I especially love your journals and how your words and scripting adds so much to the sketches! Thanks for so generously sharing!
Meera http://Www.artbymeera.blogspot.com
I love your journals – especially how you use words and scripting along with your sketches! Thank you so much for so generously sharing your knowledge!
Meera http://Www.artbymeera.blogspot.com
Dear Jean, Just saw the lovely mushroom post today. I wish you would so a step by step demo of some ink and watercolor technique one day. I love that combination but am not at all sure how to go about it. Cheers!!
I’ll take up the challenge…thanks for the prompt! But there’s nothing too mysterious about it. I start by drawing in ink (permanent), and then I paint. Some people do the reverse, but I like to have the structure of the drawing on the page as a guide first.
I stumbled upon your site and am now sitting here with my jaw dropped because I had no idea the kind of beautiful art you create. Your journal pages are gorgeous – thank you so much for sharing your talent. I look forward to seeing more entries!
Thanks! I’m glad you had a chance to poke around. Heading out this afternoon to do some sketching…hope I come back with something good to share. Best regards.
Hi Donna- I enjoyed learning about what you do— we share a similar passion for environmental education and nature. Glad you are in Philly doing what you do!
Hi Theresa- I use Stillman & Birn sketchbooks. I like the Beta and Zeta for watercolor and ink. There are lots of options for size, format, and binding. Mine are hardbound 5.5×8.5″.
Thank you, I’ll have a look at those. I use a Moleskine watercolour sketchbook at the moment.
I used a Moleskine watercolor book for a year or two, but was very happy when I switched. I think the paper is much better for watercolor in Stillman & Birn and I prefer the format of their books.
Jean I love your sketches, the pen expresses the spirit of the object with the quick spontaneous lines giving both structure and personality with later washes. I can hear the terns and osprey ! And the wave, really tricky with watercolor ! You’ve encouraged me to try again. I haven’t been able to hold a pen because of Lyme disease weakened my hands to where I couldn’t hold anything.However now I’m slowly getting my strength back (despite another setback).Wobbly but I’m doing it and seeing your images is the best medicine…especially your comments. Thank you so much for your posts ! I was on Swan’s Island just last week 6 miles out from Acadia. Going back out August 17 to do some sketching for the first time in years…will try your tips on technique ,supplies. Thanks again for wonder-full posts ! Quick sketches are good for shaky hands as well…
Hi Amy– Thanks for writing. It’s humbling for me to hear that my sketches are inspiring to you and others. Sometimes I’m out there sketching and wondering why I’m doing it (other than my own enjoyment and need to be out in nature and doing art). Your note gives my work a larger value. Thank you. I’m so sorry you’ve had to struggle with Lyme. It’s an awful thing. One of the participants of my recent workshop in Maine has it and she managed to hike for the first time in many months. I hope you continue to gain strength, especially when you are back on Swan’s Island. I’m sure it’s lovely there! Pick up that pencil and capture some of it! –Jean
Jean, your work is simply wonderful. Many of your sketches and paintings take me back to the story books of my childhood, and for that, thank you! The little birdie on your cover page is the most adorable of all. Wishing you a creative year ahead, greetings from Australia 🙂
Just found your site and love it. I will be getting your book for my granddaughter along with some supplies.
Please put together a list of some supplies that I could purchase for myself and as gifts. I have been having trouble finding a journal that can take the watercolors and not crinkle up the pages. Ive just started reading your blog and you have scattered some of your supplies in it, but a list of favorites would be appreciated. Thank you for your work and inspiration.
Hi Nancy- Welcome aboard! Thanks for getting the book for your granddaughter! That’s a nice way to nurture her interest, curiosity, and creativity…and hopefully you can explore and sketch together. I’ve sent you an email with more details on art supplies. Enjoy!
I was brought to your site through an instagram post about your upcoming Watercolor Sketchbook Series. I have been keeping nature journals for a few years now but am working way to hard on them so love seeing what others do. I love your focus on capturing moments.
Glad you reached out Melody. It’s important to figure out what works for you in your journal. “Working way too hard” sounds like a recipe for frustration or stopping. I hope you find things here that are helpful! –Jean
Hi Deb- When you sign up you’ll receive a materials list with lots of notes about different kinds of supplies and watercolor options. Are you starting from scratch or do you have a set of watercolors already?
Drawn In 
jean, this is fantastic. love the peaches, the mushrooms! Meredith and I are enjoying this.
Thanks Mike!
Aahhhh, now I see that you did post more. Love your drawings and journaling. You are an artistic gem !
Love the freshness and observed details in these journal entries!
Thanks Susan!
So eager to join you for a truly beautiful experience! Your work is heartfelt and inspiring.
All the best, Marilyn Glass
Oh Great, Marilyn! We’re getting close! Really looking forward to it!
I SO enjoy your work, Jean.
Thanks Cathy! You have been a great creative inspiration!
Beautiful work and I love your header!
Thanks Karen- Your work is lovely. I enjoyed seeing your blog and travels!
I especially love your journals and how your words and scripting adds so much to the sketches! Thanks for so generously sharing!
