 |
| 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 birds I hear singing, often identifying them later using the Merlin app. At home, my backyard birds—who feel like family—fill my pages with their flitting movements, the songs they sing, and the young they raise.
The moments with my grandkids are particularly special. Capturing their wonder as they spot birds, bees, and flowers is pure joy. These sketchbook pages preserve those fleeting moments, keeping their magic alive.
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
1. Sketch What You Love
Sketchbooks are personal spaces, so focus on what lights you up. For me, that’s animals, birds, and nature. Your pages don’t have to be perfect—they just have to be meaningful to you. Don’t let the fear of “bad” art stop you. If something doesn’t work out, you can paint over it with watercolour ground or gesso, or even paste a new piece of paper over the page. Mistakes are just stepping stones to new discoveries.
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
2. Play with Materials
Your sketchbook is the perfect place to explore. Whether you’re working with watercolours, gouache, coloured pencils, Stabilo crayons, or just a simple pen or pencil, you can create something wonderful. Sometimes, limiting your tools can be surprisingly liberating. With just a pencil and some curiosity, you can build a page filled with texture, movement, and life. Other times, it’s fun to experiment and mix materials. Play around, and don’t let the supplies you have—or don’t have—hold you back.
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
3. Tell Your Story
Your sketchbook isn’t just for images; it’s for your thoughts and stories too. Adding words—whether it’s a date, a quick note about the weather, or the name of a bird or flower—can add layers of meaning. Pairing words with your sketches turns your book into a richer experience. These little details help you capture not just what you saw, but also how you felt in that moment.
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
|
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
|
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
|
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
|
 |
| Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann |
|
Nicoline Mann is a Canadian artist based on Vancouver Island, known for her unique style that blends realism with expressionist elements, primarily focusing on animals. Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Crossfield, Alberta, Nicoline's rural upbringing amidst the untamed prairies and wild landscapes deeply influenced her artistic journey. She spent her childhood roaming freely, climbing trees, and immersing herself in nature's beauty. Encouraged by her mother’s artistic talent and their shared creative activities, Nicoline developed an early appreciation for art, often drawing animals and eventually teaching children’s art classes.
You can find more of Nicoline's artwork online here:
www.nicolinemann.com
Interested in FREE botanical painting tips?
Happy painting,
Laura
.jpg)
Tell us which of Nicoline's sketchbook pages featured above is your favorite and why you like it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura, for featuring my sketchbook tips and pages—it’s such an honor to be part of your blog!
ReplyDeleteI’d say my favorite sketchbook page is usually the one I’m working on at the moment—there’s something magical about being immersed in the process. That said, I’m always especially fond of pages that include critters; they bring me so much joy!
How about you, readers? Do you have a favorite page or a type of subject you love sketching?