Last week we drew seeds in our nature journaling class. Everyone took a brown paper "lunch bag" and filled it up with any seed they could find while we were on our hike. One child managed a blue Solomon's Seal and two discovered Jack-in-the Pulpit -- quite hard to find in our woods. We even found a seed head none of use had ever seen before (see bottom of post).
I loved drawing the seed outlines with a sharpie. Such great results from such a small amount of effort.
It took a lot more effort (i.e. patience) to draw the Osage Orange as it has such an intricate pattern. I love these huge, brightly colored and strongly scented seeds.
The children's pages were wonderful! I love seeing how each one chooses to illustrate our theme.
Look at these fantastic line drawings!
I think all of us were drawn to the brightly colored berries.
The table was a huge mess of seeds and papers!
Black walnuts were also very popular. By the time the class ended we were all standing around with a nut cracker cracking hickory nuts and sampling the insides!
One day we chanced upon a tiny hill covered in these seed pods sticking straight out of the ground. Thanks to someone on Instagram we later identified this to be the seed head of Wild Leeks, also known as Ramps. I'll be returning there in the spring!
The seeds were just gorgeous -- so blue they were almost black and perfectly round, just like exquisite pearls. In fact, I wouldn't have minded a brooch made to look like this.
Landmarks by Robert MacFarlaneThis book is one that I just finished reading and thoroughly enjoyed. The author goes around Britain to the "flatlands," "uplands," "waterlands," "coastlands," "underlands," "woodlands," etc. searching out the native word descriptions of each place as well as introducing us to authors who are particularly acquainted with these lands, not to mention describing his experiences in such places.
Each chapter contains a lengthy list of words used to describe the landscape -- words that are becoming rare and even extinct in their usage. Words like "haze-fire" (luminous morning mist through which the dawn sun is shining), "slunk" (muddy or marshy place), and "cockle" (ripple on the water caused by the wind).
MacFarlane impresses upon us the beauty of language and of nature and the importance of preserving the one and experiencing the other. Definitely worth checking out if you are a nature lover!
If you are local, and are interested in signing up for one of my classes, check out my Facebook page: Westside Art Workshop.
And now it's nearly time for our first October weekend! Hope you all enjoy some beauty wherever you are!
PS: PomPom is hosting a Nature Journal link-up so you can check out her blog for more nature posts.
Please note: this post contains affiliate links.
5 comments:
I had to explain to my almost 70 yo husband what "hoarfrost" was. He'd never seen it and had never heard the term used before. My grandfather was an old farmer with Irish roots. I fear what won't ever be passed down because of disuse.
I love these water colors, I really need to try that method - sharpie and water colors.
I put that Landscapes book on my wishlist - sounds fascinating.
Have a blessed Columbus Day Weekend.
YOU are an amazing artist, Heather! I can tell your students are learning a lot. BEAUTIFUL! I love it all!
Beautiful nature journals! I love seeds and seed pods.
Wish I was there with you and your class!!! It looks like you are doing a really great job, those drawings are fantastic!!!! Sending you a hug your way, friend!!!!
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