Your video caught my eye. Something made me watch it. I recently lost my husband of almost 60 years and had to move into assisted living. The best thing is my apartment is on the second floor and I look out at nothing but trees. I think I was meant to see this. Thank you for your honesty.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad you get to live in a place with a natural view. I hope you will see a lot of beautiful birds and watch the seasons change in your tree canopy 🙂
Bless you, Judy. Your loss must have most certainly been painful. I'm sorry. So happy, though, that a little drop of nature can brighten your day! Maybe keep a bird journal. I have a bird book that has a life list at the back. I've kept it up religiously since the late 1980s, most recently seeing a Harris's hawk outside Tuscon, AZ.
hello! high schooler here, just wanted to let you know that your video is exactly what i needed right now. i've been getting into ecology and conservation, and haven't so far found a creator who shared similar passions who i really resonated with, but this inspired me
Did you know that there is a degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology? That's what my youngest son is majoring in at Texas A&M. Best wishes for your future!
Wow, Alex, you are inspirational. I started Nature Journaling during Covid Restrictions and it has changed the way I look at nature. I have limited mobility, using a walker, but I bought a Swedish walker meant for outdoor terrain and it allows me to go further longer. But the main impact of Nature Journaling comes to me in my own neighborhood. Every few months I add a few more names of trees and plants into my memory and watch them throughout the cycles of the year. Watching you, Marley Peifer, and John Muir Laws, I have grown from loving the Edwardian Lady to paying close attention to oxalis, horse-chestnuts, dandelions, mockingbirds, redbuds, crows, dried leaves and dying tulips. Whatever I write about and draw stays with me and makes me a better steward of the earth. So, thank you Alex Boon and let us continue to give earth the attention it deserves. 💚🦉🌲
Thank you very much for such a kind comment. Your story shows you don't need to walk massively far or go travelling round the world on these big adventures to experience nature. It can be found and enjoyed close to home, you find it by looking in detail at the little things others miss 😊😊
You have no idea how important this video is. Nature helped me heal from my past traumas. You are adorable and Iʻm so glad that this is who you are. Your kindheartedness is something we all need more of in our lives. I love seeing how dedicated you are to this and I love that you were able to take this on as a career path of sorts. I am working in that direction now as a primary school garden teacher. Your artwork is stunning and so raw/real. You are absolutely inspiring others with your work. Keep spreading your wisdom and positivity. Thank you so much for this!
Happy to hear nature journaling has done so much for you. I've kept journals for 40 years, and it has helped to keep me grounded emotionally, and given more meaning to life. Your work is lovely.
I have been painting birds and botanicals and making nature journals without knowing the name of them. Thank you for your inspiration and words for what I am doing. We live in Tasmania and this last winter was a very difficult, it is spring and I have started en plein and at our local arboretum. Thank you again and yes you have inspired me. I’m taking others out too.
I was exactly the same, I was following the idea I saw in Edith Holden's 'Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady' and didn't realise it was called "nature journaling" until someone told me on Instagram and said I should use that hashtag to be found by more people! I hope you have a wonderful spring and summer, I must admit to being a little envious. Here in the UK we are in late autumn and this year we have mostly just had epic rain and flooding. I just want a bit of sunshine! Enjoy it for me 😄
Alex. I visit natural areas near my house with my binoculars to observe the birds and other living organisms. Now I am inspired to keep a nature journal. Thank you.
Thank You! You just described my own experience with nature journaling I’ve started this year. I loathe the city in Texas I live in now, but I now sketch my walks along the lake that’s surprisingly packed with diverse wildlife and I’ve come to feel settled and satisfied about where I am, because of it. But I thank you for taking it so much further by suggesting a way for younger generations to be more connected to nature. This is one of my favorite RUclips videos ever - and so beautifully stated. (Your drawings are so varied and perfect for a journal, but I’m inspired by the amount of writing your journals contain!) 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Then, this may be one of my favourite comments ever 😄 Thank you very kindly, I am also very glad to hear that you have found nature close to home. Yes, I try to keep my nature journaling practice balanced between writing and drawing as I love both. I hope your nature journaling brings you joy 😊
I am sorry transitioning to Texas has been hard, and I hope you're settling in more and more. I know the summers here can be hard on those not native to the state. Texas has a lot of diverse terrain and nature, so I hope you are finding inspiration for your journaling. If you haven't already seen Palo Dura Canyon, I highly suggest it. As well as Lost Maples and the surrounding Frio area. BTW, welcome to Texas!
Thank you! Well I rely on technology just as much as anyone, or I wouldn't be on RUclips at all, but I think the message I want to send is that we need to step away from it too and just spend time in nature, it's just so good for us to do that. Really glad you enjoyed the video 😊
Firstly I would love to thank you for sharing your journey. I have been a keen sketcher since I can remember as a child and fan of Disney that inspired me, then Bob Ross, and several others along the way. I moved to Dorset 9.5 years ago and have gone out with my Nikon each time, also been getting that nudge one gets to become a sketcher outside, Nature is something I love and even with photos with my camera it has shown me something I am keen to start learning more and connecting with nature. Journaling out sound like I can do even more so love your channel and as I have been overthinking my kit you have shown me I don't need so much as what I first thought. Now I am kit ready to get started for 2025 but also to experience some of the remaining days of this year. Thank you for all the information here on your channel and for being honest enough to share your journey and the benefits it gives to you.
