DRAWING NATURE

What? You want me to draw?
Have you ever felt that way, intmidated by that blank page and not feeling quite capable, and certainly not much like an artist? 

Some of the children in my Earth school have felt that way in the beginning when we explored, discovered and then started to draw in our nature journals. 


But drawing in nature has nothing to do with being an artist. It's not about art and perfection and skill, but more about *being* in the natural world and *observing* and *seeing* and the recording of those details. It's being in a state of openness and awareness. And each child *sees* differently. 


Drawing what you see allows oneself to focus in. It's different than taking a walk and exploring and discovering. It's getting in close, a quiet contemplation between the child and their subject in which all their senses come into focus to put on paper. Over time, especially if one enjoys being in nature, one will find their nature drawings becoming more intricate. 


The more they draw nature, the more they see, and the more they connect.

Children need time, that ongoing journey, of being in the natural world.

Drawing nature sharpens observational skills and awareness which  transfers to other parts of their lives. 

"As children observe, reflect, record, and share nature’s patterns and rhythms, they are participating in a process that promotes scientific and ecological awareness, problem solving, and creativity." 

                      ~Deb Matthews Hensley