Unshelved
Most museums have far more of their collections tucked away behind the scenes than on display. Used primarily for research—or often just sitting in temperature-controlled storage—the public rarely gets a look. But as luck would have it, my visit to California coincided with an exhibition called Unshelved at the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat). On display were birds, mammals, and insect specimens in display cases that harkened to museum displays of yesteryears, before museums decided to shelve specimen cabinets in favor of exhibits that placed species in greater context of the environments in which they are found. Unshelved suited my old-school natural history sensibilities perfectly. I tucked into a corner with seldom viewed bird nests and hummingbirds and couldn’t have been happier.
Tips and Techniques- When sketching in a museum be prepared for two givens: using limited materials and peering eyes. Most places will allow sketching in pen or pencil, but not paint. Sketch out the main things that interest you and take a few photos to work from later. Expect visitors to be curious about what you’re doing. Some will simply peek and move on, while others will comment. I especially love it when kids take interest. I use the opportunity to ask whether they like to draw or to tell me about their favorite things in the collection. If you can let go of feeling self-conscious, those moments will become a precious part of your experience.
Drawn In 
I love your dedication to capturing all things nature. You are such a gifted artist. I would love to follow you around all day to watch you sketch! Thank you for sharing your work.
Thanks..that’s very sweet of you. I love learning about the things I sketch as much as sketching them. Art and curiosity are a winning combination.
A very special experience to observe tiny hummingbird nests! I’m inspired to get over to our Seattle Burke Museum of Natural History for some sketching. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely work and excellent advice.
What a delight to open my morning email to find and mentally devour your images and stellar advice! Your ideas for finding journaling inspiration are as creative as your skill in visual interpretation. This 2-page layout of back door museum goodies is so eye catching in the composition, intricate drawings, and the perfect splash of color. I’m still working hard on how to ignore my self-consciousness when drawing or sketching around people. How have you overcome this?
Jean this page is lovely. You clearly enjoy creating pages like this one. Your nests are beautifully sketched and what great timing as I’m currently visiting my youngest daughter’s family where have a Birds Eye view of a crows nest right outside their window.
What a wonderful outlook about children asking questions and watching you work – and I love that you ask them about their own experiences!
How many visitors to San Diego spend time sketching and talking to kids at the Natural History Museum? Not many, I suspect. I like to think a few kids who meet you will be inspired to see the joy and possibilities of art. :-) Your Costa’s has a fierce look, so typical of hummingbirds. I love it! I love the title, too: “Unshelved at the Nat” – excellent!
Chatting with curious (or shy) kids is my favorite part!