Hi Rhonda, thank you for your lovely comment. It is really easy to overthink kit, I used to do it, but definitely had the best results in terms of mental stillness, and truly observing subjects in the moment, when I was out with just journal and a pencil. I hope you will be able to give it a try and see how it works for you. Thanks for stopping by my channel 😊
Just beautiful! I started Nature Journaling about 6 years ago, and it fills me with peace to be outside with nature. Ah, the birds! Thank you for this inspiring video. I look forward to viewing your other videos and to keep journaling myself! Just an amatuer, who's still learning to draw. I recently retired mostly from a teaching career and so am looking forward to being outside beyond the summer months.
Great video and love how you've framed Nature Journaling in terms of how it can have a positive impact on our own well-being as well as enhancing our connection to the natural world. I'm also really passionate about all of the above and your videos are motivating me to get back on the horse and give myself more time and space in the week to return to this practice which soothes my soul. Thank-you for raising your voice and showing up regularly - I'm really inspired by the work you are doing :)
Thanks for sharing on this subject and showing how versatile nature journaling can be! It’s helped me to actually make art daily AND learn about this beautiful world around me😃!!
Agreed, a really thoughtful explanation and sharing of your personal nature journaling journey. 🌳✏️💚 It's changed my life too! I certainly feel like my self is much closer to nature these days thanks to this practice. With a similar background and goal to you I'm glad we can do this together! 🤗
Alex, WHAT an incredible artist you are, plus a keen observer. Watching your video brought peace to my tumultuous heart. AND, since I live in Southern California with little rain, I was enchanted by what appears to be rain drops on the window behind you
Greetings from Western Australia Alex so lovely to listen to you talk I could do it all day. I also discovered Ediths book by chance through another RUclipsr and actually received it by mail only recently, its beautiful. I love to follow you as you may know by now. I think your art is stunning. Im so glad you left the urban sprawl behind you, you may not think you've changed but I bet you have.. even if its only confidence wise, and we are the more grateful to have 'met' you. Have you thought about getting any of your beautiful journals printed? I know they are a personal record of your days but we are all enthralled. I recently went to see a local doco, on the decline and demise of our black cockatoos as suburbia takes over their habitat and food areas, I cried through half of it, so sad. This afternoon we went for a drive (as I cant walk far these days) along our estuary and swamp lands near the beach where I am staying with my family. An area Im only visiting at the moment but have always wanted to visit, taking photos of kangaroos and birds, watching a willy wagtail de-licing or scratching a roo's back. The roo stood with neck stretched as he waved his paws in the air, he was in heaven, it was a delight to watch. Also along that stretch a few houses on acreage, horses, sheep, cows, geese and waterbirds and turtle & wildlife signs.. Thanks for a great and inspiring vlog even if its an oldie, have a great day and cheer up I believe winter is on its way out...hopefullymy way as Im over summer🙏🤗
That's very kind - I couldn't listen to me talk all day but I have to sometimes (when teaching and editing videos) 😂😂 I would love to get some journals published, I haven't really tried to yet! I could self-publish them and that is an idea for the future, maybe try traditional publishing first though I am not sure! That sounds like an amazing trip, it sounds inspirational to see so much wildlife. I am very happy to switch weather - I am done with winter, I am such a summer person! 😄
Last year i made an advanced training as an clinical forest therapy guide and part if that training was the so called sit spot exercise. Afterwards i had to journal about my experiences while staying outside. I was a very perceptive person even befor the training but regularly visiting the same place over the span of half a year really did something. Beeing more aware of small changes etc. I really want to continue with this and other sensory practices but i am also someone who loves to stay at home ;) so i have to kick myself sometimes to do so hahaha
That sounds just like the sort of thing I do. You can do this sort of thing without going too far from home too, until you get more motivated to start exploring 😊
I am inspired I have anxiety and depression and I think this would help me. I love to walk on the woodland and take photos but I never thought of drawing it.
Yes! I am definitely inspired Alex, thankyou for putting into words something I have been doing, since I started my watercolour/ drawing journey almost a year ago.
Amazing video. Its so sad how restricted we are to the woods in my part of America. I use to spend all my time out in the woods things have changed so much. But we wil keep trying to make a difference with whatever we have left. Nature is a piece heaven on earth.
After viewing the nature books here, I told myself that I will never be the next Edwardian lady to produce a near enough Nature Journal. Never! And that honesty propelled me in the right direction. With my yet unused watercolour pen brushes I was led to capture my stalk of ginger plant right onto the empty title page space of a new book I was reading! Happened to be first time doing Nature Journaling in colour! The first stroke is the hardest but yeah THIS will be my style for now-two activities in one-personalising the pages I read along with renditions of stuff from my garden 🌱 It's better than doing on a blank art book! Feel proud of myself but mostly feel happy that I got nature right here beside me 🌱
@@sarahyip2825 Sounds perfect, no reason why any of us can't be "the next Edwardian Lady", it's certainly on my dream list 😄 Well done for getting started, it'll be a really nice memory when you come back to your decorated book 😊
Thank you Alex, what an inspiring video. I am inspired! Your words are so timely for me, just what I needed to hear especially now the weather will be getting better.