Meera
http://Www.artbymeera.blogspot.com
I love your journals – especially how you use words and scripting along with your sketches! Thank you so much for so generously sharing your knowledge!
Meera
http://Www.artbymeera.blogspot.com
Dear Jean, Just saw the lovely mushroom post today. I wish you would so a step by step demo of some ink and watercolor technique one day. I love that combination but am not at all sure how to go about it. Cheers!!
I’ll take up the challenge…thanks for the prompt! But there’s nothing too mysterious about it. I start by drawing in ink (permanent), and then I paint. Some people do the reverse, but I like to have the structure of the drawing on the page as a guide first.
🙂 Looking forward to it
I love watercolour too. Plus it combines so well with other stuff – pencil, inks, collage…
Great talent Jean!
Thank you!
I stumbled upon your site and am now sitting here with my jaw dropped because I had no idea the kind of beautiful art you create. Your journal pages are gorgeous – thank you so much for sharing your talent. I look forward to seeing more entries!
Hi Betsy– Thanks so much. I’m glad you found my site. I guess sometimes you have to move away to get connected! Hope all is well with you. –Jean
The universe of stars is so beautiful! And I love all your other paintings too. Looking forward to seeing more on your journal, thanks for sharing!
Thanks! I’m glad you had a chance to poke around. Heading out this afternoon to do some sketching…hope I come back with something good to share. Best regards.
Inspiring!
Truly awesome!
Such talent and attention to detail! We love your work. 🙂
Thanks!
Hi, Jean
Thanks for reading my blog. I absolutely LOVE your artwork and journals!
Hi Donna- I enjoyed learning about what you do— we share a similar passion for environmental education and nature. Glad you are in Philly doing what you do!
Hi Jean. I love your work and reading your posts. Can you tell me which sketchbooks you currently use?
Hi Theresa- I use Stillman & Birn sketchbooks. I like the Beta and Zeta for watercolor and ink. There are lots of options for size, format, and binding. Mine are hardbound 5.5×8.5″.
Thank you, I’ll have a look at those. I use a Moleskine watercolour sketchbook at the moment.
I used a Moleskine watercolor book for a year or two, but was very happy when I switched. I think the paper is much better for watercolor in Stillman & Birn and I prefer the format of their books.
Jean I love your sketches, the pen expresses the spirit of the object with the quick spontaneous lines giving both structure and personality with later washes. I can hear the terns and osprey ! And the wave, really tricky with watercolor ! You’ve encouraged me to try again. I haven’t been able to hold a pen because of Lyme disease weakened my hands to where I couldn’t hold anything.However now I’m slowly getting my strength back (despite another setback).Wobbly but I’m doing it and seeing your images is the best medicine…especially your comments. Thank you so much for your posts ! I was on Swan’s Island just last week 6 miles out from Acadia. Going back out August 17 to do some sketching for the first time in years…will try your tips on technique ,supplies. Thanks again for wonder-full posts ! Quick sketches are good for shaky hands as well…
Hi Amy– Thanks for writing. It’s humbling for me to hear that my sketches are inspiring to you and others. Sometimes I’m out there sketching and wondering why I’m doing it (other than my own enjoyment and need to be out in nature and doing art). Your note gives my work a larger value. Thank you. I’m so sorry you’ve had to struggle with Lyme. It’s an awful thing. One of the participants of my recent workshop in Maine has it and she managed to hike for the first time in many months. I hope you continue to gain strength, especially when you are back on Swan’s Island. I’m sure it’s lovely there! Pick up that pencil and capture some of it! –Jean
Jean, your work is simply wonderful. Many of your sketches and paintings take me back to the story books of my childhood, and for that, thank you! The little birdie on your cover page is the most adorable of all. Wishing you a creative year ahead, greetings from Australia 🙂
Thanks Devika! Happy New Year and best wishes for your own creative exploration in 2020.
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Just found your site and love it. I will be getting your book for my granddaughter along with some supplies.
Please put together a list of some supplies that I could purchase for myself and as gifts. I have been having trouble finding a journal that can take the watercolors and not crinkle up the pages. Ive just started reading your blog and you have scattered some of your supplies in it, but a list of favorites would be appreciated. Thank you for your work and inspiration.
Hi Nancy- Welcome aboard! Thanks for getting the book for your granddaughter! That’s a nice way to nurture her interest, curiosity, and creativity…and hopefully you can explore and sketch together. I’ve sent you an email with more details on art supplies. Enjoy!
I was brought to your site through an instagram post about your upcoming Watercolor Sketchbook Series. I have been keeping nature journals for a few years now but am working way to hard on them so love seeing what others do. I love your focus on capturing moments.
Glad you reached out Melody. It’s important to figure out what works for you in your journal. “Working way too hard” sounds like a recipe for frustration or stopping. I hope you find things here that are helpful! –Jean
What type of watercolor set do you recommend for your Watercolor Sketchbook Series?
Hi Deb- When you sign up you’ll receive a materials list with lots of notes about different kinds of supplies and watercolor options. Are you starting from scratch or do you have a set of watercolors already?