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Showing posts from December, 2024

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...

Reflections on Creating My Country Diary Inspired by Edith Holden

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  November title page in my Country Diary It feels hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I began my Country Diary project—twelve months spent immersed in the study of the marsh. Taking countless reference photos, making notes, and enjoying the natural world around me. When I first embarked on this journey, I was inspired by the remarkable work of Edith Holden, whose exquisite watercolours and detailed illustrations of the British countryside have long been a source of inspiration to me. I had a vague sense of what I wanted to accomplish, but as with many creative endeavours, the process has unfolded in ways I never could have imagined. Now, as I near the completion of this special project, I find myself reflecting on the growth I've experienced—both as an artist and as a person. June title page in my Country Diary A Journey of Observation and Learning The marsh has always held a quiet allure for me. It’s a place of contrasts—lush and vibrant during certain seasons, y...