Observational Drawing
Observational drawing is a great way to slow down, relax, and connect with nature. Taking time to look really closely at things helps us to see things from a new perspective. You will notice things that you have never noticed before! It’s a great way to spark curiosity, discussion, and further research into the things around us. What is that bug? Why does it have those holes on its legs? What is that yellow stuff in the flower? Why is the seed shaped like that? What bird is this feather from?
Head out into nature and draw what you can see. You could draw the landscape, or focus in on something smaller. It is easiest to start with something that doesn’t move around so that you can take your time to notice the shapes, texture, colours and details. If you don’t have your drawing materials with you, or if your object is something that keeps moving, you could take a photo to draw from.
Collect some natural taonga (flowers, leaves, pine cones, seed heads, bugs, feathers etc.) to draw. If possible, find a quiet place outside to draw your taonga. Remember to return them to where you found them.
This is a great activity to do in your nature journal (Click on this link to learn how to make one!). Have fun! You’ll be surprised at what you notice when you look really closely!