Yes! I am inspired! I'm glad nature journaling has helped you so much. I live in southern California, and this past week I have been walking and noticing so many wildflowers (I love to get down and observe the tiniest ones!). I photograph them to draw or paint later, but I'd like to try field sketching more. I think the Oak Trees would be the most challenging for me - I get lost in all the branches! We've had an unusual amount of rain this year, and everything is fresh and green. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and talent and the great suggestions. The Earth thanks you, too! 💚
You seem like such a sweet person ☺️ I really feel like nature journaling is something that would make me so happy because I already love spending time in nature so much and I enjoy it a lot to observe the seasons and I also love art🌿. Thank you for inspiring me, I will definitely give it a try!
Aww thank you! It sounds like the perfect fit for you 😊 My best advice: go easy on yourself and enjoy the process rather than expecting a 'result' right away. It's a great path to be on, so enjoy 😃🌱🎨
Your words and journals are inspiring! Also enjoyed your beautiful studio setting, the open journal behind you and the video clips of nature in the UK.
I'm inspired! I have been looking at nature journaling the wrong way, discouraged by my limits as an artist. Now I will pick up a pencil and notebook utilize them to deepen my connection with nature, not worry so about it's merits as representational art but focus on the therapeutic and, dare I say, spiritual merits. Thanks Alex!
That's perfect! Please do, never let art limitation stop you (it's never as bad as you think in any case!) This is a little like "being too stiff to stretch", the remedy is to do so anyway and keep practicing. If you enjoy what you do, you'll find you get better naturally with no strain. I wish you all the best with it 😊
Thank you for your inspiration and sharing. It has certainly made a tremendous impact on my life. Keep teaching connection with nature, we have never needed it more.
This is encouraging and helpful for nature lover, homeschool mama, artist beginner. We use Charlotte Mason style education and have dabbled in nature journaling for the past few years, but making more effort this year. Your art work is beautiful, thank you for sharing.
You're welcome! I hadn't much heard of Charlotte Mason (not having or teaching kids much myself) but have looked into her methods since seeing your comment, thanks so much for mentioning her I am fascinated now! 😊
Thanks for your wonderful video, Alex. Your right about how nature journaling opens up our eyes to the world around us and makes everything more connected. Love your sketches and insights.
Thank you, Alex. Wonderful, delightful, and heartfelt overview. I love the premise that it’s your nature journal so create and write what you want. Explore your own mind and talents while you relish the natural world around you. 🙏
Thank you! I am glad the effort into this video is paying off well, and I defintiely want to make the point that a nature journal is super indivisual and there are no rules 😊😊
This was very inspirational Alex. I have always felt extremely connected with nature and do lots of painting. I haven’t thought about all the points you’ve made here but I’m so glad I heard this video. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent video, information and inspiration. I began seriously nature journaling in 2020 and now have done over a year of journaling everyday which most definitely is a psychological asset for me. Now I MUST journal everyday because it makes me feel better and being in nature makes me volunteer in our parks and to teach some nature journaling classes this year. Thanks for all your thoughts, experience, and beautiful art.
Thank you, that's so great doing it every day I quite often have to skip days now and really miss it when I do! Good luck with your classes this year 😊
Thank you, your channel looks really cool. I will definitely catch up with some of your videos. You look like you're doing pretty well here on RUclips, I have a lot to learn yet 😅
Fantastic! This was such a wonderful video. Thank you so much! And yes, I am definitely inspired! 👍 Followed you on Instagram and signed up for your mailing list. 💛
Very inspiring, Alex. I love your nature specific journals! I have done nature sketches over the years often mingled in with other subjects in my sketchbook, however, your video makes me want to dedicate more time to a specific nature journal. Thanks.
I love this, I now want to start a nature journal, problem is I live in Sweden, and it usually is very cold during the winters, but perhaps I can take pictures during my daily walks when it is really cold? Thank you Alex!
Yeah of course, some of my journals are just all from photos. Don't let it stop you, you can just write a little bit and/or draw from photos after you get home 🙂
Your art is beautiful. I'm not artistic enough to nature journal, but I am teaching myself to identify species of plants, animals and fungi by taking pictures and searching for them with Google Lens. It is amazing what you find when you mindfully observe the world around you. I am very interested in fungi in particular and I wanted to find some when out walking today. I was unsuccessful and gave up, but on my way back I spotted two blackbirds making a ruckus in the trees ahead. Curious, I walked towards them to see what they were doing. As I stopped to watch them, I caught an unmistakable whiff of mushroom scent. There, to my left, growing out of a rotting, fallen tree trunk, were two massive Dryad's Saddle mushrooms. I found so much joy in that moment, as small as it was.
You don't need to be artistic to nature journal. If you haven't already, do check out this video I made with Mary, a 94-year-old non-painting nature journaler! ruclips.net/video/6S2iCwquJr0/видео.html This activity is for anybody and everybody with a passion for nature. Little moments like that with the blackbirds and mushrooms can be documented in so many ways, not only with art. All the best!
Thank you for your wonderful and necessary posts and your lovely journals. The connection with nature is more essential than ever and i totally agree with all you have said. I'm lucky to be able to paint my environment and its my happiest time. I think nature is my religion and i was also inspired by Edith Holden's beautiful nature books.
Fantastic video Alex! You are such an inspiration, I’ve always been interested in nature but when I first discovered your Instagram it made me want to get out there more ❤
I have just discovered you and really think that this could be something I can do and enjoy. Many thanks for sharing. If I manage it for more than a few times I will let you know!!
