Naturalist Watercolor Journal: Insects & Plants

Naturalist Watercolor Journal: Insects & Plants

I’ve always been fascinated by nature — especially the small details we usually overlook, like the shapes and colors of insects and plants. Watercolor has always felt like the perfect medium to capture that delicate beauty.

This project is my first serious attempt to combine observation, drawing, and watercolor painting into a naturalist-style journal page. The idea was to explore how art can help us connect more deeply with the natural world around us.

You can watch my full video to see the whole process and how the project came to life! 🎥

A basic watercolor palette

A few different brushes

Non 100% cotton watercolor paper (the big mistake!)

A bit of acrylic paint for highlights and contrast

Fineliner pen for details and labels

Since this was my first real attempt at watercolor journaling, I faced several challenges along the way.
The main issue was the paper — I used the wrong type, and it couldn’t handle the layering process.
Since I used the wrong type of paper, the surface started to break during layering — it became grainy and rough, and the colors turned dull and muddy.

It was frustrating at first, but also a great lesson. I realized how much the quality of paper affects the final result and how important it is to test materials before starting a big piece.
Despite the technical problems, the process helped me understand watercolor behavior better and encouraged me to experiment more confidently next time.

I chose this Domestika course because it beautifully combines two things I love: art and nature. The idea of creating a naturalist journal felt very personal. something that connects creativity with mindfulness and curiosity.

The course encouraged me to slow down, observe, and translate what I see into color and texture. It also helped me build a n