[03] Today’s prompt is Leaf Study
Focus deeply on a single leaf, or make a comparison or montage..

A Treefecta of California native trees! Each tree has leaves (or leaflets!) with distinct branchings, sizes, shapes, margins, colors, venation, and yet they all share a habitat. They also share many insects and critters who call these trees home. The wonderful thing about journaling leaves is that they are approachable, easy to find, and offer more and more fascinating details the deeper you look.

Every time I journal a leaf, it leaves me wanting more. (heh heh.)

Learn more about these amazing trees:

• California buckeye ~ Aesculus californica
• Arroyo willow ~ Salix lasiolepis
• Coast live oak ~ Quercus agrifolia

Tutorial: John Muir Laws has a wonderful video on drawing leaves.

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About the challenge

Join the month of drawing and journaling trees!

#ArborApril 2025 is a combo challenge with #NatureJournalingApril, a month-long sketching & journaling challenge hosted by Cathy Raingarden, Kate Rutter, and the Wild Wonder Foundation. Each day in April, create a page in your sketchbook or nature journal based on the daily prompt from the prompt list. If you post on social media, use hashtags #ArborApril2025 and #NatureJournalingApril.

Posts & prompts will be on online at Instagram, Wonderland, Substack & Bluesky.