Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Nature Sketchbook

I have an old leatherbound sketchbook that is half full. It is 20 x 30 cm or 8 x 11.5 inches. Inside are studies of tree roots, pigs and goats, stream rocks, mushrooms, and flowers.

Sometimes when the world is too much with me I sit outside alone on the weedy hillside near my house with the ants at my feet, the bees at my ears, and the clouds drifting overhead, and I try (usually in vain) to hear the soft, strange music of Nature.

6 comments:

  1. God bless you Jim.
    I think if we are honest, it's too much for all of us. its a blessing to live in such a fine country where we have the luxury to sit alone on a hillside, sketch the weeds and listen to the conversations of birds without fear. i wish more people in this world knew how to enjoy those simple things.
    beautiful sketching, by the way.

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  2. Ooooooooooo hoooohooo, scan more please! Gold!

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  3. I like to do this too. It's fun to look at something and just observe, not attach judgements or meaning, just observe. I find it interesting where you talked in a pervious post about turning your work around to get a different perspective. I've tried it and I'm beginning to look at things differently. Love the fall colors!

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  4. Thank you! Yes, the world can really get to me too. Nature is surely the best cure. Thank you very much for all you give through your blog - inspiration to plow on, helpful tips and insights, and fantastic art. My best friend, also an artist, referred me to your posts.

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  5. Have you considered publishing some of your sketchbooks? (they are so stunningly beautiful).

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  6. Welcome, Shannon, and please thank your friend for telling you about the blog.
    Thanks, Tom and Tara, I have some far-off plans for publishing some sketchbooks, but am too deep in other projects right now.
    Vickie: I'm glad the "fresh eye" approaches are working for you.

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