I am heading over to rose Castle near Carlisle in June - see a little bit about the retreat here.
This is going to be a fascinating and really fun weeknd. The Castle itself is surrounded by wonderful countryside and gardens. And of course the historic location in itself is inspiring. In advance of this trip I have created an example of what you might hope to achieve with me on this weekend.
The inner side of the chapbook journal showing something of what you might expect to see.
My chapbook is based on a brief visit so some of what I have represented on the chapbook I did see but there is a bit of artistic licence involved too! But I reckon there will be a whole lot more to see than I have drawn.
Process
So how did I create this little journal? Well it is a simple process of starting with one thing - the easiest thing - and that was the seed head of last years rose which I was fascinated with. Such lovely colours and shape. There was also still come flowers edna gorgeous crab apple tree full of tiny apples.
Some of the nature to be encountered at Rose Castle.
Once I started drawing the story seemed to take shape itself. I can’t stress enough the importance of starting with the easiest thing - this gives you confidence to continue and sets you up for success. After that the drawing sort of does itself.
Some nature that has crossed my path.
On my next visit I will be doing some more exploring and I really want to get under the skin of the building itself. There are a lot of interesting features to draw and I like to weave these in and out of the natural history subjects.
Rose Castle with a flourish of native daffodils.
I wished I had seen a weasel - I wonder if by me drawing one will magically bring one to me when I go in June? But at all times of year there is something to see - look at the wild carrot - who know that there was tiny red flower right in the middle of the umbrella.
Completing a Chapbook journal is very satisfying as it allows you to create something that is worth keeping and will become a record of your visit to Rose Castle. This format is both a nature journal and an opportunity to include some personal thoughts and feelings about your visit and your encounters with nature too.
A full spread of the Rose Castle Chapbook journal
But how is to done?
Well it is really simple - I use a fountain pen with waterproof, fountain pen ink. You can use fineliners too and in fact I will be providing you with fineliners along with a blank journal. I will help you through the process of drawing your ideas. I aim to guide you in finding your own style of drawing - everyone has their own style which is as unique as their own signature.
The reverse spread of the Rose Castle Chapbook journal