Thank you 😃 I actually made the binding of that sketchbook. I sometimes buy soft cover sketchbooks and make them hardback myself, then I can choose how they look. I bought the marbled paper from a specialist store. I do intend to film the process next time I cover one 😊
hello Alex, I am inspired! Started painting and such about six months ago, mainly for healing reasons. I wonder if you can expand on what is your "freelance career", is it still on environmental science? I am a biologist trying to finish a phd and am considering not continue in academia, but also don't know freelancing options where biologist are paid for doing something. If you don't mind sharing, I would truly appreciate some feedback.
Hi - sure, I was a freelance editor of scientific papers, usually before peer review. I made sure the English was good and the content made sense, outside of a specific specialism. I studied environmental science to PhD level so was able to edit a fairly broad range of natural science papers. I still do some occasionally. Hope you find a job that suits you 🙂
Is it ok if try to take photos to print them out or to dry the plants and glue them into the journal?Im horrible at drawing, but i really want to connect to nature more and to feel good about myself and what im doing😅😅😅You inspired me to try it,because i want to build a good habit im proud about😅❤❤❤❤
I want to make one so bad but I'm always at home, and my home country isn't rich with nature neither animals or plants , I'm thinking about drawing from pictures or documentary series , any advice sir? 😢
Honestly, I think you might be surprised. Rather than using pictures or documentaries from elsewhere, at least to start, look around outside where you are. Everything counts - weeds in the pavements, lichens on the walls, birds passing overhead, trees, cloud shapes... give that a try for a bit, and maybe supplement from elsewhere later if you want to. Hope that helps 😊
Thank you Alex for caring and sharing. Your inspiring story and uniques passion for art and the natural world is infectious. I run an online community called Nature Connection World with nearly 700 members. Would you like to promote and host one of your online courses on the platform for members and their friends? Let me know if you’re interested and we can have a chat about how to make it happen - warm regards, Ian 🤠🙏🏻🌱
Hi Ian, sounds great, definitely something to explore. We would need to talk over the details. Could you drop me a line via my website and we can see if we can work something out? alexboonart.com/contact Thanks 😊
This video really inspires me Alex. I have been struggling with myself as far as finding direction in combining my art and love of nature, so listening to your story and seeing you growth process is really helpful. Unfortunately due to the poor exchange rate of our SA currency, it is not economically possible for me to take part in a lot of what you offer, but I can and do follow you on IG and now discovered I can watch videos such as these, so that is marvelous! Keep up your wonderful work!!
Hi Lynette, thank you so much for engaging with my content. There is a way around the currency issue in my NJC Community Support Scheme, in which you can apply for a free month so that you can still get access to some of the content and learn. You can find out more about it here www.patreon.com/posts/support-scheme-105774156 😊
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Your video caught my eye. Something made me watch it. I recently lost my husband of almost 60 years and had to move into assisted living. The best thing is my apartment is on the second floor and I look out at nothing but trees. I think I was meant to see this. Thank you for your honesty.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad you get to live in a place with a natural view. I hope you will see a lot of beautiful birds and watch the seasons change in your tree canopy 🙂
@@AlexBoonArt Lovely response, Alex!
Bless you, Judy. Your loss must have most certainly been painful. I'm sorry. So happy, though, that a little drop of nature can brighten your day! Maybe keep a bird journal. I have a bird book that has a life list at the back. I've kept it up religiously since the late 1980s, most recently seeing a Harris's hawk outside Tuscon, AZ.
hello! high schooler here, just wanted to let you know that your video is exactly what i needed right now. i've been getting into ecology and conservation, and haven't so far found a creator who shared similar passions who i really resonated with, but this inspired me
I'm so happy to hear that, thank you! The world needs more young people getting involved in preserving nature, gives us all hope, so go for it! 😊😊
Did you know that there is a degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology? That's what my youngest son is majoring in at Texas A&M. Best wishes for your future!
Wow, Alex, you are inspirational. I started Nature Journaling during Covid Restrictions and it has changed the way I look at nature. I have limited mobility, using a walker, but I bought a Swedish walker meant for outdoor terrain and it allows me to go further longer. But the main impact of Nature Journaling comes to me in my own neighborhood. Every few months I add a few more names of trees and plants into my memory and watch them throughout the cycles of the year. Watching you, Marley Peifer, and John Muir Laws, I have grown from loving the Edwardian Lady to paying close attention to oxalis, horse-chestnuts, dandelions, mockingbirds, redbuds, crows, dried leaves and dying tulips. Whatever I write about and draw stays with me and makes me a better steward of the earth.
So, thank you Alex Boon and let us continue to give earth the attention it deserves. 💚🦉🌲
Thank you very much for such a kind comment. Your story shows you don't need to walk massively far or go travelling round the world on these big adventures to experience nature. It can be found and enjoyed close to home, you find it by looking in detail at the little things others miss 😊😊
Your comment also inspired me 💚
You have no idea how important this video is. Nature helped me heal from my past traumas. You are adorable and Iʻm so glad that this is who you are. Your kindheartedness is something we all need more of in our lives. I love seeing how dedicated you are to this and I love that you were able to take this on as a career path of sorts. I am working in that direction now as a primary school garden teacher. Your artwork is stunning and so raw/real. You are absolutely inspiring others with your work. Keep spreading your wisdom and positivity. Thank you so much for this!
Thanks for such a beautiful kind comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and it touched something in you 🙂 Best of luck with your teaching career 😃
Happy to hear nature journaling has done so much for you. I've kept journals for 40 years, and it has helped to keep me grounded emotionally, and given more meaning to life. Your work is lovely.
