I already did an […]
Nature Journaling Process in the Field
Here is my journaling behind the scenes from this week: In addition to amping up my journaling practice I am also working to do a lot more videography and sharing […]
I’m Working Hard and Loving It
I include a lot of my thoughts, feelings, and routines on a roadtrip to teach at the Monterey Bay Birding Festival. I talk about my growing conviction that this kind […]
Sweating and Journaling…
To boldly go where no journal has gone before…
Wanting to BE good at something gets in the way of BECOMING good at something
Here is a short examination of a pitfall when learning any new skill. With a few easy exercises in your journal and a couple of useful resources you will be […]
Stop Procrastinating!
I was so excited to share these two resources that I had to make a video about it right away. If they can help me with my procrastination and motivation […]
A Peak at My Latest Journal
Come with me as I peruse the pages of my last journal, sharing drawings and peppering the video with rants about the benefits of journaling. One journal usually spans three […]
Another Thick Book To Help You
Here is another resource book that is useful to have on hand when you need some motivation. In my review I explain what it is, what it isn’t and how […]
My New Bag Baby!
Today is a great day. Not only did I receive a an awesome bag in the mail from Tom Bihn but John Muir Laws just announced the Nature Journal Safari […]
Left-Handed Drawing and Painting
The one-handed rants continue… watch this timelapse of me drawing and painting with my left hand.
Setback or Opportunity?
Follow me in this video as I explain some of the ideas that have emerged while I’m dealing with recent surgery to my wrist. As an artist, writer, and nature […]
Practice in Adverse Conditions
This video is meant to entertain and motivate you to learn faster, try harder, and push your edges…
Eaten Alive to Save the Jungle?
I recently finished reading “Mother of God,” by the guy who tried to get himself swallowed by an anaconda on the Discovery Channel. I must admit, I did not know […]
Nature Journaling Supplies: What You Need and What You Do Not
People always ask me what nature journaling supplies they should have in their nature journaling kit. Right now, I show you the most important and least important things that I […]
Back to the Beach
I grew up under the influence of the ocean–between San Diego California and Guanacaste Costa Rica– and with a surfer for a dad–I was set. Off to college at UC […]
Here is a great little video by one of my favorite youtubers:
A Tracking Companion
I’m really excited about my new tracking book! You can check it out by clicking below: A Tracking Companion By Marley Peifer
Book Review: How to Change Your Mind
I listened avidly to the audiobook version of Michael Pollan’s new book and finished it in two days ( I got it the day it came out). This book is […]
Book Review: The Four Hour Workweek
Regardless of whether working four hours a week is possible or even desirable this book presents a refreshing perspective that is intrinsically valuable. The “Four Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss […]
Michael Pollan on Psychedelics
Michael Pollan is one of my favorite authors to take up the task of examining human-nature relationships. He examines ways in which nature and culture intersect on the most basic […]
Specialization is for Insects
“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, […]
Learn Faster: Nature Journaling in Information Dense Environments
Here is a practical technique that you can apply to learning almost any new skill but is especially useful for nature artists and nature journalers! I have been unintentionally doing […]
Book Review: Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
You probably know by now that I am interested in studying tools and techniques for self-awareness, self-motivation, and creative productivity. As part of this study, I have been reading “Tools […]
I’m So Obsessed Learning a New Thing!!!
I’m obsessed… Orchids, epiphytes, reptiles, amphibians, driftwood, moss, wabi-sabi scaped miniature ecosystems. I have enough self-awareness to recognize when I am obsessed learning a new thing. This time, I’m gonna […]
Share Your Work!
