In the Garden- July
I have hopelessly neglected my garden this year in favor of other activities, and it is now a rather messy tangle. Delighted that last year’s morning glories reseeded themselves, I didn’t have the heart to cull them and now they are climbing not only the arbor but also most of the flowers. Still, from a distance, and with a bit of artistic license, it’s a colorful and lively scene, and not altogether too bad.
Tips and Techniques-When I first started journaling, I didn’t quite understand the concept of editing what I was looking at to create a pleasing or more interesting composition. With time and experience, I’ve come to love the flexibility of picking and choosing elements to include on a page like this and adding big text as a graphic element. Even though I do this type of layout frequently—either in the garden or along the roadside—the pages come out differently each time and are a nice record of what’s growing throughout the year.
Drawn In 
Thank you for sharing, Jean! It is a lovely watercolor, as usual. Many thanks! Ann
Thanks Ann!
Dear Jean! This looks like the most beautiful garden collection ever! I never underestimate ‘neglect’ when it comes to gardening. While ‘well tended’ shouldn’t be ignored, I’ve found a garden left to its own devices tends to reveal surprises and curiosities in diversity, species composition, pollinators, and artistic design and color. Dare I say, gardens run amok are the happiest! But 1 season of chaos seems enough; next year it’s time to return to well-planned, organized, neat and tidy. Hahahahah!
Gardens deserve time off too!
Welcome back!
I really need to rebuild the raised beds and enhance the soil. BUT, that is a major undertaking, so I’m hoping to tackle it in September. Fortunately, I’ve planted a reasonably low maintenance garden to begin with, so I’d have more time for painting than weeding.
Such ambition …… which raises many questions, like How large is your garden space? …. Do you plant a combo of annuals and perennials? ….. What do you use to frame your raised beds? …… Despite the ‘Plant out of place’ description for a weed; on a scale of 1 – 5, do you find weeding annoying or meditative?
have a delightfully creative week!
Morning Jean, I love this example! I was sitting in my garden last evening, enjoying the blooms (now fading a bit with the summer heat), and throwing the ball for the dog. Looking around, just thought I should try something similar so your blog example is perfect timing to inspire me to give it a try.
Peri PS. Just a request….maybe one day you could do a page that includes garden insects such as bees (yes I see a couple in your sketch), butterflies, beetles and caterpillars. Seems they’d be simple to draw but mine always look terrible!
Hi Peri- I try to include whatever bees, butterflies, caterpillars, etc that are there. Sometimes, I get lucky. Check out: https://jeanmackayart.com/2022/07/03/if-you-build-it/ and there’s another version of July in the Journal tab with a big swallowtail. I try to draw the basic shape at least of a butterfly while outside, but I often look for a photo reference later to finish up and get the color and details. Hope you are enjoying your own garden and painting!
Thank you, Jean! I checked out the examples you suggested. Will give it a go. Also like the idea of the farmers market pages. While I can’t sign up for your online course, I do appreciate your blog posts with examples of what you are doing. Peri
Thanks Peri!
This lovely page made me smile!
Nice to hear from you, Kate! Thank you!
So vibrant!
Oh my Jean, the first line of your message made me laugh out loud! I’ve been ‘
In life, as in journalling, it’s often helpful to focus on the positive 🙂
I love the way your morning glory tendrils entwin not only your flowers, but also your lettering and banner! You talk about adding the text as a graphic element. You’ve added it so cleverly that I didn’t at first even notice it was a word – I thought it was some of those dark purple-ish stems that I see on some flowers. So inspiring!
Nice to hear. I’m glad there are things to discover beyond the first glance. I thought the cabbage white butterfly is a bit too hidden, but maybe that’s okay.
Love the vibrant colors and the layout, Jean.
Thanks Peggy– I’m going for vibrance, so glad that comes through!