FIELDWORK
Repeating fronds
Follow the smaller shapes along the central stem. Notice where the rhythm changes.
LOOK A
LITTLE
CLOSER.
Ordinary places hold
extraordinary details.
A field journal for noticing the natural world, one small detail at a time.
Explore observationsNATURE OBSERVATIONS
A structure for seeds
Look at the spaces in a dry seed head. What remains when a flower has gone?
Veins and edges
Trace the branching lines with your eyes. Let the smallest detail become the subject.
A SMALLER SCALE.
01—03
Shape. Pattern. Context.
Start with the whole object. Then find a repeating shape. Finally, step back and notice what surrounds it. Three ways of looking at the same thing can produce three very different notes.
- SHAPE
- Is the outline round, divided, open, or folded?
- PATTERN
- Where does a line repeat, branch, or come to an end?
- CONTEXT
- What catches the light? What stays in shadow?
OBSERVATION CHECKLIST
Look without disturbing. You do not need to collect, touch, or identify an object to make a thoughtful note.
0 of 6 observations noted
NOTES ON LOOKING
Slow down.
Give yourself time. Details often appear when you are not looking for something particular.
Change your distance.
The silhouette and the surface tell different stories. Observe both without disturbing the subject.
Leave it where it is.
A photograph, a sketch, or a sentence can be enough to remember what you found.
FOLLOW A SMALL CHANGE.
- 01
Return to a familiar tree. What has changed since your last visit?
- 02
Notice where fallen leaves gather after a windy day.
- 03
Choose one shadow. Describe its edge without naming the object.
- 04
Look for a seed head that has kept its shape through the season.
TAKE A PAGE WITH YOU.
FIELDWORK
OBSERVATION SHEET
Place __________________
Date ___________________
Light __________________
Sketch or describe what you notice.
A simple sheet with room for the place, the light, and one observation. Print it or keep the text file with your notes.
Download field sheet (Text)