My creative practice is dedicated to exploring and honoring the astounding diversity of life with which we share this planet. A naturalist based in Chicago, I keep an illustrated journal to record my experiences in nature. This deeply fulfilling practice is something that I joyfully share with others in my nature journaling workshops.

I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a note at maureen@maureenclaremurphy.com

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I’ve been getting back into single-line contour drawing and having a lot of fun with it in my nature journal. A single-line contour drawing is when you don’t lift the pen from the page. It’s a great method to slow down and really
I finally did the thing and launched a nature art newsletter! You can subscribe via my website (maureenclaremurphy.com) or by sending me a DM with your email address. Subscribers can expect one or two emails a month containing info about my current p
Late last month I had the pleasure of visiting @southshorenaturesanctuary for the first time — I regret not having done so sooner. The @chicagonaturejournalingclub had a lovely meetup there, where we observed tadpoles resting underwater, enjo
Allium tricoccum study, colored pencil on toned paper. These slow-growing wild leeks are threatened by over-harvesting/poaching by people who don’t respect the plant. I don’t order anything with ramps on the menu at restaurants anymore b
Field study of maianthemum stellatum or starry false Solomon’s seal and their stripey berries #botanicalart #fieldsketch #maianthemumstellatum #chicagonature #botanicaldrawing #coloredpencil
I’m dipping my toes into deeper botanical waters by getting an introduction to plant families through the foods we eat. @yveaeaton has a series of nature journaling workshops on YouTube called Plant Families in Our Foods. Each video in the se
MARCESCENCE: That was the theme of my (likely) last nature journal entry for 2021, though I couldn’t remember the word at the time (and misspelled it when I added it to my journal later on). This group of young oaks that I was observing was p
One pattern in two color ways. Pure color high during the shortest and drabbest days of the year. 💜💙🧡 ##surfacepatterndesign #learnwithbonniechristine #botanicalpattern #color #repeatingpattern #vectorart
Here are some moments from my nature journal from September and October. I returned to working on toned paper just in time for fall. I love studying plants during the dormant season. And working on toned paper helps me be efficient drawing outside in
Are you in Chicagoland and want to get into a nature journaling practice or meet other folks who nature journal? The Chicago Nature Journaling club meets on the last Sunday of the month. Direct message me your email address if you’d like to lea