Field journaling
Carnet de voyage en Provence: capturing the morning light
Light watercolour techniques for Mediterranean landscapes, from a plein air sketch in the lavender fields.
Read the field notesField Notes · 12 March 2025
A short guide to gathering the right material so our first conversation moves straight into your project, not into logistics.
You do not need a finished brief or a polished moodboard. What helps is a few concrete anchors: the place or situation you want to capture, the format you have in mind, and any constraints on time or budget. With those three things, we can talk about approach rather than abstractions.
Think about what you actually want to document. Is it a weekly walk, a trip you have planned, or a daily habit you want to make visible? Write down the location, the season, and the kind of light you expect. That gives us something to sketch around before we discuss technique.
A single illustrated page, a multi-day travel journal, or a recurring writing practice all ask for different structures. You do not need to know the answer, but having a rough sense of size and frequency helps me recommend the right exercises and materials.
How much time can you set aside each week? Are you working with a small budget for supplies? Do you prefer working digitally or on paper? These details shape the plan more than any abstract preference, so be honest about them from the start.
After the consultation, you will receive a short summary with a suggested starting point and a list of materials if needed. The goal is to leave with one clear action, not a pile of options. If you want to read more before we talk, the other posts in this series cover format choices and common questions.
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Field notes, writing exercises, and material lists for keeping a creative practice going.
Light watercolour techniques for Mediterranean landscapes, from a plein air sketch in the lavender fields.
Read the field notesProgressive exercises for sensory description, memory, and emotion — with examples to keep you going.
Explore the exercisesA practical list of paper, watercolour, brushes, and pens that won't break the bank — with care tips.
Read the guideThe most common questions aren't about technique — they're about time, cost, and whether a small daily practice is enough. This post answers those directly, with the same plain advice I give in workshops.