Collecting on Paper 2026
One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is to fill my sketchbook with specimens from a nature center or museum. There are always so many fascinating things to discover, and I enjoy the challenge of arranging them together on a single page. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve seen similar pages before. Here’s this year’s collection, plus a few selections from prior years.
Tips and Techniques– Sketching in museums and nature centers is a defining part of my work and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It allows me to closely observe and study natural history subjects I might not otherwise encounter. It’s also a welcome excuse to sketch someplace warm during the colder winter months. Plan an outing and go! (Materials: Sepia Micron 005 pen and watercolor in a Handbook Journal Co. 140lb sketchbook)
Drawn In 
Another great collection. You’ve inspired me to ask at the Houston Museum of Natural History. I would love to study the bird nests! And, while you do your indoor art while it’s too cold outside, I could do mine when it is too hot to go out 🙂
Great to hear. I hope you make some good connections with people there who can help you further your learning and see some of the nests in the collection.
Thank you for your lovely collection. I do hope the beetles were not running about. What pen nib do you prefer? Extra fine, fine or medium?
The beetles were very much pinned in place! I prefer an extra fine nib. I used a Micron 005 here.
I am also curious about the Ellington fountain pen, I like a very old rapidograph pen .35 nib. Thankfully replacement nibs can be found. Using Noodler’s Bulletproof black ink.
Amazing! Thank you!!
Thanks!
What utterly gorgeous pages, Jean!!! … here in Queensland Australia, I can imagine going to a museum in the summertime to get out of the heat, and enjoy the coolness… it’s sort of the same thing…. (!!!)
Yes– that’s a good idea!
oh oh, Oh! Your collection of collections is incredible. Some day I’m going to do this too. Absolutely gorgeous selections and full of memories of the ‘hunt!” Meanwhile, I’m collecting mine from idig.bio!
Love, always, your skill in sketching nests. Holding them in your hands must be especially special!