Nature observations · An independent notebook

A page beneath the trees

A thoughtful collection of original notes on tree forms and the changing patterns of a wooded path. Begin with a small observation, then make room for a closer look.

Explore the journal

tree forms and the changing patterns of a wooded path — an original illustration — ILLUSTRATED STUDY / 01CANOPY MARGIN

Canopy Margin is a place for tree forms and the changing patterns of a wooded path. Nothing elaborate is needed to begin.

From the journal

Follow your curiosity.

All six notes

01Observe

Branch forks

Follow one branch from trunk to its smallest visible fork.

02Observe

Leaf overlaps

Draw the empty spaces between overlapping leaves.

03Practice

Trunk rhythm

Compare the spacing of trunks along a short stretch of path.

04Practice

Moving shadows

Record a shadow outline twice during a quiet pause.

05Reflect

Fallen forms

Sketch a fallen leaf where it lies and include its surrounding ground.

06Reflect

The same clearing

Return to a clearing and compare the height of visible light patches.

A note from the notebook

Start where you are.

Keep a pencil and a simple viewfinder nearby. This collection begins with branch silhouettes and a simple idea: attention is something you can practice.

Find a starting point