WWD Trees #2
6×10″
Journal page
©2023 Lucinda Howe

Two weeks ago I demonstrated the beginning of a small book featuring the trees of the community where I live. This week I stood in the parking lot and drew in pencil the shapes of two trees that are green in winter. The cedar has gray-green needles and a pyramidal shape. The other tree has warmer colors in the leaves and its shape is wider than it is tall. Later indoors, I added watercolors, a few words, and the date. A quick and easy record of that winter day.

I like working in a visual journal because it is a reflective process that allows me to be present in the here and now of my life. And I’m intrigued by the interaction of images and language. 

The idea of visual journaling goes by many names… studio notebook, field sketchbook, illustrated diary, logbook, travelogue, annotated drawing. Do you keep some sort of visual journal? What kind of practice works for you?