Winter’s Cache
Last week’s snowfall coated nearby fields and hedgerows and, lucky for me, left little clumps of snow atop of bird nests that were formerly hidden. I waded into the shrubby field adjacent to our house to have a look around. It didn’t take long before I found several nests amidst the waist-high goldenrod, thorny vines, shrubs, and pioneer white pines. This one had been repurposed by mice as a larder of bittersweet and rose hips. Though not an unusual practice, it was a rather colorful surprise and quite worth the cold feet and hands.
Tips and Techniques– Though it may sound cheeky, my advice this week is wear wool socks. I didn’t, and it meant that I couldn’t last outside for as long as I would have liked. Still, I always appreciate the spark of inspiration and discovery that come from getting out of the house, even in winter. (Materials: Handbook Journal Co. 300 GSM watercolor journal, sepia Micron 005 pen, watercolor)
Stay tuned! Don’t let the cold months ahead dampen your sketching habits. Next week I will officially announce a new online class Watercolor Sketching Through the Winter. I hope you’ll grab your sketchbook and join me in late January and February for inspiration and techniques for sketching both inside and out throughout the winter.
Drawn In 
What a beautiful find! Thank you for sharing the beauty of nature in winter. Yes, wool socks are my favorite at this time of year!
Thanks Geta! Agreed– wool is a must!
Jean, Another nest to study, and an interesting one too! Thank you. We woke up this morning with a covering of snow that creates beautiful outlines of the outdoors. We look into a woods,I see lots of black and white and crisscrosses, almost similar to trying to draw a nest.😊 Nancy
Hi Nancy- Snow here in NY this morning, too. This nest was a challenge because it was so messy and mostly made of grasses and twigs. But I like the top down perspective and, of course, all those bright-colored berries.
Hi JeanYour wonderful nest greeted me with the Oreg
I am seriously in need of watercolor sketching through the winter advice. Thanks, Jean.
It’s a challenge, isn’t it!? I need to force myself to go out and look around, to accept that I’ll be sketching more indoors, and to challenge myself to find new subjects that keep me inspired.
Thanks Jean that is such a cute little pantry for a mouse. Try some alpaca/wool socks they are wonderful and really keep your feet warm. They do shed a bit of fuzz but it is worth it.
Looking forward to classes again! Happy Holidays
Thanks Jean that is such a cute little pantry for a mouse. Try some alpaca/wool socks they are wonderful and really keep your feet warm. They do shed a bit of fuzz but it is worth it.
Looking forward to classes again! Happy Holidays
Hi Georgia- I have one pair of alpaca socks and they are warm. I’ve sent my class off to Martha so I hope she is able to post it this week. Wishing you a lovely Christmas! — Jean
I did wear my wool socks today and was quite comfortable outside. Lovely nest you drew. Eileen
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Excellent! It got colder and colder as the day wore on. Wool socks in the house for me!
This surprise discovery is quite remarkable, Jean! How clever of mice to take advantage of vacant, elevated food storage for their winter larder. And what an excellent observation ….. open nests that dome up during a snowfall! A great way to find these avian treasures! Now, if it would only snow again here. Can’t wait to go exploring wearing woolen socks and armed with sketchbook! Such a beautiful nest. Stay warm out there and have a happy week,of amazing discoveries!
Thanks Barb! Today I saw a murder of crows while out walking. I wasn’t able to draw them, but it was a good moment in nature just the same. Wishing you some fine discoveries, too.
Very welcome! What a treat to enjoy a murder of crows. Today I found only one observing the world from a snag. Hardly a murder, but special just the same. It’s a very nice time of year here ….. bound to be more discoveries! Thank you!
I had no idea what that was… but once you identified it, I could see it exactly! I’m so tickled that you shared this very unusual find with us… you give me an excellent reason to check out birds’ nests in the non-breeding season!
I’ve seen this a good number of times before, so if you check out nests in winter you are sure to find a mouse’s cache.
What a cool thing to discover. And you found 7 nests, wow! Thank you for going out in the cold and wading into the weeds, where the wonder is. 🙂
Your class at Winslow is available for registration now.. I’m on board and am looking forward to an intense 4 weeks of instruction and homework. Jean, your past classes have been so outstanding, I jump at the chance to take another especially in the winter.
YAY! Thanks for the nice feedback! We’ve got some fun and challenging new subjects to tackle. I am looking forward to it!
Jean, I look forward to receiving your emails. Thank you for sharing your wonder Of nature and love of art. You are a true inspiration. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your thoughtful note, Betty! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!
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Jean, I keep meaning to comment on your Zinnia page. I think you are in upstate New York somewhere and was amazed you still had some in November. We are in Northern California and I just drew my last survivor today, December 19th! Longest run yet. You inspired me to document these last zinnias in December. Also you are so right about wool socks. We just came back from a visit to NYC and the Tree and I sure wished I had had some then. Live and Learn and Happy Holidays to you.
Thanks Nina! My zinnias didn’t really last to November with any color, but I enjoy drawing them when they are faded and funky. I’m glad to be the spark that made you document yours! Happy Holidays! — Jean