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Exploring Nature Journaling with Alex Boon: Tips, Inspiration, and Creative Approaches

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Nature Journal by Alex Boon I’m always on the lookout for artists who bring a fresh perspective to nature journaling, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to Alex Boon. Alex is a nature journaling educator, artist, and content creator from East Devon, UK, whose passion for documenting the natural world is truly inspiring. Alex’s journey into nature journaling started with a treasured copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and evolved into a lifelong practice that blends art, creativity, and deep observation. Living by the sea in a rural part of the UK, he spends time exploring the natural countryside that surrounds him—filling his journals with sketches, words, and even large-scale maps In this feature, Alex shares his thoughts on keeping multiple journals, how limiting art supplies can actually improve your observation skills, and why a nature journal doesn’t have to be a book at all. Whether you're a seasoned nature journaler or just starting out, Alex’s insights are sure to...

Rattlesnake Plantain | Native Plant Feature 01

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  Rattlesnake Plantain illustrations, watercolor, Laura Watson, 2025 Discovering the Beauty of  Goodyera oblongifolia : The Western Rattlesnake Plantain Goodyera oblongifolia,  commonly known as the Western Rattlesnake Plantain, is a captivating native orchid found in the forests of British Columbia and beyond. This fascinating plant has inspired both my curiosity as a naturalist and my creativity as a botanical artist. In this article, I’ll share some intriguing facts about this orchid, its habitat, and my personal connection to it—all complemented by my watercolour illustrations. A Closer Look at  Goodyera oblongifolia Despite its common name, the Western Rattlesnake Plantain isn’t related to plantains at all. Instead, it belongs to the orchid family, a detail that surprised me when I first learned about it. The "plantain" in its name refers to the resemblance between its patterned leaves and the introduced plantain weeds that many of us recognize in lawns and road...

Reflecting on My 2024 Country Diary Project

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  Looking back on 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible experience of completing my very first country diary project. This year-long endeavor to document plants, and and the changing seasons has been one of the most rewarding creative journeys I’ve undertaken. Through watercolor and ink illustrations, I explored the beauty of nature throughout the year, and I’ve learned so much about art, observation, and the rhythms of the natural world. Celebrating the Seasons Each season brought its own unique charm and challenges, shaping my diary in unexpected ways: Spring Blooms: The diary began with the tender greens and delicate blossoms of spring. Observing the first signs of life after winter was a joyful experience. Crocuses, daffodils, bluebells, anemones, and early budding trees became my subjects, and I practised capturing the softness and vibrancy of their colours. Summer Flowers & Foliage: Summer was a time of abundance. The richness of wildflowers, lush greenery, and p...

Nussay Art on Entomological Illustration + 3 Tips for Drawing Insects

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Watercolour illustration by Nussay Art This month, I’m excited to feature Nassybah Touriño of Nussay Art. As an entomological illustrator, Nassybah creates detailed and accurate depictions of insects, blending scientific precision with artistic skill. Her work showcases the complexity and beauty of these often-overlooked creatures, highlighting their role in the natural world. In this feature, we’ll explore her artistic journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind her work. -Laura Watercolour illustration by Nussay Art My name is Nassybah Touriño and I'm the hands behind Nussay Art. I was born in Granada, Spain. I started studying art but never finished and although I always kept Art as part of my life, it wasn’t until I moved to Madison, Wisconsin that I started creating on a regular basis and sharing my illustrations on Instagram. I realized then, that people liked them and took the chance to quit my regular job to fully follow my dream of becoming a freelance illustrato...

The Watercolor Garden Student Spotlight | Margaret Graham

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 Holly & Berries by Margaret Graham from the class How to Paint Holly Hello, friends! I'm so excited to share something a little different with you today—a student spotlight! In this post, we’re shining the light on Margaret Graham, a dedicated and motivated member of The Watercolor Garden. Margaret’s commitment to practicing new skills and learning has been such an inspiration to me and the rest of our community. Her journey as a watercolour artist, the projects she’s worked on, and the insights she shares are sure to encourage and motivate anyone on their own creative path. Let’s dive in and get to know Margaret a little better! My name is Margaret Graham. I have lived in Nanaimo for over 40 years. I am happily retired from teaching, owning a retail business and owning and managing rental properties. My activities include cycling, hiking, swimming, foraging for berries and mushrooms, fibre arts and now drawing and painting. How did you first get into watercolour painting, a...

3 Tips for Keeping a Sketchbook with Nicoline Mann

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Botanicals & Landscape by Nicoline Mann Hi, I’m Nicoline. I'm an artist deeply inspired by the natural world, especially animals and birds, and the fleeting beauty of small, precious moments. My sketchbook practice is an extension of my love for these connections—it’s where I explore, experiment, and savour the joys of creating without pressure. I don’t confine myself to one sketchbook or one style of book. I have several on the go at any time, each serving a unique purpose. My tools vary depending on what feels right for the page or moment. I use everything from dollar-store sketchbooks prepped with gesso to high-quality watercolour books. There’s no limit to what we can create when we let go of expectations and allow ourselves to explore freely. Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann Sketching My World My sketchbooks are a collection of snapshots from my life and the natural world. On my forest walks with my dog, I document the tiny flowers growing along the forest floor or the bi...