Thank you 😊 That's amazing, I hope to hit the 40 year mark one day!
I have been painting birds and botanicals and making nature journals without knowing the name of them. Thank you for your inspiration and words for what I am doing. We live in Tasmania and this last winter was a very difficult, it is spring and I have started en plein and at our local arboretum. Thank you again and yes you have inspired me. I’m taking others out too.
I was exactly the same, I was following the idea I saw in Edith Holden's 'Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady' and didn't realise it was called "nature journaling" until someone told me on Instagram and said I should use that hashtag to be found by more people! I hope you have a wonderful spring and summer, I must admit to being a little envious. Here in the UK we are in late autumn and this year we have mostly just had epic rain and flooding. I just want a bit of sunshine! Enjoy it for me 😄
Alex. I visit natural areas near my house with my binoculars to observe the birds and other living organisms. Now I am inspired to keep a nature journal. Thank you.
Wonderful! Very glad to hear that 😃
You are a breath of fresh air and I love your paintings in your nature journals ! 🌳🌿🍁🍂💚 x
Thank you 😊
Thank You! You just described my own experience with nature journaling I’ve started this year. I loathe the city in Texas I live in now, but I now sketch my walks along the lake that’s surprisingly packed with diverse wildlife and I’ve come to feel settled and satisfied about where I am, because of it. But I thank you for taking it so much further by suggesting a way for younger generations to be more connected to nature. This is one of my favorite RUclips videos ever - and so beautifully stated. (Your drawings are so varied and perfect for a journal, but I’m inspired by the amount of writing your journals contain!) 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Then, this may be one of my favourite comments ever 😄 Thank you very kindly, I am also very glad to hear that you have found nature close to home. Yes, I try to keep my nature journaling practice balanced between writing and drawing as I love both. I hope your nature journaling brings you joy 😊
I am sorry transitioning to Texas has been hard, and I hope you're settling in more and more. I know the summers here can be hard on those not native to the state. Texas has a lot of diverse terrain and nature, so I hope you are finding inspiration for your journaling. If you haven't already seen Palo Dura Canyon, I highly suggest it. As well as Lost Maples and the surrounding Frio area. BTW, welcome to Texas!
This video is awesome. Congrats for sharing your unique, wise and very necessary point of view during these weird super technological times. 💚💚💚
Thank you! Well I rely on technology just as much as anyone, or I wouldn't be on RUclips at all, but I think the message I want to send is that we need to step away from it too and just spend time in nature, it's just so good for us to do that. Really glad you enjoyed the video 😊
Thank you I was really inspired by your video and it was just what I needed to hear as I quit my job and I am looking for a new path. 🌱
Thank you and best of luck with your new path 😊
Firstly I would love to thank you for sharing your journey. I have been a keen sketcher since I can remember as a child and fan of Disney that inspired me, then Bob Ross, and several others along the way. I moved to Dorset 9.5 years ago and have gone out with my Nikon each time, also been getting that nudge one gets to become a sketcher outside, Nature is something I love and even with photos with my camera it has shown me something I am keen to start learning more and connecting with nature. Journaling out sound like I can do even more so love your channel and as I have been overthinking my kit you have shown me I don't need so much as what I first thought. Now I am kit ready to get started for 2025 but also to experience some of the remaining days of this year. Thank you for all the information here on your channel and for being honest enough to share your journey and the benefits it gives to you.
Hi Rhonda, thank you for your lovely comment. It is really easy to overthink kit, I used to do it, but definitely had the best results in terms of mental stillness, and truly observing subjects in the moment, when I was out with just journal and a pencil. I hope you will be able to give it a try and see how it works for you. Thanks for stopping by my channel 😊
Just beautiful! I started Nature Journaling about 6 years ago, and it fills me with peace to be outside with nature. Ah, the birds! Thank you for this inspiring video. I look forward to viewing your other videos and to keep journaling myself! Just an amatuer, who's still learning to draw. I recently retired mostly from a teaching career and so am looking forward to being outside beyond the summer months.
Amazing, thanks for a lovely comment. Best of luck with learning to draw and your nature journaling 😀
Great video and love how you've framed Nature Journaling in terms of how it can have a positive impact on our own well-being as well as enhancing our connection to the natural world. I'm also really passionate about all of the above and your videos are motivating me to get back on the horse and give myself more time and space in the week to return to this practice which soothes my soul. Thank-you for raising your voice and showing up regularly - I'm really inspired by the work you are doing :)
Thank you for such a lovely comment. I hope you do get back to nature journaling soon 😊
Thanks for sharing on this subject and showing how versatile nature journaling can be! It’s helped me to actually make art daily AND learn about this beautiful world around me😃!!
You're welcome, I'm glad to hear how much nature journaling is working for you too 😊
Great video Alex! Well organized, thoughtful, personal and impactful! Lots of important ideas in here! I'm gonna share this!
Thank you, Marley! Please do share, very kind 😊🙏
Agreed, a really thoughtful explanation and sharing of your personal nature journaling journey. 🌳✏️💚 It's changed my life too!
I certainly feel like my self is much closer to nature these days thanks to this practice. With a similar background and goal to you I'm glad we can do this together! 🤗
Alex, WHAT an incredible artist you are, plus a keen observer. Watching your video brought peace to my tumultuous heart. AND, since I live in Southern California with little rain, I was enchanted by what appears to be rain drops on the window behind you
Thank you, I am glad the video brought you peace. Yes, I am in the UK where there is no shortage of rain whatsoever 😅
@@AlexBoonArt I've been visitng UK at least 2 times a decade since 1982. You have an unreal country! And I've been nearly everywhere! Lucky you!
