I love beetles!!! I loved especially learning about this beetle, the patent-leather beetle, after encountering a bunch of them at work (and incorporating them into a piece of client artwork I'll share with you in a few months!). I personally had no idea there were beetles that lived such similar lives to human beings. I also find it amusing that humans are considered "presocial" in our social structure--as TRUE social behavior (AKA "eusocial" behavior) is on the level of colony-dwelling organisms like bees, ants, and termites (and naked mole rats). I wonder if I could audit an entomology course... Can anyone recommend a really good bug Youtuber or online class? #beetles #patentleatherbeetle #sketching #naturesketching #naturestudy #cutebeetles #messysketchbook https://www.instagram.com/p/CdyGJ4CLeUn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sketches from around Whidbey Island (2019).

My first two sketches in my spring nature journal. Did you know I’m offering free nature journal meetups once or twice a month on weekends? All are welcome. Send me a message for more info. First one this Saturday at Sandy Neck, weather permitting. #naturejournal #naturesketching #springbulbs #springflowers #snowdrops #crocus #sketching #ink #watercolor https://www.instagram.com/p/CqTl_vtvMbX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Don’t forget, cappuccinos and writing are part of nature journaling too. #naturejournaling #naturejournal #naturesketching #sketching #watercolorsketch #stillmananbirn #costarica #travelsketch #drawing #sketchbook @stillmanandbirn https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn2Rr1pu7aH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The waterfall at the @portlandjapanesegarden. I just love to go watch the koi drift around and try to soak up their vibe. They have to be the most laid-back creatures on the planet. Don’t you think that koi probably sleep really, really well? I bet they just sink to the bottom of that nice pond and zzzzzzzzz. (don’t tell me that fish don’t sleep, I like to imagine them zonked out, dreaming of their ancestral pond) Anyway this is acrylic ink and acryla gouache and also some colored pencil in a @stillmanandbirn zeta sketchbook. It was very tricky to do and all I can think of is water metaphors—I just had to wade in, found myself in over my head, decided to sink or swim… . . . #portlandjapanesegarden #pdxlife #travelportland #portlandoregon #gouachepainting #gouachelandscape #acrylagouache #stillmanandbirn #gouacheillustration #acrylicink #acrylicpainting #sketchbookpainting #naturejournal #naturesketching #landscapepainting (at Japanese Gardens Portland Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpv_fNGPrYA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

11月の塗り絵教室のモチーフは #野ぶどう でした。 野ぶどうって名前は聞いたことがあっても、見たことない方多いのではないかしら。 こんな実です。 本来は白っぽい実なのですが、虫が寄生すると青や紫色になるみたい。 カラフルでとてもきれいです。 でも食べられない。 混同しやすいのは #山ぶどう。 こちらは食べたり、ワインにしたりできますね。 スケッチの野ぶどうは、松江で散歩中に見つけたもの。近くで見つけた #ナンバンギセル も一緒にささっと。 #art #coloredpencil #drawing #pensketch #travelersnotebook #fabercastell #polychromos #naturesketching #色鉛筆 #トラベラーズノート #ファーバーカステル #ポリクロモス #ペンスッチ #1日1絵 #イラストグラム #今日何描こう #今日何描いた #絵を描く暮らし https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckk6KaoJWL4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Well, here I am again...

Urban birds (seen in Buenos Aires), made with markers

Sketching some beetles and enjoying the open winds and beautiful spring day. #sketchbooksunday #sundayinthestudio #beetles #beetlesofinstagram #insects #naturesketching #natureart #wildlifesketching #wildlifeart https://www.instagram.com/p/CeJ5ga6vPf_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Throwback to my fieldwork days

Landscapes

Some of my ink pleinair works from this summer.

Drew my boyfriend today at the damn! #mine #myart #pencil #sketching #landscapedrawing #femboy #naturesketch (at Wachusett Dam) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgXPr6zrwEu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Easy Drawing Ideas With Just Pen And Paper

Here are some Easy Drawing Ideas With Just Pen And Paper.

Doodle Patterns: Let your pen flow freely to create intricate patterns and designs. Start with simple shapes and lines, then add details to embellish your doodles.

Nature Sketches: Take inspiration from the world around you and sketch your favorite natural elements - flowers, leaves, animals, or landscapes. Capture the beauty of nature with your pen strokes.

Cartoon Characters: Practice drawing your favorite cartoon characters or create your own whimsical creatures. Focus on capturing their unique features and expressions with just a pen.

Abstract Art: Explore the realm of abstract art by experimenting with lines, shapes, and textures. Let your imagination run wild as you create spontaneous and expressive compositions.

Optical Illusions: Challenge yourself to create mesmerizing optical illusions using simple pen techniques. Play with perspective, shading, and geometric patterns to trick the eye.

With just a pen and paper, the possibilities for creative expression are endless. So grab your tools and let your imagination take flight!

Due to the rainy forecast for tomorrow the nature journal group will meet at Sandy Neck on Sunday, April 2 at 8. This casual meetup is free. Just bring your sketchbook. #capecod #explorecapecod #naturesketching #drawstuff https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqc5JB0Orfs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I haven’t been posting all of these, but I have been doing them…every bird I hear with my Merlin bird ID app from @cornellbirds goes into a sketchbook. I have just over 100 birds, so it makes a good 100 day project to draw them & write down some weird facts about them. Headed to Tahiti & New Zealand soon, where I hope to add lots of new birds! I’ve tried lots of different media with these sketches, but what I really seem to like best is a light pencil sketch, followed by very loose blobby watercolor (swipe to see), followed by colored pencil. This is @stillmanandbirn zeta paper, @carandache Luminance pencils, @arttoolkit palette. . . . #100dayproject #birdillustration #naturejournal #naturesketching #observationaldrawing #stillmanandbirn #arttoolkit #carandacheluminance #birdsofinstagram #drawingbirds #sketchbook #pnwbirds #merlinbirdid #cornelllabofornithology #natureillustration #sketchbookart (at Portland, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CplR1yBPxcM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=