You might remember your math teacher telling you that the answer was important but “showing your work” was also part of the points on a test. As it turns out, […]
Spoken Reflections From Tanzania: Hadza Day Six
Spoken Reflections From Tanzania: Lake Eyasi Sunset
I describe the scene at sunset and muse out loud in the land of the Hadzabe. Save
Spoken Reflections From Tanzania: Hadza Day Five
In this audiorecording, I continue to describe more of my adventures and observations with the Hadza hunter gatherers of Tanzania. This time, I visit a different group and describe more […]
Spoken Reflections From Tanzania: Hadza and Cultural Tourism
On my third day with the Hadza I tag along with the women for a little bit to learn about some of the plant resources they gather and use. When […]
Spoken Reflections From Tanzania: Hadza Hunt Day Two
On my second day out hunting with the Hadza I experimented with doing audiorecordings during the trip instead of trying to take notes in my small pocket notebook. It was […]
Spoken Reflections From Tanzania: First Day Hunting With the Hadza
During my trip to Tanzania, I used my nature journal and my pocket notebook for drawing and writing and I used my phone for photos, short videos, and audio recordings. […]
Historical Journal Share
Journaling is a process, a learning tool, and it is a record. In many cases journals have been kept mainly for record-keeping purposes. While it is not my all-time favorite […]
Spoken Reflections From Tanzania: Ngorongoro to Karatu
During my trip to Tanzania, I used my nature journal and my pocket notebook for drawing and writing and I used my phone for photos, short videos, and audio recordings. […]
Spoken Reflections From Tanzania: Manyara to Arusha
During my trip to Tanzania, I used my nature journal and my pocket notebook for drawing and writing and I used my phone for photos, short videos, and audio recordings. […]
Spoken Reflections from Tanzania: Day 2
During my trip to Tanzania, I used my nature journal and my pocket notebook for drawing and writing and I used my phone for photos, short videos, and audio recordings. […]
Spoken Reflections from Tanzania: Day 1
During my trip to Tanzania, I used my nature journal and my pocket notebook for drawing and writing and I used my phone for photos, short videos, and audiorecordings. With […]
Permission to Try
Like most people I’d rather be a chameleon, I’d rather blend in. It feels easier, it takes less effort, it is less awkward and more comfortable. But it isn’t really […]
Nature Journaling Jumpstart
This October I will be teaching nature journaling every weekend! I’m really looking forward to it. I will be teaching a class through the Santa Rosa Junior College Community Education […]
Back From Tanzania
Much recognition to Jack Laws for his genius and courage in conceiving of the 2017 Nature Journal Safari! I am extremely grateful that he invited me to come on as […]
Kick Ass Kimchi
Here is a good video from Maangchi with a more traditional kimchi recipe.
Nature Journal Safari and Hadzabe Tag a Long
A week from today I will be getting on a plane heading to East Africa and Tanzania. I have been preparing for months. I will visit the world renowned serengeti […]
Flashback: Eating Bidodiversity
In this article, I describe a typical armadillo-hunting expedition and some of my personal reflections around what it means to eat “exotic” animals. It is an excerpt from my blog […]
Track-A-Long: Gray Fox vs Red Fox
A while ago, I had the luck of visiting some delicious tracking substrate on the sand dune shores of Lake Michigan. Coming from California, I was ignorant to the bio-region […]
Journal Means Daily
The etymology of the word journal indicates clearly its greatest strength. First appearing in English between 1355-1356, it came into the language through the Anglo-French words jurnal or jurnale, meaning […]
Tracking Plants
A track is a readable mark left by a movement, action, or process. Tracking is the observation of these marks and the attempt to imagine the movements, actions, or processes […]
Journal Page Flip
Nature Journaling Class at SRJC!
This Spring, I’m excited to be teaching a nature journaling intensive through the Santa Rosa Junior College! Signing up for this class is a great opportunity to commit to a […]
The North Bay Nature Journal Club
The North Bay Nature Journal Club is a way for you to share your passion for sketching, observation, and learning with other people in nature. Sonoma and Marin counties in […]
Sketchers Learn Faster
There was once a ceramics teacher who did an experiment with his students. He told half the class to make as many pots as they could over the course of […]
The Most Powerful Learning Technology
Journaling is the most powerful toolkit for dynamic human learning. It is affordable, accessible, democratic, and it can be modified and specialized in almost infinite ways. All you need is […]
Dub Step Parasite Video
I usually don’t like dubstep but… An awesome time lapse put together as a side project by photographer Anand Varma for National Geographic: Anand Varma’s website
The Power of Visual Thinking Part 1: Sketch-notes
I first heard the term “sketch-notes” at a nature journal club meeting where John Muir Laws was describing this type of visual-note taking and it’s power as a learning tool. […]
Learning From Kids: Part 2: Taking Risks
The little feet are a blur of motion as the six year old boy runs down the treacherous, steep, gravel path. “No running down the hill!” calls a camp […]
Learning From Kids: Part One: Beginner’s Mind
If your mind is empty, it is ready for anything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few. Shunryu Suzuki The zen […]
What is Nature Journaling?
Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction. E. O. Wilson Sometimes, after I casually throw the term around, someone will ask me, “What is […]
Rigidity vs Fluidity
Bruce Lee’s philosophy on the rigidity of style and dogma is equally applicable to the visual arts, gardening, land management, and all other realms of human endeavor. Instead of […]
Born to Track
So what if you don’t live near a nature preserve with elk, mountain lions, or other big charismatic mammals? Maybe you don’t even have a suburban park nearby with coyotes […]
A Match Made in Heaven!
Tracking and nature journaling; a match made in heaven! Come explore coastal lagoons, meadows, and dunes for an awesome day of tracking and journaling in a great location. We will […]
Seeing and Not Seeing
“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” –Sherlock Holmes Have you ever revisited somewhere that you have been many times and seen things […]
Paralysis by Analysis…(rant)
There is a terrible affliction among humans past and present, it does not kill but it cruelly cripples, and it wastes many lives of those who otherwise have all of […]
Pattern Recognition Saves Lives
On a warm summer afternoon you walk down the rocky trail at your favorite regional park. Despite the beautiful surroundings, your head is full of thoughts about work, family obligations, […]
Eating Babies
Spring and early summer are surely one of the most delightful times of year to be outside. In this vibrant phase of the yearly cycle nature is overflowing with tender […]
Urban Tracking
Sometimes it is difficult for tracking geeks to understand why everyone else is not into tracking. When you realize the holistic breadth of tracking, the powers of perception it gives […]
Tracking Birds
Many animals do not leave tracks in easy to read substrates such as sand and mud. Some animals climb trees, swim under water, or fly in the air. Other animals […]
“On Intelligence”
I recently listened to an audiobook format of Jeff Hawkins’ 2004 book “On Intelligence.” In this essay I will try to review some of the key concepts from the book. […]
Culture: Definition and Function
“Culture refers to the learned, socially acquired traditions of thought and behavior found in human societies. It is a socially acquire lifestyle that includes patterned, repetitive ways of thinking, feeling, […]
How Buckeye Changed Me…
Going to the Buckeye gathering for the first time in 2011 opened up a world for me. I thought I had a well-grounded, practical, relatively sustainable and resilient lifestyle and […]
Why learn primitive skills?
Your ancestors did not hop into their GPS-guided, climate controlled SUV’s and drive (while texting) to the nearest Wal-Mart to take care of their survival needs. They did not have […]
Knowledge as an obstacle to learning
With today’s omnipresent media it seems that the average person knows more than ever before in human history. Google searches, wikipedia articles, and countless online news sites make huge amounts […]
Learning how to Learn
One of the “meta” topics that I’m most interested in is learning. Learning about new subjects and learning new skills is great but learning how to learn is even better. […]
Science Illustration
Here is an example of one of my illustrations. My diversity of interests, unique perspective, and holistic outlook have frequently complicated my search for a clearly defined career in today’s […]
The Green Revolution: Representations of Hunger and Agriculture in India
The Green Revolution: Representations of Hunger and Agriculture in India In the 1940s, the Rockefeller Foundation funded research in Mexico in the development of new “high-yielding varieties” of wheat that […]
Diversity and Adaptation: Pastoral Nomads
Since the origins of pastoralism, different pastoral groups have used different strategies to survive. The economies, subsistence systems, and cultural identities of pastoralists are adaptive strategies that exist because of […]
My Fermentation Journey
Fibers and fruit skins floated on top of the bubbly, purple liquid. It must be vino de uvita by now I thought. My friend Alonso and I strained out enough of […]
Marley’s Background Essay
Every aspect of a person is a reflection of their experiences. What we have seen, heard, or done makes us who we are. One of the most important influences on […]