Greetings from Western Australia Alex so lovely to listen to you talk I could do it all day. I also discovered Ediths book by chance through another RUclipsr and actually received it by mail only recently, its beautiful. I love to follow you as you may know by now. I think your art is stunning. Im so glad you left the urban sprawl behind you, you may not think you've changed but I bet you have.. even if its only confidence wise, and we are the more grateful to have 'met' you. Have you thought about getting any of your beautiful journals printed? I know they are a personal record of your days but we are all enthralled.
I recently went to see a local doco, on the decline and demise of our black cockatoos as suburbia takes over their habitat and food areas, I cried through half of it, so sad. This afternoon we went for a drive (as I cant walk far these days) along our estuary and swamp lands near the beach where I am staying with my family. An area Im only visiting at the moment but have always wanted to visit, taking photos of kangaroos and birds, watching a willy wagtail de-licing or scratching a roo's back. The roo stood with neck stretched as he waved his paws in the air, he was in heaven, it was a delight to watch. Also along that stretch a few houses on acreage, horses, sheep, cows, geese and waterbirds and turtle & wildlife signs.. Thanks for a great and inspiring vlog even if its an oldie, have a great day and cheer up I believe winter is on its way out...hopefullymy way as Im over summer🙏🤗
That's very kind - I couldn't listen to me talk all day but I have to sometimes (when teaching and editing videos) 😂😂 I would love to get some journals published, I haven't really tried to yet! I could self-publish them and that is an idea for the future, maybe try traditional publishing first though I am not sure! That sounds like an amazing trip, it sounds inspirational to see so much wildlife. I am very happy to switch weather - I am done with winter, I am such a summer person! 😄
Last year i made an advanced training as an clinical forest therapy guide and part if that training was the so called sit spot exercise. Afterwards i had to journal about my experiences while staying outside.
I was a very perceptive person even befor the training but regularly visiting the same place over the span of half a year really did something. Beeing more aware of small changes etc.
I really want to continue with this and other sensory practices but i am also someone who loves to stay at home ;) so i have to kick myself sometimes to do so hahaha
That sounds just like the sort of thing I do. You can do this sort of thing without going too far from home too, until you get more motivated to start exploring 😊
I am inspired I have anxiety and depression and I think this would help me. I love to walk on the woodland and take photos but I never thought of drawing it.
Glad to hear it, hope that you give it a try and see how it goes 😊
Thank you! What a beautiful thing to do!
You're welcome - nature journaling is a joy!
This is wonderful! I think coming across this is just the habit/hobby that I have been looking for, thank you for sharing your journey.
So happy to hear that! Do come and join us in the Nature Journaling Circle (the community part is free) for more inspiration 😊
Yes! I am definitely inspired Alex, thankyou for putting into words something I have been doing, since I started my watercolour/ drawing journey almost a year ago.
You're welcome, glad you enjoyed the video 😊
And your words are so wise and helpful! Thank you!
You're welcome 🙂
Amazing video. Its so sad how restricted we are to the woods in my part of America. I use to spend all my time out in the woods things have changed so much. But we wil keep trying to make a difference with whatever we have left. Nature is a piece heaven on earth.
Well said! I am not sure what you mean by restricted to the woods, and what has changed? I'm curious to know 😊
"You would have created space for ..." is exactly what choice is all about! Thank you for sharing your journey. Love the content.
That's exactly it 😊 You're welcome and thank you 🙏
After viewing the nature books here, I told myself that I will never be the next Edwardian lady to produce a near enough Nature Journal. Never! And that honesty propelled me in the right direction. With my yet unused watercolour pen brushes I was led to capture my stalk of ginger plant right onto the empty title page space of a new book I was reading! Happened to be first time doing Nature Journaling in colour! The first stroke is the hardest but yeah THIS will be my style for now-two activities in one-personalising the pages I read along with renditions of stuff from my garden 🌱 It's better than doing on a blank art book! Feel proud of myself but mostly feel happy that I got nature right here beside me 🌱
@@sarahyip2825 Sounds perfect, no reason why any of us can't be "the next Edwardian Lady", it's certainly on my dream list 😄 Well done for getting started, it'll be a really nice memory when you come back to your decorated book 😊
Thank you Alex, what an inspiring video. I am inspired! Your words are so timely for me, just what I needed to hear especially now the weather will be getting better.
Glad to have inspired you, hope you do get out and enjoy the improved weather 😊
Thank you so much for the inspiration and direction, Alex!
You're welcome 😊
Yes! I am inspired! I'm glad nature journaling has helped you so much. I live in southern California, and this past week I have been walking and noticing so many wildflowers (I love to get down and observe the tiniest ones!). I photograph them to draw or paint later, but I'd like to try field sketching more. I think the Oak Trees would be the most challenging for me - I get lost in all the branches! We've had an unusual amount of rain this year, and everything is fresh and green. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and talent and the great suggestions. The Earth thanks you, too! 💚
Sounds lovely! I mean to do a tree drawing workshop or tutorial sometime, there are methods you can use to keep track of the branches 😁😁
You seem like such a sweet person ☺️ I really feel like nature journaling is something that would make me so happy because I already love spending time in nature so much and I enjoy it a lot to observe the seasons and I also love art🌿. Thank you for inspiring me, I will definitely give it a try!
