Sketches of wide open spaces (Limited mental space approved!)

Some sketches from my self-appointed artist residency at the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

Somewhere at the end of 2022 I took my sketchbook along for the first time on a walk in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. I didn’t like that first sketch I made (still don’t), but I kept on taking it along and was pretty happy with the one I made on the next one. Each time I went I took my sketchbook along and tried to squeeze in a sketch, slowly figuring out how to sketch the landscape.

With each sketch I started to get to know the park better. I started to notice trees that I sketched a previous time and how they changed through the seasons. After some severe rains I would walk past a spot where I had previously sat down to sketch, now completely under water. Nature is constantly changing, and will surprise you each time, if you just take the time to look.

Earlier this year, after being inspired by one of Amy Steward’s posts, I started to refer to this practise and growing collection of sketches as my own self-appointed artist residency at the National Park. Recording moments in time and the park as it goes through the seasons.

There are many advantages to this practise. When you live in a city, in a densely populated, small country, it is easy to start to feel suffocated by all the buildings and the inevitable noise that comes with it. This morning I had an intense craving for wide open spaces. The sun was actually shining, so I made my way through the woods until I reached the dunes, where I stopped, turned my face to the sun and just stood there, like a sunflower, taking it all in.

I walked a few steps, turned around and decided that this was the moment that I wanted to remember. So I took out to my sketchbook, knowing that it hasn’t disappointed me in that regard yet.

By the end of the hike I started to feel my sapped creativity, start to trickle back in. I noticed a smile on my face and a little spring in my step. Once again the time that I took out to do this, was worth it ten times over.

I would like to say a special thank you to the deer that crossed my path today. To the first one with the big antlers that gave me a bit of a fright when it suddenly bound across the path a few meters in front of me. And especially to the other one who stopped to calmly look me in the eye, sharing that special moment with me.

And to all of you who have read to the end, thank you, and remember to pack your sketchbook for your next walk.

Nino

Ps. I have indefinitely paused all paid subscriptions until there is a bigger demand. This will however mean that there will be no more Explore Sessions… for now. I am so sorry for those who were really excited about these. If you are one of them don’t hesitate to let me know by either leaving a comment or replying to this email.