05/06/2026
Recently, I have been learning how to watercolor. I’ve never been good at sketching or drawing, but I have been enjoying the process of watercolor because it is more forgiving. The more into I get the more I practice, the more I realize that I am going to need to work on my sketching/drawing skills to make what I want to appear on the paper. My upcoming birthday trip to Costa Rica has me inspired to practice more, so I can bring my paints and attempt to nature journal my way through the rainforests, mountains and beaches. I found this toucan picture on the site of the main Airbnb destination we will be heading for and spent the last two evenings trying to bring it to life on paper. I recently discovered from a bird book I’m reading and immediately purchased his book. I think his ideas have helped me not be overwhelmed with starting my sketches and gives great ideas on how to break things down into simple sections. This is my first attempt at a bird. Im tempted to try it again in more abstract styles and less detail, but Im pleasantly surprised with how it came out. John Muir Laws has tons of free resources on line, but the book is a thing of beauty and I highly recommend it.