Aww thank you! It sounds like the perfect fit for you 😊 My best advice: go easy on yourself and enjoy the process rather than expecting a 'result' right away. It's a great path to be on, so enjoy 😃🌱🎨
This is one of the most calming things I've seen all day! I literally felt my mood just shift! Thank you so much for this!
Glad you enjoyed it! Just so you know, I've got another one like it coming out this Thursday 😊😊
Your are very inspiring and it is so nice of you to take the time to show others of us to see what is really in our world. Thank you.
You're welcome, thank you for the lovely comment 😊
Your words and journals are inspiring! Also enjoyed your beautiful studio setting, the open journal behind you and the video clips of nature in the UK.
Thank you so much 😊
You’re so sincere with your experience and authentic. Thank you for this video.
Thank you for watching 😊
Your artwork is beautiful!
I'm inspired! I have been looking at nature journaling the wrong way, discouraged by my limits as an artist. Now I will pick up a pencil and notebook utilize them to deepen my connection with nature, not worry so about it's merits as representational art but focus on the therapeutic and, dare I say, spiritual merits. Thanks Alex!
That's perfect! Please do, never let art limitation stop you (it's never as bad as you think in any case!) This is a little like "being too stiff to stretch", the remedy is to do so anyway and keep practicing. If you enjoy what you do, you'll find you get better naturally with no strain. I wish you all the best with it 😊
Thank you for your inspiration and sharing. It has certainly made a tremendous impact on my life. Keep teaching connection with nature, we have never needed it more.
You are so welcome and I certainly plan to keep going in just that way 😊
Alex thank you so much, you have certainly inspired me to begin!
Absolutely delighted to hear that! Good luck and have fun 😊
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing it :) just WOW!!!
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
This is encouraging and helpful for nature lover, homeschool mama, artist beginner. We use Charlotte Mason style education and have dabbled in nature journaling for the past few years, but making more effort this year. Your art work is beautiful, thank you for sharing.
You're welcome! I hadn't much heard of Charlotte Mason (not having or teaching kids much myself) but have looked into her methods since seeing your comment, thanks so much for mentioning her I am fascinated now! 😊
Thanks for your wonderful video, Alex. Your right about how nature journaling opens up our eyes to the world around us and makes everything more connected. Love your sketches and insights.
Thank you 🙂
I’m definitely inspired by this , my sketchbooks are so random. What a beautiful thing to look back on. Thank you for this great video!
Very happy to hear it 😀 You're welcome, thanks for watching 😊
OMG, thank you! Its even calming just seeing this! ❤
You're welcome 😊
Thank you, Alex. Wonderful, delightful, and heartfelt overview. I love the premise that it’s your nature journal so create and write what you want. Explore your own mind and talents while you relish the natural world around you. 🙏
Thank you! I am glad the effort into this video is paying off well, and I defintiely want to make the point that a nature journal is super indivisual and there are no rules 😊😊
Fantastique video. Very inspiring. Thank you so much.
You're welcome 😊
This was very inspirational Alex. I have always felt extremely connected with nature and do lots of painting. I haven’t thought about all the points you’ve made here but I’m so glad I heard this video. Thank you for sharing.
You're very welcome 😊
Thank you for this video, its very inspiring!
Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Excellent video, information and inspiration. I began seriously nature journaling in 2020 and now have done over a year of journaling everyday which most definitely is a psychological asset for me. Now I MUST journal everyday because it makes me feel better and being in nature makes me volunteer in our parks and to teach some nature journaling classes this year. Thanks for all your thoughts, experience, and beautiful art.
Thank you, that's so great doing it every day I quite often have to skip days now and really miss it when I do! Good luck with your classes this year 😊
Great to find your channel! cool just to see liked minded artist.
Thank you, your channel looks really cool. I will definitely catch up with some of your videos. You look like you're doing pretty well here on RUclips, I have a lot to learn yet 😅
Fantastic! This was such a wonderful video. Thank you so much! And yes, I am definitely inspired! 👍 Followed you on Instagram and signed up for your mailing list. 💛
Awesome! Thank you 😊
First video and the first 2 minutes of your video I have seen of you
I am now a subscriber
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Thank you for subscribing 😊🙏
Very inspiring, Alex. I love your nature specific journals! I have done nature sketches over the years often mingled in with other subjects in my sketchbook, however, your video makes me want to dedicate more time to a specific nature journal. Thanks.
Thank you for your kind comment 🙏 I hope you enjoy your nature journaling 😊
I love this, I now want to start a nature journal, problem is I live in Sweden, and it usually is very cold during the winters, but perhaps I can take pictures during my daily walks when it is really cold?
Thank you Alex!
Yeah of course, some of my journals are just all from photos. Don't let it stop you, you can just write a little bit and/or draw from photos after you get home 🙂
Your art is beautiful. I'm not artistic enough to nature journal, but I am teaching myself to identify species of plants, animals and fungi by taking pictures and searching for them with Google Lens. It is amazing what you find when you mindfully observe the world around you. I am very interested in fungi in particular and I wanted to find some when out walking today. I was unsuccessful and gave up, but on my way back I spotted two blackbirds making a ruckus in the trees ahead. Curious, I walked towards them to see what they were doing. As I stopped to watch them, I caught an unmistakable whiff of mushroom scent. There, to my left, growing out of a rotting, fallen tree trunk, were two massive Dryad's Saddle mushrooms. I found so much joy in that moment, as small as it was.
