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 of the contents of the book with you and we can do some of the exercises together! I briefly reviewed both in last years’ nature journal shopping list but I will go more in depth now. Roseann also has a brand new book that just came out! You can see both at her website.
Five Reasons to get “Nature Journaling for a Wild Life”
- Firstly, this book would be good for getting started with nature journaling. The 8 week program is designed to build daily nature journaling skills up little by little. This is perfect for nature journaling beginners. If, however, you are more advanced or very stubborn you might want to skip around instead of following the 8 week lessons.
- Next, this book is good if you are looking for an all-in-one nature journaling package. Because Roseann presents a holistic package including the art supplies, weekly lessons, and even metacognitive review you get an integrated system. This is easier than piecing together your own kit and lessons from different sources. (Obviously, as noted above, this might not be the best for everyone.)
- Importantly, this book and kit are affordable. You can get everything you need for less than fifty dollars. That is cheaper than some watercolor brushes!
- Fourth, you get a pretty broad perspective. Sometimes, when you buy an integrated system from one teacher you are also buying into a narrow, dogmatic approach. Roseann does an amazing job of bringing in examples from many nature journalers and even other disciplines. Not only does she mention them and cite them in her references and acknowledgements but she also shows example pages of their approach!
- Last but not least…Roseann walks the walk. She has nature journaled longer than most of the teachers out there! She also tries to make nature journaling a DAILY habit. “Nature Journaling for a Wild Life” includes biographical context about her process and her values.
The Minimalist Painting Kit
Roseann has developed an ingenious watercolor painting system for use in the field. Luckily, I had some audience members during the live show that helped me set it up correctly. The clear “Perspex Palette” is a multipurpose piece of plexiglass. It slides into your journal and holds the watercolor tin in place as well as a rag for cleaning your brush. The plexiglass can also serve as a cloud observer! Because when you slide a black piece of paper behind it effectively becomes a mirror! (See photo below for an example. Can you see my lamp reflected?)
I can’t wait to try drawing clouds this way 🙂
Her New Book: “Master of Field Arts”
Roseann has an exciting new book. It just came out and is called “Master of Field Arts.” Check out the description from her website below:
This book is a perfect sequel to Nature Journaling for a Wild Life as you grow in your nature journaling practice, as well as for field researchers and expedition leaders who want to ensure their field notes are meaningful, accessible, and useful for their work.
Check out this review from John Muir Laws
“These methods connect you with old traditions of exploration and promote learning from experience. You will learn fundamental skills for journaling and recording, and ways to make your own art materials, a process that more deeply connects you to place. You will also dive deeply into reading the sky and tracks in the dust. As a bonus, Hanson gives us templates and field tools she uses in her own work. This book will help you take your nature discovery, inquiry, and journaling to mastery.”
– John Muir Laws, The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling (Heyday Books)
Here is a color wheel I did with her minimalist palette.