You don't need to be artistic to nature journal. If you haven't already, do check out this video I made with Mary, a 94-year-old non-painting nature journaler! ruclips.net/video/6S2iCwquJr0/видео.html This activity is for anybody and everybody with a passion for nature. Little moments like that with the blackbirds and mushrooms can be documented in so many ways, not only with art. All the best!
@@AlexBoonArt Mary is amazing! Thank you for suggesting the video, it was lovely to hear her talk. Best wishes.
proud to have clicked the like button and change it from 999 to 1k. thanks for the vid.
Nicely done, thanks 😁😁 You're welcome!
Thank you for your wonderful and necessary posts and your lovely journals. The connection with nature is more essential than ever and i totally agree with all you have said. I'm lucky to be able to paint my environment and its my happiest time. I think nature is my religion and i was also inspired by Edith Holden's beautiful nature books.
Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂
Thank you for beautiful and interesting video love love ❤️
You are so welcome 😊
Thank you
You're welcome 🙂
Fantastic video Alex! You are such an inspiration, I’ve always been interested in nature but when I first discovered your Instagram it made me want to get out there more ❤
Thank you 😊 That's exactly what I hope to do - inspire people to go out and nature journal. If I am doing that... I am happy 😊
Lovely video & artwork. Thank you for putting yourself out there!
Glad you enjoyed watching 😊
Beautiful and inspiring. Starting mine soon! Thank you so much. I hope you are doing well.
Thank you! Hope you have a great time with yours 😃
Thank you for sharing and for everything you do!
You're welcome, thanks for watching 😊
I have just discovered you and really think that this could be something I can do and enjoy. Many thanks for sharing. If I manage it for more than a few times I will let you know!!
Welcome! I hope you enjoy giving it a try. If you need any help, I've got a beginner's course available on my website and Patreon 😊 Best of luck!
Great video Alex! So agree with what you say.
Thanks for watching, Louise 😊
So lovely ❤ Thank You for the video. Greetings from Panama
Thanks for watching 😊
This was so inspiring! Great video! 🙌🏻
Thanks so much!!
Wonderful video Alex. Super inspired by this 💚
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Thnaq
This is incredible, very inspiring. I love that marbled cover sketchbook, where did you find it?
Thank you 😃 I actually made the binding of that sketchbook. I sometimes buy soft cover sketchbooks and make them hardback myself, then I can choose how they look. I bought the marbled paper from a specialist store. I do intend to film the process next time I cover one 😊
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hello Alex, I am inspired! Started painting and such about six months ago, mainly for healing reasons. I wonder if you can expand on what is your "freelance career", is it still on environmental science? I am a biologist trying to finish a phd and am considering not continue in academia, but also don't know freelancing options where biologist are paid for doing something. If you don't mind sharing, I would truly appreciate some feedback.
Hi - sure, I was a freelance editor of scientific papers, usually before peer review. I made sure the English was good and the content made sense, outside of a specific specialism. I studied environmental science to PhD level so was able to edit a fairly broad range of natural science papers. I still do some occasionally. Hope you find a job that suits you 🙂
Is it ok if try to take photos to print them out or to dry the plants and glue them into the journal?Im horrible at drawing, but i really want to connect to nature more and to feel good about myself and what im doing😅😅😅You inspired me to try it,because i want to build a good habit im proud about😅❤❤❤❤
It is OK to do whatever you want to. There aren't nature journaling rules! Just have a great time and get noticing things 😊😊😊
@@AlexBoonArt Thank you!🥰🥰
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I want to make one so bad but I'm always at home, and my home country isn't rich with nature neither animals or plants , I'm thinking about drawing from pictures or documentary series , any advice sir? 😢
Honestly, I think you might be surprised. Rather than using pictures or documentaries from elsewhere, at least to start, look around outside where you are. Everything counts - weeds in the pavements, lichens on the walls, birds passing overhead, trees, cloud shapes... give that a try for a bit, and maybe supplement from elsewhere later if you want to. Hope that helps 😊
@@AlexBoonArtI will try to do this . thank you so much for your time ❤️
Thank you Alex for caring and sharing. Your inspiring story and uniques passion for art and the natural world is infectious. I run an online community called Nature Connection World with nearly 700 members. Would you like to promote and host one of your online courses on the platform for members and their friends? Let me know if you’re interested and we can have a chat about how to make it happen - warm regards, Ian 🤠🙏🏻🌱
Hi Ian, sounds great, definitely something to explore. We would need to talk over the details. Could you drop me a line via my website and we can see if we can work something out? alexboonart.com/contact Thanks 😊
This video really inspires me Alex. I have been struggling with myself as far as finding direction in combining my art and love of nature, so listening to your story and seeing you growth process is really helpful. Unfortunately due to the poor exchange rate of our SA currency, it is not economically possible for me to take part in a lot of what you offer, but I can and do follow you on IG and now discovered I can watch videos such as these, so that is marvelous! Keep up your wonderful work!!
Hi Lynette, thank you so much for engaging with my content. There is a way around the currency issue in my NJC Community Support Scheme, in which you can apply for a free month so that you can still get access to some of the content and learn. You can find out more about it here www.patreon.com/posts/support-scheme-105774156 😊
@@AlexBoonArt Thanks so much Alex.
Thank you
You're welcome 🙂